6 of the best European Golf Courses

One of our Travel Consultants, George Kershaw, recently travelled to the Ritz-Carlton Abama in Tenerife and was lucky enough to play on their fabulous golf-course. He shares his top recommendations on this course and suggestions on where else to go to experience the best golf courses within our programmes.

Abama Golf Course, Tenerife

I can now say I’ve been lucky enough to play golf surrounded by mind-blowing landscapes and views of the Teide Volcano and Atlantic ocean surrounding the Canary Islands. This course also known as the hidden paradise, is crafted to push your golf skills to the test and no matter your level of expertise, there’s a hole for you. The electric buggies are super high tech with your own water cooler and GPS system and you can enjoy fresh fruit and towels during your round in this 5-star resort. The practice facilities include a driving range, chipping and putting greens and the course and facilities are often described as the Augusta of Europe.

 As a guest at the Ritz Carlton Abama you have the luxury of preferential treatment on the course receiving fantastic service and added extras. As soon as you arrive at the clubhouse, there will be a friendly face to welcome you to the club or offer you a well-deserved drink on the terrace. The clubhouse is situated at the top of the valley, surrounded by lush palm groves and views down to the resort. Casa Club was my favourite spot to simply relax and unwind or meet a friend for a delicious lunch.

La Reserva Club de Golf, Tenerife

Surrounded by Andalusian hills with views across the Mediterranean Sea, it has to be said that La Reserva is one of the most stunning golf courses in the Costa Del Sol region. The course is famous for its wide, lush green fairways and fantastic elevated driving holes. It’s hosted many prestigious golf events and an on-site academy provides plenty of opportunities for golfers of any age or ability to enjoy the sport and improve their skills.

Not only does it capture golfer’s hearts with its immaculate greens, challenging undulations and various water features but as a member, you have access to some of the finest facilities across the entire region. The clubhouse is truly fit for royalty and you can expect delicious local cuisine, sunrise yoga sessions overlooking the sports lagoon, elegant swimming pools and a quiet environment to relax and rejuvenate.

Penha Longa Golf Course, Sintra Portugal

Penha Longa Resort is perfect for all, whether you’re a family, group or on a solo trip. If you’re looking to fit in some golf during your holiday then this is the place to go. It holds one of the top 30 courses in Continental Europe and was designed by the famous golf course architect Robert Trent Jones. Surrounded by lavish greens and three extensive courses (Atlantic Championship, Atlantic North and Atlantic South) it’s the perfect holiday destination for golfers.

Penha Longa also offers opportunities for the little ones to learn to play. If you’re looking to teach them yourselves, they offer a complimentary round for the kids to join you so you can help improve their techniques. There’s also the option for them to participate in a golf academy where they can benefit from some professional advice on how to improve their swing and learn golfing techniques. Alongside the extensive golfing facilities, Penha Longa Resort is also home to a number of other luxurious amenities including three stunning pools and a beautiful spa, where you can treat yourself to a revitalising massage ready for the next day of golf.

Swiss Alps Golf Course, Andermatt

A must visit course for golfers and probably one of the more unlikely spots you’ll imagine enjoying a round of golf is the stunning golf course located a couple of minutes away from the Chedi hotel in Andermatt. An ecologically-developed 18 hole golf course nestled among the dramatic mountains of Switzerland, it is truly unique. Recently opened in 2016, the extensive golf-course caters for both novice and experienced golfers, whatever your level you have the chance to play in these unforgettable surroundings. After a day on the golf course you can return to the hotel and dine at the exquisite ‘Japanese Restaurant,’ the only Michelin starred restaurant in Andermatt. What a way to top off a truly special day of golf.

Asia Gardens Gold Course, Alicante

Designed and overseen by arguably the best golfer of all time, Jack Nicklaus, the two spectacular 18 hole golf courses sit adjacent to Asia Gardens resort. The practice area is a great spot to warm up, practising your swing and warming up your muscles ready to tee off. Each hole offers something slightly different with some more challenging than others, Asia Gardens golf courses seem to strike the perfect balance between enjoyment and technical challenges, something we all strive for in a golf course, making these two courses some of the most popular in Spain. After a day on the courses, you can then head to their clubhouse cafe to unwind and admire the stunning landscape with a refreshing drink in hand.

Puente Romano, Marbella

Puente Romano exudes luxury and relaxation from the moment you arrive. With the Mediterranean Sea in sight and the magnificent mountains to your back, playing golf at Marbella’s Golf Club is truly spectacular. If you stay at Puente Romano you’ll receive a complimentary round during your stay and will be driven to the golf course by the hotel’s shuttle service, where you can admire the breathtaking landscape while playing a round of golf. You’ll be able to enjoy some peace and quiet during your round as they always allow for 12 minutes between tee off times ensuring you won’t have to experience overcrowded greens.

If these recommendations have whet your appetite for a Powder Byrne holiday with a golfing focus, call our travel consultants on 020 8246 5300 or enquire online and let us help you discover your next golf adventure.