Best golf courses on mainland Europe

With the European Tour ongoing and flights to mainland Europe affordable as ever, isn’t it time you checked out these amazing golf courses…

Catalunya’s stunning 11^th hole. Credit Steve Carr/PGA Catalunya.

While the European Tour has in recent years spread its wings outside of mainland Europe, it still holds many of its core tournaments in countries like Germany, Spain and France. Golf may not be as popular in these countries as it is in the UK and US – but that’s not to say these courses can’t match up to some of the world’s best.

Here are our 5 favourite courses on mainland Europe…

France: Morfontaine, Paris

It may be just outside Paris but you’d be forgiven for thinking you were back in England as you stroll through its woods, heathlands and winding fairways. Though it does have some classically French touches, such as the gold putter above the clubhouse’s fireplace that was donated by Cartier.

The course is seen by many as one of the toughest in the world. This is due to the placement of the bunkers around the greens and the evergreen trees lining fairways making choosing the right approach shot difficult.

The lush 5^th hole at Catalunya. Credit Steve Carr/PGA Catalunya.

Spain: PGA Catalunya (Stadium), Girona

The Costa Brava is usually associated with beaches and bars, but tucked away on the Catalan coast is this gem of a course. Designed by the European Tour, it offers a technically challenging round thanks to old oak trees, encroaching heather and evergreens that need negotiating. It’s also as physically draining as it is mentally, due to its many hills.

Highlights – apart from the stunning views and perfect weather – include the semi-island greens dipping their toes into the many lakes, and the fact that it’s always kept in tip top condition.

Germany: Golf Club Gut Laerchenhof, Pulheim

Designed by golfing legend Jack Nicklaus, it may be sat close to the centre of Cologne but it feels a world away. It’s not a course that you get a feel for straight away, as much of it is tucked away behind large trees, and small hills form barriers between holes. This means you’re forced to play it one hole at a time.

Despite this, it remains a fairly easy course to play thanks to its wide fairways that allow you to go a little wild from the tee. It’s only when the competition comes to town that the fairways are narrowed for a more challenging round.

Royal Hague’s club house.

Holland: Royal Hague, The Hague

One of the older European courses, this links has been around since 1938. It has evolved over time, but was refurbished recently back to its original layout.

The sand plays a big part in your game as you try to avoid the many dunes and keep balance on the undulating land. Being built on sand has caused many of the greens to ‘sag’ at the edges, causing all but the truest shots to slide away from the pin.

Clubhouse at Royal Zoute Golf Club/Mitch Devinck - RZGC

Belgium: Royal Zoute, Cadiespad

This short, inland links course poses more challenges than its classic design lets on. Though the greens are well-protected, the fairways are a different matter. High winds add to the challenge, while its contoured fairways can drag what felt like a good drive straight into the rough. The bunker placement is also second to none, especially around greens.

Though, like many of the courses on this list, it’s the attention to detail that makes it one of our favourites. Greens are manicured to perfection while also managing to keep a wild and rough feel. The general feeling is a welcoming one from clubhouse to fairways.