The beauty of Denmark at Gudhjem Golfklub. (Source: Gudhjem Golfklub)
Located in the picturesque surroundings of Bornholm, Denmark, Gudhjem Golfklub offers a unique golfing experience that captures the essence of the island’s natural beauty. The golf club is situated in the quaint town of Gudhjem, which provides an idyllic backdrop for both seasoned golfers and newcomers to the sport.
Gudhjem Golfklub: The best view in Danish Golf
The Gudhjem Golfklub is known for its well-maintained courses that reflect the charm and landscape of Bornholm. The courses cater to all players, ensuring that everyone from beginners to experienced golfers can enjoy a round of golf. With strategically designed courses, the club emphasizes playing down the middle, providing a seamless and enjoyable golfing experience without undue challenges.
A standout feature of Gudhjem Golfklub is its claim to the best view in Danish golf. Golfers can enjoy panoramic vistas of the surrounding area, making each game not only about skill but also about the stunning scenery. These views enhance the overall experience, making it a memorable destination for golf enthusiasts.
One of the primary attractions of Gudhjem Golfklub is its affordability. The club boasts the cheapest full membership in Denmark, making it accessible to a wider audience. This cost-effective membership option does not compromise on the quality of the golfing experience, ensuring that members receive excellent value for their investment.
In summary, Gudhjem Golfklub offers a unique golfing experience on the island of Bornholm, highlighted by its well-crafted courses, breathtaking views, and affordable membership. It serves as an inviting destination for golfers of all skill levels.
The serene beauty of Ropice Golf Resort. (Source: Ropice Golf Resort)
Ropice Golf Resort is located in Ropice, Czechia, nestled within the Silesian Beskydy Mountains. The course is easily accessible by car, making it a convenient destination for golfers in the region.
Golf Available for Everyone at the Ropice Golf Resort
The Ropice Golf Resort features a unique setup of three sets of nine holes, providing varied experiences for players. This allows professionals, demanding, and less experienced golfers to find challenges suited to their skill levels. Additionally, there is a public course available for beginners, making the resort inclusive for golfers of all abilities. Each set of nine holes offers different characteristics and playing experiences, catering to a wide range of preferences.
The resort is known for its membership options, which are designed to be flexible and accommodating. There are several types of memberships available, aimed at different groups such as children, students, families, and seniors. The fee structure is organized to be favorable and accessible, promoting golfing within various demographics.
Ropice Golf Resort’s location in the Silesian Beskydy Mountains contributes to its appeal among golfers looking for a scenic and challenging course. The combination of variable course layouts, accommodating membership options, and a focus on inclusivity makes this resort a notable destination for a diverse range of golfers.
Janov u Hrenska: A jewel in Czech Switzerland. (Source: Janov u Hrenska)
Janov u Hřenska, located in Janov village in the Děčín district of the Czech Republic, is known for its golf course that attracts a variety of golf enthusiasts. The course is nestled within the Czech Switzerland National Park, an area renowned for its picturesque environment and tranquil setting. While emphasizing beginner and recreational players, children, and seniors, the course also caters to romantic escapes, combining the sport with a serene landscape and peaceful atmosphere.
According to the provided information, the golf course in Janov u Hřenska offers a short par 3 hole positioned in front of the clubhouse. This hole is characterized by its strategically placed bunkers and surrounding bushes, which add a challenging element for golfers. The daily fee includes unlimited holes, making it an attractive option for those looking to spend an entire day on the course without any additional costs.
Janov u Hrenska: A jewel in Czech Switzerland
The course has been highlighted as a place that provides a quality experience for golfers of different skill levels. It is noted for its affordability, which includes a reasonable all-day fee, making it accessible to a wide range of players. Additionally, the environment is described as peaceful, conducive to both golfing activities and relaxation.
For families, the golf course offers additional attractions. A beautiful hotel and guesthouse are available right on the playground, ensuring that non-golfing family members have an enjoyable stay. This feature makes the location ideal for golfing couples, where one partner can play golf while the other enjoys the scenic beauty and other amenities of the area. The overall atmosphere is described as conducive to creating a real golf experience, combining sport with a sense of escape.
In summary, Janov u Hřenska’s golf course offers a unique blend of golf and nature. With its location within the Czech Switzerland National Park, it provides players with both challenge and tranquility. The course’s structure, coupled with affordable fees, makes it accessible to beginners, children, seniors, and romantic couples, making it a comprehensive destination for a diverse group of golf enthusiasts.
The 12th Hole at Son Gual Golf. (Source: Son Gual Golf)
Son Gual Golf is located in Palma de Mallorca, in the Balearic Islands of Spain. This golf course is recognized for its layout and maintenance, making it one of the top golfing destinations on the island. Designed as a modern championship course, Son Gual caters to all types of players, providing a comprehensive golfing experience.
Play One of the Best Holes in Spain
One of the notable features of Son Gual Golf is its 18th hole, which is widely regarded as one of the best par 5s in Spain. This final hole presents a challenging 532-yard finish, requiring players to navigate water hazards twice before reaching the green. The course also encourages players to enjoy a round late in the afternoon, followed by a relaxing time at the clubhouse terrace, where stunning sunsets can be appreciated.
Son Gual Golf offers promotional specials on notable days of the year. For instance, on Valentine’s Day, February 14th, and Santa Claus Day, December 6th, the course provides a 2-for-1 golf special. This promotion makes it an attractive option for golfers looking to celebrate these occasions with a round of golf.
In summary, Son Gual Golf stands out for its strategic layout, well-maintained grounds, and unique features such as the dramatic 18th hole. Its location in Palma de Mallorca and special offers on Valentine’s Day and Santa Claus Day provide added attractions for golf enthusiasts.
Campo de Golf Parador El Saler on the coast of Valencia. (Source: Campo de Golf Parador El Saler)
Campo de Golf Parador El Saler is located in El Saler, Valencia, Spain. This golf course is situated within a natural park beside the sea, providing a unique setting for both amateur and professional golfers to enjoy. The location takes advantage of the natural dune system, integrating the terrain into the design of its holes.
Campo de Golf Parador El Saler combines Links Golf and Mediterranean Flair
The golf course features a combination of links-type holes near the sea and those surrounded by Mediterranean pine forest. This diverse layout has made Campo de Golf Parador El Saler a popular location for numerous international tournaments. It is essential for players to navigate the fairway effectively, as navigating the rough is known to be challenging.
Guests staying at the Hotel Parador El Saler benefit from a 50% discount on green fees, making it an attractive option for those looking to combine accommodations with golfing activities. This incentive, alongside the course’s integration with the natural landscape, adds to the appeal for visiting golfers.
Cihelny Golf & Wellness Resort: Designed by a legend. (Source: Cihelny Golf & Wellness Resort)
The Cihelny Golf & Wellness Resort, located in Bečov nad Teplou in the Carlsbad Region of the Czech Republic, is an attractive destination for golf enthusiasts. This golf resort is situated just 7 kilometers away from Karlovy Vary, a well-known spa town. The resort offers a golf course designed by the Gary Player Design Company, showcasing unique features that set it apart as an exceptional course in western Bohemia.
Golf and Relax at the Cihelny Golf & Wellness Resort
At the Cihelny Golf & Wellness Resort, visitors can look forward to more than just a round of golf. The resort is home to a four-star wellness hotel, providing comfortable accommodation and a variety of amenities. These include a restaurant that serves a diverse menu, a swimming pool for relaxation, a saunaland for rejuvenation, and various massage treatments. These facilities aim to enhance the overall experience of guests, ensuring they can relax and enjoy their stay both on and off the course.
Another significant feature of the Cihelny Golf & Wellness Resort is its commitment to customer loyalty. The resort offers a 50% discount for tee times after 1 PM, as well as a loyalty program for its members. This initiative reflects the resort’s dedication to providing value and fostering a community of returning guests who appreciate the serene environment and high-quality facilities.
Situated amidst the beauty of nature and forests, the Cihelny Golf & Wellness Resort presents an inviting escape for those seeking a blend of recreation and relaxation. The proximity to Karlovy Vary allows guests to easily explore the nearby spa town, adding another layer of appeal to their visit. The thoughtful design of the golf course and the range of wellness services make the resort a comprehensive destination that caters to the needs of all who love golf and relaxation.
Pinheiros Altos at the Algarve. (Source: instagram @alanshearer)
Pinheiros Altos lies in Almancil, in the Algarve region of Portugal. This prestigious golf course offers a unique and challenging experience set against the backdrop of one of Europe’s most renowned golfing destinations.
Special Challenge: The Island Green at Pinheiros Altos
The course design is notable, integrating the natural landscape to create diverse playing conditions that cater to all player types. Keeping the ball on the fairway is essential here, given the course’s strategic layout. One key feature of Pinheiros Altos is its par 3 island green, which presents a particular challenge and sets this course apart from others.
Pinheiros Altos extends several attractive offerings during the summer, making it accessible to a wider range of golfers. These include specials with a buggy, early bird discounts, twilight rounds, and special packs in collaboration with the nearby San Lorenzo golf course. Such packages provide added value and opportunities for extended play under different conditions.
The club atmosphere at Pinheiros Altos is appreciated by both members and visitors alike. The environment is conducive to enjoyment and relaxation, creating a welcoming space for all who visit. Although tailored for its members, the atmosphere makes it a popular choice for visiting golfers seeking a memorable playing experience.
In summary, Pinheiros Altos combines a well-thought-out course design with a hospitable club atmosphere, making it a favored destination in the Algarve. The strategic demands of the course, along with its unique features and seasonal offers, cater to a broad audience of golf enthusiasts.
San Lorenzo Golf Course. (Source: instagram @clarkcaseygolfs)
San Lorenzo Golf Course is located in Almancil, Portugal, within the region of Algarve. The golf course is uniquely situated in the Ria Formosa Reserve, offering scenic views over the ocean. San Lorenzo is noted for its design and is recognized as one of the best courses in Portugal and even Europe. It caters to all types of players, making it a versatile destination for golf enthusiasts.
Scenic Ocean Views at San Lorenzo Golf Course
San Lorenzo Golf Course offers various holes with signature characteristics. Notably, the 6th and 7th holes provide scenic views over the ocean, enhancing the play experience. The 18th hole is designed around two natural lakes, making it both challenging and engaging. The course’s design leverages its location within a protected natural reserve, contributing to the abundant natural life surrounding the course. This aspect enhances the overall atmosphere and provides a unique playing environment.
The course is mainly accessible through the Dona Filipa Hotel, offering several packages and summer deals where a buggy may be included. This provides convenient options for players looking to experience San Lorenzo. The hotel’s association with the golf course ensures that visitors have access to well-curated golf experiences tailored to different preferences.
In summary, San Lorenzo Golf Course in Almancil, Algarve is recognized for its exceptional design and unique location within the Ria Formosa Reserve. The course offers signature holes with ocean views and challenging designs around natural features. Accessibility through the Dona Filipa Hotel with various package options makes it an attractive destination for a range of golfers. The natural reserve setting contributes to the course’s distinct environment, making it a notable location for golf enthusiasts.
The Club de Golf Alcanada in Spain. (Image: Club de Golf Alcanada)
Club de Golf Alcanada, nestled in Alcudia, Islas Baleares, Spain, is a prestigious golf destination with a reputation for hosting significant tournaments. The course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., opened its doors in 2003 and has since become a notable venue for golf enthusiasts.
Club de Golf Alcanada: Challenging Course for Pros and Amateurs
The course is renowned for hosting the Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final in multiple years, including 2019, 2022, 2023, and 2024. This highlights its status within the professional golf circuit. The course is tailored for experienced golfers, requiring a high level of skill.
Hole 7 on the course, a par 5, is noted for its strategic tee shot and is celebrated for offering a picturesque view over the lighthouse of Alcanada and the bay of Alcudia. Such scenic elements not only enhance the playing experience but also emphasize the course’s unique location and design features.
Club de Golf Alcanada offers a variety of package deals throughout the year. These include early bird specials, twilight deals, combination offers like greenfee and lunch, greenfee and BBQ during the summer months, and even Black Friday specials. Such offerings make it a flexible destination catering to different schedules and preferences, providing value beyond the standard play fees.
Cornwall's rugged north coast and St Enodoc Golf Club. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Love is in the air
The county of Cornwall in the far south-west of England is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the United Kingdom among the German-speaking population. More than 50 per cent of foreign visitors come from the D-A-CH region. The British bestselling author Rosamunde Pilcher, who has been captivating television audiences with her love stories for many years, plays a major part in this. German television Channel ZDF alone has filmed more than 170 episodes of her novels and short stories in the Herzkino series since 1993.
We want to see for ourselves what it’s like in the region surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the English Channel and the Celtic Sea, whether love really is in the air there and what makes its top golf course so special.
Keep your eyes open in left-hand traffic
We decide not to take the plane to Newquay, but instead make our way to the island in our own car. After a two-hour crossing on the ferry from Calais to Dover, we immediately have to be very careful, because from here onwards we have to drive on the left. We get used to this just as quickly as we do to the unusual roundabouts, which are no rocket science. In contrast to driving, however, walking is a real challenge, because at the beginning I always look in the wrong direction when crossing the road.
On the journey to England’s most westernmost tip, we first spend a night in Salisbury and then the next day in Torquay, which is further south in Devon on the English Riviera.
From there, we travel right across Cornwall to the northern coast of the county. A first highlight is the village of Tintagel, where we enjoy the marvellous view from the steep cliffs to the green-blue sea in beautiful weather. Here are the remains of Tintagel Castle, where King Arthur is said to have been conceived. We reach it after crossing an impressive bridge and come across a 2.40 metre high Gallos sculpture. Deep down in the rock we come across Merlin’s Cave, the cave in which the infant Arthur was brought to safety by the wizard Merlin.
70 m long Tintangel Bridge und Gallos sculpture. (Photos: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Getting out and running away is not an alternative
So far, the traffic has been relaxed. This changes abruptly when we leave the main road and have to take a small side road along the coast to our accommodation. We assume that we have overlooked the one-way street sign, as it is no more than three metres wide and is bordered by dense, tall bushes. But we are way off the mark.
When an SUV comes towards us and I see another one in my rear-view mirror, almost glued to my bumper, my adrenalin level rises dramatically. I back up slowly and manoeuvre until I find a small niche at the side of the road. This way of travelling will become the norm over the next few days. Fortunately, we are quickly recognised as guests with our German number plates and meet with a lot of understanding from the Cornish people. We come to terms and make progress even in the narrowest lanes.
Where golf meets the Atlantic
The next morning we are greeted by typical British weather. Looking out of the window, we consider postponing our round of golf, but we don’t want to be hot showers, so we put on our rain gear and drive to St Enodoc Golf Club in Rock.
The championship plinks course is situated on high dunes, directly above the huge bay of the Camel Estuary with breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic.
Camel Estuary in fine weather. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Its Church Course (a second is the shorter, less challenging Holywell Course) is considered one of the most beautiful in England. It was officially founded in the mighty dunes of the village of Rock in 1890, whilst famours golf architect James Braid designed the first full 18 holes that excist today in 1907. Adaptations have been made time and again to this day, although the original layout has essentially been retained. In 1987, the club acquired additional land from the Duchy of Cornwall.
It is situated in one of the driest parishes in Cornwall whilst its location on sand guarantees excellent golfing conditions all year round. Thanks to the warm Gulf Stream climate, frost is a rarity.
‚A warm summer breeze‘
That’s how the marshal describes the current weather conditions. Well, it feel like 18 degrees and luckily there is little wind at the start. We are lucky because the humidity means that the greens, which are otherwise as fast as an arrow and as hard as concrete, are supposed to be ‘playable’.
As our weather app predicts heavy rain for later in the afternoon, we are happy to be able to start well before our booked tee time. There is a light drizzle and the wind is limited.
There are four different tee boxes, but on the marshal’s recommendation, I tee off from the yellow ones. From here, the par 69 course has a length of 6,108 yards. As usual, women start from red and have 5,657 yards to cover. The course only has two par 5s, but five par 3s, the longest of which measures 200 yards for me.
The undulating, wide fairway of the hole #1, one of the two par 5s, stretches out in front of us. There is a pole on it that serves as a direction for the drive as the tee shot is completely blind. In the background we can see the sea, which has receded considerably at the start of our round due to the low tide.
Rolling fairways with a fantastic view. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The course is much hillier than expected; it is constantly up and downhill, on occasions with considerable differences in altitude. We lose our bearings as a result of some blind tees and don’t really know which way to hit the drive at first. The main thing is to get over the rough of the dune in front of us though we don’t always succeed.
Where do we have to go from here? (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Numerous walkers often cross the fairways on paths that are located at the edge, but also in the midst of the course. They have priority over golfers and must be allowed to pass until they are no longer in danger.
In quite a few cases, they are accompanied by their four-legged friends. One of the dogs really helps me, at least on one hole, by picking up my poorly placed tee shot and putting it down in the middle of the fairway. Well trained indeed! But golfers can also take their pets onto the course as . is common practice in England even on a top course like this one in England. At special bins labelled ‘Dog Waste’, masters and mistresses can then dispose of their droppings.
Dogs are welcome. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Cave-like bunker
On the 6th fairway, we come across a huge bunker called The Himalaya. It is said to be the highest of its kind in England, and perhaps in Europe. Fortunately, I don’t go in it, but I do hit the dune on the left in front of it. After an unusual recovery shot, I continue on.
Challenges on hole #6. (Photos: St Enodoc-Images and Juergen Linnenbuerger (right))
Background to the course name
The most difficult and at the same time most impressive hole is the 10th, which competes with the 6th for the course’s signature hole. From the elevated tee, we play the ball over a frontal wall and a path into the not very generous landing zone. From there, you need to keep the ball to the right, as there is a risk of water on the left. Next to the green on the right-hand side, it becomes clear where the course gets its name from.
Hole #10, the signature hole. (Photos: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Where else would you find a church and a cemetery between individual holes on a golf course? We pay a brief visit to the exposed 12th century Normannic church and once again pass it again from the elevated tee of the 14th behind. Sir John Betjeman, a renowned poet and poetess, has been buried here since 1984.
Great view from the steeply rising hole #14. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The following 15th is directly facing the Atlantic. As the marshal tells us, the choice of club on the sloping 152-yard par 3 varies greatly depending on the wind direction. It can vary between an eight iron and a driver. I take my seven iron and luckily hit the green.
Hole #15 – a challenging par 3. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
When we arrive here, we are already completely soaked. We have long since stowed our dripping gloves in the bag. Unfortunately, the weather forecast has come true and it is pouring cats and dogs and the wind is now blowing strongly. We give it our all on the 16th, the second par 5, as well as on the following par 3 and on the final par 4.
We won’t forget a single moment of our round on this great golf course, which was ranked 74th in the world, 10th in England and 1st in Cornwall by top100GolfCourses.com in 2022.
Padstow has a lot to offer
On the other side of the bay is the harbour of the small town of Padstow, which has all the clichés of a Cornish fishing village. Although the great fishing days are over, fresh lobsters and crabs are still delivered to the port every day.
Freshly caught crustaceans on the plate. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The cheeky, giant seagulls seem to be afraid of nothing and characterise the acoustic image of this charming village. Pubs with flags, beautifully decorated little shops and a number of seafood restaurants line the streets here.
The picturesque fishing village of Padstow. (Photos: St Enodoc-Images)
The price level in Cornwall corresponds to that of a popular tourist destination. Both the costs for the selected overnight stays and for food and drink in restaurants are in the higher segment.
One of the town’s flagship attractions is Prideaux Place Castle with its impressive 18-hectare deer park and 81 rooms. It is the only one of its kind that is both privately owned and inhabited but nevertheless, it is open to the public. The Prideaux family is an ancient Cornish family with roots dating back to 1066 and have lived here for 14 generations. The current owners moved here in 1988 and have extensively renovated the manor house.
A castle to fall in love with. (Photos: St. Enodoc-Images and Juergen Linnenbuerger (right))
The magnificent building is known for its Elizabethan and Gothic architecture and its well-preserved interior, which have attracted various film producers. German television channel ZDF, for example, filmed the Pilcher episodes ‘The End of a Summer’, ‘Homecoming’ and ‘Woman on the Cliff’ here.
The extremely informative and humorous tour by German Hilde Mansfield, who naturally moved here for love and has lived in the region for 32 years, could not have been better. She is living proof that love is in the air here. A visit to this impressive estate is not only recommended for Pilcher fans but anyone who loves history.
We leave the region around Tintagel and Padstow and explore other highlights of beautiful Cornwall. These include among others the enchanting village of St Ives and St Mawes Castle in Falmouth, which towers high above the sea. Dew Genes Kernow (good bye Cornwall).
Two must-sees on a Cornwall round trip. (Photos: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
