Europe's Most Scenic Golf Courses - Six of the Best
It would be accurate to say that Europe boasts some of the world's most beautifully scenic golf courses.
They may be the rugged links facilities dotted around the British Isles, stylish parkland courses, or perhaps even well-presented resort-style courses - beauty can take many forms.
We've set to work to try and pull together some of the most scenic and aesthetically pleasing golfing venues and, for anyone gathering together a golf course bucket-list, these venues aren't just up for discussion, rather, their inclusion is inescapable in the extreme.
Let's see which courses we have selected as our favourite and most scenic golf courses in Europe.
Golf Club Crans-sur-Sierre - Switzerland
The Seve Ballesteros track plays as the host venue of the Omega European Masters allowing us all to drink in some of the most astounding backdrop views in world golf.
With the Swiss Alps standing proudly in the background, Crans-sur-Sierre provides a glimpse of our world's natural wonder at its best - and all while enjoying a veritable feast of golf at the same time.
Never mind Europe, we think it's up there with the most scenic golf courses in the world.
Thracian Cliffs Golf & Beach Resort - Bulgaria
As you proceed through your round, you will experience dramatic views aplenty with the course sculpted in such a way as to ensure that each of the 18 holes plays with a magnificent sea view prominent.
Player himself heralded Thracian Cliffs twice as good as Pebble Beach. That's quite a statement, but you won't find us arguing with the nine-time major winner anytime soon.
Les Bordes Golf Club - France
The course record remains at a modest 71 (shot by French native Jean Van de Velde), so for us mere mortals, it's unlikely that we will walk away with a career-best score to par.
The difficulty level will in no way detract from that would be a breathtaking experience should you decide to play at a golf course which provides the style and elegance that is so synonymous with France.
The green fees also seem quite reasonable when compared to some of its global peers.
Old Head Golf Links - Kinsale, Ireland
One of the most picturesque settings in world golf, Old Head Golf Links is set at a height of 300-feet above sea level and has many tee-boxes that look over imposing cliff edges.
The course also boasts some treacherous holes and this just adds to the allure of one Europe's most beautiful golf courses. Its lighthouse is a famous landmark in Kinsale and is visible throughout.
Even if you have any issues with golfing at a height, and listening to booming waves crashing into the shoreline below, that's no excuse; this one is a must.
Monte Rei Golf Club - Portugal
We had to find space for, arguably, the best golf course in Portugal, and we do so with our integrity firmly intact. Monte Rei is a real jewel in the crown of Portuguese golf and ranks highly in any listings of Europe's best.
Set in the hills northeast of Tavira in the Algarve region of Portugal in the unspoilt countryside between the dramatic Serra do Caldeirão mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, it's one of the few 'Jack Nicklaus' signature courses in Europe.
Next time you're planning a trip to the Algarve move heaven and earth to experience a round at Monte Rei.
Turnberry Resort (Ailsa Course) - Scotland
With the very roots of the traditional game being traced back to Scotland, it may come as no surprise that the final entry in our 'Six of the Best' hails from the beautiful Ayrshire coast.
A breathtaking golf course with magnificent sea views, Alisa has been the host venue for the Open Championship on four occasions and has sparkled each time. It's also famous for a century-old hotel that overlooks the course and for the volcanic rock - known as Ailsa Craig - just offshore.
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