With 15 courses on the doorstep of Marbella alone – in a region that has been aptly dubbed “Golf Valley” – you will find a course to suit every taste.
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[post_content] => We love golf in Europe! Thanks to great transport routes and thousands of excellent courses in a relatively small area, it’s a great area to look at for your next golf trip.
Your biggest task will be to choose from all the great options out there. So, in this article, we’re running down a few European Golf Destinations to consider.
Why book a golf vacation in Europe?
Europe has nearly 9000 golf courses, and it offers a wonderful variety of climates, landscapes and of course food and culture to enjoy off the fairways. There are some wonderful golf holiday destinations, which also have a great tourism scene, so heading off for a golf trip in Europe can offer something for the golfers and non-golfers in the party.
The 5 best golf destinations in Europe:
The top golf destinations by number of courses are England, Germany, France, Sweden, Scotland, Spain, Ireland, Denmark and the Netherlands. But for our list of European Golf Destinations, we’ve looked at the destinations that we think offer the best choice for a holiday! Our picks combine great golf courses, with fantastic weather and/or culture and heritage, so you won’t simply return with a lower handicap, but having had an unforgettable experience all round.
Read on to find out more.
Algarve, Portugal
Portugal boasts 113 golf courses, in total, with some highly regarded historic courses near Lisbon, on the western coast of Portugal and to the North of the country. But the heart of golf in Portugal has to be the Algarve, in the South of the country. Quinta do Lago in the Algarve is considered one of the world’s best golf resorts, and has won awards and plaudits aplenty. It has three championship golf courses to try, and is very easy to reach, being just 20 minutes away from Faro airport. Away from the fairways, the Algarve is a lovely holiday destination, with beautiful beaches, great food and wine, an interesting culture and vibrant towns, with excellent nightlife. You can visit beautiful old towns like Tavira with its wetlands, party in Albufeira, or take a ferry to some of the stunning white sand islands off the coast just off Olhão. Try the slightly sparkling vinho verde, sample the spectacular fish and seafood and have a tipple of Port wine too, following a day on the fairways and you’ll have an amazing experience.
Costa del Sol, Spain
Southern Spain’s Costa del Sol is a holiday hotspot for so many reasons, one of which is golf! Golfers flock to try over 70 golf courses which can be found between Malaga and Sotogrande and follow in the footsteps of the greatest players of all time. Known as the Costa del Golf, it’s been a favourite European Golf Destination since the 1960s and legendary golf course designers and architects have left their mark.
You can play on some of Europe’s best courses, including Valderrama, Finca Cortesin, Marbella Golf and Country Club and the Sotogrande Golf Club, which are all less than 1 hours’ drive away from each other. You can also base yourself in Nueva Andalucia and be within 15 minutes’ drive of 20 amazing courses.
But we’ve picked it as one of the top European Golf Destinations because of everything else that it has going for it. Malaga’s international airport makes it really easy to travel to from all over the world and because it’s a massively popular summer destination for tourists, there’s loads of quality hotels and holiday villas to choose from. The beaches are beautiful, the climate is perfect, and the landscape is really picturesque. Foodies will be in heaven - the Spanish tapas culture and great wine are a treat. You must try the delicious ham, cheese and seafood and for something even more special, why not push the boat out in one of the five Michelin starred restaurants. You can also enjoy a flamenco performance, or time your visit with one of the vibrant “Ferias” for which Andalucia is justly famous.
South of France
France has the third highest number of golf courses in Europe, with 815 in total. There are courses dotted across the country, but in terms of a golf holiday destination, we’d suggest the South of France. The areas of Provence and the French Riviera are rightly famous for their beauty, charm and wonderful weather, and they are the home to some excellent golf courses too. In Provence, Terre Blanche, close to Nice and Cannes is considered one of the world’s best luxury golf resorts. Taulane, Cannes Mougins, Saint-Donat and Grasse are picturesque, charming and challenging – what a great combination! The food and wine in France are legendary, and so you can combine playing golf with visiting vineyards, sampling local cheeses and visiting chateaux and artisan markets in pretty villages. The coastal towns and cities are historic and stunning too, with plenty of “je ne sais quai” and “joie de vivre” – all of which makes a golf holiday in the South of France a great option.
Italy
Italy is in 10th place in the countries in Europe with the most golf courses, with a total of 308. You can find golf courses throughout the country, so can combine a round or two with anywhere you’d like to visit. However, the largest concentration is in the North of the country.
2022 saw the Ryder Cup be held in Italy and since then the country has really started to push itself as a great golf destination in Europe. The courses are diverse and set in beautiful landscapes, with some really exclusive options available. You can combine a round of golf with a visit to a historic and stunning city such as Rome, or visit a beautiful golf resort and enjoy beautiful countryside, food and wine in Tuscany. You can even play golf and visit the canals of Venice! A golf break in Italy is perfect for lovers of great food, excellent wine, art, architecture and culture.
Ireland
Golf Digest’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses names the Royal County Down Gold Club in Northern Ireland as the number 1 course in the world, Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland as number 4 and Ballybunion in Kerry at number 10. This little country punches well above its weight and size with its golf offering! It has 357 courses in total, has a third of the world’s natural links courses and has given us some of the best players of recent years. It has been named International Golf Destination of the Year several times thanks to these great courses, its natural beauty, vibrant cities and welcoming, friendly people. While we can’t promise sunny skies, you’ll get a warm welcome and be able to enjoy great pubs, bracing walks and traditional music and dancing.
Wherever you choose for your European golf travels, you’re sure to have a wonderful time. So where’s next on your list?
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[post_content] => Golf is a really popular sport, which has been growing rapidly since 2020. According toGolf Monthly, there are around 68 million golfers playing worldwide in 2023, across 146 countries. There has also been a 15% rise in participation since 2020 and the numbers are expected to rise.These passionate golfers love to play at home, but also want to take their favourite game abroad and pit their skills against some of the world’s best courses. In 2023, in the US alone, over 12 million golfers went on a golf holiday and golf tourism is big business. Golf tourism is expected to hit 27 billion dollars in revenue this year, and exceed a 65 billion US dollars by 2035, fuelled by a continued demand for luxury golf experiences.Will you join the millions of golfers hitting the road for a golf holiday in 2025?If you’re considering it, here are our favourite golf destinations to add to the list.
1. Marbella, Spain
You won’t be surprised to hear that Marbella is on the top of our list! We’re keen golfers at Vacation Marbella and have personally tried the majority of the 70golf courses on the Costa del Sol. We can tell you first hand that the range and quality of these courses, as well as the proximity and ease of travelling between them, makes this area hard to beat. On top of the courses, the weather makes Marbella a very popular place to practice golf under sunny skies, and combine a round or two, with topping up your tan.A large golf industry has sprung up around this high density of golf courses. This means that you can takegolf classes in Marbella, with some top golf pros, and improve your game during your next golf holiday. You can also visitgolf shops and pick up some new gear, as a memento of your trip.Marbella is a fantastic holiday destination all year round, but still best known as a summer holiday destination. Thegolf season in Marbella is in the traditional off-peak season of spring and autumn. This means that the flights and accommodation prices are lower than during the summer months. But as a tourist hot spot, you still get all the amazing restaurants, bars, shops, tours and experiences to enjoy when you’re not on the golf course – with less people to share it with!! It’s a win-win.Find out more about theCosta del Golf and all it has to offer on our website, or contact us to arrange avacation rental in Marbella, which makes the perfect base for your next golf holiday.
2. Scotland
Scotland is known as the home of golf, and has the world’s oldest golf course, the aptly named Old Course in St Andrews, which has been in use for over 600 years. Scotland has the highest number of courses per head of population in the world, more than 550 golf courses in total. Many of the world’s best tournaments are played in Scotland as well, so you can combine playing with watching golf. Find out more aboutgolf in Scotland.In addition to the golf, the city of Edinburgh is a beautiful destination, and a comedy hot spot in August during its famous festival. The Scottish countryside is another big draw for visiting Scotland for a golf holiday.The big downside to Scotland is the weather, which is often rainy and cold. So, a golf holiday to Scotland is for the hardy golfer!
3. France
France has a long history of golf, and boasts the first golf course in Europe, which opened in 1856. There are over 600 courses in France and the nation is passionate about the game, with more than 400,000 members of golf courses in the country.The countryside is beautiful, and varied, with a great range of courses adapting to the stunning landscape and you can follow in the footsteps of some of the world’s best golfers by playing the Le Golf National's L'Albatros course, which hosted the 2018 Ryder Cup.A golf holiday in France is often combined with visiting the wine makers and enjoying the amazing French food, so it’s a good option if you like your food and wine, as well as your golf.
4. Florida
There’s more to Florida than Disney! It has over 1,200 courses and has been called the Golf Capital of the World. Some of the most famous courses in the world are found in Florida, and its home to The Players Championship, PGA Tour and Champions Tour. The warm climate is a big draw as well, with great conditions all year, and you can combine golf with visiting the beach and theme parks too.
5. Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland boasts over 90 golf courses and punches well above its weight when it comes to quality. Golf Digest’s World’s 100 Greatest Courses ranking names Royal County Down in Northern Ireland as the best course in the world and has four courses in the country in its top 100. Royal Portrush will be hosting The Open championship between the 13th and the 20th of July 2025, really shining a light on the great golf courses in Northern Ireland and seeing thousands of fans flocking to watch the best golfers in action. Find out more aboutgolf in Northern Ireland.
6. England
England is fourth in the world for number of courses, with 2,270, according to Golf Monthly. It’s a good destination for a golf holiday because of the variety of landscapes, which give rise to a great mix of courses. In England you can play on links, heathland and parkland courses, including some of the best in the world.Golf Digest names Sunningdale Golf Club in Berkshire as the best course in England, followed by Royal Birkdale in Merseyside and Royal St. George’s in Kent in third place, which has been an Open Championship venue since 1894.Of course, as well as golf, England boasts a wide range of historical and architectural places of interest, plus vibrant multicultural cities and an amazing theatre and arts scene. Despite the weather, this makes it a great destination for a golf holiday.
7. Northern California
California is probably best known as the home of Hollywood and the vibrant cities of LA and San Francisco, or perhaps for the natural delights of Yosemite National Park, but it’s also a fantastic place to visit on a golf holiday. Golf has been a feature of this part of the US since 1892 and has some amazing courses from the Golden Age of golf. It boasts over 900 golf courses in total, only beaten by Florida and New York in terms of numbers. Probably the best known is Pebble Beach, as the home of the US Open on six occasions, due to return there in 2027. It’s expected to increase in importance for golf breaks in the future, thanks to its excellent climate and wonderful landscape, amazing infrastructure and other things to visit.We hope you enjoyed our run down of the 7 best golf destinations in 2025. Have an amazing golf holiday!If Marbella is at the top of your list, you can trust in the golf holiday experts from Vacation Marbella.Contact us and we’ll help you find the best accommodation and support you with everything from Green Fees to recommendations on where to go and what to do, to ensure you have the best time.
[post_title] => The 7 best golf trips to take in 2025
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[post_content] => Spain has a love affair with golf and has 486 golf courses in total! This puts it in sixth place in the world. So, there’s no wonder that one of the oldest golf tournaments is the Spanish Open Golf, which has been played since 1912. This has been an amazing event to showcase the talent of Spanish golfers, with homegrown talent winning 39 of the 96 titles.
This year it’s taking place in Madrid in October, just over 2 hours by train from Malaga. This makes it a great option for a golf holiday in Spain!
October is one of the best times to play golf in Andalucia, with blue skies, plenty of sunshine, but cooler temperatures, which make your round more comfortable. Imagine playing on some of the best golf courses in Marbella, visiting the wonderful city of Malaga and then zipping up to the nations capital to watch the world’s best golfers in action.
Here’s what you need to know to plan your visit.
ACCIONA Open de España presented by Madrid 2025
This year, the Spanish Open is taking place from the 9th to the 12th of October.
The best of the best will be flying into Madrid for three days of amazing golf action and you could be there too.
Tickets are not on sale yet, but you can register your interest to be the first to hear about tickets and packages.
Where is the Spanish Golf Open played?
Once again, the Villa de Madrid Country Club is hosting this year’s Spanish Open, as it has for the last five years.
The course was designed by Javier de Arana and opened in 1956. It is a par-71, 6,970-yard Black course, which tests the players off the tee and requires the very best driving accuracy. The greens are challenging and on the back nine the putting surface is more difficult, which could set up a dramatic finish if plenty of players are in with a shot at the title.
In addition to golf, you’ll find horse riding, tennis, padel, hockey, swimming pools, a gym and sauna at this great club.
What is the format of the tournament?
The format of the Open de Espana is a standard strokeplay event played over 72 holes with a cut after 36 holes (two rounds). The player with the lowest score over four rounds will win the tournament.
Players for this year will be announced on the European Tour website.
Last year it was won by Ángel Hidalgo – who will take the title in 2025?
Spanish Open Golf: History
The Spanish Open has a long history of exciting events, and is a favourite with some of the world’s best golfers. It started in 1912, and became part of the PGA European Tour in 1971 and it is actually the third oldest golf tournament in Europe.
It saw Sergio Garcia’s entry to professional golf, and the last win of the golf legend Seve Ballesteros.
Last year’s event saw an all-Spanish play-off, with Angel Hidalgo and Jon Rahm fighting it out for the win. Hidalgo took the victory and it was particularly special, as it was his first DP World Tour title.
Jon Rahm has won an impressive three times at the Spanish Open, Angel De La Torre won it five times and Mariano Provencio won it four times. Other winners include; Arnold Palmer, Severiano Ballesteros, Sergio García, Bernhard Langer and Nick Faldo.
Find out more about the history of the Spanish Golf Open.
Who will be next to lift the trophy?
Other golf tournaments in Spain
You can play in golf tournaments in Marbella throughout the year, if you want to see how your skills stack up to the rest.
There are also loads of great tournaments to watch this year on the Costa del Golf.
Liv Golf is coming to Andalucia once again in July, with three days of action taking place at Valderrama between the 11th and 13th of July.
You can also watch the Final of the Professional Andalucian Golf Circuit in August, in Alhaurin de la Torre on the 11th and 12th of August.
Check out our full list of golf tournaments in Andalucia and come and join the fun!
[post_title] => Spanish Open Golf: The 2025 event and its history
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The golf market is a multi-billion-pound industry, attracting wannabe John Rahms’ to destinations across the globe all-year round, and with so many courses and resorts available, competition for custom is fierce.
And here at Vacation Marbella we believe we can offer as good as, if not better than anyone else in Europe with so much quality choice in every area – whether that’s the incredible luxury accommodation options we provide, array of guest services, host of excursions, or the 60-plus golf courses in the region.
We are very fortunate to be where we are in Andalucia as the area boasts everything visitors could wish for and more – sun, sea, golden beaches, fantastic restaurants, fabulous nightlife, stunning scenery, picturesque villages and thrilling excursions – and that’s before we even think about hitting the lush, green fairways.
So, we will take you through some of our favourites. And with 15 courses on the doorstep of Marbella alone – in a region that has been aptly dubbed “Golf Valley” – you will find a course to suit every taste and every ability.
VACATION MARBELLA’S GOLF PICKS
Los Naranjos
Situated just 10.5km from Marbella and 5km from Puerto Banus, this friendly course is one of the favourites among visitors from all nations and was often used by film star and golf fanatic Sean Connery.
While it certainly is not the hardest course in the area, it is still very challenging with some memorable holes, particularly on the front nine.
It is a typical Robert Trent Jones Sr design with forgiving fairways and strategically placed bunkers and water hazards that will catch out careless or wayward shots. Renowned for being in excellent condition, the course is set among fragrant orange trees and boasts undulating greens that use Penn A4 grass.
Opened in 1977, Los Naranjos has hosted several major competitions, including the Spanish Open. Its reputation was also enhanced by winning the Costa Del Sol Course of the Year in 2005 and 2008.
Another huge plus for Los Naranjos is its stunning club house that offers incredible views of the course and serves some excellent cuisine in a laid-back friendly environment.
Rio Real
Rio Real has been a favourite with golfers to the Marbella region thanks to many key factors. Located just five minutes outside the centre of Marbella town, the impressive course takes its name from the Rio Real River, which runs alongside it.
This impressive parkland layout was designed by the legendary Javier Arana, one of the most respected Spanish designers of all time, and boasts varied yet breath-taking views, including glimpses of the shimmering Mediterranean Sea.
With elevated holes, the course is extremely challenging yet hugely enjoyable and the Royal Spanish Golf Federation considers it to be a prestigious course and one of the best in Spain – both in terms of its course and scenery.
Rio Real benefits from being in a wonderful setting, and as well as being close to the sea, it also benefits from panoramic views of the Sierra Blanca mountain range as well as a host of varied species of trees such as Pine, Palm, Casuarinas, Olive and Cypress.
There are many unforgettable holes here, but one that stands out is the par-four eighth that slopes down towards the sea, while also boasting amazing views of the mountain range. There is also the daunting 13th par-five over water that contains a slight dogleg left that is certain to test even the most accomplished golfer.
Marbella Golf and Country Club
Marbella Golf and Country Club is another course designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior in 1989 and is situated just outside the bright lights of Marbella.
The facilities here are truly first-class with a stylish restaurant, three tennis courts, modern pro shop and golf academy.
And as the name suggests, it is more than just a golf club as there is also a Wellness Centre offering yoga, pilates and a range of treatments.
Like the vast majority of the courses in this region the views are wonderful with the surrounding hills, olive groves and shimmering sea, while occupying one of the largest remaining green areas on the Costa del Sol.
This tricky, undulating course makes the most of its natural terrain within the Andalusian hillside that is scattered with olive trees, but stray off the fairways then the rough is a golfer’s nightmare.
Accuracy is the name of the game on the front nine as wayward shots will only find the aforementioned rough. There are some really breath-taking holes here, and seven to 15 are widely regarded to be the best.
Los Flamingos
Los Flamingos has long been popular with visitors to the Costa del Sol thanks largely to the fact this resort offers top-class golf with a choice of three equally stunning, yet totally different courses, as well as a cracking club house and sun-kissed terrace.
The lush green fairways predictably deliver amazing views of the Mediterranean and each course delivers a challenging and varied test of golf. The original course here is, not surprisingly, named Los Flamingos, designed by the renowned architect Antonio Garrido.
By no means the longest course, this par-71 is relatively modest at 5,714 metres off the back tees, but has wide variety and meticulous landscaping. The greens are generous in size, but the fairways, sewn with both Bermuda and Ray grass, are very tight on the front nine, while the Arroyo de Taraje stream, which passes through and ends in a lake, acts as a natural border
The second course, the 73-par Alferini, set in a lush green peaceful valley away from noise and distractions, is monstrous in length, and playing 6,641 metres off the back tees, errant shots are punished.
Set in a valley, the course has been described as technical with long fairways, fast greens and walking it can be tough due to the steady climbs. Strategic bunkers make the sizeable greens pretty daunting, but good driving is essential due to its length.
Last but by no means least is Tramores, an Antonio Garcia Garrido-designed course that is the shortest of the trio, a par-63 measuring just 3,468 metres off the white tees. It is nestled between two valleys, and like its sisters, boasts cracking views of the surrounding terrain and the Med.
Tramores is the latest edition to Los Flamingos and includes the Villa Padierna Michael Campbell Golf Academy – the only one in Europe and is the perfect choice for those who wish to enjoy a relatively quick round.
La Quinta
This wonderful course was designed by Spanish Ryder Cup stars Manuel Pinero and Antonio Garrido, the former pro who won nine titles on the European Tour – the most prestigious of which was the 1977 British PGA Championship.
Known for its lightning quick greens, La Quinta golf complex has 27 holes divided into three nine-hole loops that are carefully integrated into the natural landscape in an area known as Benahvis golf valley. Like many of its peers, it boasts some stunning views in every direction.
San Pedro Course A is the more open of the three loops thanks to its wide fairways, while Ronda Course B is quite the opposite – tight and tricky albeit the shortest of the trio.
The Guadaiza is the C loop and the longest and host of the Benahavis Senior Masters, which has been held at La Quinta Golf and Country Club since 2009. It is a real test with plenty of doglegged holes.
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[post_content] => We love golf in Europe! Thanks to great transport routes and thousands of excellent courses in a relatively small area, it’s a great area to look at for your next golf trip.
Your biggest task will be to choose from all the great options out there. So, in this article, we’re running down a few European Golf Destinations to consider.
Why book a golf vacation in Europe?
Europe has nearly 9000 golf courses, and it offers a wonderful variety of climates, landscapes and of course food and culture to enjoy off the fairways. There are some wonderful golf holiday destinations, which also have a great tourism scene, so heading off for a golf trip in Europe can offer something for the golfers and non-golfers in the party.
The 5 best golf destinations in Europe:
The top golf destinations by number of courses are England, Germany, France, Sweden, Scotland, Spain, Ireland, Denmark and the Netherlands. But for our list of European Golf Destinations, we’ve looked at the destinations that we think offer the best choice for a holiday! Our picks combine great golf courses, with fantastic weather and/or culture and heritage, so you won’t simply return with a lower handicap, but having had an unforgettable experience all round.
Read on to find out more.
Algarve, Portugal
Portugal boasts 113 golf courses, in total, with some highly regarded historic courses near Lisbon, on the western coast of Portugal and to the North of the country. But the heart of golf in Portugal has to be the Algarve, in the South of the country. Quinta do Lago in the Algarve is considered one of the world’s best golf resorts, and has won awards and plaudits aplenty. It has three championship golf courses to try, and is very easy to reach, being just 20 minutes away from Faro airport. Away from the fairways, the Algarve is a lovely holiday destination, with beautiful beaches, great food and wine, an interesting culture and vibrant towns, with excellent nightlife. You can visit beautiful old towns like Tavira with its wetlands, party in Albufeira, or take a ferry to some of the stunning white sand islands off the coast just off Olhão. Try the slightly sparkling vinho verde, sample the spectacular fish and seafood and have a tipple of Port wine too, following a day on the fairways and you’ll have an amazing experience.
Costa del Sol, Spain
Southern Spain’s Costa del Sol is a holiday hotspot for so many reasons, one of which is golf! Golfers flock to try over 70 golf courses which can be found between Malaga and Sotogrande and follow in the footsteps of the greatest players of all time. Known as the Costa del Golf, it’s been a favourite European Golf Destination since the 1960s and legendary golf course designers and architects have left their mark.
You can play on some of Europe’s best courses, including Valderrama, Finca Cortesin, Marbella Golf and Country Club and the Sotogrande Golf Club, which are all less than 1 hours’ drive away from each other. You can also base yourself in Nueva Andalucia and be within 15 minutes’ drive of 20 amazing courses.
But we’ve picked it as one of the top European Golf Destinations because of everything else that it has going for it. Malaga’s international airport makes it really easy to travel to from all over the world and because it’s a massively popular summer destination for tourists, there’s loads of quality hotels and holiday villas to choose from. The beaches are beautiful, the climate is perfect, and the landscape is really picturesque. Foodies will be in heaven - the Spanish tapas culture and great wine are a treat. You must try the delicious ham, cheese and seafood and for something even more special, why not push the boat out in one of the five Michelin starred restaurants. You can also enjoy a flamenco performance, or time your visit with one of the vibrant “Ferias” for which Andalucia is justly famous.
South of France
France has the third highest number of golf courses in Europe, with 815 in total. There are courses dotted across the country, but in terms of a golf holiday destination, we’d suggest the South of France. The areas of Provence and the French Riviera are rightly famous for their beauty, charm and wonderful weather, and they are the home to some excellent golf courses too. In Provence, Terre Blanche, close to Nice and Cannes is considered one of the world’s best luxury golf resorts. Taulane, Cannes Mougins, Saint-Donat and Grasse are picturesque, charming and challenging – what a great combination! The food and wine in France are legendary, and so you can combine playing golf with visiting vineyards, sampling local cheeses and visiting chateaux and artisan markets in pretty villages. The coastal towns and cities are historic and stunning too, with plenty of “je ne sais quai” and “joie de vivre” – all of which makes a golf holiday in the South of France a great option.
Italy
Italy is in 10th place in the countries in Europe with the most golf courses, with a total of 308. You can find golf courses throughout the country, so can combine a round or two with anywhere you’d like to visit. However, the largest concentration is in the North of the country.
2022 saw the Ryder Cup be held in Italy and since then the country has really started to push itself as a great golf destination in Europe. The courses are diverse and set in beautiful landscapes, with some really exclusive options available. You can combine a round of golf with a visit to a historic and stunning city such as Rome, or visit a beautiful golf resort and enjoy beautiful countryside, food and wine in Tuscany. You can even play golf and visit the canals of Venice! A golf break in Italy is perfect for lovers of great food, excellent wine, art, architecture and culture.
Ireland
Golf Digest’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses names the Royal County Down Gold Club in Northern Ireland as the number 1 course in the world, Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland as number 4 and Ballybunion in Kerry at number 10. This little country punches well above its weight and size with its golf offering! It has 357 courses in total, has a third of the world’s natural links courses and has given us some of the best players of recent years. It has been named International Golf Destination of the Year several times thanks to these great courses, its natural beauty, vibrant cities and welcoming, friendly people. While we can’t promise sunny skies, you’ll get a warm welcome and be able to enjoy great pubs, bracing walks and traditional music and dancing.
Wherever you choose for your European golf travels, you’re sure to have a wonderful time. So where’s next on your list?
[post_title] => Europe’s Best Golf Destinations
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[post_content] => Golf is a really popular sport, which has been growing rapidly since 2020. According toGolf Monthly, there are around 68 million golfers playing worldwide in 2023, across 146 countries. There has also been a 15% rise in participation since 2020 and the numbers are expected to rise.These passionate golfers love to play at home, but also want to take their favourite game abroad and pit their skills against some of the world’s best courses. In 2023, in the US alone, over 12 million golfers went on a golf holiday and golf tourism is big business. Golf tourism is expected to hit 27 billion dollars in revenue this year, and exceed a 65 billion US dollars by 2035, fuelled by a continued demand for luxury golf experiences.Will you join the millions of golfers hitting the road for a golf holiday in 2025?If you’re considering it, here are our favourite golf destinations to add to the list.
1. Marbella, Spain
You won’t be surprised to hear that Marbella is on the top of our list! We’re keen golfers at Vacation Marbella and have personally tried the majority of the 70golf courses on the Costa del Sol. We can tell you first hand that the range and quality of these courses, as well as the proximity and ease of travelling between them, makes this area hard to beat. On top of the courses, the weather makes Marbella a very popular place to practice golf under sunny skies, and combine a round or two, with topping up your tan.A large golf industry has sprung up around this high density of golf courses. This means that you can takegolf classes in Marbella, with some top golf pros, and improve your game during your next golf holiday. You can also visitgolf shops and pick up some new gear, as a memento of your trip.Marbella is a fantastic holiday destination all year round, but still best known as a summer holiday destination. Thegolf season in Marbella is in the traditional off-peak season of spring and autumn. This means that the flights and accommodation prices are lower than during the summer months. But as a tourist hot spot, you still get all the amazing restaurants, bars, shops, tours and experiences to enjoy when you’re not on the golf course – with less people to share it with!! It’s a win-win.Find out more about theCosta del Golf and all it has to offer on our website, or contact us to arrange avacation rental in Marbella, which makes the perfect base for your next golf holiday.
2. Scotland
Scotland is known as the home of golf, and has the world’s oldest golf course, the aptly named Old Course in St Andrews, which has been in use for over 600 years. Scotland has the highest number of courses per head of population in the world, more than 550 golf courses in total. Many of the world’s best tournaments are played in Scotland as well, so you can combine playing with watching golf. Find out more aboutgolf in Scotland.In addition to the golf, the city of Edinburgh is a beautiful destination, and a comedy hot spot in August during its famous festival. The Scottish countryside is another big draw for visiting Scotland for a golf holiday.The big downside to Scotland is the weather, which is often rainy and cold. So, a golf holiday to Scotland is for the hardy golfer!
3. France
France has a long history of golf, and boasts the first golf course in Europe, which opened in 1856. There are over 600 courses in France and the nation is passionate about the game, with more than 400,000 members of golf courses in the country.The countryside is beautiful, and varied, with a great range of courses adapting to the stunning landscape and you can follow in the footsteps of some of the world’s best golfers by playing the Le Golf National's L'Albatros course, which hosted the 2018 Ryder Cup.A golf holiday in France is often combined with visiting the wine makers and enjoying the amazing French food, so it’s a good option if you like your food and wine, as well as your golf.
4. Florida
There’s more to Florida than Disney! It has over 1,200 courses and has been called the Golf Capital of the World. Some of the most famous courses in the world are found in Florida, and its home to The Players Championship, PGA Tour and Champions Tour. The warm climate is a big draw as well, with great conditions all year, and you can combine golf with visiting the beach and theme parks too.
5. Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland boasts over 90 golf courses and punches well above its weight when it comes to quality. Golf Digest’s World’s 100 Greatest Courses ranking names Royal County Down in Northern Ireland as the best course in the world and has four courses in the country in its top 100. Royal Portrush will be hosting The Open championship between the 13th and the 20th of July 2025, really shining a light on the great golf courses in Northern Ireland and seeing thousands of fans flocking to watch the best golfers in action. Find out more aboutgolf in Northern Ireland.
6. England
England is fourth in the world for number of courses, with 2,270, according to Golf Monthly. It’s a good destination for a golf holiday because of the variety of landscapes, which give rise to a great mix of courses. In England you can play on links, heathland and parkland courses, including some of the best in the world.Golf Digest names Sunningdale Golf Club in Berkshire as the best course in England, followed by Royal Birkdale in Merseyside and Royal St. George’s in Kent in third place, which has been an Open Championship venue since 1894.Of course, as well as golf, England boasts a wide range of historical and architectural places of interest, plus vibrant multicultural cities and an amazing theatre and arts scene. Despite the weather, this makes it a great destination for a golf holiday.
7. Northern California
California is probably best known as the home of Hollywood and the vibrant cities of LA and San Francisco, or perhaps for the natural delights of Yosemite National Park, but it’s also a fantastic place to visit on a golf holiday. Golf has been a feature of this part of the US since 1892 and has some amazing courses from the Golden Age of golf. It boasts over 900 golf courses in total, only beaten by Florida and New York in terms of numbers. Probably the best known is Pebble Beach, as the home of the US Open on six occasions, due to return there in 2027. It’s expected to increase in importance for golf breaks in the future, thanks to its excellent climate and wonderful landscape, amazing infrastructure and other things to visit.We hope you enjoyed our run down of the 7 best golf destinations in 2025. Have an amazing golf holiday!If Marbella is at the top of your list, you can trust in the golf holiday experts from Vacation Marbella.Contact us and we’ll help you find the best accommodation and support you with everything from Green Fees to recommendations on where to go and what to do, to ensure you have the best time.
[post_title] => The 7 best golf trips to take in 2025
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[post_content] => Spain has a love affair with golf and has 486 golf courses in total! This puts it in sixth place in the world. So, there’s no wonder that one of the oldest golf tournaments is the Spanish Open Golf, which has been played since 1912. This has been an amazing event to showcase the talent of Spanish golfers, with homegrown talent winning 39 of the 96 titles.
This year it’s taking place in Madrid in October, just over 2 hours by train from Malaga. This makes it a great option for a golf holiday in Spain!
October is one of the best times to play golf in Andalucia, with blue skies, plenty of sunshine, but cooler temperatures, which make your round more comfortable. Imagine playing on some of the best golf courses in Marbella, visiting the wonderful city of Malaga and then zipping up to the nations capital to watch the world’s best golfers in action.
Here’s what you need to know to plan your visit.
ACCIONA Open de España presented by Madrid 2025
This year, the Spanish Open is taking place from the 9th to the 12th of October.
The best of the best will be flying into Madrid for three days of amazing golf action and you could be there too.
Tickets are not on sale yet, but you can register your interest to be the first to hear about tickets and packages.
Where is the Spanish Golf Open played?
Once again, the Villa de Madrid Country Club is hosting this year’s Spanish Open, as it has for the last five years.
The course was designed by Javier de Arana and opened in 1956. It is a par-71, 6,970-yard Black course, which tests the players off the tee and requires the very best driving accuracy. The greens are challenging and on the back nine the putting surface is more difficult, which could set up a dramatic finish if plenty of players are in with a shot at the title.
In addition to golf, you’ll find horse riding, tennis, padel, hockey, swimming pools, a gym and sauna at this great club.
What is the format of the tournament?
The format of the Open de Espana is a standard strokeplay event played over 72 holes with a cut after 36 holes (two rounds). The player with the lowest score over four rounds will win the tournament.
Players for this year will be announced on the European Tour website.
Last year it was won by Ángel Hidalgo – who will take the title in 2025?
Spanish Open Golf: History
The Spanish Open has a long history of exciting events, and is a favourite with some of the world’s best golfers. It started in 1912, and became part of the PGA European Tour in 1971 and it is actually the third oldest golf tournament in Europe.
It saw Sergio Garcia’s entry to professional golf, and the last win of the golf legend Seve Ballesteros.
Last year’s event saw an all-Spanish play-off, with Angel Hidalgo and Jon Rahm fighting it out for the win. Hidalgo took the victory and it was particularly special, as it was his first DP World Tour title.
Jon Rahm has won an impressive three times at the Spanish Open, Angel De La Torre won it five times and Mariano Provencio won it four times. Other winners include; Arnold Palmer, Severiano Ballesteros, Sergio García, Bernhard Langer and Nick Faldo.
Find out more about the history of the Spanish Golf Open.
Who will be next to lift the trophy?
Other golf tournaments in Spain
You can play in golf tournaments in Marbella throughout the year, if you want to see how your skills stack up to the rest.
There are also loads of great tournaments to watch this year on the Costa del Golf.
Liv Golf is coming to Andalucia once again in July, with three days of action taking place at Valderrama between the 11th and 13th of July.
You can also watch the Final of the Professional Andalucian Golf Circuit in August, in Alhaurin de la Torre on the 11th and 12th of August.
Check out our full list of golf tournaments in Andalucia and come and join the fun!
[post_title] => Spanish Open Golf: The 2025 event and its history
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