Golf has always been more popular in the British Isles and Ireland than in mainland Europe, but when it comes to elite layouts the continent has plenty of great layouts to choose from. France has often produced stunning parkland and links style layouts that are made in the image of traditional British courses. But other areas have stepped up as golf became more popular on the continent through the 20th and 21st centuries. Here are 10 of the best courses on the continent and what makes them special.
**Hamburger Falkenstein – Germany**
Hamburger Falkenstein, or Hamburg Golf Club, has its routes in a club established in 1906, but that original course was significantly altered in the 1960s and more recent renovations have ensured that it has remained among Europe’s finest. Falkenstein is a stunningly beautiful course, which is routed towards all points of the compass. Golfers enjoy a peaceful haven in the woodland area, away from the bustle of Hamburg’s downtown. Every hole presents a unique challenge, with strategic bunkers and intricate green complexes providing great entertainment.
**Real Sotogrande – Spain**
The Real Sotogrande course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. It is a private members’ club, maintaining an air of sophistication but providing a warm welcome to visitors. The green fees for visitors are not slight, but this is a destination course worth making your way to Sotogrande. The clubhouse is elegant and the course condition is second to none.
**Fontainebleau – France**
Fontainebleau is a French woodland stunner with well-guarded greens and winding fairways through a rich forest of beech, oak and pine. The course challenges golfers with its compact layout and small targets, offering a great test to the tactical player.
**Chantilly (Vineuil) – France**
The Vineuil course at Chantilly is a forested layout that is an exacting test of a golfer’s shotmaking skills. With bunkers and trees lining the fairways, the course offers a challenging, yet picturesque, golfing experience.
**Les Bordes (New)**
Located in the Loire Valley’s vast Sologne Forest, Les Bordes estate features two 18-hole layouts with captivating green complexes and large waste areas. The challenging layout calls for a links-style approach to the game, providing players with a unique golfing experience.
**Real Valderrama – Spain**
Known as the “Augusta of Europe,” Valderrama is an elite private members club that offers a superb golfing experience in a beautiful setting. The course is always in top condition and is a great way to experience the beauty of Spain.
**Lofoten Links – Norway**
Lofoten Links course is located in northern Norway and offers a unique golfing experience with 24-hour daylight in June and July. Shaped by the sea, the course features sandy beaches and ocean hazards, providing a challenge to golfers of all levels.
**Utrecht de Pan – The Netherlands**
Utrechtse Golf Club de Pan offers a delightful wooded layout inspired by the classic English heathland style. With no water hazards, golfers must navigate through stands of trees and well-positioned bunkers for a challenging round.
**Koninklijke Haagsche – The Netherlands**
Koninklijke Haagsche is a royal course with undulating terrain that offers a challenge to golfers of all levels. Traditionalists and those who appreciate a challenging ground game will be impressed by this demanding layout.
**Morfontaine (Grand Parcours) – France**
Grand Parcours at Morfontaine offers a par 70 layout that challenges players with strategic bunkering and well-designed holes. This beautiful course is a favorite among golfers looking for a challenging and picturesque golfing experience.
