Europe, and particularly the UK, is the home of golf, and with the recent run of success in the Ryder Cup, the game has never been more popular across the continent. For example, Italy is a recent addition to Teed Up’s golf tours, with a trip planned in June 2016 that you can book now.
Our popular British Open golf tours have always included some of the best courses in the UK and Ireland, but we can also tailor a bespoke European golf tour package that includes the best courses on the continent. To whet your appetite, here’s a selection of stunning courses in Europe, including some we hope to include on our June 2016 tour.
St Andrews, Scotland
St Andrews is the setting for this year’s British Open tours. Taking place in July 2015, the oldest Major in golf—a full 53 years older than the US Masters—will be contested at St Andrews for the 29th time. This natural links course is spectacular and challenging. The undulating greens can be as large as a full acre and the lumps, divots and ripples of the playing surface are quite unlike anywhere else. The old course takes time to get to know and love but when you do, it is unlike any other course the world over. It is a truly extraordinary experience.
Turnberry, Scotland
Situated on the opposite side of Scotland, Turnberry is almost as venerable. Recently purchased by Donald Trump and predictably renamed Trump Turnberry, the Ailsa course is arguably the most scenic Open Championship course, with views over Ailsa Craig to Arran and the Mull of Kintyre. It remains to be seen what alterations Trump has planned. Most of his development thus far has concentrated on the hotel and facilities, making for a new backdrop to the famous “Duel in the Sun” at the final hole.
Royal Birkdale, England
Royal Birkdale, near Liverpool, is arguably the most famous links course in England. Another compelling championship course, it’s known for being difficult to read but extremely fair, with true fairways that accurately reflect the shot. As a result, it can be an exposing course but a fun challenge for a new player.
Valderrama, Spain
Royal Birkdale, near Liverpool, is arguably the most famous links course in England. Another compelling championship course, it’s known for being difficult to read but extremely fair, with true fairways that accurately reflect the shot. As a result, it can be an exposing course but a fun challenge for a new player.
Valderrama, Spain
It wouldn’t be possible to mention European courses without a nod to Valderrama. Favourably compared to Augusta, the centre of our Masters golf tours, it’s a very playable course for those who approach sensibly rather than over-enthusiastically. It’s also incredibly carefully managed and has beautifully maintained greens.
La Betulle, Italy
Finally, we had to mention our top Italian choice, given our upcoming tour. Not as synonymous with golf as the UK and Spain, Italy has been quietly developing some stunning courses, the pick of which is Biella, known as La Betulle, in the stunning north of the country. Offering views of the Alpine foothills and an enchanting landscape of streams and ponds, the naturally undulating course is a challenge with a stunning payoff on the beautiful par-five 16th hole.