Golf bucket list destinations without long-haul flights or jetlag. A tour through selected European golf spots.
This is not about the cliché ‘Why roam far away?’. However, in uncertain times coupled with global societal erosion, inflation, and rising energy costs, plus ecological footprint concerns, long-haul flights and heavy-fuel ocean liner journeys are less favored among eco-conscious sports enthusiasts – or at least, they should be.
‘People just want to get out’
‘People just want to get out,’ said a fellow traveler at Edinburgh Airport after the official end of the COVID-19 pandemic, a sentiment that continues today. Travel seems even more unrestrained since the world has been freed from the grip of SARS-CoV-2. Travel platforms report increased interest in eco-friendly 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, with over 25% choosing destinations closer to home.
Golf Enjoyment Close to Home
Golf travel remains a nuanced topic; nevertheless, sometimes the best golf experiences are close by. Golf Post has featured many happy places such as the Spa & GolfResort Weimarer Land in Thuringia, Budersand Hotel – Golf & Spa on Sylt, the Andreus Resorts, and the golf regions in South Tyrol. Below is another curated tour through nearby golf havens based on personal experience, without any claim to completeness.
Golf Delight Near the Limes
On a mere 48 hectares, architect Christian Althaus designed an 18-hole links-style course along with a 3-hole course and practice facilities at Hofgut Georgenthal, all without affecting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the historic Limes border. Brita Hankammer, Hofgut’s director, notes the course complements the Untertaunus landscape’s character with a somewhat rugged look. The estate offers rural elegance combined with art, culture, cuisine, sports, wellness, or simply relaxing away from daily life. In 2025, Hofgut Georgenthal celebrated its 25th anniversary (www.hofgut-georgenthal.de).
Further destinations include the historic Menaggio & Cadenabbia Golf Club above Lake Como, with its narrow, tree-lined 18 holes designed by John Henry Taylor in 1907, offering seclusion and a unique atmosphere cherished by members like George Clooney. Visitors can relax at the clubhouse patio or enjoy the charming village of Menaggio by the lake (golfclubmenaggio.com).
On Denmark’s beautiful island of Funen, Great Northern Golf Club, designed by Jack Nicklaus and backed by Lego heir Kirk Kristiansen, offers outstanding golf amid architectural gems, seasonal regional cuisine by Michelin-starred chef Rainer Gassner, and a world-class spa. Funen’s main town Odense, birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, makes the trip worthwhile (greatnorthern.dk).
In Northern Ireland’s tranquil lake district, Lough Erne Resort offers a Nick Faldo-designed championship course with breathtaking lake views, a serene Thai spa, and distinguished resort restaurants formerly led by acclaimed chef Noel McMeel. It’s about two hours from Dublin and close to