Discover golf bucket list destinations without intercontinental flights or jetlag. A tour through Europe with selected highlights.
This is no cliché about \”why wander far away?\” but rather a reality check: in uncertain times with global societal changes, inflation, and soaring energy costs, and out of ecological awareness, intercontinental flights or heavy fuelled ship travel are less favored by sustainably minded sports enthusiasts — or ideally, they should be.
\”People Just Want to Get Away Again\”
\”People just want to get away again,\” a fellow passenger said next to me in the check-in queue at Edinburgh Airport right after the official end of the COVID-19 pandemic. That still holds true today. In fact, travel seems even more uninhibited now that SARS-CoV-2 no longer restricts the world.
Even travel portals have noted a stronger focus among customers on environmentally conscious travel and sustainable accommodations. For example, Booking.com found post-pandemic that 50% of travelers in Germany and 71% worldwide aim to travel more sustainably. Over 25% said they prefer destinations closer to home.
Golf Just to Play
However, these studies did not specifically address golf travel. An expert in exclusive golf long-distance trips, who prefers to remain anonymous, shared that ecological concerns are rarely an issue for clients who can afford such destinations. They simply want to play.
Fortunately, for taking tee times on dream courses there is a reassuring \”indulgence\” available. The CO2 emissions generated by golfers’ travel can be offset by contributions to climate protection, environmental, or sustainability projects through providers like Atmosfair and MyClimate. Those few extra euros are worth it for the trip.
Great Golf Close to Home
Still, golf travel remains a complex topic. And let’s be honest — who can resist when a bucket-list destination calls from afar? Yet sometimes, the best experiences lie close by.
Golf Post has featured numerous happy places: the Spa & Golf Resort Weimarer Land in Thuringia and the Budersand Hotel – Golf & Spa on Sylt, for instance, as well as the Andreus Resorts and the golf region in South Tyrol. Below is another tour through nearby golf realms from personal experience, without any claim to completeness.
Golf Delight at the Limes
The Hofgut Georgenthal golf course is a phenomenal layout on minimal space: architect Christian Althaus managed to fit an 18-hole links-design course plus a 3-hole course and practice facilities on only 48 hectares, all without infringing upon the UNESCO World Heritage site of the historic Limes border. \”The landscape of the Untertaunus has character, so the golf course should not disrupt it,\” says Hofgut chief Brita Hankammer. \”Hence the somewhat rougher appearance.\”
The estate itself exudes rural elegance and offers art and culture, culinary delights, sports, wellness, or simply enjoyable relaxation. If you want to get away from everyday chaos, this is the place. In 2025, Hofgut Georgenthal celebrates its 25-year success anniversary (www.hofgut-georgenthal.de).