If you had to come up with a shortlist of top European golf courses, chances are you’d start in Scotland. That’s where the game originated, after all. But as significant and lovely as Scottish golf courses are, the rest of Europe has caught up and is giving the game’s homeland a run for its money.  Check out the following next time you venture to this part of the world.

Real Club Valderrama, Spain

This club achieved international recognition while hosting the 1997 Ryder Cup. Pristinely kept up year-round, this course will need you to shell-out for the privilege of playing it, but it’s worth every penny. It’s just half an hour from our property in Andalucia!

Morfontaine, France

Converted from a polo pitch to a golf course in 1913, this course is revered for its exceptional layout. It isn’t the distance, but the challenges that make it exceptional – largely defined by deep and multiple bunkers. It’s only 50 minutes from our Paris apartment.

PGA Catalunya, Spain

Lush fairways, large lakes and a striking landscape set this course apart, and undoubtedly contributed to why it’s in contention to host the Ryder Cup in 2022. It’s about an hour from our Barcelona property.

Chantilly, France

Long and littered with bunkers, this links style course is an inviting challenge. The clubhouse alone is reason enough to book a tee time. Chantilly is a little over three –quarters of an hour from our Paris apartment.

St. Andrews, Scotland

Obviously, this course makes the list. There’s nowhere else like it, and nowhere quite as historic. St. Andrews is undeniably the home of golf, and a must play course for any enthusiast. Pittormie Castle (where we have a reciprocal relationship with The Eden Club) is right next door!