Tee-It Up on the Top of Europe
Discover the best golf and sightseeing destinations in Switzerland
Switzerland is a special place in our hearts where we have spent countless hours on golf courses. A country of immense natural beauty, with amazing panoramas everywhere you look. There is a unique cultural setting here as, depending on what country your nearest, that is the language commonly spoken, with three very distinct regions, one speaking French, one speaking German, and on speaking Italian. Fear not, however, as English is spoken throughout the country.
Whether you want to go for a hike in a charming mountain town like Zermatt, or enjoy a boatride on the gorgeous Lake Leman or Lake Maggiore, take a tour of one of the beautiful cities like Geneva, Luzerne, or Zurich. There are many ways to enjoy a trip to Switzerland. If this all sounds good to you, we can also suggest some fine golf courses to play on the same trip! Golf du Domaine Imperial is one of the rare Pete Dye designs outside of the U.S. Lausanne Golf Club is a very good walk with great views of the French alps, and is always in great condition. Crans-Sur-Sierre Golf Club is among the oldest in Switzerland and hosts a DP World Tour event every year, and has been won by many of the games greats over the years. There are several fun, yet rustic mountain courses throughout the country that are just as much fun as the bigger named courses. Further south in the Italian speaking region are a couple lovely courses in spectacular settings, Gerre Losone and Ascona, among others. To the west, near the capital city of Zurich is the perfectly manicured Zurich Golf and Country Club, originally designed by Tom Simpson. There is much more to Switzerland than just the alps, and we hope you’ll consider a visit here.
The Western Region
The Swiss Riviera, commonly called “La Suisse Romande” for the connoisseurs, is the French-speaking region of Switzerland. Steeped in history with small and charming villages flanked by the Lavaux Vineyards (UNESCO) on one side and the Mont-Blanc on the other side, the views over the Leman Lake are some of the best in the world, yet, not many people know about this fabulous destination and all the hidden spots waiting to be discovered. So many attractions It would be difficult to name them all but some of the best travel experiences include Geneva and its waterfront and shopping scene, cruising on Lake Leman and hop-on hop-off at the historic villages of Yvoire, Évian-les-Bains, and Château de Chillon, visiting the town of Gruyères, its castle, cheese and chocolate factories, exploring Lausanne, the Olympic Capital and its renowned museums, flying over the Leman Lake on a hot-air balloon, adventuring in Verbier or Zermatt and reaching new heights, or else, just tasting some of the best cheese fondues and raclettes…The adventure of a lifetime is waiting for you here.
Additionally, the best courses in the country can be found here. Situated on the shores of Lake Leman, Domaine Imperial is ranked the top “parcours” in Switzerland, followed by the very private Geneva Golf Club on the outskirts of the city, and Lausanne Golf Club, nestled in the hills above the lake. Seve Ballesteros’s course in Crans-Montana certainly offers the most spectacular DP World Tour event setting.
Sample Itinerary in Western Switzerland
- Day 1: Fly US – Geneva
- Day 2: Explore Geneva
- Day 3: Private Cruise Excursion on Lake Leman and visit Yvoire
- Day 4: Play Domaine Imperial Golf Club
- Day 5: Private Day Trip to Gruyères with tastings
- Day 6: Play Lausanne Golf Club
- Day 7: Play Montreux
- Day 8: Explore Zermatt
- Day 9: Visit Gornergrat and Matterhorn
- Day 10: Play Crans-Sur-Sierre
- Day 11: Private Day Trip to Aletsch Glacier
- Day 12: Fly Geneva – US
The Southern Region
With its distinct Italian feel, warmer temperatures, and unique gastronomy, the Ticino region is the southernmost canton of Switzerland and features some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. Nestled at the foothills of the Alps and the pristine Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano, Switzerland’s sunniest region lives, breathes, and speaks Italian. You will find luxuriant gardens, top-class wines, palm trees along the beaches, but also charming streets leading to piazzas and churches. Experience the Dolce Vita and adventure off-the-beaten path to visit the country’s prettiest villages such as Ascona, Morcote, Muggio, Giornico and Bosco Gurin for instance. A trip to this region could very well be combined with Lake Como, Milan, and/or the Piedmont region of Italy.
The golf scene is also one-of-a-kind in Ticino. Originally designed by C.H. Alison (from Colt and Alison) in the 1920s, and extended by C.K. Coton in the late 50s, Ascona is currently the 6th-ranked course in Switzerland and enjoys a spectacular Alpine setting on the shores of Lake Maggiore. A few miles away from Ascona, Gerre Losone is a modern open layout course designed by Peter Harradine and home to the Swiss Open of the Ladies European Tour while Lugano started as a private 9-hole course and was extended to 18 holes in the 70s and remodeled in the 90s. All 3 of the Ticino courses deserve to be played at least once.
Sample Itinerary in Southern Switzerland
- Day 1: Fly US – Milan
- Day 2: Explore Lake Como
- Day 3: Private Lake Como Sailing Day-Trip
- Day 4: Explore Lugano
- Day 5: Play Lugano
- Day 6: Visit Ascona
- Day 7: Play Ascona
- Day 8: Private Day Trip to Zermatt
- Day 9: Play Gerre Losone
- Day 10: Fly Milan – US
The Northern Region
While Zurich is a financial center renowned for its Insurance and Banking industries, the heart of the country is surprisingly beautiful, charming and so traditional at the same time. Hard to believe, right? The German-speaking region of Switzerland features varied landscapes from pristine lakes, gorgeous rolling hills and steep mountains. The terrain is in fact very different from one valley to another and boasts many cultural specialties whether you are in the north, the central or the southern part of the entire region. Each valley has its own dialects, customs and traditions that perdure. For us, visiting this part of the world is like an open book with stunning scenery, wonderful hosts, and amazing regional specialties. Visit the historic centers of Zurich, Bern and Lucerne, climb the highest mountains in the country – Mount Pilatus, Mount Bernina, Mount Santis, the Jungfrau, and the Schilthorn, or sail away and escape the crowds on Lake Zurich or Lake Lucerne.
Same as its neighboring regions, Northern Switzerland offers scenic courses, mostly parkland courses in the north and mountain courses in the south by the Italian border. The exclusive Zurich Golf & Country Club is ranked 5th best course and was remodeled by Tom Simpson in 1936 while Bad Ragaz is a popular DP World Senior Tour venue, ranked 7th top course.
Sample Itinerary in Northern Switzerland
- Day 1: Fly US – Zurich
- Day 2: Private Zurich Old Town City Tour
- Day 3: Play Zurich
- Day 4: Explore Lucerne
- Day 5: Private Lucerne Food Tour and Lake Cruise
- Day 6: Play Semprach
- Day 7: Play Lucerne
- Day 8: 1st Class Glacier Express Train Ride from Chur to St. Moritz
- Day 9: Visit St. Moritz
- Day 10: Play Engadin
- Day 11: Fly Zurich – US
Check-out some of our favorite golf destinations in Europe
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