Golf Experiences
Unique Golf Experiences
Playing golf in the vineyards, on top of a cliff, in a cow pasture, at the foot of a glacier, among the cypress trees, above the clouds… scenery play a major part in your golf experience but not only.
For us, course quality, architectural features and history, traditions, clubhouse authenticity and membership, but also quiet, off-the-beaten-path and exclusive courses are part of your golfing experience.
Some of the courses have gained their reputation by the nature of their holes, the difficulty and the beauty surrounding them. Some have the distinction to have the “Best opening hole” in the world, “Best finishing holes in the world”, “Best front nine” or “Best back nine” and the list goes on and on. No matter how much you’ve read online, in the magazines or on social media prior to your round, your golf experience at a club on a specific day is very personal and your opinion will differ from others.
But, while your round depends on a multitude of factors, some golf experiences are truly memorable and stick with you for a lifetime. We will name a few here to keep the dream alive and encourage you to chase European golf adventures like we do.
Food & Spirits Experiences
From tasting Scottish whisky on the first tee at Dumbarnie Links to enjoying a glass of Calvados at Wimereux Golf Club in France, or visiting the pub at the bottom of a cliff at the turn at Nefyn Golf Club in Wales, some clubs are really fun and embrace their traditions. You may also enjoy a traditional raclette at the turn if you play golf late in season in Switzerland.
If you are lucky to experience Continental Europe’s top golf course, Morfontaine, just north of Paris, the tradition is to play the 18-hole Grand Parcours in the morning, have a great lunch, and play the 9-hole Vallière course in the afternoon. While the main course is outstanding, Vallière is a hidden gem and is ranked among the best 9-hole courses in the world.
Another experience you cannot miss if you are in Southern Spain is to experience Real Valderrama’s panoramic restaurant and continue to play 36 holes on your special day.
Course History and Golf Course Architecture
The history of the course and the architectural features also play a major role in the overall golfing experience. How cool is that to be playing the original Redan hole at the 15th hole at North Berwick, visiting Biarritz Golf Club knowing that the first ever Biarritz green was built here a long time ago, or playing at Musselburgh Golf Club where Mary Queen of Scots, played golf the day before her last breath. Traditionalists would also love to play Kingarrock Hickory Golf, the only remaining hickory golf course in the UK.
Witnessing some of the greatest classic architectural designs from Old Tom Morris, Tom Simpson, Harry Colt, Charles Alison and Alister Mackenzie, James Braid…is truly inspiring. Likewise, if you prefer the modern styles, you can visit some of Tom Doak, David McLay-Kidd, European Golf Design, Mackenzie and Ebert, or Seve Ballesteros courses. They each have a distinct style whether they are building a new property from scratch or are involved in a restoration or renovation project.
Club and Membership Experiences
From the most charming clubhouses to the more modern facilities, club experiences vary greatly whether you are looking for service, quality of restaurant, locker room features, proshop, caddy or a friendly chat with a great starter.
The people you encounter on and off the course can make a significant impact on your overall experience. When a member engage in a conversation in the parking lot whether It is to tell you where to go to check-in or simply to ask you how was your round and where you are off to next, this is usually a good news. Caring and friendly members are so great. The intangible warm atmosphere of a club, the members sharing their love for the game and for their club, the history and artifacts displayed in the clubhouse, are an integral part of the experience.
Now, as far as club entrance road goes, Magnolia Lane is tough to beat, but some of the European courses entrances are special. For instance, the entrance road of Domaine Imperial Golf Club in Switzerland will have you pass by Formula 1 car racing legend Michael Schumacher’s house, and arrive at a splendid castle in front of the Geneva Lake. Domaine Imperial’s neighbor castle belongs to Princess Catherine Napoléon, the last descendant of the French monarchy.
In the middle of the Sologne region where exceptional nature abounds, the entrance of Les Aisses Golf Club is for sure memorable as well. It is also thrilling to drive on the actual “long and winding road” and listen to the song before your round at Machrianish.
At Cannes Mandelieu in Provence, you take a pontoon ferry to get around the golf course…and not too far, you play above the clouds at Monaco Golf Club and in Chamonix, you litterally play at the foot of a gigantic glacier and 4 major mountain peaks (Les Drus at 12,316ft; Aiguille du Midi at 12,605ft; Aiguille Verte at 13,524ft; and Mont blanc at 15,777ft).
Authentic off-the-beaten-path experiences
Off-the-beaten-path golf experiences are SIMPLY THE BEST and you can’t go wrong when you escape the crowds in Europe. While some travelers may think It might get boring; on the contrary, quiet, authentic and unique experiences are the best way to experience a destination because you can see the true beauty of the place – and by beauty we mean the culture and its people. Being able to appreciate a place in its entirety is the secret to happiness and the highest level of self-actualisation.
There is a lot of fun to be had for golfers and non-golfers on an adventure and they usually end up being your favorite memories and worth a good laugh.
Some of the greatest courses in existence are so rural that you share the fairways with the sheeps, the cows and the horses – Brora Golf Club in Scotland, Royal North Devon commonly named Westward Ho! in South West England or Aberdovey in Wales for instance are such thrilling experiences…and believe it, they are watching us.
Exclusive Experiences
You’ve certainly heard about the most private courses on the planet, yet, some courses are ultra-private and count a handfull of members. Imagine one of the finest layouts in Europe with a superb conditioning all year round, less than 30 members and a maximum of 100 rounds a year…Some golf experiences are so rare and well-hidden that google map would have you search again for the main entrance.
If you are looking for exceptional golf experiences, you are in the right place and we have plenty of ideas for your trip.
Check-out some of our favorite golf destinations in Europe
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Choose by Country
Our golf trips allow you to explore some of the most beautiful and renowned golf courses in Europe. Whether you’ve always dreamed of playing on the rugged coastline of Scotland, the breathtaking courses of Ireland, or the picturesque landscapes of Spain, we have it all.
Choose by Specialty
For those looking for a more specific golf experience, we also offer tours tailored to your interests. Find the perfect fit for your next golf trip.
Elevate your golfing experience to new heights with CHASEGOLF. With our wide selection of golf trip destinations all across Europe, you can easily choose the perfect location for your next adventure. Book your golf tour today and get ready for the journey of a lifetime.