It is no secret that Europe is a true paradise for amateur and professional golfers with a variety of terrains a keen golfer can only dream about. Not only does the diverse continent have high quality fields with a range of ratings, but the vast majority offer panoramic views of mountains, forests or the sea, making the game a truly unforgettable experience.
Access to these distinguished courses, however, can be a challenge, especially if your trip begins across the Atlantic, since most of the courses are far from the main cities of the continent. And if you are really looking to push the boat out and play a number of courses in one trip then you will find that this is entirely possible with executive aviation.
Companies like Monarch Air Group, a global private jet provider, offers flights to the main golf courses in Europe, flying directly to domestic or regional airports near the fields selected by their passengers. Also, a private jet tour can be arranged to allow passengers take off whenever they want and go to the next field on their wish list, offering absolute flexibility tailored to each person.
We’ve narrowed down the top ten most in demand golf courses in Europe that can be visited via private jet and, if you haven’t been already, you will surely want to tick these off your list.
1. Trump Turnberry, Scotland
Trump Turnberry includes The Ailsa and King Robert the Bruce courses, which will certainly delight both the expert golfer and the beginner. Here you have the possibility of having a challenging game with a magnificent view over the sea. Stop by the Lighthouse Halfway House for a tipple in Turnberry Lighthouse after the 9th hole to reflect on your game so far and end your game in the Duel in the Sun restaurant – the 19th hole overlooking the opening and closing of the aforementioned courses.
Installations: Golf academy, clubhouse, PGA qualified professionals and sports shop.
Nearest airport: Glasgow Prestwick (PIK)
2. Golfclub Murhof, Austria
Since it is the oldest field in Austria, magnificent vegetation will accompany you throughout your journey, among many old trees and bushes. Its reputation draws crowds from all over and is situated a few kilometres from the historic city of Graz – a World Heritage site that is certainly worth a visit. Constantly improving to ensure a top quality game, it is worth noting that this course is open from the end of March to the middle of November.
Installations: Golf academy.
Nearest airport: Graz (GRZ)
3. Navarino Bay, Greece
This course is located directly on the coast and, from here, you can enjoy the picturesque view over the bay of Navarino along the entire countryside, with bright blue seas capturing your view. Navarino Bay is home to The Bay Course, a sophisticated field that has been in operation since 2011 and has previously hosted the prestigious Eagles Presidents Cup. In the near future expect to see a clubhouse and, within the resort, a luxury hotel, pool villas, spa and beach club.
Installations: Golf academy, driving range and professional shop.
Nearest airport: Kalamata (KLX)
4. Monte Rei Golf and Country Club, Portugal
In this golf course there are separate tracks between a perfect design with lots of space. A signature, award-winning golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, this will wow players of all abilities and is often ranked as the best in the country. The fee on this field is from €135 and the investment is completely worth it for this golfer’s paradise.
Installations: Golf academy, clubhouse and professional store.
Nearest airport: Faro (FAO)
5. Stoke Park, England
For over a hundred years, this authentic country club has been one of the favourite destinations for golfers around the world. The greens are top notch and the environment accompanies each hole spectacularly. With state-of-the-art
indoor facilities to ensure you never miss out on practice due to bad weather, this place has everything you will need to improve your game.
Installations: Golf academy, driving range, short play area, putting green, PGA qualified professionals and professional store.
Nearest airport: London Heathrow (LHR)
6. St. Andrews Links, Scotland
The courses at St. Andrews Links are a dream come true for an enthusiastic golfer, in the same way that the city of St. Andrews is rich in golf history. Referred to as the ‘Home of Golf’ due to the fact that it has one of the oldest courses in the world, where the game has been played since the 15th century, there is no better place to play long putts.
Installations: Golf academy, PGA qualified professionals, private cart and professional store.
Nearest airport: Dundee (DND)
7. Gardagolf Country Club, Italy
Here at Gardagolf, twice host of the Italian Open, you will play in one of Europe’s leading courses: a perfect landscape and a very exclusive golf course among the stunning surroundings of Lake Garda, the Valtenesi hills, the Rocca di Manerba and Soiano Castle. This is a 27-hole championship course set among 110 hectares and includes “Bucadiciannove” Restaurant where you can enjoy traditional regional cuisine and The Bar, where breakfast snacks and cocktails are served.
Installations: Driving range, putting green, practice bunker, executive course, clubhouse and professional shop.
Nearest airport: Brescia (VBS)
8. Le Golf National, France
The legendary Ryder Cup was held here in 2018 and, year after year, hosts the French Open. There are few golf resorts in France that are finer and have more history, offering perfect greens and several courses. Host to the Albatros Course, Eagle Course and L’Oiselet, Le golf national was inaugurated in 1990 and has gone from strength to strength ever since.
Installations: Golf academy, driving range and private cart.
Nearest airport: Paris-Orly (ORY)
9. Alcanada Golf Club, Spain
You will play the beautiful game in the perfect natural environment in the place built by Hans Peter Porsche in beautiful Mallorca. Established in 2003, this is certainly the best place on the island to play, with wonderful views over Alcudia Bay and a diverse field with pine and olive groves to add to your senses as well as rare birds and a variety of wildlife to spot.
Installations: Golf academy and professional shop.
Nearest airport: Palma de Mallorca (PMI)
10. Thracian Cliffs, Bulgaria
Located directly on the Black Sea coast, it is difficult to find a golf course in Europe that is more spectacular than Thracian Cliffs. Here you can enjoy unique shots with impressive cliff-side and coastal views. A challenging and memorable course with a modern design, the course opened in 2011 and designer, Gary Player, states; “you will not find a golf course like this anywhere else on the planet.”
Installations: Golf academy, clubhouse and professional store.
Nearest airport: Varna (VAR)