Golfing holidays

A version of this post first appeared in the Avanti Travel Insurance blog which I write for on a regular basis. You can read more of my work there by clicking on this link.

For many people holidays are a chance to indulge a hobby or a passion somewhere a little different. If your passion is golf then you are certain to find a golfing holiday that suits you. There will be somewhere to play in almost any part of the world. Deserts have been greened, wild moorland tamed and wasteland made attractive in the name of golf. You can even play golf on ice in Greenland. Golf is a truly international pastime and with few exceptions you can take a golfing holiday and play in almost any country in the world.

Golfing 001
You can take a golfing holiday almost anywhere in the world.

Below I have highlighted five of the best European destinations to consider for a golfing holiday in Europe where golf originated.

Portugal

The Algarve is considered as the home of Portuguese golf and is, in golfing terms a relative newcomer. The first golf course built in Portugal was in 1966 and designed by Henry Cotton at what is now Penina Hotel and Golf Resort. Over 60 years on and the Algarve is awash with golf courses and resorts. Many of the resorts have two or three separate courses to play.

Some of the more popular and highly rated courses in addition to the Penina Hotel and Golf Resort mentioned above are Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo both on the Algarve. For something a little different try the Portuguese island of Madeira which has 3 courses and spectacularly stunning scenery.


Spain

Spain was the first place UK golfers looked to for a winter break and it still remains the favourite destination for golfing breaks. Across mainland Spain and the Spanish Islands there is a plethora of courses to choose form. A mild Mediterranean climate, plenty of choice, readily available accommodation and terrific value for money continue to make Spain a popular destination for golfers. The Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and Costa Brava still remain the most popular Spanish destinations.

It’s difficult with so many courses (40 plus on the Costa del Sol alone) to pick out the best but those that consistently make the various top ten lists are the PGA Catalunya Resort, Los Flamingoes, La Manga Resrt and the Marbella Club Resort.

Golf in spectacular scenery

Scotland

Scotland is the birthplace of golf and all serious golfers should play there at least once in their lifetime. Golfing heritage comes in bucket loads and it is home to the oldest golf courses in the world. Apart from their heritage, Scottish golf courses have some of the best scenery and plenty of meteorological challenges.

With over 550 to choose from Scotland has the highest number of golf courses per head of population anywhere on Earth. There is something for everyone and every ability.

It is possible to play on some of the top championship courses but you do have to plan ahead. The Old Course at St Andrews is in such demand that who plays there is determined by ballot. Trump Turnberry Resort, Gleneagles or Carnoustie Golf Links are all highly recommended.

Scotland was the birthplace of golf

Ireland

Like Scotland, Ireland has a long and distinguished golfing heritage and has produced some of the world’s top golfers. Ireland is known for its ‘links’ courses with 50 of the 200 plus courses being classified as ‘links’. The weather in Ireland presents its own challenges particularly along the coasts which can be buffeted by strong winds straight off the Atlantic. However, the plentiful rainfall does ensure the greens are verdant all year – Ireland is not called the Emerald Isle for nothing.

Ireland was not called the Emerald Isle for nothing.

Highly recommended courses are the Royal County Down Golf Club, Tralee Golf Club and Waterville Golf Links in County Kerry and the K Club in County Kildare just 30 minutes from Dublin.

France

The first golf course in mainland Europe was laid out close to Pau in France in 1856 after a Scottish doctor declared the climate around the town ideal for both body and soul. Now there are 550 course across France and the country is experiencing something of a resurgence in popularity for those wanting to take a golfing break. A short hop across the the English Channel brings you within easy reach of a huge variety of courses in Northern France. There are plenty further south too where the climate is milder.

Highly recommended are the Terre Blanche Golf Club in Provence, Les Aisses, 150km south of Paris and Golf de Fontainebleau, also close to Paris. The Chateaux course Medoc north of Bordeaux is in the middle the wine region of the same name. Each hole, appropriately enough is named after a Medoc vintage.

These are just a few destinations in Europe where you can take a golfing holiday. There are many lesser known destinations to choose from.

Two things to consider when travelling with your own set of golf clubs are:

Many airlines charge extra to carry sporting equipment and this is invariably cheaper if booked online and not at the airport.

Insurance for your clubs? Are they covered by your travel insurance policy?

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Travel Unpacked is all about travel; from luxury to adventure travel and all related topics. There are reviews of accommodation, eateries, airlines,  ferries, books and much more. You will find stories, lists, hints and tips as well as experiences you might want replicate on your travels. It’s about travel as you want it