For many golfers, taking a trip to Europe to play on some of the world’s most iconic courses is a lifelong dream. Aside from the stellar golfing, visiting Europe offers an experience of a lifetime. From centuries-old villages in the French countryside to breathtaking coastal views in Portugal, the continent has endless attractions for the moments you’re off the course, making a trip to Europe to play golf appealing to partners who aren’t into the game. To help you ensure a trouble-free trip that’s unforgettable, we’ve put together this quick guide to planning a trip to play golf in Europe in 2022.
Determine Your Budget
When first planning your trip, the best place to start is determining your budget, as there is a massive range of experiences to be had. If you’re going as part of a group, make time to discuss and agree on how much everyone is prepared to spend per person to ensure everyone’s standard of golf is up to par without breaking the bank. Will the trip involve just a course or two, or will it be a month-long tour of the continent? Whatever you land on, make sure everyone is on-board that’s coming along to prevent any stressful situations.
Carefully Choose The Travel Dates
Weather in the UK and Ireland can be iffy depending on the time of year, so it’s smart to stick to a mid-May to a mid-September timeframe. That said, you might get lucky in April or October with some fabulous weather. If you’re working with a tighter budget, the green fees are typically cheaper in the Spring or Fall. Just keep in mind you may have to navigate some colder and wetter days that may put a damper on the experience.
Book Tee Times In Advance
It’s wise to book your tee times at least three months in advance to be certain you’ll secure the tee times at the courses that you want to play, along with the hotel rooms nearby. You’ll also enjoy better prices on flights this way. If you’ll be traveling with a group, it’s a good idea to extend this lead time to six months in advance.
Of course, if a sudden opportunity to venture across the Atlantic arises, you’ll still be able to find accommodations and quality golf rounds as long as you’re flexible with your playing schedule.
Top Places To Golf In Europe For 2022
Spain
Starting at the Costa Del Sol, where the golfing stretches from Valderrama and the Sotogrande region to the exciting nightlife of Marbella, you’ll find a myriad of golf courses to choose from in Spain.
If you seek only the best Spain has to offer, check out La Manga, one of the most recognized and comprehensive golf and leisure resorts in Europe. And if five-star accommodations are your thing, the luxurious Finca Cortesin hotel in Southern Spain delivers. Solid contenders also include La Cala, Montecastillo, and Murcia’s Nicklaus Golf Trail.
Leading golf courses to visit in Spain:
France
When you’re looking for one of the most quintessential European experiences, you’ve got to visit France. One area to check out is the holiday resort town of Le Touquet. Featuring numerous world-class courses at Arras, Hardelot, Wimereux, and St Omer, you’ll have endless options for gameplay.
As far as hotels, the Novotel Saint-Quentin en Yvelines offers a central location, with two prestigious onsite courses along with an array of nearby attractions, including the historical Château de Versailles and central Paris just a few short miles away.
Don’t forget about the coastlines of Normandy and Brittany either, which are home to multiple golfing gems. Further south, in Bordeaux, you can find some fantastic resorts, including Lacanau, Golf Du Medoc, and Margaux.
Leading golf courses to visit in France:
Portugal
One of the premier places for a golf vacation in Portugal is The Algarve, which is home to a stunning collection of prized golf courses. You’ll find endless golf venues strung along the coast of Portugal, where well-known names like San Lorenzo, Quinta Do Lago, and Vale Do Lobo give the incredible Vilamoura area its reputation as one of Europe’s leading golf destinations.
An up-and-coming area to check out in Portugal is the Lisbon coast, which features some of Europe’s best new resort options, such as Praia D’El Rey and Quinta da Marinha.
Leading golf courses to visit in Portugal:
Italy
Italy has taken off in popularity with golfers in recent years, becoming a desirable golf destination amongst the locals as well as those from the UK.
Solid choices for setting up base include Rome, Florence, or the trendy city of Milan. When you’re after the full-on Italian glamor experience, check out the Italian lakes of Garda and Como, where the hotels are the epitome of style and class.
Leading golf courses to visit in Italy:
Turkey
Turkey is best known by golfers for Belek, a quick jaunt from the international airport at Antalya. Belek boasts a collection of brand new championship courses and resorts that are breathtaking. For a truly first-class experience, try Gloria, Gloria Verde, Sirene, or Cornelia Deluxe. The area has been purpose-built to cater to the golfing community, offering up some of the top golfing in Europe.
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