Top 5 Golf Courses in the E.U.

By Alessio Lidozzi!

For all true golfers, there are qualities in courses that you require: cleverly crafted holes, beautiful scenery, a real

challenge and, of course, excellent conditioning. I have been able to sample many of Europe’s finest courses, so here are

some of my favorites:

Royal ZouteThe Royal Zoute is a Belgian golf club that opened in 1899. Located close to the Dutch border on the North Sea coast, it contracted the legendary Harry Colt to redesign the course in 1907. True to form, Colt redesigned the course in the British style, with sheltered greens, shifty fairways and absolutely punishing roughs. What makes this course special is Colt’s usage of the natural foliage to complement the finely groomed courses. Should you find yourself anywhere near the North Sea Coast, this course is highly recommended.

Belgium

Les Bordes

France

Opened in 1986, Les Bordes is set amongst the vineyards and castles of the Loire valley in France. It’s an extremely difficult course, spanning over 7,000 yards from end to end. Though in France, it was designed by Texan Robert von Hagge and has a stylish, American course feel to it. Les Bordes has some of the best-conditioned holes in the world with brilliant designs that utilize the natural water and forests of La Sologne to build water-isolated greens and treacherous water hazards on the majority of its holes. Plus, when you are playing such a difficult course, the fact that you can lodge on-site makes it that much easier.

Stadium Course @ Bro Hof Slott

Sweden

Host of the Scandinavian masters since 2010, Bro Hof Slott is set on a royal demesne estate on Lake Mälaren in Sweden. Though the castle at Bro Hof Slott was built back in 1888, this world-class course is only seven years old. It features long holes and lots of water—exactly what a lakeside course should have. It easily ranks as Sweden’s #1 course and is making a case for being one of the best in the world. Its perfect conditioning is complemented by a luxurious clubhouse that offers all that a golfer could desire. It offers convenience in its lodging, too: the Thoresta Manor is just 7 minutes from the first tee.

Monte Rei

Portugal

One of the first Jack Nicklaus ‘signature’ courses, Monte Rei in Portugal is known for its versatility. Set near the Spanish border northeast of Tavira, the club is home to various courses that are great for golfers of varied skill. Many golfers have remarked on the thought that went in to building the bunkers, which pose deceptively large challenges. What’s more is that the club’s qualities are not limited to the courses; the clubhouse offers exquisite service, easily the best in Portugal and competitive for the best service in the world.

BiellaOf course, I had to include an Italian course, but this is no matter of playing favorites. Perhaps Italy’s best course (easily the best in northern Italy), Le Betulle provides a challenge for even the most skilled golfers. Designed in the 1950s by the legendary John Morrison northeast of Torino, the course features a masterful utilization of its natural features; there is nothing quite like teeing off towards an Alpine backdrop. Plus, when you are done, the clubhouse features a wonderful wine selection with which you can celebrate the few birdies you might have the fortune to amass.

Italia

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