Palmares Golf is situated in the coastal region of Lagos, Portugal. The golf course offers a unique blend of parkland, heathland, and links golf set in a picturesque seaside environment. Designed by the prominent architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., the course features three nine-hole linked loops known as Alvor, Lagos, and Praia. These loops extend down to the ocean, offering golfers a harmonious blend of natural beauty and challenging gameplay across 27 holes.
Golf With a View at Palmares Golf
The course caters to all abilities and ages with a range of tees available. One notable hole on the course is Hole 4, which spans 544 meters and is a par five. This particular hole descends through a deep protected valley, with an elevated tee aiming towards the Alvor lagoon. The fairways are lined with olive trees and other local vegetation, creating an aesthetically pleasing yet competitive experience for golfers.
From a practical perspective, Palmares Golf offers a “Summer Offer,” allowing golfers to enjoy 18 holes including a buggy for a price of €101 per person, with the offer valid until September 8, 2024. This provides an excellent opportunity for enthusiasts to explore the course’s diverse landscapes while benefiting from the convenience provided by the included buggy.
In terms of amenities, the Palmares clubhouse, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects RCR Arquitectes, offers a relaxing setting with two restaurants. The main restaurant caters to general dining needs, while AL SUD provides a fine dining experience and holds the distinction of being the only Michelin-starred restaurant in a golf clubhouse in the Algarve. For accommodation, a variety of options are available including one, two, or three-bedroom signature apartments and the boutique five-star 20-room Palmares Beach House Hotel. These options cater to golfers, couples, and groups seeking an extended visit to the region.
In summary, Palmares Golf in Lagos, Portugal, is a versatile and distinguished golfing location designed to offer an optimal blend of natural scenery, challenging play, and comprehensive amenities. From its diverse course layout to its luxury clubhouse and varied accommodation options, it provides a holistic golfing experience for players of all skill levels.
The Victoria Golf Club is situated in Valbonne, France. Nestled in the heart of a forest, the club offers a serene environment away from any disturbances, making it an ideal location for golf enthusiasts of varying skill levels.
Great Greenfee Deals at Victoria Golf Club in France
The golf course caters to both beginners and experienced players. Beginners can appreciate the diverse aspects of the game provided by the course layout, while more seasoned golfers can find it equally engaging. The course’s design ensures that every player can find their game challenged, no matter their proficiency level.
The Victoria Golf Club provides different playing options through various packages. The Albatros package costs 48 euros and includes one token, nine holes, and a meal. The Eagle package, priced at 49 euros, comprises nine holes and a golf cart. For those opting for the Birdie package at 30 euros, the offer includes one token and nine or more holes.
In summary, the Victoria Golf Club in Valbonne offers a picturesque setting perfect for both novice and advanced golfers. The club’s diverse packages provide flexibility and accessibility for all players, enhancing their overall golfing experience.
Located in Risskov, Denmark, the Mollerup Golf Club offers a diverse golfing experience for players of all skill levels. The club prides itself on a course that encourages strategic thinking with each shot.
“Strategy Over Power” – The Mollerup Golf Club in Denmark
Among the standout features of the Mollerup Golf Club are its nature and surroundings, which provide a serene backdrop for a day of golfing. The course is accessible to players regardless of their handicaps, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the experience. The emphasis on strategy rather than just power sets this course apart.
In addition to the course, the Mollerup Golf Club offers attractive green fee deals and access to highly trained golfing instructors. These aspects enhance the value provided to members and visitors alike. The quality of training available helps golfers improve their skills, making the club a hub for both leisure and learning.
The Mollerup Golf Club is also known for its on-site restaurant, which serves delicous food. This adds to the overall appeal of visiting the club, allowing golfers to enjoy a hearty meal after a round of golf. The combination of golf and dining makes the Mollerup Golf Club a well-rounded destination for enthusiasts.
In summary, the Mollerup Golf Club in Risskov, Denmark, combines a thought-provoking course with natural surroundings, accessible play for all handicaps, and quality amenities. The club stands out for its green fee bargains, exceptional trainers, and a well-regarded restaurant, making it a comprehensive destination for golfers.
The Golf Club Senza Confini Tarvisio is located in Tarvisio, Italy, within the province of Udine. The club is uniquely situated in the border triangle of Italy, Slovenia, and Austria, offering a unique geographical positioning that is reflected in its landscape and vistas. The course is known for its natural setting and the high-quality golfing experience it provides to all its visitors.
Mountain View and Sporting Challanges at Gof Senza Confini
The Golf Club Senza Confini Tarvisio features an 18-hole course that is enveloped by forests. The course is divided into two sections, with 9 holes located on a plateau above Tarvisio and the other 9 nestled in hilly terrain. This layout not only provides a variety of playing conditions but also highlights the natural beauty surrounding the course. Golfers have the option to walk the course or use a cart for convenience.
The views from the course offer a panoramic look to the north towards Austria and Slovenia, and to the south towards the Valcanale region. Key landmarks include Mount Mangart and the reflective surfaces of a nearby lake, which add to the scenic quality of playing at this club. These features make the Golf Club Senza Confini Tarvisio a unique location for golfers who appreciate striking natural landscapes.
The club provides a range of offers and services to enhance the golfing experience. For more information, visitors are encouraged to contact the club’s secretariat. The Golf Club Senza Confini Tarvisio expresses a warm welcome to all prospective visitors, aiming to offer an enjoyable experience in a distinctive setting.
Pula Golf Resort and Club de Golf Alcanada. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The Early Bird Catches the Worm
The plane takes off on time from Cologne-Bonn airport just before 5:30 a.m. After a smooth flight and a one-hour car journey across the island, I’m sitting on the inviting terrace of the Pula Golf Resort in the east of Majorca just over three and a half hours later.
I enjoy the pleasant temperatures in the morning sun and the hearty breakfast. Freshly fortified, I pick up my electric cart and hired clubs and play my first relaxed round on the adjacent golf course.
#18 in front of clubhouse and driving range. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Vamos a la Playa
With a German club member, I make a short trip to the nearby Los Pinos Beach in Son Servera, whose Bar Playa is known for its delicious fish dishes. Here, we savor freshly caught grilled sole with a glass of crisp white wine.
The view of the turquoise-colored Mediterranean Sea is just as magnificent as the laid-back ambiance. The aroma of freshly roasted garlic pervades the bar, which is popular with locals and foreigners alike, and whose attentive and friendly staff exude pure joie de vivre.
Perfect lunch on a beautiful beach. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Spanish, English, and German are spoken. A number of our compatriots have purchased property in this charming and peaceful area of the island and opted for membership at Pula Golf.
The resort, owned by the Sala family, is the ideal base for exploring the golf courses in the east and north of the island. Their son, Arnau, runs it with great passion as General Manager. Ten of the 31 rooms are located in the Majorcan-style manor house dating back to 1561, in front of which is the putting green. The stylish building and its small chapel are also used for wedding celebrations.
Stylish manor house and chapel from the 16th century. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The remaining accommodation units are divided between superior and deluxe apartments, which are located opposite the manor house at ground level and surrounded by magnificent nature, which is where I stay. It is modern and functionally furnished and is situated right next to one of Majorca’s typical windmills. Green fees are free for guests of some room types.
Apartements surrounded by natural vegetation. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
A total of 24 golf courses are spread across the island. With the Golf East Mallorca packages, you can play Pula Golf and the nearby courses at the Club de Golf de Son Servera and Capdepera Golf at discounted rates. A round on the course of Club de Golf Alcanada, which has been recognized as the number one on the island many times over and enjoys an excellent international reputation, is also possible.
Location, Location, Location
Less than an hour from Son Servera, Majorca’s top club is located in the far north of the island with a fantastic view of the bay of Alcudia. On the small offshore island that gave the club its name, there is a lighthouse dating back to 1861, which was manually operated until 1960 when automation took over. As a tribute to this historic lighthouse, the Club de Golf Alcanada incorporated it into their logo.
Always the sea in view. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Opened in 2003, its owner, Hans-Peter Porsche, recruited Robert Trent Jones Jr. to design the course. The par 72 course is 6,559 meters long from the back tees and offers views of the sea from 17 holes; the only course on Majorca that lies directly on the coast.
The layout of the course is varied. Most of the holes lead uphill and downhill, sometimes through valleys and ravines. The course is surrounded by a dense tree population including pine and olive trees as well as holm oaks that flank the fairways.
Old trees surround the fairways. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
I particularly enjoy the tee shots from the elevated tees into the steeply sloping fairways, while the bunkers placed in the center of the fairways, typical of RTJ Jr., are also one of the standout characteristics of the course.
The challenging course requires a strategic game. The first five holes are particularly tough, with mental strength required on the holes where ravines (barrancas) have to be overcome.
Not forgetting the firm and fast greens, which have a stimpmeter of 11.0 on our round, meaning that two putts is a great result! The minimum HCP of 33 for men and 35 for women is fully justified.
The condition of the tee boxes, fairways, and greens, including the clubhouse and various practice facilities, is immaculate. This also includes the Toptracer driving range, which was the first of its kind on Majorca. In particular, the perfect conditioning of the bunkers with their precisely cut edges and finely raked sand is also striking, thanks to more than 20 greenkeepers. Too beautiful to play in.
Too beautiful to play in. (Photo: AZALEA)
Host of the Rolex Challenge Tour Finals Supported by The R&A
The club, a founding member of the Leading Courses of Spain, is delighted to be hosting the final tournament of the Road to Mallorca tournament series in 2024 for the fourth time since 2019. At the end of October 2024, the 45 top-ranked players will compete for one of the 20 tour cards that entitle them to participate in the DP World Tour the following season.
German Golf Director Kristoff Both can think of no better way to promote the club than through the repeated live TV broadcasts on the four tournament days.
The club has also attracted attention in the past with the Spanish Senior Championship and one of the most recognized men’s amateur tournaments in the world, the International Spanish Amateur Men’s Championship Copa S.M. El Rey, held here for the second time in 2024.
We pass the attractive halfway house, the Lighthouse Bar, after #9 and a second time after #15, offering refreshing hot and cold drinks and tasty snacks.
The club has been using recycled wastewater from the neighboring hotels in Alcudia to irrigate the course since 1990. Indeed, the club has been regularly awarded the annual Q Calidad Turistica seal for quality, service, and the environment since 2010. Tetra Bricks have been used instead of plastic bottles since 2019, and water stations at various points on the course ensure you can refill your own drinking bottles during your round.
Everything at the Highest Level
After a challenging round of golf, a great lunch awaits us on the clubhouse terrace in a fantastic location. Soaking in the marvelous view over the bay, I particularly enjoy the excellent Pulpo a la Brasa and the spicy Gambas al Ajillo from the numerous excellent tapas on offer.
The aesthetics found throughout the club grounds are unrivaled. Eye-catchers include the starter’s house and the iconic clock from the American watch manufacturer VERDIN. This includes, for me, the colorfully designed pro shop, which is located together with the restaurant in a Majorcan-style building dating back to the 17th century.
Inviting starter house and pro shop. (Photo: Azalea)
More Than a Golf Course
Back at the Pula Golf Resort, I see for myself to what extent the aforementioned slogan is true. The small outdoor pool is just as inviting as the fully equipped Gym & Spa with indoor pool, sauna, and state-of-the-art training equipment, which is complimentary for hotel guests. I don’t make use of the resort’s own physiotherapist or the various beauty treatments on offer.
Completely relaxed, I look forward to dinner in the S’Era de Pula restaurant, as the resort also knows how to impress with its cuisine. After an aperitivo at the bar, it’s not easy to choose from the Mediterranean cuisine with local produce from the 6,000 square meter fruit, vegetable, and herb garden where organic cultivation is a top priority.
Restaurant in typical local style. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Sustainability plays an important role at the resort, where a circular economy is practiced. The resort is the first ‘Competitive Regenerative Hotel’ in the whole of Spain to have its own golf course. Measures include the avoidance and reduction of plastic, including the refilling of drinking bottles with still and sparkling water throughout the property, the use of solar energy, and the use of recycled water on the golf course.
Sustainability on the golf course. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
European Tour Course
Pula Golf has existed since 1995 and owes its original design to Francisco Segalés. The course was redesigned between 2004 and 2006 by two-time Masters champion and 23-time winner on the European Tour José María Olázabal. Oli transformed it into a 6,297 meter long, par 72, championship course from the back tees.
His last Tour victory on this course dates back to 2005, when he won the Mallorca Classic, which took place here between 2003-2007. The current layout has been in place since 2010, when some final adjustments were made. This was followed by the 2013-2017 Olazábal & Nadal Invitational, a Pro-Am tournament in favor of the Rafa Nadal and Sport Mundi Foundation.
Photos of former champions adorn the clubhouse. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
I agree with the owner’s description of the course in the Birdie Book as ‘Challenging but fair’ and ‘Tough Par, Easy Bogey’.
The course is divided into three distinct areas that can be reached through tunnels that pass under roads. Each hole has its own character.
Most of the holes lead uphill and downhill through open terrain. The course is characterized by several elevated tee boxes, greens that can be played blind, numerous bunkers, and two lakes with watercourses. The fairways offer plenty of approach shots, while there is no rough worth mentioning. Fairways, greens, and bunkers are in well-kept condition, with only the tee boxes needing some room for improvement. Overall, the course is fun to play.
Constantly uphill #10 and downhill #16. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Pula Golf was the first course on Majorca and the second in Spain to be equipped with a Trackman driving range. This is double-decked and is located between #1 and #18 right next to the clubhouse.
Two-level tees. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
I enjoyed my golf trip to the Germans’ favorite island and can highly recommend this perfectly run resort with its great service and attentive staff.
On the way to the airport, I pass Manacor, the third largest town in Majorca. It is particularly famous for its industrial pearl production. Another attraction is the impressive training center of tennis’s great Rafael Nadal.
Sports enthusiasts should visit this center and the adjoining Rafa Nadal Museum Xperience. It offers numerous interactive opportunities to practice different sports and provides an overview of the champion’s greatest successes.
Majorca’s most famous sportsman. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Rafa is a passionate golfer with a HCP in the low +range. However, his extraordinary swing is probably not on any golf pro’s training program.
The Golf Club Bellosguardo is located in Vinci, Italy, within the region of Toscana. This golf course, situated in a scenic part of Italy, offers a range of experiences for players of all skill levels.
The atmosphere at Bellosguardo is noted for its pleasantness, making it a welcoming environment for golfers. The club caters to a variety of players, focusing on maintaining the course to the highest standards relative to the season. This attention to detail ensures that the course remains in excellent condition throughout the year.
One of the notable features at Bellosguardo is the recommendation for even experienced players, those with a single-digit handicap, to try the shorter tees (green and orange) for an added layer of enjoyment. This suggestion highlights the club’s commitment to providing a versatile and engaging experience for all golfers, regardless of their skill level.
“Risk and Reward” or “Play It Safe”?- The Signature Hole at Bellosguardo
A highlight of the course is Hole 16, a par 5 with a challenging right dog leg around a lake. This hole presents players with a strategic choice: play it safe or attempt to reach the green in two shots. The design of this hole adds an element of risk and reward, making it a memorable part of the course.
The club also offers various green fee carnets on request and a special annual subscription for foreign players. These flexible options demonstrate the club’s effort to accommodate both local and international golfers, ensuring that all have the opportunity to enjoy what Bellosguardo has to offer.
Golf Club Bellosguardo is privately owned, with the President living on site and considering the course his garden. This personal investment in the club’s upkeep contributes significantly to the high maintenance standards, ensuring that the course remains in top condition throughout the year.
In summary, Golf Club Bellosguardo in Vinci, Italy, is a well-maintained, versatile golf course that caters to players of all skill levels, offering an engaging and enjoyable golfing experience.
Royal Golf La Bagnaia, located in Murlo, Italy, is set amidst the scenic backdrop of Tuscany. The golf course is situated 12 kilometers from the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Siena, making it easily accessible from several major airports including Rome, Florence, Pisa, and Bologna. The close proximity to renowned wine regions such as Montalcino and Chianti adds further appeal to this Tuscan getaway.
Robert Trent Jones Jr. Design in Tuscan Countryside – The Royal Golf La Bagnaia
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., Royal Golf La Bagnaia spans 130 hectares of Tuscan countryside. Recognized for its exceptional practice facilities, the club features a short game area with a large putting green, two pitching greens, and a grass tee driving range extending 300 meters in length and 125 meters in width. The practice facilities are reputedly among the best in Europe. For those who need equipment, Taylormade Qi10 rental clubs are available for both right and left-handed golfers.
The course itself provides a challenging yet enjoyable layout with a good variation from hole to hole. There are various tee boxes to choose from, catering to players of all skill levels. Golfers must be particularly mindful of the subtle undulation changes throughout the course. Thoughtful club selection is crucial to navigating the course successfully and achieving a good score.
One of the standout features of Royal Golf La Bagnaia is its 521-meter, uphill par 5 18th hole. This hole is noted for its 13 strategically placed bunkers across the fairway. The correct choice of clubs for the second and third shots is essential. The 18th hole also provides a picturesque backdrop that includes the clubhouse, enhancing the overall experience.
Royal Golf La Bagnaia offers multiple “stay & play” packages in conjunction with its on-property resort. These packages provide an enticing option for those looking to extend their visit and fully immerse themselves in both golf and the local Tuscan culture. The combination of a challenging golf course, excellent facilities, and a beautiful location in the Tuscan countryside makes Royal Golf La Bagnaia a noteworthy destination for golf enthusiasts.
Located in Plobsheim, Alsace, Golf du Kempferhof stands out as a prominent golfing destination. The course was designed by Robert Van Hagge. It has earned a reputation for its meticulous maintenance and challenging layout that attracts golfers of various skill levels.
Casual or Competitive: Golf du Kempferhof Offers Both
Members and frequent players advise executing low shots to navigate the well-maintained fairways effectively. One golf enthusiast mentioned that the fairways are consistently kept in excellent condition. This attention to detail ensures that players have a reliable and consistent playing surface throughout the year.
The memberships at Golf du Kempferhof offer an all-encompassing experience for golfers. The club prides itself on being one of the top golf clubs in the region. Regular maintenance is highlighted as a key aspect that keeps the club in such esteemed standing. This commitment to quality ensures that the course remains appealing to both local and visiting golfers.
The combination of an expertly designed course and diligent upkeep positions Golf du Kempferhof as a preferred choice for many. Whether for a casual round or competitive play, the course provides an environment conducive to honing one’s skills and enjoying the sport.
Älmhults Golfklubb (Älmhults GK) is located in Älmhult, Sweden, within the region of Småland. The golf course is nestled in a picturesque part of Sweden and is known for its accessibility to players of all levels. Älmhults GK operates year-round, closing only when snow makes play impossible.
Golf and Ikea: The Älmhults Golfklubb
The course at Älmhults GK is designed to cater to golfers of varied skill levels, featuring orange tees that make the course more approachable for beginners while still providing challenges for more experienced players. Golfers are advised to play strategically, as the course has hidden difficulties that require thoughtful navigation. A particularly challenging spot is Hole 11, where the hole’s position on the green can create tricky situations for players.
In addition to welcoming individual golfers, Älmhults GK offers special discounts for married couples and is a member of Sydpoolen golf courses, providing members with additional benefits. This makes the course a popular choice for couples and those looking to take advantage of membership perks within the Sydpoolen network.
Visitors to Älmhult are encouraged to explore other local attractions, such as the IKEA Museum, which is unique to the area. This adds a cultural dimension to the golfing experience at Älmhults GK, as players can combine their love for golf with an educational visit to the museum dedicated to the famous Swedish furniture brand.
The Mendip Spring Golf COurse in Somerset. (Image: Mendip Spring)
Mendip Spring Golf Club is located in North Somerset, near the city of Bristol in the United Kingdom. This golf club offers a comprehensive facility with 27 holes, a driving range, and a hotel, catering to a variety of golfers.
Championship Course and Lakeside Course – Golf for Every Skill Level
The facility includes two distinct courses: The Brinsea Championship Course and The Lakeside Course. The Brinsea Championship Course is known for hosting professional tournaments. It provides a challenging experience for golfers of all abilities. One of its notable features is the Kenell 11th hole, which requires golfers to keep the ball in play from the tee for a good score. The Kenell 11th hole is renowned for its visual appeal and presents a substantial challenge to golfers.
The Lakeside Course, in contrast, offers a different test for players. It is designed to be accessible to golfers of all skill levels. This course provides an excellent opportunity for players to enjoy the game, regardless of their experience. Mendip Spring Golf Club aims to offer something for every golfer, ensuring that both courses meet various needs and preferences.
