Golf bucket list destinations exist without intercontinental flights and jetlag. A journey through Europe with selected examples.
This is not the time to question the old adage ‘Why travel far away?’. However, considering uncertain times marked by eroding societies worldwide, inflation, and soaring energy costs, as well as environmental concerns, intercontinental flights and heavy-fuel ship travels across the oceans are less favored by environmentally conscious sports enthusiasts. Or rather: they should be.
‘People Just Want to Get Out’
‘People just want to get out again,’ said a fellow passenger in line at Edinburgh Airport after the official end of the COVID-19 pandemic. This remains true today and perhaps even more so, as travel seems to have intensified since the grip of SARS-CoV-2 lessened.
Travel platforms have noticed an increased focus on eco-friendly travel and sustainable accommodation. For example, Booking.com found that post-pandemic, 50% of travelers in Germany and 71% worldwide want to travel more sustainably, with over 25% choosing destinations closer to home.
Golf Enjoyment at the Limes
An impressive course on a small footprint: Architect Christian Althaus has managed to design an 18-hole links-style course plus a 3-hole course and practice facilities within a 48-hectare bowl-shaped area at Hofgut Georgenthal, without disturbing the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the historical Limes border. ‘The landscape here in the Untertaunus has its character. The golf course should be harmonious,’ explains Hofgut director Brita Hankammer.
The Hofgut itself offers rural elegance with art, culture, culinary delights, sports, wellness, or simply relaxing. It celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2025 (www.hofgut-georgenthal.de).
Where George Clooney Golfs
Perched in a mountain fold above Lake Como lies a golf course seemingly frozen in time. On the Croce plateau, five-time champion John Henry Taylor laid out 18 narrow holes amidst dense woods in 1907. The Menaggio & Cadenabbia Golf Club is pure ambiance and seclusion, a favorite of member George Clooney.
The clubhouse patio is perfect for unwinding after the course, or visitors can explore the lively town square of Menaggio on the lake shore (golfclubmenaggio.com).