10 of the best golf courses in Europe

Royal County Down is a masterpiece, carved into the coast of the Irish Sea and sitting at the foot of the Mourne Mountains. Few other courses blend natural beauty and golf course in such elegance. The classic links test has buckets of character, with numerous blind shots and bountiful bunkers keeping the golfer guessing.

The club achieved international recognition when hosting the 1997 Ryder Cup, which saw the Europeans trump the US, with captain Seve Ballesteros at the helm. Some 12 years earlier, a Spanish billionaire bought what was a fairly ordinary course, and pumped a fortune into making it what we see today. Kept in superb condition throughout the year, golfers will have to shell out for the privilege, but it’s worth every penny. The “Augusta of Europe” was recently granted the royal title.

A Scottish course steeped in history, Muirfield broke the mould for links courses by not being a classic “nine out, nine back” design. Instead, it has two rings of nine, and has subsequently been awarded the honour of hosting 15 Opens. The course still upholds a ban on female members, which has attracted negative press over recent years.

Turned from a polo pitch into a golf course in 1913, Morfontaine is one of Europe’s best layouts – and also one its most exclusive. Not long, but requiring guile, the design boasts large greens, often guarded by multiple bunkers. If you happen to meet a member, by them a drink and put on the charm – there’s little hope you’ll get on otherwise.

Not considering the Netherlands for your next golf escape? You should be. Made in 1893, the Koninklijke Haagsche (we don’t know how to pronounce it either) is akin to a traditional British links, laid out out over rolling land. An outstanding golf course, that should not be overlooked.

Rarely in need of an introduction, St Andrews is golf’s spiritual home, earning it the moniker “the Home of Golf”. The sport has been played on this hallowed ground since the 12th century, and it has since hosted 26 Opens, the most of any layout.

Spain’s Costa Brava region has a plethora of superb golf courses, and among its best is PGA Catalunya. Built to rival the PGA Tour’s TPC Sawgrass, the European Tour spent 10 years designing this beauty. The layout boasts lush fairways, large lakes, and piercing landscape. It has been appointed as the host candidate for Spain’s 2022 Ryder Cup bid.

Set in the serene Ile de France forest, Chantilly is a stern test. Long and littered with bunkers, players will have to keep their wits about them should they wish to shoot their handicap. There is a traditional feel to the layout, and an enchanting clubhouse to relax in.

Only opened for play in 2007, but Bro Hof Slott has taken centre stage in Sweden already. Architect Robert Trent Jones Junior said “everything is big at Bro Hof,” and we can understand what he means. Long holes, large greens, and massive hazards lie waiting. The wind is a crucial factor in how this course will play. A Swedish sensation.

Set in the hills towards the Spanish boarder, Mont Rei benefits from stunning vistas of the surrounding area. This Jack Nicklaus “Signature” course has bountiful water hazards, and superb bunkering. The clubhouse is of a comparable standard to the course – the perfect place to relax and wind down post-round.