Our Top 5 European Golf Resorts
The modern game of golf may have originated in 15th century Scotland but there are amazing courses all over the world from America, which is home to 50% of the world’s courses, to Australia. But for those who don’t want to travel too far, we have compiled a list of the best European golf resorts slightly closer to home…
The Kildare Hotel, Spa & Country Club, Ireland
The Kildare Hotel, or as it is more commonly known, The K Club is world renowned for its golf. It has hosted several tournaments including the Ryder Cup in 2006 as well as 13 European Opens from 1995 to 2007. The Palmer Ryder Cup Course together with the Smurfit Course offers 36 holes. Both courses are abundant in water hazards, fairways and long greens but also stunning scenery. A mere 30 minutes from Dublin City Centre, the K Club is ideally situated in the heart of the Irish countryside whilst also being easily accessible.
Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort, France
The Terre Blanche Hotel is another great golfing spot in Southern France which caters for golfers of any ability. It is a 750 acre resort with two 18 hole golf courses – Le Riou Course and Le Chateau Course. The courses are long with Le Riou spanning 6567 yards and Le Chateau reaching even further at 7235 yards. Each course has been designed by Dave Thomas to blend into the landscape and reflect the natural surroundings of the site. The Hotel also has a golf training centre which gives golfers, beginners or advanced players, the opportunity to learn new techniques and work on their swing. The Albatros Golf Performance Centre works in partner with the Leadbetter Academy to help golfers who wish to improve.
La Manga Club Resort, Spain
La Manga Club Resort is acclaimed for its variety of sporting and leisure facilities, in particular its golf facilities. It has been the venue for tournaments such as the Spanish Opens and the Spanish PGA Championships. The resort extends over 1400 acres and has three 18 hole golf courses, each unique and known for its specific features. The North Course is popular for its tighter fairways and larger greens whilst the 6,500 metre South Course comprises of several water hazards like lakes. In order to enjoy the great views of south-east Spain, golfers recommend the West Course. In addition to these three courses, La Manga has a 18 hole pitch and putt course as well as a golf practice centre. Like Terre Blanche, the resort works in partner with the Leadbetter Academy, which at this resort, has two swing rooms and four teaching studios.
Vidago Palace Hotel, Portugal
The Vidago Palace Hotel, with its connection to golf since the 1930s, is perfect for those who have an interest in golfing history. In 1936, a 9 hole golf course designed by famous architect Phillip Mackenzie Ross was built at the Vidago Palace Hotel. Due to this addition to the luxury country estate, Vidago became known as one of the most prestigious European resorts at the time with original Ross’s course being redesigned into a 18-hole course with a total length of 6,308 metres. The course embodies walls of local stone and preserved trees and spans across the Centenary Park of the Hotel and the Oura Valley, all encompassing great viewpoints. Other facilities at the Hotel include a golf academy, a 340 m driving range, a chipping area and two putting greens.
Verdura Resort, Sicily
The Verdura Resort on the island of Sicily provides golfers with magnificent views. As the site is 570 acres with almost two kilometres of private coastline, the golf courses are in a very picturesque spot looking out over the Mediterranean sea. There are three courses at the resort; two 18 hole championship golf course (the East course and the West course) and a nine hole par -3 course. The East course and the West course lie at 6,686 metres and 6,692 metres respectively from the championship tees whilst the nine hole course is 913 metres. As well as these courses, a Composite Championship course was created and comprises of holes from both the East and West courses. The resort, which hosted the 2012 Sicilian Open Championship, additionally has a double-ended driving range, three chipping and putting greens and three practice bunkers for use by golfers of all abilities.
Whether you are travelling to Europe for your golfing holiday, or further afield, remember to book your airport parking with I Love meet and greet. Being met directly outside the terminal building will prevent the hassle of transporting your golf clubs through the airport car parks and onto the transfer buses. Use I love meet and greet to get your golfing holiday off to a great start so you can arrive refreshed, ready to focus on your swing.
By Sarah Anglim at 28 Apr 2016