The already stunning 2017 Scottish Open course is beeing improved. (Photo: Dundonald Links)
Ground has been broken at Dundonald Links Golf Course, as work begins on a new clubhouse and lodge accommodation as well as on improving the course.
Set amongst the beautiful Kyle Phillips designed course, the new clubhouse will be created from natural materials, blending seamlessly with the rugged Scottish landscape. The two-story building will be finished with local Whinstone, with a sloping dune grass roof, designed by NBDA Architects to be sympathetic to the surroundings and the environment.
The layout of the new clubhouse and lodge designed by NBDA Architects. (Photo: Dundonald Links)
The architects promise world-class panoramic views await from its first-floor balconies, all the way to the Isle of Arran. The planting around the house will include an array of pollen and nectar-bearing plants that will contribute to the Irvine to Girvan Nectar Network, a project led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust.
Improving Clubhouse and Course
Around £1 million (1.1 million
Euro) of improvements will also be made to the existing golf course, host of
the 2017 European Tour Scottish Open, in order to enhance the playing
experience, which will be led by the original course designer Kyle Phillips and
his team.
The new clubhouse is part of an ambitious £25m (27.5 million Euro) luxury golf lodge development, delivered over two phases. Phase one will see eighteen 6, 4, and 2-bed lodges developed, with three private practice putting greens on their doorstep. In addition, there will be 22 private rooms situated beside the clubhouse for ease of access to the restaurant and clubhouse facilities. Phase two will see further expansion of the lodge accommodation, with permission to build a further 79 lodges.
The construction work on the clubhouse has already begun. (Photo: Dundonald Links)
Ashley Pheasant, Head of Golf at Darwin Escapes said “To see ground broken on the new clubhouse is very exciting and is just the start of a major investment plan at Dundonald Links. The clubhouse is only one of a number of developments we have planned, in order to deliver a first-class experience for our golfers and guests.”
With construction work now underway, Dundonald Links will re-open to golfers from 1st May 2021, with clubhouse and accommodation expected to be completed in early Autumn.
Pigeons fly in front of the Eiffel Tower on January 28, 2020, in Paris (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / AFP) (Photo by LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP via Getty Images)
Planning on taking a golf vacation to France or maybe have a free day during a business trip and want to sneak in a round of golf? If so, then this guide is for you.
France is home to more 600 golf clubs so there is undoubtedly the perfect course suited for each individual. Golf in France has no shortage of claim to fame as well given it’s hosting of the 2018 Ryder Cup as well as the annual French Open European Tour event. Mild summers combined with a consistent cool ocean breeze make France a highly sought after golfing destination for all players.
The guide below is compiled of the 5 highest rated golf clubs in France based on Golf Post user reviews of a variety of factors including: course condition, value, food, drink, friendliness and more. Continue below to find the perfect destination during your stay in France!
The Courses
#1. Golf de Bitche
Golf de Bitche Overview
Golf de Bitche is a golf club located in Bitche, France and situated closely to the Germany-France border. The golf club offers 27 holes to play and is situated in a nature park, ensuring spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The club is considered to be of average difficulty mainly due to its hilly terrain and possible weather factors. Given that there are 27 holes available for play, players can play 3 different combinations of 18 holes which vary is distance and difficulty depending on the combination. Men will find their tees playing at 6169m for the longest combination and 5527m at the shortest combination. Likewise, women will find their shortest combination playing at 4473m and 4959m at the longest
Pricing
As of 2020 the greens fees for 18 holes at Golf de Bitche is 70,00€ during the week and 80,00€ during the weekend. Students and players under the age of 18 will find 18 holes to cost just 35,00€ during the week and 43,00€ during the weekend. Additional discounts are available for those making bulk tee times for groups of 10 or more players.
What the Community is Saying
“Fantastic surroundings and absolutely well maintained.”
“A very neat and demanding place”
“The overall package of the system is right, great weekend breaks. The place itself is very beautiful.”
“Super place maintenance and beautiful landscapes”
The Golf Club Opio Valbonne is a spectacular club situated along the southern coast of France and nestled closely to the France-Italy border. The club’s proximity to the ocean provides a mild summer experience with a consistent ocean breeze. The club offers 18 holes of play with 9 being of moderate difficult and 9 of a higher difficulty. The club is often characterized as being not flat but rather very hilly and and requires above average driving accuracy given the frequency of water hazards. Men will find their tees to play at 5738m while women will find their tees at 4974m. A large driving range, short game practice area, and a putting green are available for use prior to play.
Pricing
The current cost of 18 holes at Golf Club Opio Valbonne ranges between €50- €80 during both the week and weekend depending on which time of the day it is. Powered golf carts are available for rent at an additional cost as are club rentals and professional lessons.
What the Community is Saying
“At the foot of the volcanic mountain, in the forest. Simply wonderful to play there”
Golf de Saint Endréol describes their signature course, one of the most renowned in the entire country as “Set under the impressive Rocher de Roquebrune rock, which glows a flamboyant red at sunset, the course winds around the river and a series of water obstacles, among dry garrigue, veteran oaks and umbrella pines” (via www.st-endréol.com). The course is often described as “hilly but not overwhelmingly difficult” and is suitable for the average golfer. A key characteristic of this majestic course is its offering of a view of the Endre river from nearly every location. Men will find the course playing 6169m from their tees while women will find their tees playing 4613m.
Pricing
The current greens fees as of 2020 are 68.00€ for 18 holes in the offseason and 78.00€ during the peak season for 18 holes. Playing 9 holes will cost 42.00€ in the offseason and 49.00€ during the peak season. Powered golf carts and push trolleys are available for rent at an additional cost as well as practice balls for the driving range. Club rentals are additionally available as well.
What the Community is Saying
“Simply a place of superlatives. Pure untouched nature. You should definitely have played here”.
Located in Eastern France and situated close to the German border, Alsace Golf Links provides a links style golf experience for a fair price. The course provides spectacular views of the surrounding winery’s and vosges from nearly every location. Alsace Golf Links is flatter with less difficult terrain to navigate when compared to other typical French courses. A main feature of the course that poses the biggest challenge are it’s abundance of water hazards. Men will find their tees playing at 6433m while women will find their tees at 5077m.
Pricing
As of 2020 the cost of 18 holes during the week is 65€ and 9 holes during the week is 35€. 18 holes during the weekend will cost 75€ while 9 holes will cost 40€. Golf carts are available to rent for 35€ per person and manual push trolleys for 4€. A full driving range and practice facility is also available at an additional cost.
What the Community is Saying
“Left similar course far away from more. Great view of the Vosges. Because of the ground, it is especially good to play in winter and wet.”
“Great atmosphere and wonderful greens in the links design”
Built in 1993 by world-renowned architect Robert von Hagge and located on the southern coast of France, this championship golf course is one of the best the country has to offer. The course is characterized by many as being “technical” in difficulty but still offers a fun and relaxing experience for golfers of all levels of experience given its superb panoramic views from all over the course. The course has an abundance of water hazards coupled with a hilly terrain which could make this course difficult for some. Men will find their tees at Royal Mougins playing 5967m and women will find their tees situated at 5400m, all tees play to a par 71.
Pricing
As of the 2020 the price for non-members of Royal Mougins to play 18 holes is 200€ during the peak season and 145€ during the offseason. Club rentals are available from the pro shop and vary in price between 10€-50€. Golf carts are available for rent as well and are included in the price of the greens fees for non-members.
Golf de Strasbourg Illkirch is a parkland style golf course located in the north-west of France and close to the France-Germany border. The club was founded in 1934 which gives it the honor of being the oldest club in Alsace. Additionally the course is located only about 10km from both the Strasbourg cathedral and the airport. Although the course is relatively flat in terrain, there is an abundance of water hazards and trees along the course as well as bunker surrounded greens to make sure everyone plays their best golf. Men will find the course to play 5871m while women will find that the course plays at 4687m.
Pricing
As of the 2020 the greens frees for Golf de Strasbourg Illkirch the price for 18 holes during the weekdays is €40 while on the weekend this price is increased to €50. Golf clubs, golf carts, and trolleys are all available to rent at an additional cost from the pro-shop.
What the Community is Saying
“Great parkland course that can be reached from Germany in a few minutes. Very good condition and good value for money”
SAN ROQUE, SPAIN - AUGUST 07: Large industrial ships wait in the Straight of Gibraltar adjacent to the Rock of Gibraltar, with Moroccan mountains on the skyline, on August 7, 2013 in San Roque, Spain. David Cameron has spoken with his Spanish counterpart, Mariano Rajoy, and Mr Rajoy has offered to 'reduce measures' at the Gibraltar border. Tensions between the British and Spanish governments have been raised on issues surrounding the sovereignty of Gibraltar. An increase in Spanish border crossing checks between the Rock and mainland Spain, leading to lengthy queues, is widely considered to be a retaliatory move for the construction of an artificial reef in British waters, which it is claimed has had a negative impact on Spanish fishing vessels in the area. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)
Spain, birthplace of PGA Tour professional and Master’s champion Sergio Garcia is home to some of the most beautiful and scenic golf courses the world has to offer. With nearly 400 courses located throughout Spain there is undoubtedly the perfect course for players of all skill levels. The list that follows provides a few of the most scenic and beautiful golf destinations Spain has to offer.
Golfing in Spain: Play with a view
Planning a vacation to Spain or traveling on a business trip and have a free day for a round of golf? If so, the list that follows is for you. Below we have compiled the top golf destinations in Spain based on Golf Post user reviews regarding the best scenery.
The Courses:
#1. Lopesan Meloneras Golf
Lopesan Meloneras Golf Overview:
The Lopesan Meloneras Golf Course is located on the southern coast of Gran Canaria situated along the Meloneras Bay. Golfers playing this magnificent course will experience views that view other golf courses can offer, both mountain views and ocean views. In fact, the course offers a perfect 50/50 split with 9 holes providing a mountainside view and 9 holes providing a seaside view. With four different tees offered, there is an appropriate length for every golfer. The opening hole of the course is said to be the easiest with the difficulty increasing each hole after, another unique attribute of this wonderful course. Lopesan Meloneras has a vast array of amenities including a driving range, short game area, putting area, club rental, professional instruction and more.
Pricing:
As of 2019 the price for 18 holes during the peak season is €124 and €81 for 9 holes. During the offseason 18 holes can be plaid for €70 and 9 holes for €45. The driving range can be accessed Monday-Sunday at a rate of €2 for 23 golfballs. Additional discounts are available for youth, senior, and twilight golfers. Powered golf carts are available for rent at an additional cost.
What Players Are Saying:
“The place is cool, close to the sea and the cliffs. That is why there are always spectacular views. “
“Well-kept place with spectacular holes on the cliffs with a view of the sea.”
Tee Times and Reservations: Please Email [email protected] for reservation requests
#2. Golf Costa Adeje
Golf Costa Adeje Overview:
The Champions course of Golf Costa Adeje in Spain contains some of the most unique features a golf course can offer offering both fun and difficult challenges. Prior to being constructed into a golf course, the original land here was previously a banana plantation in which course designer Jose Gancedo integrated directly into his plans. Players will find the fairways consisting of Paspalum while the greens of TifEagle, both of which allow the course to be irrigated with 100% recycled water. Players will find a slightly hilly terrain present here along with quick greens, especially when try. Men will find their tees playing at 6203M while Women will find their tees playing 5134M.
Pricing:
The current greens fees at Costa Adeje vary drastically between peak and off seasons with 18 holes in the winter months costing €105 and 9 holes costing €57. 18 holes in the summer months costs €62 while 9 holes will cost €35. Club rentals and powered golf carts are available for rent at an additional cost. Junior golfers ages 16 and under will also receive a reduced rate on greens frees.
What Players are Saying:
“Golf under palm trees and with a fantastic panorama at every hole, perfectly maintained course.”
“well maintained and a nice mix of heavy and simple holes”
With a wide variety of terrain including sloped fairways and semi-small greens, the Amarilla golf course is considered fun and challenging but not overwhelmingly difficult. Given that the course is located on a small island, players at the Amarilla Golf Club will find all 18 holes nestled closely to the Marina San Miguel. The par 4 5th hole is considered the crown jewell over the course as players must hit their drive over the ocean in order to reach the fairway. The course was opened in 1989 and only one year later was chosen to host the Open de Tenerife, an official European Tour event.
Pricing:
As of 2019, the greens fees at Amarilla Golf and Country club are currently set at €74 for 18 holes and €44 for 9 holes from April to October and €92 for 18 holes and €60 for 9 holes from November to March. Additional discounts are available for bulk greens fees as well as additional discounts for junior golfers. Powered golf carts and push carts are available for rent at an additional cost.
What Players are Saying:
“My favorite place, good links place and nice atmosphere”
Pula Golf Resort is an 18 hole course located on Son Servera, Islas Baleares in Spain. The course was officially opened in 1995 but has since been completely redesigned in 2004 by Spanish professional golfer Jose Maria Olazabal. Amateur players will find the course to play at par 72 at a length of 6,246M while professionals will find the course playing as a par 70. 14 of the 18 holes at Pula Golf Resort provide a view of the green from the tee box. Pula Golf has numerous amenities that include a multi-level driving range, multiple putting areas and multiple short game areas. The course is additionally home to European Tour events and celebrity invitationals.
Pricing:
Players visiting Pula Golf Resort will find the cost of 18 holes at €62 during the offseason and €84 during the peak season. Playing 9 holes in the offseason will cost €39 and 9 holes during the peak season will cost €49. Junior golfers under the age of 18 receive a 50% discount on greens fees. Power golf carts and trolleys are available for rent as well costing €40 and €15 respectively for 18 holes of play.
Players will find Golf Son Servera to offer a multitude of challenges ranging from undulating fairways and greens to a multitude of water hazards. Perhaps the most famous challenge of this course however is the narrow fairways lined with trees along holes 3 through 7. The course is said to be forgiving as well however with generous fairways and rough being kept at a length to not cause too much trouble. The course is a par 72 and men will find it to play 5,844M and ladies 4,937M.
Pricing:
Golfers will find the greens fees for 18 holes during the peak season to cost €102 for 18 holes and €58 for 9 holes. Greens fees in the offseason cost €75 and €49 for 18 and 9 holes respectively. Junior golfers under the age of 18 will find a significant discount on greens fees as well as additional discounts for bulk greens fees. Powered golf carts are available to rent at a rate of €41 for 18 holes and E-Trolleys at a rate of €18 for 18 holes.
What Players are Saying:
“well maintained, loved the holes 3-7”
“Familiar, varied the first 9 and the 2nd 9 play completely differently.”
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - JUNE 08: Floral vandals take to the streets of Amsterdam to mark the opening of botanically inspired Kimpton De Witt hotel on June 8, 2017 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for Kimpton De Witt hotel)
The Netherlands, home of European Tour professional Joost Luiten, has no shortage of prized golfing destinations for both veteran and beginner players alike. There are 250 golf courses located in The Netherlands and there is bound to be a suitable option for everyone. The following list provides an insight into some of the country’s best value golf destinations based on player experiences in a variety of different categories.
Golf In The Netherlands: What courses offer the best value?
Planning a trip to Netherlands and want to play a round of golf without breaking the bank? There is no shortage of options in this beautiful Western European country when it comes to getting a good value for your money. Arriving in The Netherlands you will find the locals to be extremely welcoming and friendly and you can expect the golf courses to be no different. Below are the highest rated golf clubs in The Netherlands that provide a great value based on Golf Post user reviews who have played the courses.
The Courses:
#1. de Peelse Golf
de Peelse Golf Club Overview:
de Peelse Golf Club, a parkland style course founded in 1991 and located in Limburg, Netherlands is a par 72 course offering a terrific value for the money and includes numerous amenities such as free use of the driving range prior to play, putting and chipping practice areas, and a full restaurant and bar. Men will find the course to play 5879m with a course rating of 71.7 and a slope rating of 129. Women will find their tees playing at 4986m with a course rating of 72.4 and a slope rating of 132.
Pricing:
As of 2019 the cost of play for 18 holes is €60 during peak season and €30 during the winter season. 9 holes will cost €40 and €20 respectively. Power golf carts are also available for an additional cost.
What Players Are Saying:
“Very varied landscape and many lakes”
“Great club terrace”
“An absolutely recommendable golf course, very close to Venlo.”
“Golf Club Roxenisse Includes an 18-hole par 72, an 18-hole par-3 golf course and a lesson and practice area with a generous driving range, putting greens, chip and pitch field and sand and grass bunkers. The golf course is open seven days a week and accessible to anyone with a GVB or EGA handicap.” (Per https://www.catharinenburg.nl/golfclub-roxenisse-melissant/)
Driving range and other practice facilities are available for use by the general public and passes may be purchased at the automated vending machines.
Pricing:
Greens fees for Golf Club Roxenisse are currently €47.50 for 18 holes during weekdays and €55 for 18 holes during weekends and public holidays. Both power golf carts and push carts are available for rent for €6 and €15 respectively per person
Tee Times and Reservations: No Reservations or Tee Times Permitted.
#3. De Texelse Golfclub
De Texelse Golfclub Overview:
“Golf Course De Texelse is an 18-hole par 72 golf course. A special golf course with dunes, very well-maintained fairways, water hazards and large, impeccable greens. The real challenge is at the 2nd nine, with a Scottish feel: great variety, plenty of undulations, deep (pot) bunkers, plenty of marram grass – of course – and super fast greens.” (Per texelse.com).
Men will find their tees playing 5787M while women will find their tees playing at 4976M.
For those looking for a quicker experience , De Texelse has a magnificent par-3 course that is sure to be fun for players of all levels.
Pricing:
Greens fees for De Texelse Golfclub are currently priced at €75 for 18 holes during the weekdays and €79.50 during the weekend. 9 holes will cost €42.50 during the weekdays and €47.50 during the weekend. The par 3 course is available to play during the week for €17.50 and €19.50 during the weekend. Push carts and powered golf carts are available to rent for an additional cost.
“Located in the middle of the beautiful, peaceful and romantic Maasduinen National Park is the Landgoed Bleijenbeek. An estate and golf course where Limburgish hospitality is freely available for the entirety of the Netherlands, thanks to its central location in the northern region of Limburg.Landgoed Bleijenbeek opened in 2005, and offers you a unique golf experience where you can feel like you’re in a rich landscape with old tree lines, a babbling creek, and a wonderful historical castle ruins” (per bleijenbeek.nl)
Pricing:
Greens fees for Landgoed Bleijenbeek are currently €45 for 18 holes during the week and €52.50 during the weekend. Playing 9 holes will cost €29.50 during the week and €33 during the weekend. The par-3 course at Landgoed Bleijenbeek will cost €24.50 during the week and €28 during the weekend. All day access to the practice facilities costs €6. Push carts and powered golf carts are available to rent for an additional fee.
What Players Are Saying:
“great landscape, wide fairways!”
“Very long distances between the lanes but still pleasant!”
Tee Times and Reservations: Please contact club for more information regarding tee times and reservations.
#5. Het Rijk van Nijmegen
Het Rijk van Nijmegen Overview:
Old avenues of trees, challenging waste areas and surprising blind holes determine the character of the 27 holes on the Groesbeek side of the course. The large differences in height offer a fantastic view up to Germany.
Pricing:
The current greens fees at Het Rijk van Nijmegen are €61 for 18 holes during the week and €73 for 18 holes during the weekend. Discounted rates are available for youth golfers and golfers holding a “golf circle card” will receive 20% off of their green fee.
