Top 100 Golf Resorts - 2016 by katrinaash14

BY THE PUBLISHERS OF

TOP 100 GOLF RESORTS IN CONTINENTAL EUROPE The ﬁrst ranking of the continent’s premier places to play and stay.

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TOP 100 RESORTS

WELCOME “ARE there enough really good resorts to make it a worthwhile Top 100?” That was the question we asked ourselves when we sat down to discuss a project that has been over a year in the making. The conclusion back then was an uncertain “pretty sure there is”. The answer now, having finished the project, is a categorical “yes”. And as you read through this inaugural Top 100 ranking of the finest resorts in Continental Europe, we will be surprised if you don’t agree with that assessment. The depth to the quality of venue is patently impressive; from the day when we wondered if it was possible to maintain quality from 1 to 100, we ended up with 10 very strong contenders immediately outside the list, and another 20 that would have been seamless additions too. That is testament to the high-class options available to the travelling golfer

these days – as is the fact they stretch across the continent. The 1-100 map indicates just how wide-reaching golf has become, with options from Slovakia to the Canaries and Belek to Denmark. The fact this is the first Top 100 of resorts – quite why such a comprehensive ranking hasn’t been done before is a mystery – makes it simultaneously difficult and easy. There is no past history to constrain and influence, but equally there is no framework to work from. Of course we were helped enormously by our Top 100 Courses list, and you will see plenty of familiar names from it. But we didn’t want it to be simply a ‘Courses with Rooms’ list, and the criteria we used means a majority are resorts that do not have a Top 100 course attached. Full details on how we did it are over the page – and as tedious as it might seem, it is worth at least a cursory glance to get an idea of how we decided this Top 100.

Top 100s are acutely subjective projects and this one is no different. Plenty will disagree with our selections, but be assured we agonised at length over it all. We have a reason behind every choice! We tried assiduously to create a compelling list that will assist you in your golf travel choices for 2017. We wanted to spark debate but most importantly to inspire golf travel – because as the wide spectrum of ‘types’ of resorts in this Top 100 illustrates, there is categorically a golf resort to suit the taste of every golfer. We hope we have succeeded to some extent in doing so – and please let us know your thoughts on this inaugural Top 100.

Chris Bertram Top 100 Editor

Aphrodite Hills Resort in Cyprus. Cover image: Tecina La Gomera.

TOP 100 RESORTS

HOW WE CREATED THE The criteria, the eligibility, the panel and the aims… what went into producing this inaugural list?

e wanted this Top 100 to be credible, thorough and transparent. We wanted it to be entertaining and insightful. And we wanted it to be relevant; we didn’t want it to be a Top 100 for the sake of it – plenty of those exist already. We wanted it to be genuinely useful; to be used as a reference for golfers who travel (we even use one precious line in every entry to indicate where to fly to). It was with all that in mind that we eventually decided on the categories used to judge each resort. Factors such as ‘nongolf amenities’ and ‘accessibility’ were used – and helped to distinguish this Resorts 100 from our long-standing Continental Courses 100. It would otherwise have been very easy for the lists to otherwise

HOW DID WE RATE THEM?

Each resort contender was marked out of 100 in these five categories: Golf course/s - 40 points; Accommodation - 20pts; Non-golf amenities 20pts; Practice facilities - 10pts; Location - 10pts.

4 Golf World Top 100 Resorts

look very similar, and thus less worthy. We ended up with a contest so tight that a few had to be decided on countback. Who decided the list?

Chaired by Courses & Travel Editor Chris Bertram, we sought views from a number of figures within the golf travel industry as well as exceptionally well-travelled golfers whose opinions we also seek for the Top 100 Courses list. Golf writers from individual countries were also consulted. Why use marks?

We used them in our GB&I Top 100 earlier this year (to add ballast to the ranking, to better explain our decisions, and to indicate more clearly to readers what to expect from a course/resort by

Golf course/s

The quality but also the quantity of the holes. We largely followed our Top 100 Courses ranking as a guide, while a second course was often crucial as it gives you the option of never having to leave the resort for golfing variety.

highlighting strengths and weaknesses). The method was arguably of even more benefit in deciding this list, given the wide variety of decisive factors. We liked the occasions a resort’s total mark placed it higher or lower in the list than expected but when we re-checked the numbers and re-analysed its merits in the five different categories, we concluded that “yes, it does look high (or low) but actually, it is positioned where it deserves to be”. What qualifies as a resort?

A key question, and in all honesty, one without a definitive answer. The classic ‘resort’ is accommodation (usually a hotel) and golf course with the same owners on the same site. This accounts for almost 90 per cent of this Top 100. In many ways,

Accommodation

Fairly self-explanatory... but given that there was a separate category for non-golf amenities, this one focused on the range and quantity of accommodation rather than facilities other than dining options.

THE 2016 PANEL

Chris Bertram GW’s Courses & Travel editor has been to 62 of the resorts and many key contenders. Borje Laurinsson With wife Gunnel, Swedish couple use our Top 100 Courses to guide them all over Europe. Hans-Joachim Walter The former German Amateur champion travels widely, has written six golf books. Nigel Butler With wife Suzanne, these Brusselsbased golfers set up Where2Golf.com Peter Bjerkeseth Extremely widely-travelled Norwegian golfer with particular expertise in Scandinavia.

FIRST TOP 100 I would prefer to have been militant in abiding by this criteria, with anything separately owned or not cheek by jowl not included. It would, however, have led to exclusions of what to many of you will seem like resorts every bit as much as the ‘classic’ resort. If a hotel and course do not have the same owner, they work closely together with packages. All but every resort’s accommodation is on site or within a five-minute shuttle. On the occasions it is more than this, we explain why we felt it deserved inclusion (while docking it marks for Accessibility). It is probably true to say we favoured ‘classic’ resorts with lots of accommodation and amenities as opposed to great courses with minimal accommodation – we didn’t want this to be ‘Courses with Rooms’.

Non-golf amenities

Yes, a lot of points, but if we simply did it on courses and accommodation, anywhere with so much as a Dormy House would be eligible and it would be so similar to the pure Courses list as to reduce its worth and relevance.

There are so many different types of resort, it is as difficult to compare them as it is links, heathlands, and parklands. But that is why marking helps, and why we hope the results are useful to you when you are weighing up your golf travel. Why no value?

It makes an already difficult project impossible. Perhaps 20 years ago it would have been possible to add ‘Value’ as a section, but with so many golf travel companies offering a myriad play-and-stay deals, it would make a mockery of such a mark. You can easily work out for yourself which resorts offers the best value: source a few deals and if a top-20 resort can be secured from the same prices as something in the 70s, it must be sensational value. n

Practice facilities

Can vary a lot but you will see a lot of 7s – which essentially indicates they have the basics of a range and a putting green. It did, though, often make a key difference to an overall total when a resort had worked hard on them - including No.1.

Olle Dahlgren From Falsterbo, Sweden, he was another key advisor on the Scandinavian resorts. Peter Gammie Lives close to the France-Spain border so is an invaluable expert in resorts in both countries.

KEY TO THE LISTINGS

XX Name Of The Resort Location, Country

Course xx Accommodation xx Amenities xx Practice xx Accessibility xx TOTAL: XX Fly to: An indication of how long it will take you to drive to each resort from the nearest airport or airports. What to expect: A summary of the main attractions in each resort, with an emphasis on the course/s accommodation and amenities. GW verdict: An indication of why the resort has been positioned where it is, an assessement of its attractions, and a suggestion of which kind of golfer and golf travel party it might suit best.

Accessibility

Harsh in that resorts do not build motorways or select airline routes – but slick travel is important. We factored in number of flights to the nearest airport, the distance to that airport, and distance between golf & accommodation.

Top 100 Resorts Golf World 5

The resorts where tourna

European Tour Properties is a global network of world class golf venues. Here we sele

ith a vast array of golf to choose from in Continental Europe, selecting a resort that guarantees an outstanding golf course in superb condition, as well as a ﬁrst class hospitality experience isn’t always easy. But with European Tour Properties, your destination comes with a stamp of tournament quality. European Tour Properties is a global network of world class golf venues that includes 12 top European resorts with on-site accommodation – all offering golf and hospitality experiences of the highest standards. Play and stay at one of these venues and you will enjoy the sort of experience leading tournament professionals enjoy week-in and week-out. As the European Tour has expanded globally, so has the European Tour Properties network. Today there are 22 world class golf venues for you to discover across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. And the new European Tour Travel Club means you can speak to a specialist golf travel adviser and book a break to all European Tour Properties venues conveniently and with conﬁdence. Here’s your guide to European Tour Properties’s world class resorts in Europe.

Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort***** LOCATION: Provence, France COURSES: Le Château & Le Riou RESORT: Terre Blanche sets all the benchmarks for golf resorts in Europe. Voted the 2013 European Golf Resort of the Year (IAGTO), and a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, this resort exudes luxury and style. Accommodation is all suites and villas, nestling into the Provençal hills. Resort amenities include a world class spa, a European Tour Performance Institute and a Michelin star restaurant, not to mention two outstanding Dave Thomas designed golf courses, including Le Château, rated among Golf World’s Top 100 Courses in Continental Europe. WEBSITE: en.terre-blanche.com

Troia Resort LOCATION: Lisbon, Portugal COURSES: Troia Golf RESORT: Set on a sandy peninsula reaching out into the Atlantic between the Natural Park of Arrábida and the Sado Estuary, Troia Resort, 45 minutes’ drive south of Lisbon, enjoys a remarkable location. The Robert Trent Jones Snr golf course, cut between pines and sand hills and boasting striking sea views, is a classic and ranked among Golf World’s Top 100 Continental European courses. The resort is complemented by ﬁve and fourstar hotels, together with a range of modern apartments, villas and beach houses, with restaurants, as well as an entertainment centre and casino. WEBSITE: troiaresort.pt

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ament quality is standard

ect 12 of the best resorts in Europe. Mount Juliet Estate

Quinta do Lago

LOCATION: County Kilkenny, Ireland COURSE: Mount Juliet RESORT: Centred around a 250-year-old manor house, guests can stay in the grand Georgian house or in Hunters Yard, an 18th century stables block offering spacious rooms with private terraces overlooking the estate gardens. Voted one of the top 20 resorts in Europe by Condé Nast Traveller, Mount Juliet features spa and leisure amenities, an equestrian centre and a Michelin star restaurant. The Jack Nicklaus designed golf course has hosted three Irish Opens and two WGC American Express Championships, won by Tiger Woods and Ernie Els respectively. WEBSITE: mountjuliet.ie

LOCATION: Algarve, Portugal COURSES: South, North & Laranjal RESORT: Located within 2,000 acres of the Ria Formosa natural park, Quinta do Lago is one of the most beautiful golf resorts in Europe and offers a unique lifestyle experience. Villas are available to rent directly from the resort offering guests a home from home during their stay, ideal for those seeking a peaceful holiday. There are lots of family friendly activities including Picnics in the Park and outdoor movies. Three outstanding golf courses, as well as Europe’s ﬁrst Paul McGinley Golf Academy and a TaylorMade Performance Centre, are the star golf attractions. WEBSITE: quintadolago.com

Diamond Country Club

Estonian Golf & Country Club

LOCATION: Vienna, Austria COURSES: Diamond Course, The Park & The Country RESORT: Venue of The Lyoness Open, Austria’s only European Tour Destination offers the combined charms of a picturesque landscape, the Danube region’s food and drink and, of course, the historic city of Vienna. With three golf courses on site – an 18-hole championship layout, 9-hole course and a 7-hole academy course (currently being developed into a second 18-hole course) – there’s plenty of golf for a weekend escape. Stay in the clubhouse rooms or the resort’s stylish, new aparthotel, which provides modern and spacious accommodation. WEBSITE: countryclub.at

LOCATION: Tallinn, Estonia COURSES: Sea Course & Stone Course RESORT: Estonian Golf & Country Club, close to Tallinn, enjoys stunning views of the Gulf of Finland and Baltic Sea. Guests can rent modern, Scandinavian style villas set amid the forests surrounding the Sea Course, rated among Golf World’s Top 100 in Europe. Visit in summer and you can play golf long into the evening, enjoying both the Sea Course and the 9-hole Stone Course. Look out for future developments here: 10-time major champion Annika Sörenstam is designing a new course as part of a resort expansion plan. WEBSITE: egcc.ee

BOOK WITH EUROPEAN TOUR TRAVEL CLUB

Secure your tournament-level experience at a European Tour Properties venue with European Tour Travel Club. The European Tour Travel Club, a partnership between The European Tour and Golfbreaks. com, offers travel packages to all venues in the European Tour

Properties network and more than 2,000 golf breaks worldwide. There are also exclusive opportunities to play in European Tour Pro-Ams and play

some of the world’s best courses the day after a tournament with ‘Sunday Pins on Monday’ packages. Call 0845 250 8404 or visit europeantourtravelclub.com

GOING GLOBAL

European Tour Properties’ global portfolio.

CONSTANCE BELLE MARE PLAGE

LOCATION: Mauritius The most recent addition to the network, it is set along 2km of white sand beach. Features two 18-hole courses, a range of luxury accommodation, seven restaurants, ﬁve bars and four pools. constancehotels.com

BLACK MOUNTAIN GC & RESORT

LOCATION: Hua Hin, Thailand Thailand’s only course in Golf Digest’s Best 100 Courses outside America and host of the True Thailand Classic. Stay in the private pool resort villas and have fun in one of Asia’s largest water parks. blackmountainhuahin.com

SAUJANA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

LOCATION: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Saujana’s two courses cut through a former palm and rubber plantation, with Bunga Raya voted the 69th best course outside the USA by Golf Digest. The resort also features world class hotels and a spa. saujana.com.my

MORE EUROPEAN TOUR PROPERTIES Enjoy tournament experiences at these venues including European Tour Travel Club packages. Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai, UAE Albatross Golf Resort, Prague, Czech Republic Golf Club St. Leon-Rot, Heidelberg, Germany London Golf Club, London, United Kingdom Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, Rome, Italy Kungsängen GC, Stockholm, Sweden www.europeantourproperties.com www.europeantourtravelclub.com

PGA Catalunya Resort

Le Golf National

LOCATION: Girona, Spain COURSES: Stadium & Tour RESORT: Voted the 2015 European Golf Resort of the Year at the annual IAGTO awards, PGA Catalunya Resort near Barcelona has recently opened Hotel Camiral, a new ﬁve-star hotel offering 149 luxury bedrooms with panoramic views over the resort’s two golf courses, swimming pool and gardens. An array of facilities including a deli, a pantry garden, a kids club and a junior club are also on the way. The Stadium Course, voted Spain’s No. 1 golf course, and the resort style Tour Course, sit alongside one of Europe’s ﬁnest short game practice areas, incorporating a vast chipping and putting green. WEBSITE: pgacatalunya.com

LOCATION: Paris, France COURSES: L’Albatros, L’Aigle & L’Oiselet RESORT: Situated on the outskirts of Versailles, near Paris, it will soon host one of the world’s greatest sporting events, The 2018 Ryder Cup. Consistently ranked in the World’s Top 100 and Europe’s Top Ten Courses, the Albatros is a globally recognised and impressive stadium design with slick greens and vast undulating fairways. Complemented by the 18-hole L’Aigle (Eagle) and the nine-hole L’Oiselet (Sparrow) courses, and the comfortable Novotel hotel, which is on site, Le Golf National is perfectly located for a weekend of golf and sightseeing in Paris and Versailles. WEBSITE: le-golf-national.com

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Maxx Royal Belek Golf Resort

Lighthouse Golf & Spa Resort

LOCATION: Belek, Turkey COURSE: Montgomerie Maxx Royal RESORT: This three-time venue of the Turkish Airlines Open is just not a world class golf venue, it is a sensational beachside resort. Every guest room in the ﬁve-star hotel has been designed as a suite offering spacious, luxury accommodation with views of the coastline. Ideal for families, the ﬁve à la carte restaurants are supplemented by two restaurants specially designed for children. As well as access to the beach, swimming pools and leisure amenities, there is lots of entertainment with live music and acrobatic displays included. WEBSITE: montgomeriemaxxroyal.com

LOCATION: Varna, Bulgaria COURSE: The Lighthouse RESORT: The Ian Woosnam designed course sits atop towering cliffs overlooking the Black Sea and features picturesque holes, many of which wind through woodland. This sunny, elevated position is also home to a ﬁve-star hotel featuring luxury guest rooms and suites with a variety of spa, ﬁtness and sports amenities, plus kids’ club. For guests preferring privacy, there’s a choice of sea view villas, forest villas and lakeside holiday villas, with and without swimming pools, plus one and twobedroom apartments. There’s also access to a sandy beach. WEBSITE: lighthousegolfresort.com

Bom Sucesso Resort

Linna Golf

LOCATION: Óbidos, Portugal COURSE: Guardian Bom Sucesso RESORT: Bom Sucesso is a unique resort where modern design and architecture blend with the natural beauty of the Óbidos lagoon. Recognised by the Portuguese government as a ‘Project of National Interest’ the resort features a variety of townhouses and individual detached villas available to rent for short breaks or longer holidays, alongside a luxurious spa and a range of leisure facilities such as an outdoor swimming pool and tennis courts. The 18-hole Donald Steel-designed course rides the region’s rugged slopes and provides visiting golfers with striking sea views. WEBSITE: bomsucesso.net

LOCATION: Near Helsinki, Finland COURSE: Linna Golf RESORT: Set amid pine forests north of Helsinki, on the banks of a tranquil Nordic lake, the resort at Linna Golf really is the land of midsummer dreams. The course itself was the ﬁrst USGA standard golf course in Finland and is frequently rated the best in the country. Helping make Linna Golf really special is its exquisite country house hotel, Vanajanlinna. Stay in the hotel, with its old world elegance and oak panelled restaurant, or wander a short distance to the expansive golf clubhouse where there are 12 Linna Suites, luxury modern accommodation, each featuring a living room, two bedrooms and private sauna. WEBSITE: linnagolf.ﬁ

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TOP 100 RESORTS

EXPERT OPINION

By Giles Greenwood

“COSTA NAVARINO IS A MUST VISIT” 100 Estonian G&CC

99 Bom Sucesso

Courses 28.5 Accommodation 14.0 Amenities 13.5 Practice 7.0 Accessibility 7.6 TOTAL 70.6

Course 25.5 Accommodation 16.0 Amenities 14.2 Practice 7.5 Accessibility 8 TOTAL 71.2

Fly to: Tallin airport is half an hour away. What it offers: A course-side, six-bed villa, this European Tour Properties member features 27 holes of Top 100-ranked Sea and the nine-hole Stone, being extended by Annika Sorenstam. GW verdict: Will go higher with second course and very high if they added to accommodation.

Fly to: Lisbon airport is an hour away. What it offers: Holiday villas and townhouses for rent along with a Donald Steel-designed course in a beautiful part of the Obidos countryside. GW verdict: European Tour Properties member offers a peaceful break now – the ﬁve-star hotel being built will see it leap in the next ranking.

Tallin, Estonia

Obidos, Portugal

Best quantity of holes? Quinta do Lago. All three courses are outstanding – an ideal resort if you don’t fancy wandering much. Best for fun golf? Lumine in Tarragona as alongside its two Championship courses is a nine-hole course called “Ruins” which is very accessible for all golfers. Favourite large hotel? This is difficult. Purely from a personal perspective, Lopesan Costa Meloneras in Gran Canaria. Great surroundings, the biggest pool I’ve been in with a superb course to match.

98 Sand

97 Aroeira

Course 27.2 Accommodation 15.1 Amenities 14.4 Practice 7.4 Accessibility 7.2 TOTAL 71.3

Courses 28.4 Accommodation 15.0 Amenities 13.0 Practice 7.0 Accessibility 8 TOTAL 71.4

Fly to: Gothenburg airport is 40 minutes away. What it offers: A ‘Next 100’ course on sandy soil that looks like a Scottish links. The 65-bed hotel is 150 yards from the 1st tee. GW verdict: Distinctive course allied to a low-key hotel makes this one for the golf enthusiast with only a sauna and gym as amenities.

Fly to: Lisbon airport is 35 minutes away. What it offers: Two courses among skyscraper pines led by Top 100-ranked No.1 by Frank Pennick. Overlooking Aroeira II, a selection of one and two-bedroom apartments and villas. GW verdict: Lovely golf, nice accommodation but limited facilities. Terriﬁc value, incidentally.

Jonkoping, Sweden

Lisbon, Portugal

Favourite small hotel? Finca Cortesin is unrivalled when it comes to luxury, proximity to great golf and the important apres golf. Best non-golf facilities? Chateau des Vigiers, near Bordeaux, France for its vineyards for wine tasting. Where reinvigorates you? Borgo Egnazia Hotel in Puglia, Italy. Hasn’t got the most highly-rated course (San Domenico); the hotel location, rooms and ambience make up for it. Best for a quick break? From the south, a quick drive through the tunnel to the Cote D’Opal gives you some terriﬁc courses. From further north, Costa Brava’s eight courses close together are a favourite.

96 Diamond Country Club

95 Biella (Le Betulle)

Courses 27.0 Accommodation 15.8 Amenities 13.2 Practice 7.8 Accessibility 7.7 TOTAL 71.5

Course 27.4 Accommodation 16.4 Amenities 13.2 Practice 7.0 Accessibility 7.8 TOTAL 71.8

Fly to: Schwechat airport is 50 minutes away. What it offers: Its No.1 course, the Diamond has hosted the European Tour since 2010 and the luxury Aparthotel rooms and clubhouse rooms offer style. A European Tour Properties member. GW verdict: Miguel Angel Jimenez’s remodelled course is the key attraction of a slick venue.

Fly to: Turin Caselle airport is 45 minutes away. What it offers: A Top 100-ranked course among mature woodland with a magniﬁcent set of par 3s and a sumptuous 16th plus a stylish golf hotel. GW verdict: The hotel oozes class but lacks the amenities to go higher. Very good for traditional golf and magniﬁcent food and wine though.

Vienna, Austria

10 Golf World Top 100 Resorts

Turin, Italy

Your favourite overall? Costa Navarino in Greece. World-class golf in a unique region plus beaches, sun, gastronomy and hospitality. Tricky to get to but a must visit. n Giles is a Director of the

International Association of Golf Tour Operators.

Linna

Hämeenlinna, Finland Course 28.0 Accommodation 16.0 Amenities 13.0 Practice 7.0 Accessibility 7.8 TOTAL 71.8 Fly to: Helsinki and Tampere airports are an hour away. What it offers: Onsite country house hotel and golf apartments that total 198 beds. A member of European Tour Properties, the course has long been Top 100 ranked. GW verdict: The 30 rooms and four luxury suites in the historic Vanajanlinna Castle Hotel are now complemented by modern two-bedroom Vanajanlinna Villas to give an accommodation offering superior to many similar rivals. The gently undulating course winds between pine and birch and among rocky outcrops and lakes. A delightful natural experience and while, relatively speaking, it lacks facilities it has much to enjoy.

HOW GOLF WORLD PLAYED A PART IN THE CREATION OF LINNA Linna was opened in 2005, the work of architect Tim Lobb, then of the European Golf Design firm of architects. But it also had input

from an unlikely source… a Golf World reader. A competition was held in 2003 to design a hole on the new course and it was won by Dave

Sampson, a South African student. His work is seen on the attractive par-5 15th – and it’s considered one of the best holes on the course!

The tale had a nice ending too; Sampson was then employed by EGD and is still designing courses for them 13 years on. “I was so fortunate to

win,” says Sampson. “It is the sort of thing you dream about, but it actually happened... I’m very proud of being a part of the Linna story.”

xxxxxxxx 201X Golf World 11

TOP 100 RESORTS

93 Konopiste

92 Peralada

91 Royal Zoute

Course 25.2 Accommodation 16.0 Amenities 15.2 Practice 7.8 Accessibility 7.6 TOTAL 71.8

Course 25.2 Accommodation 17.3 Amenities 15.2 Practice 7.0 Accessibility 8.2 TOTAL 72.9

Courses 31.8 Accommodation 14.8 Amenities 10.5 Practice 8.0 Accessibility 7.8 TOTAL 72.9

Fly to: Prague airport is 40 minutes away. What it offers: There are 45 holes here, two 18hole championship courses – as well as a nineholer. There are 100 double rooms in the ‘Castle’ hotel and four adjacent similarly stylish quarters. GW verdict: Lots of solid golf and characterful castle rooms. Another to offer terrific value.

Fly to: Girona airport is 30 minutes away. What it offers: The hotel has 53 beautiful rooms and two suites, haute cuisine, and an exclusive Wine Spa. It overlooks the pleasant course. GW verdict: A course of lakes and mature trees but barely 6,600 yards so this resort – host of the 1995 Catalonia Open – is easy to savour.

Fly to: Brussels is 50 mins, P&O ferry is 5 mins. What it offers: One of the finest courses in Europe plus an Executive course, super practice facilities and an elegant but small dormy house. GW verdict: For serious golfer. No amenities but the rooms overlooking the links are of highest spec… and residents pay half the green fee.

90 Crecy

89 Kaya Eagles

88 Palazzo Arzaga

Courses 26.6 Accommodation 16.3 Amenities 14.4 Practice 7.0 Accessibility 8.7 TOTAL 73.0

Course 23.9 Accommodation 17.9 Amenities 16.8 Practice 6.8 Accessibility 8.0 TOTAL 73.4

Course 25.4 Accommodation 16.8 Amenities 16.2 Practice 7.0 Accessibility 8 TOTAL 73.4

Fly to: Paris (de Gaulle) is 20 minutes away. What it offers: Two Arnold Palmer-designed courses as well as charming accommodation within centuries-old, renovated buildings. GW verdict: The on-site American-style courses are better than you might imagine, the rooms are spacious and charming, and the food is divine.

Fly to: Antalya airport is 40 minutes away. What it offers: A course designed by David Jones within 650,000m² of pine forest. Plus the predictably comprehensive luxury hotel offering. GW verdict: Might not be a star name in Belek but the course is fine – not a big name, but nicely conditioned. Needless to say, the hotel is superb.

Fly to: Milan Bergamo is 50 mins, Malpense 90. What it offers: A 15th Century palace that is now a five-star resort near Lake Garda. An 84-room Blu hotel with a renowned wellness centre, 18 holes by Jack Nicklaus Jnr, nine by Gary Player. GW verdict: Plenty of pleasant golf but an emphasis on the elegance of the hotel and spa.

87 Himmerland Golf & Spa

86 Kempferhof

85 Poggio Dei Medici

Course 27.1 Accommodation 16.5 Amenities 15.6 Practice 7.6 Accessibility 6.6 TOTAL 73.4

Course 28.7 Accommodation 15.6 Amenities 14.6 Practice 7.2 Accessibility 7.4 TOTAL 73.5

Course 26.5 Accommodation 16.4 Amenities 15.6 Practice 7.4 Accessibility 7.7 TOTAL 73.6

Fly to: Aalborg airport is 45 minutes away. What it offers: A Tour-calibre course that hosts the Made in Denmark event plus 27 other holes and a hotel with a large spa, three restaurants, fitness centre, pool, bowling. Cottages too. GW verdict: Lots of hearty modern golf on-site yet the spa and hotel are the highlights.

Fly to: Strasbourg airport is 20 minutes away. What to expect: A 1990 Robert von Hagge track that is very close to our Top 100. Sixteen exquisite suites in the heart of the castle. GW verdict: Oozes class, whether in the immaculate woodland course or in unique rooms that boast four-poster beds and bay windows.

Fly to: Firenze 20 mins, Bologna & Pisa 50 mins. What to expect: Sophie Gustafson is among the four Solheim Cup players to win tour events here. Also a UNA hotel within a restored farmhouse. GW verdict: Nice course in the Mugello valley is overlooked by a hotel with spa, outdoor pool and Jacuzzi, hence a higher ranking than its profile.

Czech Republic

Paris, France

Aalborg, Denmark

12 Golf World Top 100 Resorts

Girona, Spain

Belek, Turkey

Strasbourg, France

Bruges, Belgium

Milan, Italy

Florence, Italy

hotel****

spa

restaurants

châteaux course

vignes course

Bill Coore (USA) - 1989

Rod Whitman (CAN) - 1991

ENGLAND’S CONTINENTAL EUROPE’S

TOP 100 COURSES COURSES2015/16 2015

w w w . g o l f d u m e d o c r e s o r t . c o m

TOP 100 COURSES COURSES2015/16 2015 GOLF DU MEDOC (VIGNES)

GOLF DU MEDOC (CHATEAUX)

No.52

No.15

training center Bernard Pascassio

Situated among the vineyards of the Médoc between Bordeaux and the spectacular Atlantic coast beaches, Golf du Medoc’s 36-hole resort offers access to some of the finest golf and wine tours in south-west France. Only 20 minutes from Bordeaux Merignac international airport, the resort’s elegant hotel is merely yards from the 1st tee of both highlyregarded courses. For golf, gastronomy and wine-tasting, a visit to Golf du Medoc Resort on the wine route is a must.

Chemin de Courmateau - 33290 Le Pian Médoc T. 33 (0)5 56 70 31 31 - F. 33(0)5 56 70 78 78 contact@golfdumedocresort.com

wine tasting

TOP 100 RESORTS

EXPERT OPINION

By Jon Ruben

“SALOBRE HAS STUNNING VIEWS” Best quantity of holes? Costa del Sol – From Torrequebrada and Santana down to Finca Cortesin and Valderrama. There are so many strong courses throughout the region. Even the budget courses offer some fantastic golf holes. Best for fun golf? Murcia – With Mar Menor, Roda Golf and the IRM courses all within 25 minutes of the airport. Best golf facilities? PGA Catalunya – Worldclass practice facilities with many different bunker types, large putting green and great driving range. The clubhouse is beautiful modern architecture and serves up fantastic food. Favourite large hotel? Sheraton Salobre, Gran Canaria – Stunning views down the mountain and has two challenging golf courses on site. Favourite small hotel? Las Madrigueras, Tenerife – real five-star facilities and service. A stunning hotel worthy of all accolades. Best non-golf facilities? Sueno Deluxe, Belek – Cinema, bowling alley, tennis, night club. The list goes on. The resort you always feel reinvigorated at? La Cala – Stunning views from the hotel with a great spa, beautiful rooms, firstclass food and service. Three golf courses on site too which are all fantastic. Best for a quick break? Prague – Two-hour flight and lots of great golf courses to choose from. n Jon owns golf travel

agency Golf Escapes.

14 Golf World Top 100 Resorts

Grado

Friuli, Italy Course 26.8 Accommodation 16.0 Amenities 16.8 Practice 6.6 Accessibility 8.0 TOTAL 74.2 Fly to: Venice airport is 80 minutes away. What it offers: A course set on the edge of a lagoon in an Everglades-type setting, which is part of a large holiday resort with a myriad activities. GW verdict: Italy’s best lower-proﬁle resort. A scenic course in super nick, and accommodation that ranges from log cabins to marina suites. There are sports facilities galore – basketbal, football, tennis, swimming pool, cycling... the list goes on. The onsite restaurant offers very good, very well-priced food and the golf clubhouse sumptuous fayre. Grado is a classy version of a British holiday camp, with a really nice golf course and tremendous weather the added attractions. Utopia for sporty families.

ONE R NEXT TFIO ME? Castelfalﬁ in Italy ha s2 by

7 holes d Rainer Pre esigned ismann a and you ca nd Wilfrie d Morode n currentl r y stay in th La Tabacc e boutiqu aia ho e Top 100 re tel… but this will b e a key sort conte nder nex because t time, Il Castelfa lﬁ – a new star hote ﬁvel – is bein g built an d will open in M arch 2017 .

84 Tecina La Gomera

83 Is Molas

82 Almenara

Course 27.3 Accommodation 16.9 Amenities 15.9 Practice 7.0 Accessibility 6.6 TOTAL 73.7

Course 27.4 Accommodation 16.8 Amenities 15.0 Practice 6.8 Accessibility 8.0 TOTAL 74.0

Course 25.1 Accommodation 17.2 Amenities 16.2 Practice 7.2 Accessibility 8.6 TOTAL 74.3

Fly to: Tenerife/G Canaria or get Fred Olson ferry. What to expect: Hotel Jardín Tecina overlooks the Atlantic and the Donald Steel course also has such views as it winds like a ski run down a hill. GW verdict: Canary Island La Gomera is hard to get to but the clifftop course is thrilling while the hotel sits in gardens of rare plants and ﬂowers.

Fly to: Cagliari airport is 25 minutes away. What to expect: Views of the sea of Sardinia and the hills of Sulcis, a 75-room hotel and a 27-hole course that has hosted the Italian Open. The base for England’s Italia ’90 World Cup squad! GW verdict: Sardinia’s ﬁrst course has matured nicely. The hotel offers typical Italian elegance.

Fly to: Malaga airport is 40 minutes away. What it offers: A resort course that’s better than it is credited with, plus a large, well-equipped hotel with separate villas for peace and privacy. GW verdict: A likeable course is backed up by an even better hotel in a peerless location. The ideal base for Valderrama et al on a Sotogrande trip.

81 Dolce Fregate

80 El Encin

78 Black Sea Rama

Course 26.5 Accommodation 16.5 Amenities 15.8 Practice 7.1 Accessibility 8.0 TOTAL 74.3

Course 26.4 Accommodation 16.0 Amenities 15.0 Practice 8.4 Accessibility 8.6 TOTAL 74.3

Course 28.2 Accommodation 15.8 Amenities 17.0 Practice 7 Accessibility 6.4 TOTAL 74.4

Fly to: Marseille and Toulon 20 minutes, Nice 90. What it offers: Mediterranean views, superb courses and four-star accommodation with a renowned food and beverage offering. GW verdict: Ronald Fream designed the 18 and nine-hole courses among pine trees and rocks. The four-star hotel has ﬁve-star hints to it.

Fly to: Madrid Baraja airport is 25 minutes away. What it offers: A Robert Von Hagge course that has hosted the European Tour. Superb practice facilities. A well-appointed 39-room hotel on site. GW verdict: This a slick base for a golf break to under-appreciated Madrid. Sports facilities galore and very good, well-priced food too.

Fly to: Varna airport is an hour away. What to expect: A Gary Player-designed cliff-top course, and one or two-storey villas arranged in villages (with ﬁve-star hotel service/amenities). GW verdict: Some think this is the best course in the Cape Kaliakra area, and the superblyserviced villas offer a different experience.

La Gomera, Spain

Marseille, France

77 Las Americas

Sardinia, Italy

Madrid, Spain

Sotogrande, Spain

Cape Kaliakra, Bulgaria

Tenerife, Spain

Fayence, France

76 Le Chateau De Taulane

75 Son Antem

Course 26.1 Accommodation 17.2 Amenities 16.2 Practice 7.0 Accessibility 8.2 TOTAL 74.7

Course 27.6 Accommodation 16.8 Amenities 15.2 Practice 7.2 Accessibility 8 TOTAL 74.8

Course 24.1 Accommodation 18.0 Amenities 16.7 Practice 7.2 Accessibility 8.8 TOTAL 74.8

Fly to: Tenerife South airport is 10 minutes away. What it offers: Hotel and course have different owners but are on the same site, joined up as a resort. Guests at Las Madrigueras hotel even get free buggies. A John Jacobs course, from 1998. GW verdict: Ravines, lakes and streams deﬁne the course and comfort the colonial-style hotel.

Fly to: Nice airport is 40 minutes away. What to expect: Gary Player’s ﬁrst French track and a 20-room ‘chateau’-style hotel with an indoor pool, sauna, steam bath, and Jacuzzi. GW verdict: Beautiful course – at times through mature woodland – and a grand, four-star hotel. One for the discerning traveller in every sense.

Fly to: Palma airport is 30 minutes away. What to expect: Two resort courses within a large holiday resort of a Marriott hotel – and its myriad amenities – pools, tennis and villas. GW verdict: Perfect for family breaks – one of the top 20 in this 100 – given the facilities, while the golf is ﬁne without being startlingly good.

Majorca, Spain

Top 100 Resorts Golf World 15

TOP 100 RESORTS

Chateau des Vigiers: ideal for a tranquil wine and golf escape, just don’t expect vibrant nightlife

10 TRAVEL TIPS

How to get the most from your much-anticipated golf break. 1 BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF

Ask yourself what you really want from your golf break before you choose what country, and then which resort to look for. Do you genuinely want lots of golf or actually, if you’re honest, do you want golf on every other day and otherwise be relaxing by the pool? Don’t book the kind of golf break you think you should be booking – book what you want to actually do when you’re there.

2 LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION...

There isn’t the space in each of our listings to expand on what to expect in the environs of each resort, but it is deﬁnitely something worth researching. So, don’t moan about feeling caged in your resort at Belek – because that’s the gig there, just as it is in the Caribbean or Mauritius et al. Or that there’s nothing much to do at night near Bogogno or Monte Rei – as they are stand-alone resorts in countryside. Don’t be ignorant of the resort’s location when booking.

3 TO CARRY OR NOT TO CARRY?

We have researched the cost of taking your clubs with you

18 Golf World Top 100 Resorts

elsewhere in this supplement, so you have the information to hand – but a decision still has to be made. Our rough guide is that if you are playing more than two rounds, take your own clubs. We all know we prefer their familiarity – but ClubsToHire or the resort itself will supply good kit that serves you well for a round or two.

4 TO HIRE OR NOT TO HIRE?

We always hire a car, but it’s not for everyone. And you need to ask yourself if you will use the car or will, in all honesty, you stay in your resort and use it only for the return trip to the airport. It might seem a lot cheaper than two taxis, but don’t forget that on top of the actual car rental itself you will have fuel as well as potentially road tolls... and, very possibly, navigational hassle.

INSURANCE TIP

If you do like to hire a car, and you take more than one trip a year, it’s worth knowing that multitrip liability insurance is available for around £50 a year. It takes away a lot of the worry about a scratch or worse, and means you can conﬁdently refuse the rental outlet’s sales pitch for one-off insurance.

6 WHY NOT DRIVE THERE?

One way to solve the club and car hire quandaries is to take your own car – and thus your clubs and all your other gear. Not an option for too many of the resorts in this Top 100, but for a trip to Belgium you are well advised to catch the overnight P&O ferry to Zeebrugge and for a golf break to northern France or Paris, the EuroTunnel is superb.

CREATE YOUR OWN PAPER TRAIL

If you drive your own car or hire one over there, have some sort of map in the car, even if it is just your own print out of the area. Your phone’s GPS will be invaluable (if you buy some roaming credit), but if you lose signal, you are snookered. After a storm knocked mobile masts out in Italy last month, that is exactly what happened to us... with less than amusing consequences.

DON’T WASTE THE SUNSHINE

In some ways, you should save your trips to all-year-round destinations for winter time and go to Northern Europe in the summer. The Algarve, Belek, Cyprus and Sicily will be nice

in March and October – France, Sweden et al might well not be. And you’ll ﬁnd quiet courses in the likes of France and Northern Italy – with their sneakily warm summers – as everyone is on holiday then.

9 BE REALISTIC ABOUT ROUND TIMES

Yes, we would all like to get round in 3hr 15, but it’s just not happening is it – so don’t plan your itinerary relying on that being the case. Be realistic and allow up to ﬁve hours, otherwise you are going to ruin your enjoyment because you’ll be doing too much chasing around. Or just do what we love to, and play late afternoon into evening round – it is millionaire’s golf for the cost of what is probably a reduced green fee.

10 A BIT OF ADMIN

If you’re in your 20s you’ll ﬁnd this boringly organised, but for those of us the other side of 40, our feet blister more readily, our stomachs get upset more easily, mosquito bites annoy us more and hangovers have added ﬁre. So pack plasters, anti-histamine tablets, your go-to stomach settler and a pack of Alka-Seltzer... or face a Pharmacy hunt when you least feel like it. n

EXPERT OPINION

Saint Endreol

By Cameron Ritchie

Frejus, France

Course 27.6 Accommodation 16.9 Amenities 15.4 Practice 7.0 Accessibility 7.9 TOTAL 74.8 Fly to: Nice, Toulon and Marseille are around an hour away. What to expect: A course by Michel Gayon dominated by the Rock of Roquebrune, a mountain of red sandstone. It also enjoys panoramas along the river Endre. Off the course there is a really good spa within a 50-room hotel. GW verdict: One of the many attractive French resorts, Saint Endreol does a lot well; solid golf, well-appointed, distinctive rooms overlooking the pool plus premium rental two-to-ﬁve bed individual villas with pool. The restaurant, located in a country house serves renowned food.

“LA MANGA WOULD BE TOP FOR ME” Best quantity of golf? Real Club de Golf El Prat – 45 holes by Greg Norman winding through woodlands. Best for fun golf? This must have been used so many times before but Penina is the one for me. It’s got the Resort course where there’s no pressure, a good range... and if you end up hating golf, there are loads of amenities. Best golf facilities? PGA Catalunya has excellent practice facilities – a huge range but an assortment of different types of practice bunkers should you so desire! Quinta do Lago is another good practice area. Best non-golf facilities? La Manga would be the top choice for me – amazing tennis and football facilities. There is always something for non-golfers. The resort you always feel reinvigorated at? Dona Filipa with its renovated rooms and the beach just a sand wedge away. The Praca has great bars and restaurants. The most accessible for a quick break? Flying into Murcia for the Intercontinental Mar Menor or Faro for Vale do Lobo.

73 Palheiro

72 Barbaroux

Course 26.8 Accommodation 17.6 Amenities 15.8 Practice 7.0 Accessibility 7.6 TOTAL 74.8

Course 28.4 Accommodation 16.5 Amenities 15.1 Practice 7.0 Accessibility 8 TOTAL 75.0

Fly to: Funchal airport is 15 minutes away. What to expect: A course with views over Funchal and the Atlantic from fairways among the hills. A terriﬁc small hotel, attention to detail and fabulous food. GW verdict: Madeira’s sole entry is difficult to fault but for its relative accessibility. Not the amenities of others, but for a peaceful, high-calibre break, it is superb.

Fly to: Toulon and Marseille are a little closer than Nice. What to expect: A Pete Dye and PB Dye course of typical Dye ﬂair in mature Provence woodland; one hole includes three large lakes and one green is nearly 80 yards long. Plus an appealing 52-room Mercure hotel. GW verdict: A tranquil setting among aromatic trees, rosemary and lavender, this is a resort for an escape.

Madeira, Portugal

Brignoles, France

Favourite overall in Continental Europe? It may not be the most glamourous but the Hotel Almenara is always a delight to stay at, there’s a very decent course on site, and just next door you have Valderrama, La Reserva and Real Club Sotogrande. n Cameron is head of

product (Portugal & Spain) for Golf Breaks.

Top 100 Resorts Golf World 19

TOP 100 RESORTS

71 Barcelona Golf & Spa

70 Bad Ragaz

Course 28.3 Accommodation 16.2 Amenities 15.1 Practice 7.4 Accessibility 8.0 TOTAL 75.0

Course 25.9 Accommodation 17.9 Amenities 16.4 Practice 7.8 Accessibility 7 TOTAL 75.0

Fly to: Barcelona El Prat is 20 minutes away. What to expect: A modern hotel with 150 rooms, a renowned restaurant, Spa, gym and pool. The Masia by Jose Maria Olazabal has hosted the Ladies Tour, plus the Esteve executive course. GW verdict: Set among vineyards, offers a quiet break of even quality on and off the course.

Fly to: Zurich airport is an hour away. What it offers: Where Sergio lured those big names after The Open for a charity day, plus one of Europe’s leading wellness hotels. GW verdict: A Next 100 course, a parkland by Don Harradine, but the biggest attraction is the feted spa & wellness... and general opulence.

69 Barseback

67 Vale do Lobo

Course 29.6 Accommodation 15.6 Amenities 14.7 Practice 8 Accessibility 7.3 TOTAL 75.2

Courses 28.0 Accommodation 16.0 Amenities 15.8 Practice 7.0 Accessibility 8.4 TOTAL 75.2

Fly to: Malmo, or Copenhagen & drive to Sweden. What it offers: Built for the 2003 Solheim Cup, 36 distinctive rooms in hotel sits between the pines and sea. There are 45 holes on site too. GW verdict: Masters course has hosted 13 Tour events, an intriguing mix of Woburn with a seaside section. Relatively limited amenities.

Fly to: Faro airport is 40 minutes away. What to expect: Apartments to choose from in the ‘small town’. Two respected 18-hole courses. GW verdict: If all the facilities were owned by the golf club it would be top 20. Instead, you hire a villa, enjoy the Ocean and Royal courses’ sea views and eat in one of the many restaurants.

66 Chateau Golf Augerville

65 Budersand

Course 27.4 Accommodation 16.1 Amenities 15.5 Practice 8.1 Accessibility 8.2 TOTAL 75.3

Course 31.3 Accommodation 16.3 Amenities 13.2 Practice 7.2 Accessibility 7.4 TOTAL 75.4

Fly to: Paris Charles de Gaulle is 90 minutes. What it offers: Created in 1995 by Olivier Dongradi in woodland crossed by l’Essonne river. There are 40 charming rooms in the chateau. GW verdict: Beautiful surroundings, a strong layout that is tight in places. Already very good – could rise higher under Troon management.

Fly to: Sylt from Germany – or via ferry/shuttle. What to expect: A Top 30-ranked genuine links on a former army training ground on the remote island of Sylt, plus a minimalist modern hotel. GW verdict: Don’t make the tricky journey here for amenities and a family holiday, go here for high-calibre golf and a soulful experience.

Barcelona, Spain

Malmo, Sweden

Orelans, France

20 Golf World Top 100 Resorts

Zurich, Switzerland

Vilamoura, Portugal

Sylt, Germany

Boavista

Lagos, Portugal Course 27.1 Accommodation 16.4 Amenities 15.7 Practice 7.6 Accessibility 8.4 TOTAL 75.2 Fly to: Faro airport is 45 minutes away. What it offers: A solid course by Howard Swan with some excellent views over the Algarve and its coastline from its high points. Plus lots of well-appointed and spacious villas to rent, with pools close to them all. An excellent short-game area too. GW verdict: Some of the best villa accommodation in Continental Europe helps lowproﬁle Boavista to this top-70 slot. It might well be the best-value resort in the Algarve and is well located for Palmares and Penina too. If you don’t need a course within the resort that is right out of the top echelon, Boavista should be on your radar.

GOLF CLUB CARRIAGE - THE FACTS By the time we get to the bit where the airline’s website asks what baggage you want to take, you’ve got your heart set on those flights and you just stump up. But we really ought to be at least armed with the correct information before we start searching for flights – so we have collated the golf club carriage charges for the main airlines operating out of this country. It’s especially good to know on those occasions when there is barely £60 between comparative flight costs…

Virgin Atlantic Free, under 23kg – and does not count in free baggage allowance.

Thomson Holidays

Free, if pre-booked by telephone – and does not count in free baggage allowance.

Free, as your checked baggage up to 190cm x 75cm x 65cm and under 23kg.

FlyBe

Free, as your checked baggage if pre-booked, up to 20 kilos. Or £30 at airport.

Thomas Cook

From €39.99 (booked in advance) up to €44.99.

Monarch

From £25 to £28 if prebooked or £35 (at the airport) for 20kg.

Jet2

£30 per ﬂight (online or telephone) for 20kg.

Ryanair

£30 per ﬂight (online) or £35 (at airport) for 20kg.

Easyjet

£30 per ﬂight (online) or £40 (paid at airport) for 20kg.

Top 100 Resorts Golf World 21

TOP 100 RESORTS

64 Lighthouse

63 Kusadasi Resort

62 Castelconturbia

Course 26.9 Accommodation 18.0 Amenities 16.6 Practice 7.6 Accessibility 6.6 TOTAL 75.7

Course 28.1 Accommodation 16.6 Amenities 16.9 Practice 7.3 Accessibility 6.8 TOTAL 75.7

Courses 28.0 Accommodation 17.2 Amenities 15.6 Practice 7.0 Accessibility 8.0 TOTAL 75.8

Fly to: Varna airport is an hour away. What to expect: A member of European Tour Properties, the five-star 180-room hotel looks over the Black Sea and has lots of leisure facilities and the ‘third’ course of the Cape Kaliakra area. GW verdict: The clifftop course is just one part of an impressive all-round family-friendly resort.

Fly to: Both Bodrum and Izmir are an hour away. What to expect: Aegean views from a two-tier course among lakes, olive and carob trees. Good Academy plus a 400-room Ramada hotel with highlights including six pools and an aqua park. GW verdict: The course is a five-minute shuttle, so it loses access marks. A good family venue.

Fly to: Malpensa 25 mins away, Bergamo 45 mins. What it offers: A Robert Trent Jones-designed Top 100 course of 27 holes that is backed up by a neat, small hotel attached to the clubhouse. GW verdict: Some of the best green complexes in Italy, well-manicured loops of nine and a stylish hotel. One for golf and foodie couples.

61 Anfi Tauro

60 Château des Vigiers

59 Campo Real

Course 28.0 Accommodation 16.5 Amenities 16.0 Practice 7.2 Accessibility 8.2 TOTAL 75.9

Courses 27.1 Accommodation 17.9 Amenities 15.6 Practice 7.2 Accessibility 8.4 TOTAL 76.2

Course 25.8 Accommodation 17.7 Amenities 17.0 Practice 7.6 Accessibility 8.2 TOTAL 76.3

Fly to: Las Palmas airport is 40 minutes away. What to expect: A Von Hagge course routed over desert terrain, exacting holes mixing with brilliant ones. Breathtaking in every respect. Accommodation overlooks the 1st and 18th. GW verdict: Scandinavians love it and it is firstrate, mixing serious golf and cosy apartments.

Fly to: Bordeaux is 60 minutes, Bergerac just 15. What it offers: Three loops of nine return to a handsome Château that offers some of the list’s most characterful accommodation. Annexe is ideal for families/groups, plus a spa and pool. GW verdict: The chance to mix wine, food and golf in a relaxing setting will appeal to many.

Fly to: Lisbon airport is 30 minutes away. What it offers: Donald Steel-designed course within protected hills and valleys. The hotel has 151 stylish rooms, indoor and outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, the DiVine Spa, and sports facilities. GW verdict: The golf is resort fare but this north Lisbon venue is as a whole anything but ordinary.

58 Las Colinas

57 Lubker Resort

56 Penati

Course 30.0 Accommodation 15.5 Amenities 14.6 Practice 7.4 Accessibility 8.8 TOTAL 76.3

Courses 31.7 Accommodation 15.5 Amenities 14.5 Practice 7.0. Accessibility 7.6 TOTAL 76.3

Courses 32.8 Accommodation 16.0 Amenities 12.7 Practice 7.2 Accessibility 7.6 TOTAL 76.3

Fly to: Alicante airport is 50 minutes away. What to expect: Modern apartments and villas with large gardens or terraces, and a communal swimming pool. Tennis, bike hire, golf academy, gym and Kids’ Club. Course is a Top 100 stalwart. GW verdict: One course and no hotel, but offers more facilities than similar hotel-less resorts.

Fly to: Aarhus is 20 minutes, Aalborg 100 mins. What to expect: RTJ-designed 27 holes plus luxury houses or apartments that are so well equipped. Restaurants, a café, and a 3,500m2 wellness centre are the non-golf attractions. GW verdict: A ‘golf and spa’ option; a Top 100 track, limited facilities but lovely villas for a base.

Fly to: Bratislava airport is an hour away. What to expect: New courses in a pine setting (one in the Top 100 by Jonathan Davison, the other by Nicklaus Design) as well as villas. GW verdict: If value was a factor it would earn top marks. Play-and-stay deals are sensational. of We really like Davison’s classic architecture.

Cape Kaliakra, Bulgaria

Gran Canaria, Spain

Alicante, Spain

22 Golf World Top 100 Resorts

Aydin, Turkey

Bordeaux, France

Grenaa, Denmark

Milan, Italy

Lisbon, Portugal

Bratislava, Slovakia

USE PROMO CODE: RESORTGOLF16

/marriottpraiadelrey

TOP 100 RESORTS

EXPERT OPINION

By Edouard des Fontaines

“GLORIA SPORTS ARENA IS QUITE EXTRAORDINARY”

55 La Quinta

54 Vila Sol

Course 27.6 Accommodation 16.1 Amenities 15.6 Practice 8 Accessibility 9 TOTAL 76.3

Course 26.2 Accommodation 17.4 Amenities 17.0 Practice 7.0 Accessibility 8.8 TOTAL 76.4

Fly to: Malaga airport is 40 minutes away. What to expect: A ﬁve-star hotel, apartments and villas. A gym, tennis, and a huge spa, plus 27 holes by Ryder Cupper Manuel Piñero. GW verdict: Excellent hotel amenities, lots of dining options and solid if low-proﬁle courses. There’s a nice feel to this popular resort.

Fly to: Faro airport is 40 minutes away. What to expect: Three loops of nine among pine trees make for enjoyable rounds without a backbreaking challenge. A range of accommodation. GW verdict: One of the town-type resorts, it will suit all kinds of visitor but notably those seeking restaurants and amenities over world-class golf.

Marbella, Spain

Vilamoura, Portugal

53 Thracian Cliffs

52 Monte Rei

Course 30.0 Accommodation 17.1 Amenities 15.5 Practice 6.6 Accessibility 7.2 TOTAL 76.4

Course 32.1 Accommodation 15.3 Amenities 12.6 Practice 8.2 Accessibility 8.4 TOTAL 76.6

Fly to: Varna airport is an hour away. What to expect: You’ve all seen the course – it’s that ludicrously spectacular one Gary Player says is Europe’s Pebble Beach. A well-equipped hotel. GW verdict: You can also play Lighthouse and BlackSeaRama and barely drive for 10 minutes, so a super three-course trip. Loses access marks.

Fly to: Faro airport is 45 minutes away. What it offers: Portugal’s No.1-ranked course as well as rented villa accommodation and probably the best food on offer in this list in the clubhouse. GW verdict: Easy to categorise; for nothing more than high-calibre golf and a lovely villa with a pool, it’s ideal. Just don’t expect lots of amenities.

Kavarna, Bulgaria

Tavira, Portugal

Best quantity of holes? Quinta do Lago has to be up there with its 54-hole offering. You can also consider PGA Catalunya, Golf du Medoc or Terre Blanche. The best for fun golf? La Cala Resort has three courses carved into the Mijas mountains. Most holes offer spectacular views, with big elevation change which are fun. Best golf facilities? Terre Blanche has it all - a rooftop range, home to only one of two European Tour Performance Institutes, which includes the world famous biomechanics unit headed by Jean Jacques Rivet. Favourite large hotel? Maxx Royal in Belek would be close, a dazzlinglooking hotel with impeccable service. Penha Longa is also an impressive Ritz Carlton in the grounds of an old monastery. Your favourite small hotel? Rio Real Golf Hotel on the Costa del Sol. This boutique hotel is of a very tasteful modern style. A the lovely golf course too. Best non-golf facilities? Gloria Sports Arena in Belek – quite extraordinary.

51 Emporda

49 Vidago Palace

Course 28.2 Accommodation 16.8 Amenities 15.5 Practice 8.1 Accessibility 8 TOTAL 76.6

Course 27.2 Accommodation 18.1 Amenities 16.5 Practice 7.0 Accessibility 7.8 TOTAL 76.6

Fly to: Girona is 30 minutes away, El Prat an hour. What to expect: Von Hagge-designed Links and Forest 18-holers plus a DoubleTree by Hilton located between the two courses. GW verdict: A stylish hotel with extensive nongolf amenities and contrasting courses that are both in the Continental Next 100.

What to expect: An historic woodland-parkland course successfully renovated, plus one of the most characterful and classy in this Top 100. GW verdict: Combining the capital attractions of Porto, the wine of the Douro Valley, the cute course and the majestic hotel give this bags of appeal for connoisseurs of life and golf.

Girona, Spain

24 Golf World Top 100 Resorts

Porto, Portugal

The resort you always feel reinvigorated at? Costa Navarino. There is an aura about the place as soon as you step foot in the resort. Verdura is also a very good choice. Your favourite overall? PGA Catalunya, Terre Blanche or Quinta do Lago... and Penha Longa. n Edouard is Golf Breaks’

global head of product.

Argentario Resort Tuscany, Italy

Course 26.8 Accommodation 18.6 Amenities 16.4 Practice 7.0 Accessibility 7.8 TOTAL 76.6 Fly to: Rome’s Fiumicino airport is 90 minutes away. What to expect: An achingly-stylish 73-room designer hotel and an independent golf villa. A sumptuous spa plus heated indoor swimming pool, outdoor pools, a hi-tech gym and tennis courts. A course designed by former Tour player Baldovino Dassù and architect David Mezzacane in the lush Monte Argentario landscape. GW verdict: A slice of Tuscan utopia. No-one had anything other than positive things to say about Argentario as a golf break of comprehensive quality in a gorgeous location.

TOUR TRAVEL TIP

By Nick Dougherty

European Tour winner and Sky Sports pundit “My wife (presenter Di) absolutely disagrees with this – and sometimes actually denies me the chance to follow my own travel rule – but I am convinced you have to sleep only when it is night time in your destination. Even just a couple of hours makes a big difference, so do anything you can to hang on before shutting your eyes!”

A TASTE OF FRANCE

Ch‚teau des Vigiers Three delightful loops of nine are just one reason for visiting this elegant and historic golf resort in south-west France’s world-famous wine region.

hâteau des Vigiers is the perfect place for those seeking intimacy and a feeling of total relaxation. From the moment you sweep down the grand driveway and first set eyes on the magnificent 16th century château and its lake, you enjoy the feeling of time slowing down and nature awakening your senses. The tranquillity and contentment begins now, and is continued in gastronomy, wines, golf and well-being – all enjoyed in authentic surroundings. A visit to Chateau des Vigiers is a wonderful feast for the senses.

The region At the heart of authentic France, this is a region full of history and tradition. Situated at the gateway of the Dordogne Valley, in the heart of ‘Purple Périgord’, it is perfectly located for visiting the region’s vineyards, châteaux, grottoes and gardens. Taste the world famous wines of Bordeaux and explore the medieval village of Saint-Emilion. Discover the fantastic markets full of colour, sounds and seasonal smells. Stroll along the streets of medieval, fortified towns and cobbled back streets of Bergerac, Sarlat or Périgueux. Taste the local delicacies, like truffles, caviar, foie gras.

The Château Simple luxury and French charm is exuded in 25 personalised rooms containing antique furniture that reflects the history of the château. Relax in the library while flicking through an old book, savour one of the delicacies in the tea room or enjoy an old Armagnac during a game of billiards. A minute’s walk from the château are exquisite suites made from traditional stone and wood, each with their own terrace overlooking the magnificent lake.

The Relais Clad entirely in wood, this is a tranquil haven in the heart of the grounds. With its 40 rooms, The ‘Relais’ has been built to

Even breakfast is an occasion here, offering anything from local fresh meats, cheeses and fruits to the simple pleasure of a piece of fresh bread toasted to perfection.

Vineyards and wine experience Château des Vigiers is the ideal starting point for a complete sensory immersion at the heart of the finest vineyards in France.

Restaurant “Les Fresques”

the highest quality eco-friendly standards in sympathy with the local, traditional architecture of tobacco-drying barns. Each room is decorated in a contemporary style, with all modern comforts, including large Italian showers and exceptional views over the grounds. Perfect for families.

Michelin-starred restaurant “Les Fresques” restaurant symbolises French gastronomy. Head Chef, Didier Casaguana, who was awarded one Michelin star for the third consecutive year, cooks the best local and regional produce with dexterity and delicacy. Didier, an ambassador of French gastronomy, prefers to use local, small producers so as to offer you authentic dishes, passionately prepared.

Bergerac, Bordeaux, Duras, Monbazillac and Saint-Emilion stretch along the banks of the Dordogne river. Stroll among the vines and meet the men and women who epitomise a unique and ancient savoir-faire. Then savour the pleasure of tasting their produce, guided by Chateau des Vigiers’ insightful sommelier.

The golf course In a unique setting, this is a feast for the eyes as you play. The 27-hole course is considered a benchmark in Aquitaine’s golf offering. The three loops have been perfectly routed round the lake and the Valley of Vines by highly-respected British architect Donald Steel, who has worked on many of the Open Championship venues. Orchards, plum trees, oak forests and vineyards provide magnificent backdrops, with a spectacular, unforgettable view over the Château at the lakedominated finish of two of the loops.

Well-being centre To help you relax is CdV’s greatest pleasure.

BOOK VIGIER AT S.COM FOR THE AVAIL A BEST BL RATE E

At The Relais or at the Château’s Beauty Centre, relaxing around the swimming pool or enjoying your chosen treatment, you will find somewhere to unwind. Allow yourself to be pampered by our beauticians at the Maria Galland beauty centre. Indulge yourself with face and body treatments, where everything is done to ensure your serenity. Their dedicated relaxation areas include everything you need to relax, including sauna, hammam and jacuzzi.

Stunning scenery

Michelin Star Restaurant

Luxury 4 Star Accommodation

How to contact Chateau des Vigiers:

Where to find Chateau des Vigiers:

Send an email to reserve@vigiers.com, telephone 00 33 553 61 50 00 or explore the venueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s excellent website w w w.vigiers.com

Le Vigiers, 24240 Monestier, near Bergerac Airport (20 minutes away with many direct flights from England) and close to SaintEmilion (45 minutes).

France's Best Golf Hotel

TOP 100 RESORTS

“THERE ARE QUALITY FRANK RESORT COURSES... IF PONT YOU CHOOSE WISELY”

Architect Frank Pont is a keen but demanding golf traveller. He picks 10 resort courses he likes. Golf du Medoc A quality place; good on-site hotel with great deals on grand crus and two very good courses on flat ground, but with a lot of strategy and short-game interest. PGA Catalunya Probably the resort with the best and most friendly service I have visited. The main course is not one of my favourites but this is also influenced by the very penal set-up when I last visited; narrow fairways bordered by ‘lost ball’ rough. El Prat When I played, the stimp was 11-12 so the undulating greens were virtually unplayable. A very tough course. ‘Second’ course is a lot more forgiving and fun. Mondays are quiet... and half price. El Saler One of my most favourites. Probably Javier Arana’s best course (a Spanish pupil of Tom Simpson I have a weakness for), in the dunes just south of Valencia. A must-play right on the Mediterranean! Golf National The pros love it, but for me it’s just too penal. But, I would recommend to play the course before the Ryder Cup, so you recognise the holes during the event. Penati You would not expect it in Slovakia, but it is probably the closest a site in Europe comes to resembling Pine Valley. Be sure to play the Legends course by Jonathan

El Saler, Spain.

‘Penati is probably the closest a site in Europe comes to resembling Pine Valley’ Davison, which has some very good, fun and strategic holes in the round. Emporda Two courses by Robert von Hagge that I thoroughly enjoyed, one linksy, the other in the forest. There is a lot of great golf on this site, but some unnatural shaping. Le Touquet I am conflicted, since I work on this site, but even with that bias I am confident this is one of the best 45-hole resorts in Europe. If you include Hardelot (owned by the same operator) just down the road it’s a slum dunk...

Sporting Club Berlin Great 54-hole resort with a very good hotel attached on a beautiful lake. The Faldo course gets most of the attention, but I liked the Stan Eby course a lot. Barbaroux If you have never played a Pete Dye course, this is your only chance in Europe to see how he drives pros crazy. A solid design on a very difficult site. n Frank Pont is one of Europe’s leading architects and has engaged in a recent partnership with feted US designer Mike DeVries.

EUROPE COULD HAVE ITS BANDON DUNES It struck my US partner Mike DeVries and I that Europe’s golf scene has many golf resorts but there is not one superior venue with several world-class courses (World Top 100). This ‘Bandon Dunes’ of Europe would have

28 Golf World Top 100 Resorts

to have a spectacular location, sit on sandy soil – preferably along the sea – and have a climate that would allow fast, ﬁrm playing conditions. There are several places where such a resort could be built, be it the Baltic

or Atlantic coast, the sand hills of Slovakia, or farther aﬁeld in Turkey or Morocco. But the most important thing would be a visionary operator to ﬁnd such a site and get architects in to build courses of global reputation.

Bogogno Milan, Italy

Courses 28.7 Accommodation 17.4 Amenities 15.9 Practice 7.0 Accessibility 8.0 TOTAL:77.0 Fly to: Malpensa airport is 25 minutes, Bergamo is 70 minutes. What to expect: Two challenging modern courses of almost equal Top 100 quality that are built around a well-appointed, spacious hotel which has a large pool as well as a children’s playground, tennis courts, a football pitch and fabulous terrace restaurant. GW verdict: For the discerning golfer who wants to play lots of golf and otherwise laze by the pool and eat like a king, Bogogno is perfect. Some of the best service in the 100.

63 HO E S TO SAVL O U R Bogogno and fellow

Castelcon Top 100 R turbia are esort within a ﬁ drive of e ve-minute ach other. A n d on the latt with thre e nines er and tw o 18-hole former, y o u can stay rs at the Borgoma in the nero area for a wee feel you a k yet not re playing the same holes day after day .

48 Donnafugata

47 Moliets

45 Sporting Club

Courses 28.4 Accommodation 17.4 Amenities 16.0 Practice 7.0 Accessibility 7.9 TOTAL:76.7

Course 27.1 Accommodation 16.6 Amenities 17.4 Practice 7.8 Accessibility 8.0 TOTAL 76.9

Course 28.9 Accommodation 17.8 Amenities 15.6 Practice 7.0 Accessibility 7.8 TOTAL 77.1

Fly to: Comiso airport is 10 minutes away. What to expect: Courses by Gary Player and Franco Piras that are Next 100 quality. The hotel has been created out of historic buildings and also has a good spa, pools and fitness centre. GW verdict: Fly to Comiso for an easy but terrific break – the hotel and food are magnificent.

Fly to: Biarritz is 20 minutes, Bordeaux an hour. What it offers: Top 100 course in a British-style seaside holiday village with accommodation of all sorts. Big discounts to book both together. GW verdict: Terriﬁc family option yet different to the Algarve or Belek resort hotels – it’s the sort of place where everyone is riding round on bikes.

Fly to: Berlin airport is 30 minutes away. What it offers: There are 63 holes here, by Nick Faldo and Arnold Palmer among others. The Faldo is a Top 100 stalwart. The A-ROSA Scharmützelsee is a huge wellness resort. GW verdict: Enough golf to last a week and lots of other activities; a very well-rounded resort.

Sicily, Italy

Bayonne, France

Berlin, Germany

Top 100 Resorts Golf World 29

TOP 100 RESORTS

44 Desert Springs

43 Titanic

42 La Cala

Course 28.9 Accommodation 15.9 Amenities 16.3 Practice 8 Accessibility 8 TOTAL 77.1

Course 26.4 Accommodation 18.0 Amenities 17.7 Practice 7 Accessibility 8 TOTAL 77.1

Courses 27.1 Accommodation 17.6 Amenities 16.7 Practice 7 Accessibility 8.8 TOTAL 77.2

Fly to: Almeria and Murcia are an hour away. What it offers: Apartments and houses around pools and gardens, villas with their own pool, a course was inspired by Arizona’s desert venues. GW verdict: A distinctive course, terrific practice facilities plus sports facilities and a Spa, this town-like resort is an alternative to La Manga.

Fly to: Antalya airport is 40 minutes away. What to expect: A course with a great site and the luxury hotel and amenities expected in Belek. GW verdict: The course is being redesigned by European Golf Design’s Gary Johnston – and when finished, and added to the off-course quality, this will threaten the top 30.

Fly to: Malaga airport is 30 minutes away. What to expect: Three championship courses, by Cabell Robinson plus a 107-room hotel with facilities from horse riding, hiking and mountain biking to Pilates and Yoga, tennis and pools. GW verdict: Courses may lack star status but 54 holes and superb facilities,make it easy to enjoy.

41 Arabella

40 Pula Golf

39 Robinson Nobilis

Course 28.2 Accommodation 17.0 Amenities 16.2 Practice 7.0 Accessibility 8.8 TOTAL 77.2

Course 29 Accommodation 16.8 Amenities 15.1 Practice 7.9 Accessibility 8.4 TOTAL 77.2

Course 28.3 Accommodation 17.5 Amenities 16.4 Practice 7.0 Accessibility 8.0 TOTAL 77.2

Fly to: Palma airport is 30 minutes away. What to expect: Arabella is the huge resort within which there are 63 holes led by 18-hole courses in Son Vida, Son Quint and Son Muntaner. Plus a Sheraton hotel on site. GW verdict: Great depth. None of the courses are Top 100 but all are very solid. Excellent hotel.

Fly to: Palma airport is 45 minutes away. What to expect: A hotel within a refurbished ancient castle. An underrated course, plus a heated pool, jacuzzi, spa, and feted cuisine. GW verdict: Jose Maria Olazabal’s overhaul gained the course real status. Chic hotel and topclass practice facilities. One for the connoisseur.

Fly to: Antalya airport is 40 minutes away. What it offers: Well-equipped hotel with tennis, archery, water sports, kids’ club, and even a cooking school. A low-profile but good course. GW verdict: We like the Robinsons group; they do things low key, but do them well. The course is sneakily as good as some big names in Belek.

Almanzora, Spain

Majorca, Spain

Belek, Turkey

Majorca, Spain

Mijas, Spain

Belek, Turkey

R ONE FO ME? NEXT TrelyI certain to join the

38 San Roque

37 Abama

Course 30.5 Accommodation 16.4 Amenities 15.2 Practice 7.0 Accessibility 8.4 TOTAL 77.7

Course 27.0 Accommodation 18.3 Amenities 17.2 Practice 7.0 Accessibility 8.2 TOTAL 77.7

Fly to: Málaga airport is 30 minutes away. What it offers: A Top 100 course (Old) plus one of the Next 100’s best (New). Right next to them are the very well-equipped Suites at San Roque, which hosted players in the ’97 Ryder Cup. GW verdict: Marketed terribly – for it has the class to be known as a top play-and-stay break.

Fly to: Tenerife South airport is 20 mins away. What to expect: One of the best-conditioned courses in Europe. The distinctive burnt-orange hotel is a lot, lot better than its exterior suggests! GW verdict: Tenerife’s top course and top resort thanks to the high-end course and its Atlantic views and especially the luxury hotel.

Sotogrande, Spain

30 Golf World Top 100 Resorts

Tenerife, Spain

su n-site r name is its first o A familia be res gets a lm s a st P e will list when tion. The first gu ary ru b e F oda e hotel in 7 holes accomm boutiqu 2 s f it o e to rs d e ou welcom op 100 c Onyria , with a T rt of the astute a 2017 and p a g d in nd be ns Quinta r on site, a te t also ow n a e th to p u d gro destine , it feels g. Marinha rts rankin so e R t x the ne

Korineum

Nicosia, northern Cyprus Course 27.9 Accommodation 17.8 Amenities 16.8 Practice 7.4 Accessibility 7.6 TOTAL 77.5 Fly to: Larnaca airport is an hour and 20 minutes away. What to expect: The deluxe Korineum Hotel opened in 2009 while Elite rooms were added two years later. They are within walking distance of the clubhouse and 1st tee of the David Hemstock design that was built in 2007 among olive and carob trees. GW verdict: Lines up ahead of many famous names, and does so deservedly. The solid course enjoys super sea and mountain views and has enough excitement in the holes around two lakes. The facilities includes tennis, beach sports, pools and a spa.

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TOP 100 RESORTS

EXPERT OPINION

By Carlton Carugati

“VIGIERS IS GREAT FOR WINE LOVERS” 35 Buenavista

34 Penina

Course 28.4 Accommodation 18.0 Amenities 16.3 Practice 7.2 Accessibility 7.6 TOTAL 77.5

Course 26.6 Accommodation 17.8 Amenities 17.2 Practice 7.2 Accessibility 8.8 TOTAL 77.6

Fly to: Tenerife South airport is 80 minutes away. What to expect: Adults-only hotel surrounded by the course – both owned by Hacienda Del Conde. A lagoon-style pool and inﬁnity views of the ocean, plus a Seve-designed course. GW verdict: Relatively tricky access but seriously impressive; wouldn’t be amiss 10 places higher.

Fly to: Faro airport is 45 minutes away. What to expect: Algarve golf’s birthplace and a hotel often enjoyed by celebrities; Paul and Linda McCartney once sang with locals in the late bar! GW verdict: Pleasant woodland course is augmented by very, very good practice facilities and one of the best family hotels in Portugal.

Los Silos, Tenerife

Lagos, Portugal

Best for fun golf? Chateau De Taulane near Grasse in France is a great golﬁng Chateau experience that holds golf initiation groups too. Best golf facilities? Quinta do Lago has a beach, a lake, tennis and water sports and a Paul McGinley golf academy. Favourite large hotel? Quinta da Marinha Resort in Cascais would be one: great facilities and golf. Favourite small hotel? Rio Real Golf & Hotel near Marbella gives guests a tailor-made experience and is situated on its own golf course with Marbella just ﬁve minutes away.

33 Aphrodite Hills

32 Amendoeira

Course 27.1 Accommodation 18.1 Amenities 17.4 Practice 7.2 Accessibility 8.0 TOTAL 77.8

Course 31.6 Accommodation 15.5 Amenities 14.3 Practice 7.6. Accessibility 8.8 TOTAL 77.8

Fly to: Larnaca is an hour away, Paphos 20 mins. What to expect: A course of spectacular views and holes, notably in the downhill short 7th, and hotel very popular with golfers and non-golfers. GW verdict: Still holds much attraction even in the era of Belek superstars thanks to an exciting course and super hotel (plus gorgeous climate).

Fly to: Faro airport is 40 minutes away. What to expect: A Top 100 course, the Faldo, backed up by a Next 100 course, the O’Connor – as well as luxury apartments and villas. GW verdict: If you want lots of challenging golf and do little else but relax by your villa pool, this is ideal. More for serious golfers than for families.

Paphos, Cyprus

Vilamoura, Portugal

Widest range of non-golf facilities? La Manga has great tennis, football, cricket facilities... plus scuba diving, horse riding, mountain biking, running and rambling. Best non-golf attraction? Château des Vigiers for wine-loving golfers. The resort you always feel reinvigorated at? Costa Navarino in Greece would be a good choice.

31 Quinta da Ria

30 Quinta Da Marinha

Course 29.0 Accommodation 17.2 Amenities 16.2 Practice 7 Accessibility 8.5 TOTAL 77.9

Course 26.6 Accommodation 18.5 Amenities 17.8 Practice 7.0 Accessibility 8.2 TOTAL 78.1

Fly to: Faro airport is 25 minutes away. What to expect: Two courses – the scenic-andeasier Ria and the technically-excellent Cima – with a neat Robinsons Hotel right in the middle. GW verdict: Its position might surprise, but this well-run, small resort in eastern Algarve puts big ticks in a lot of boxes. A real favourite of ours.

Fly to: Lisbon is 45 minutes away. What to expect: One of Portugal’s biggest and best hotels, along with a new boutique hotel on site, plus a course with scenic cliff-edge holes. GW verdict: The marks tell the story: Its course is enjoyable, but its hotels (the boutique one is hard to beat) are fabulous. Idyllic for families.

Tavira, Portugal

34 Golf World Top 100 Resorts

Cascais, Portugal

The most accessible for a quick break? There are loads of examples, Hardelot in France would be great for a long weekend – the same goes with the golﬁng in Belgium. Your favourite overall in Continental Europe? The recently-opened Hotel Camiral at PGA Catalunya Resort will deﬁnitely become a favourite for many golfers. n Carlton is general

manager of IAGTO.

Evian

Thonon-les-Baines, France Course 27.9 Accommodation 18.4 Amenities 16.3 Practice 7.7 Accessibility 7.9 TOTAL 78.2 Fly to: Geneva airport is an hour away. What to expect: A Next 100 course that is a strong contender for the Top 100 itself. Host of a ladies’ major, the practice facilities are excellent and the hotels are as exquisite as their location overlooking Lake Geneva would suggest it might be. GW verdict: The course has been renovated to good effect and enjoys fabulous views, while the hotels exudes class. A high-calibre resort on and off the course, one to retreat to when relaxation, tranquility and a quiet golf break are top of your wish list.

WHY I LOVE EVIAN By Lexi Thompson I’ve been to Evian six times and I’ve seen quite a few changes in that time. They changed the greens quite a bit on what is a great course. The greens roll fast and you can get some really tricky putts, so you have to know where to miss on the greens. A lot of thinking goes into it, but that’s what makes a great course. And obviously it’s an amazing location, with some amazing hotels. • Lexi is world No.5 and was 2nd at the 2015 Evian Championship.

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TOP 100 RESORTS

WIN A WEEK AT TROIA RESORT WORTH £3,500 You can enjoy a seven-night golf holiday at this world class resort south of Lisbon, which boasts a Top 100 ranked course.

his is your chance to win a luxury experience for you and three friends by winning an exclusive golf break, courtesy of Troia Resort and European Tour Properties. European Tour Properties, a network of 22 world class golf venues, all with the stamp of tournament quality, has teamed up with Golf World to give you the chance of winning a seven-night stay for four people at the breathtaking Troia Resort, a European Tour Destination in Portugal. Set on a sandy peninsula stretching out into the Atlantic between the Natural Park of Arrábida and the Sado Estuary, Troia Resort, 45-minutes’ drive south of Lisbon, enjoys a remarkable location. The

centrepiece of the resort is the Robert Trent Jones Snr-designed Championship Course, ranked among Golf World’s Top 100 European Courses in Continental Europe, featuring fairways cut between pines and sand hills and boasting striking sea views. THE PRIZE INCLUDES: n Seven-night stay for four people at

Aqualuz Apartments n Flights to Lisbon* n Four rounds of golf per person on the Troia Golf Course n Complimentary golf buggies n One complimentary restaurant meal n Full use of the venue’s facilities Visit troiaresort.pt for more on the resort.

EUROP EA PROPE N TOUR RT For mo re inform IES

ation o Europe n the an T portfoli our Propertie s o of wo rl destina tions an d class d c ourses visit ww , w.euro pe tourpro perties an .com

HOW TO ENTER

To be in with a chance of winning this prize worth more than £3,500, simply answer the following question: Q: Name the architect who designed Troia’s course? Go to www.todaysgolfer.co.uk, click on the Troia option and enter your email address. Entries close at midnight on October 12, 2016. Ts and Cs: European Tour Properties will cover

ﬂight* costs up to a maximum of £200 per person (ticket cost will be paid upon receiving a valid receipt). Prize package valid until October 31, 2017 (excluding July and August), with course and hotel bookings dependent on availability. Occupancy in two twin rooms. There is no cash alternative available and prizes are non-transferrable. General booking terms and conditions apply. Full terms can be found on the TG website.

SPECIAL OFFERS TO VISIT TROIA RESORT If you’re not a lucky winner this time, you can still visit Troia Resort with these special package offers, staying for three nights in a one-bedroom beach

36 Golf World Top 100 Resorts

apartment and including two rounds of golf: • €273 per person (September 24 – October 31, 2016; December 1 – 29, 2016; March 1 – April 12, 2017);

• €233 per person (January 1 – February 28, 2017) For more information and to book your golf break, email golf@troiaresort.pt or telephone +351 265 494 024.

Salobre

Gran Canaria, Spain Courses 28.8 Accommodation 17.6 Amenities 16.8 Practice 7.1 Accessibility 8.2 TOTAL 78.5 Fly to: Las Palmas airport is 40 minutes away. What it offers: Two courses routed over Arizona-like terrain and a splendid all-inclusive Sheraton hotel with several pools, stylish bedrooms and good all-inclusive buffet food. GW verdict: One of the resorts in the list that would appeal to everyone, due to its very consistent all-round offering. The golf – the Old is good, the New is verging on Top 100 – is the key lure but the hotel is really good, especially if you like quality without hype.

28 Montecastillo Jerez, Spain

Belek, Turkey

27 Sueno

25 Le Touquet

Course 27.0 Accommodation 18.1 Amenities 18.2 Practice 7.3 Accessibility 7.8 TOTAL 78.4

Courses 28.1 Accommodation 17.6 Amenities 17.8 Practice 7.0 Accessibility 8.0 TOTAL 78.5

Courses 31.8 Accommodation 16.2 Amenities 14.8 Practice 7.0 Accessibility 8.8 TOTAL 78.6

Fly to: Jerez is 10 mins away, Seville an hour. What to expect: A refurbished, very wellequipped Barcelo hotel plus a Jack Nicklaus design that was home to the Volvo Masters. GW verdict: Jerez and Seville not the most easily accessed from the UK so it loses marks there but otherwise this has serious all-round appeal.

Fly to: Antalya airport is 40 minutes away. What to expect: Two courses, the Dunes and Pines, that are a touch above solid ‘resort’ golf. Plus a hotel in Belek, so need we say any more? GW verdict: If a Top 100-ranked course isn’t crucial, this is your resort. Both are really good and the amenities/hotel superb. Sneakily good.

Drive to: Dover and take the EuroTunnel. What it offers: Two 18-hole courses, led by the historic, just-renovated La Mer. The Manoir Hotel outside the gates, is also owned by Open Club. GW verdict: Perfect as a long weekend for golf enthusiasts because while the hotel is excellent, it is not a Belek-style amusement arcade.

Le Touquet, France

Top 100 Resorts Golf World 37

WELCOME TO TUSCANY’S HIDDEN SECRET

Argentario Golf Resort & Spa Enjoy high-class golf, dining and accommodation at this five-star venue just 90 minutes from Rome.

or decades, the beautiful Italian region of Tuscany has been a popular destination among holidaymakers who enjoy history, culture, art and beautiful landscapes. However, over the past few years, it has also started to establish itself as a favourite destination for golfers too. That is down, in no small part, to the spectacular Argentario Golf Resort and Spa. It is located in the heart of the Maremma – a beautiful and

still-unexplored part of Southern Tuscany, only 90 minutes away from Rome’s Fiumicino International Airport. It comprises 73 designer bedrooms and an independent golf villa, all featuring a private terrace with views of either the stunning, lush Monte Argentario landscape, or the resort’s 18-hole championship golf course. Golf under the Tuscan sun The Argentario course was designed by

former European Tour player Baldovino Dassù, an Italian, and architect David Mezzacane, with holes subsequently shaped and revised by Brian Jorgensen. Thanks to the surrounding hills, the Orbetello Lagoon (a WWF-managed nature reserve) and the Tyrrhenian Sea, Argentario has its own micro climate, meaning golf is possible all year round. At the on-site teaching academy, one of the instructors who works there, Emanuele

SPECIAL PACKAGES n 10% discount off our “Golf & Wine”

packages (3 and 7 nights), and 10% discount off carts and trolleys n Valid for stays between 1 November 2016 and 31 March 2017 (upon availability, excluding New Year’s Eve) n Use the promocode: GolfWorld10 n Info & bookings by telephone +39 0564 810292 or email booking@ argentarioresort.it OFFICIAL RATES IN LOW SEASON: 3-night package from 493 euro per person, in a double room sharing 7-night package from 1010 euro per person, in a double room sharing DESCRIPTION OF PACKAGES: www.argentarioresort.com/offer/ golf-and-wine

Short Haul: Italy

The course at Argentario was laid out by Tour player Baldovino Dassu.

Canonica, is well known to British golfers as a past winner of the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles. In his lessons he uses the latest technology and equipment to ensure that you leave Argentario a better player than when you arrived. Away from the golf course… Argentario Resort also has a spa: the stylish Espace Wellness Centre is a 2,700sq/m oasis of tranquility, leisure and indulgence. Here you have the opportunity to get a relaxing treatment, join the personalised ‘Wellbeing Escape’ nutrition and fitness program, or simply use one of the range of other facilities. These include a heated indoor swimming pool, outdoor pools, a hi-tech gym and tennis courts. The on-site Dama Dama Restaurant offers delicious Tuscan and Mediterranean cuisine, with many of the ingredients having been grown on-site in the resort’s own organic vegetable garden. Argentario Resort is a luxury retreat with design at its heart, and it is the only golf

resort in the Design Hotel’s group. The rooms express their individual personality through a sophisticated and comfortable design, ranging from the minimalist look in a contemporary art gallery style, to the most glamorous spirit with chrome plating and stone tubs. Golf residences If you would rather own your private golf villa in this pristine corner of Tuscany, the resort features an all-new luxury residential project called Argentario Golf Residences. Some of its distinguishing characteristics: different types of villas with a choice of creative and sophisticated designs, panoramic location surrounded by typical olive groves, topnotch Italian furniture, and private terraces with a hot tub. Membership at Argentario Golf Residences entitles homeowners to enjoy unlimited access to the five-star services of Argentario Golf Resort & Spa. Apart from real estate investments, rental opportunities are available. For more details visit argentariogolfresidences.com

Exploring Maremma Tuscany Tuscany is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful parts of Europe to explore. With Argentario Golf Resort and Spa as your base for your trip, you will certainly not be short of things to see and do. Exploring the wider Tuscan area is easy to do, with most of the main towns and cities all within easy reach of the resort. Day trips to Florence, Pisa and Siena, in particular, come highly recommended. The golf resort is located close to idyllic little towns like Orbetello, Porto Ercole, Porto Santo Stefano and Capalbio, which means that you can get to know hidden gems away from mass tourism. Argentario’s fairways alternate with the vineyards and the pristine beaches, both sandy and rocky. Yours will be a golfing holiday with all the best that Tuscany has to offer. n Want to find out more? t: +39 0564 810292 w: argentarioresort.com e: booking@argentarioresort.it

TOP 100 RESORTS

Pine Cliffs

Albufeira, Portugal Course 24.8 Accommodation 18.9 Amenities 19.2 Practice 7.0 Accessibility 8.8 TOTAL 78.7 Fly to: Faro airport is 40 minutes away. What it offers: A nine-hole course with some holes set on the edge of the brightorange cliffs. Hotel and villa accommodation and an abundance of amenities – from a spa and tennis courts to kid’s entertainment that even the fussiest youngster will enjoy. GW verdict: That a resort with just nine holes is so high in the list is testament to the off-course attractions. The nine holes are really nice, and famously scenic, but you come here for a week’s holiday when you envisage playing a loop of nine three times before dinner... and spend the rest of the day in the pool and the inﬁnite other activities.

PROTECT YOUR PRECIOUS TOOLS Seven travel covers to help ensure you arrive on the Continent with your clubs in tact and without a strained back.

40 Golf World Top 100 Resorts

Sun Mountain Club Glider

Titleist Professional Collection

• Caters for cart and stand bags • Extendable legs and pivoting wheels effortlessly transport the bag • Can be packed from a standing position £159, brandfusionltd. co.uk

• Meticulously constructed with premium materials • Thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of every dedicated golfer • Sophisticated style, unsurpassed quality and smart functionality £205, titleist.co.uk

Wilson Staff Cover • Quality fabric, high-strength stitching and zips withstand overstorage and add durability trip after trip • Moulded handles (top and front) for easy lifting • Internal shield £119.99, wilson.com

23 Golf National

22 El Saler

Course 32.4 Accommodation 16.2 Amenities 16.0 Practice 7.4 Accessibility 8 TOTAL 80.0

Course 31.5 Accommodation 16.8 Amenities 15.9 Practice 7.7 Accessibility 8.2 TOTAL 80.1

Fly to: Paris Charles de Gaulle is an hour away. What to expect: The 2018 Ryder Cup venue plus an 18-hole ‘second’ course allied to a refurbished Novotel hotel that is connected to the clubhouse. A member of European Tour Properties. GW verdict: Lacks the charm of other Paris courses but this manufactured but thrilling venue is a ‘must play’ due to the 2018 factor.

Fly to: Valencia is 15 mins away, Alicante an hour. What it offers: A 65-bedroom Parador hotel with a distinctive decor, a spa and a pool. The Javier Arana course is ranked in our top 10. GW verdict: Situated between lagoon and sea, this is as close as Spain comes to a links, being surrounded by dunes and swept by sea breezes. An Open de España and Seve Trophy venue.

21 Cornelia

20 Troia

Course 30.3 Accommodation 17.3 Amenities 16.8 Practice 7.7 Accessibility 8.0 TOTAL 80.1

Course 31.8 Accommodation 17.6 Amenities 16.1 Practice 7.0 Accessibility 7.6 TOTAL 80.1

Fly to: Antalya airport is 40 minutes away. What to expect: Three loops of nine holes with the Prince combination in our Courses Top 100. A typically robust, luxury Belek hotel. GW verdict: Some reckon it’s Sir Nick Faldo’s most effective design work. The accommodation choice is indubitably splendid too – regarded as one of this well-endowed area’s ﬁnest.

Fly to: Lisbon airport and drive or drive/ferry. What to expect: Gorgeous, tough course with sandy turf and pines. Hotels, apartments and amenities nearby. A European Tour Property. GW verdict: A linksy course that we really like. Only the accommodation being a couple of minutes away – added to the fact the peninsula it is on is awkward to get to – loses it few marks.

Paris, France

THE ULTIMATE FOR FAMILIES For some of you, a nineholer ought not to be so high. I understand that opinion; for some of the golf trips I take – playing 36 holes a day for four days – it would be little use to me. But for others, when family are involved, it is possibly the best venue in this ranking. Firstly, the nine holes are lovely. Some are solid resort-style fare, others are some of the most spectacular in this list. So the golf is limited but enjoyable, and right on your doorstep so it’s temptingly convenient. Secondly, and most importantly, is the accommodation and especially the amenities. Choose to stay in a ﬁvestar hotel, spacious villas or chic new apartments – while even an energetic family won’t get round all the facilities in a full week. n Chris Bertram

Valencia, Spain

Belek, Turkey

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Lisbon, Portugal

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Top 100 Resorts Golf World 41

TOP 100 RESORTS

EXPERT OPINION

By Andrew Smith

19 Real Club El Prat

18 Oitavos Dunes

Courses 32.4 Accommodation 17.0 Amenities 15.7 Practice 7.0 Accessibility 8.2 TOTAL 80.3

Course 31.6 Accommodation 17.4 Amenities 15.6 Practice 7.5 Accessibility 8.3 TOTAL 80.3

Fly to: El Prat airport is 40 minutes away. What to expect: No less than ﬁve loops of nine, albeit one is mostly used for practice. Two of the loops form our 36th-ranked Continental course and the others are superb too. Plus on-site hotel. GW verdict: Real substance to this Tour host. Close to Barcelona but feels enjoyably remote.

Fly to: Lisbon airport is 40 minutes away. What to expect: A top-30 ranked course with Atlantic views and undulating links-looking fairways. An on-site hotel that is uber-chic. GW verdict: One of the most distinctive courses in Europe oozes class. The hotel’s minimalism may not be for everyone; for many it is heavenly.

Barcelona, Spain

Cascais, Portugal

17 Finca Cortesin

16 Royal Obidos

Course 31.6 Accommodation 17.8 Amenities 15.6 Practice 7.1 Accessibility 8.4 TOTAL 80.5

Course 31.2 Accommodation 17.8 Amenities 17.2 Practice 7.2 Accessibility 7.8 TOTAL 81.2

Fly to: Malaga airport is 30 minutes away. What to expect: A big-boned resort course that hosted the World Matchplay. In contrast, the hotel is small and cosy, but just as impressive. GW verdict: Patently for the well-heeled golfer seeking the best things in life. A cold beer from the balcony overlooking the course is blissful.

Fly to: Lisbon airport is an hour away. What to expect: A course by Seve Ballesteros plus a brand-new hotel overlooking the layout. GW verdict: Typiﬁes a lot that is good about modern resorts – and it ought to, because it is clear a big investment was made. A bold course on a rolling landscape plus a gleaming hotel.

Malaga, Spain

Obidos, Portugal

15 San Lorenzo

13 Montgomerie Maxx Royal

Courses 31.9 Accommodation 17.6 Amenities 17.4 Practice 7.7 Accessibility 6.8 TOTAL 81.4

Course 30.0 Accommodation 19.0 Amenities 17.7 Practice 7.0 Accessibility 8.0 TOTAL 81.7

Fly to: Faro is within 30 mins of all courses/hotels. What to expect: Two courses – Top 100-ranked San Lorenzo, and Pinheiros Altos – plus Formosa Park hotel, Dona Filipa hotel, and Pinheiros villas. GW verdict: Essentially a JJW group entry – the courses and hotels are all apart from each other. If you don’t mind the short shuttles, it’s terriﬁc.

Fly to: Belek airport is 40 minutes away. What to expect: A solid Colin Montgomerie course that is manicured superbly, plus a hotel cheek by jowl that’s overshadowed by very few. GW verdict: Just one course, but a European Tour host. The hotel is glitzy beyond belief. If layers of luxury are your thing, it is for you.

Almancil, Portugal

42 Golf World Top 100 Resorts

Belek, Turkey

“THE LISBON COAST ALWAYS INVIGORATES” The best for fun golf? A couple of beers, and a go on the Par-3 course (ﬂoodlit) at Oceanico Amendoeira is great fun, and some light relief after a battering on the outstanding Faldo Course. Best ‘golf’ facilities? PGA Catalunya. A really special place for the golf nut, their practice bunkers come with a choice of three different sands! Favourite large hotel? Abama has 461 rooms, large by European standards, but you never feel like just one of the crowd due to the high staff-to-guest ratios. It also comes complete with The Ritz-Carlton seal of quality and a wonderful course with great views. Favourite small hotel? Finca Cortesin. A boutique hotel with suite accommodation, a huge Spa and outstanding dining options. Overlooks the buzzing Costa del Sol, yet seems an oasis of calm, even when it’s full. Best non-golf facilities? La Manga Club: Tennis, football, spa, gym, pools, beach, cycling, cricket, running, hiking... that’s just the morning! I also like Chateau des Vigiers, located close to the World UNESCO heritage town of St Emilion, it excels in Michelin star dining and offers superb wine tasting. Best for reinvigoration? Anywhere on The Lisbon Coast/Atlantic: Oitavos Dunes, Praia D’El Rey or Royal Obidos. The ocean sound, and the hospitality makes this special. n Andrew is director of

product, Your Golf Travel.

Praia D’El Rey Obidos, Portugal

Course 31.4 Accommodation 18.0 Amenities 17.3 Practice 7.0 Accessibility 7.8 TOTAL 81.5 Fly to: Lisbon airport is an hour away. What to expect: One of the most distinctive courses in the list. It opens and closes with a woodland stretch but in between is a long section by the sea that is genuinely linksy in character – a very rare scenario for Continental Europe. The Marriott hotel and villas are a hive of activity, a destination families return to year after year. GW verdict: A classy option north of Lisbon that, when the second course by Cynthia Dye is built along the coast, will surely become a top-10 resort. You won’t be disappointed here if you love links golf and a place where it’s easy to find tranquility yet also vibrancy in the evening. A resort that will appeal to all golfers... and non-golfers.

ONE FOR NEXT TIME?most

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TOP 100 RESORTS

Penha Longa Lisbon, Portugal

Courses 30.5 Accommodation 18.5 Amenities 17.7 Practice 7.0 Accessibility 8.3 TOTAL 82.0 Fly to: Lisbon airport is 40 minutes away. What to expect: A Kyle Phillips design (when he was working for Robert Trent Jones Jnr) that incorporates huge elevation changes, so is constantly thrilling and distinctive. The onsite hotel offers tremendous amenities for all the family, but especially good for couples. GW verdict: Its nine extra holes are a bonus, but just as important is its majestic hotel. Enjoys a really tranquil spot despite being so easy to get to from the centre of Lisbon.

TOUR TRAVEL TIP

By Lee Slattery

“Sleep when you feel like it – I swear by it! If you feel exhausted, go to bed, even if it’s 7pm. Your body is telling you it needs to rest, so don’t ﬁght it. Oh, and get a decent sun cream – not a cheap one. Deﬁnitely don’t leave Britain without an insect repellent either.”

12 Lykia Links

10 La Manga Club

9 Quinta do Lago

Course 31.0 Accommodation 18.4 Amenities 17.5 Practice 7.0 Accessibility 8.0 TOTAL 81.9

Courses 29.5 Accommodation 16.8 Amenities 18.4 Practice 8.7 Accessibility 8.7 TOTAL 82.1

Courses 36.5 Accommodation 15.3 Amenities 12.4 Practice 9.1 Accessibility 8.8 TOTAL 82.1

Fly to: Antalya airport is 45 minutes away. What to expect: Course looks like a links, has awesome sea views and holes right along the beach. A huge hotel with a myriad amenities. GW verdict: Highest-placed one-course venue. Mildly less accessible than others in Belek but everything’s on site for a week of leisure and golf.

Fly to: Murcia is 15 minutes away, Alicante 70. What to expect: Europe’s best known resort? Three 18-holers (one in our Top 100). A range of accommodation led by a large hotel, a lot of leisure facilities and a Leadbetter academy. GW verdict: Sports heaven, including 54 solid holes, but less glitzy accommodation than others.

Fly to: Faro airport is 30 minutes away. What to expect: Two Top 100 tracks and a solid third in what is a small town rather than a resort. GW verdict: Hard to rank; the golf is superb and while there are lots of amenities/hotels in the town-like resort, QDL golf club ‘only’ owns villa accommodation, restaurants and an Academy.

Belek, Turkey

44 Golf World Top 100 Resorts

Murcia, Spain

Almancil, Portugal

“A

Unique Golf Experience”

5 Nights with unlimited Golf, sharing a Classic Room from €545

TOP 100 RESORTS

EXPERT OPINION

By Andrew Harding

“LE TOUQUET IS ONE OF MY FAVOURITES” 8 Golf du Medoc Bordeaux, France

Course 36.6 Accommodation 16.1 Amenities 12.4 Practice 9.1 Accessibility 8.4 TOTAL 82.6 Fly to: Bordeaux airport is 20 minutes away. What to expect: The best golf offering in the list, with two heathland courses in the top 52 in Europe. A neat hotel with terriﬁc food and wine. GW verdict: The connoisseur’s choice. Even the most discerning golfer would deem this ‘resort’ golf (think Walton Heath with a hotel) as worthy.

7 Antalya GC Belek, Turkey

Courses 33.4 Accommodation 17.0 Amenities 17.5 Practice 7.0 Accessibility 8.0 TOTAL 83.0 Fly to: Antalya airport is 40 minutes away. What to expect: One exacting course in the Top 100 and one in the Next 100, both manicured to peerless levels. Two hotels overlooking the golf. GW verdict: The course (PGA Sultan) that lured Tiger to Belek has a fun sister (Pasha). Pick from uber-luxurious Kempinski or the Sirene hotels.

The resort with the best quantity of golf holes? Quinta do Lago has three superb golf courses – I always make sure I play at least one of them when I travel to The Algarve. What about the area with lots of strong courses in it? I’ve enjoyed some fantastic trips down to Sotogrande. Within a short drive you’ve got the likes of Valderrama, Real Clube de Sotogrande, La Reserva and Finca Cortesin, all fantastic courses that require a real amount of skill off the tee to score well. The best for fun golf – for beginners or those after a less taxing round? Pine Cliffs in The Algarve is a really enjoyable place to play clifftop golf in the sun with some of the best par 3s you’ll ever see – perfect for anyone short on time in The Algarve. The most accessible destination for an efficient weekend golf break? The courses at Le Touquet with an overnight in the town is one of my favourites. Where do you most enjoy reﬂecting on your round? La Reserva is a superb place to sit back and relax after a round of golf. With incredible views and a fantastic terrace it is a great spot to recount your round afterwards.

6 Costa Navarino Messinia, Greece

Courses 33.5 Accommodation 18.1 Amenities 17.5 Practice 7.2 Accessibility 6.8 TOTAL 83.1 Fly to: Kalamata airport is an hour away. What to expect: A Top 100 and Next 100 course, both overlooking the Aegean Sea. The exquisite hotel is of the very highest order. GW verdict: Only tricky access stops a top-ﬁve slot; it’s just harder to get to compared to others. Once there, the golf is good, the hotel opulent.

46 Golf World Top 100 Resorts

Your favourite overall destination in Continental Europe? I travel each year to The Algarve so can’t really look past that; Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo, San Lorenzo, Vilamoura Old, any or all of them and I’m pretty happy. n Andrew is co-founder

of Your Golf Travel.

STYLISH & PRACTICAL

Gloria

Belek, Turkey Course 31.1 Accommodation 18.8 Amenities 18.8 Practice 7.7 Accessibility 8.0 TOTAL 84.4 Fly to: Antalya airport is 40 minutes away. What to expect: The biggest golf complex in Belek is also one of Europe’s largest, with 54 consistently good holes and solid practice facilities. Three facility-packed ﬁve-star hotels are all within a couple of minutes’ minibus shuttle of the golf club’s 54 holes. GW verdict: The only top-10 entry without a Top 100 course. That fact illustrates how consistently good its three courses are, as well as emphasising how incredible its hotels – all of which are slightly different to suit different tastes – and facilities are. They include the new Gloria Sports Arena, which is already a Europe-wide leader in its ﬁeld.

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WHY I LOVE GLORIA

By John Daly

“The time we spent in Turkey was great – not just for me but for my whole family… it is a great place to go to and reminds me of Palm Springs so much with the beautiful weather. We spent several weeks at Gloria and loved it, we even got engaged! I favour the Old Course at Gloria… it suits my game because there’s a lot more full shots into the holes and it just sets up better for me.”

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Top 100 Resorts Golf World 47

LYKIA LINKS

Your opportunity to enjoy high-calibre seaside golf in the warm sunshine of Belek...

Why lykiaWorld is ‘Paradise Found’ Set alongside a preserved 2.5km long sandy beach is the stunning LykiaWorld Antalya Resort near Belek. Whether you are a golfer or on holiday with the family, LykiaWorld is the perfect place to unwind with an all- inclusive experience. Choose from a full range of accommodation – from Deluxe rooms, Suites, to upscale villas with exclusive services. Enjoy a wide selection of sports and variety of evening

the links look Sleepered bunkers give an authentic feel to LykiaLinks.

entertainment.

LykiaLinks antaLya is a frst for Turkey and the booming Mediterranean region of Belek. It is a truly stunning golf course located right next to the sea and a 2.5km stretch of golden beach. LykiaLinks Antalya is a world-class golf course designed by the renowned architect Perry Dye, who took advantage of the natural terrain and textures to create a particularly challenging and rewarding golf experience. A ridge running through the middle of the course provides all the ups and downs of a classic links. Wide fairways, grassy mounds and partially obscured greens complete this links experience. All 18 holes on this par 72 course have commanding views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding mountain peaks. The prevailing winds and cooling breezes will challenge golfers on the four holes on the coastline. These four – numbers 13, 14, 15 and 16 – are dramatically laid out among the dunes and will test your skills and your patience, to the limits.

➔

ContaCt details

Visit: www.lykiaworldantalya.com Email: reservations@ lykiaworldantalya.com or info@lykiaworldantalya.com Telephone: +90 242 754 4343 or for tee times +90 242 754 4318

Xxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxx

TOP 100 RESORTS

Verdura

Sciacca, Sicily Courses 33.5. Accommodation 18.6 Amenities 16.8 Practice 7.8 Accessibility 7.9 TOTAL 84.6 Fly to: Palermo airport is 90 minutes away, Catania and Comiso just over two hours. What to expect: Two courses – the East in the Top 100, the West in the Next 100 – that both enjoy spectacular sea views after Kyle Phillips’ clever routing gave both cliff-edge holes. A predictably opulent Rocco Forte hotel and an abundance of leisure facilities. GW verdict: The list’s second Sicilian resort oozes class; it’s high calibre in every respect. Unsurprisingly well-designed courses by Phillips are matched by the hotel and facilities. If you’re surprised Verdura is in the top ﬁve, we are guessing you haven’t been there.

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Top: The East and West courses enjoy prime locations on the clifftops overlooking the Mediterranean. Above left: Chic interior decor combines with modern-day facilities for a luxurious but functional family-friendly stay. Above right: Watersports from the resort beach are just some of the wealth of amenities at a resort perfect for all.

50 Golf World Top 100 Resorts

PGA Catalunya Girona, Spain

Courses 34.3 Accommodation 17.7 Facilities 17.5 Practice 9.0 Accessibility 8.0 TOTAL 86.8

A view of the pool area at the refurbished, five-star on-site ho tel.

Fly to: Girona airport is 10 minutes away. What to expect: Our top-ranked course in Spain plus a very, very good sister course. Genuinely world-class practice facilities plus a refurbished hotel that has just come under PGA Catalunya’s ownership. Also on-site villas to rent. A European Tour Properties member. GW verdict: Just over a year ago, PGA Catalunya would have been in the same boat as Amendoeira or Las Colinas – scoring well on its golf offering but lacking the accommodation range and amenities as an all-round resort. The story is vastly different now after the club acquired the on-site hotel and spent a year (and a lot of money) refurbishing it. It is a wonderful addition and, added to some of the best practice facilities in Europe and great access from Girona or even Barcelona El Prat, combine to give it a top-three slot.

TRAVEL INSIDER

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TOP 100 RESORTS

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Far right: The enormous main swimming pool at five-star Carya is just one of the astonishing range of amenities. Middle: One of the luxury bedrooms in the new hotel, this one with a view of the course. Right: For privacy and tranquility, you can book a golf suite, with its own pool and the course just yards away (seen at the top of the image).

52 Golf World Top 100 Resorts

Carya

Belek, Turkey Courses 34.0 Accommodation 18.8 Facilities 18.6 Practice 7.9 Accessibility 8.0 TOTAL 87.3 Fly to: Antalya airport is 40 minutes away. What to expect: The newest accommodation in the list thanks to a hotel finished barely two years ago (packed full of amenities) plus Belek’s outstanding heathland course onsite and The National a couple of minutes away. The National is the original course in the area and is quietly one of its best; a Continental Top 100 contender for the 2017 course ranking. GW verdict: Wouldn’t have been near the top 10 two years ago but the new hotel and the acquisition of The National has changed the game. Importantly, The National is just a quick shuttle close to Carya complex. The new hotel, needless to say, is phenomenal.

10 THAT JUST MISSED OUT PGA National, Sweden Two Top 100 courses plus 16 well-furnished suites overlooking either the Links or the Lakes layouts.

Villaverde Resort, Italy Udine course hosts Senior Tour in October and the 33-room spa and wellness resort opened in 2016.

Sand Valley, Poland Close to a Top 100 course, it has the look of a seaside links. Onsite luxury villas a few metres from the 1st.

Is Arenas, Italy Sardinian resort has a Von Hagge-designed course plus 58 rooms and suites. Also an outdoor pool and private beach.

Lanzarote Resort, Canaries Ron Kirby design with Atlantic views, plus four hotels tied into the golf, just five minutes away.

La Robinie, Italy A Jack Nicklaus course and 100-room hotel within a former 19th century Lombard farmhouse.

Adamstal, Austria Breathtaking course by Jeff Howes in addition to 10 comfortable double rooms next to the course.

San Domenico, Italy A nice course plus the boutique Masseria San Domenico – one of the best in this entire feature.

Mar Menor, Spain InterContinental hotel has 57 rooms, a spa, two pools, kids club plus a good resort course.

Fuerteventura Resort, Canaries Hotels, villas, bungalows and townhouses plus a course with ocean views, waterfalls and lakes.

Top 100 Resorts Golf World 53

TOP 100 RESORTS

Terre Blanche Fayence, France

Courses 34.2 Accommodation 17.7 Facilities 17.6 Practice 9.5 Accessibility 8.1 TOTAL 87.1 Fly to: Nice airport is 40 minutes away. What to expect: Two courses, one at No.13 in our Continental Top 100, the other in the Next 100, are the star attractions. They are enhanced on the golf side by peerless practice facilities (that actually proved the key category in getting to No.1) including a rooftop range and a hi-tech biomechanics unit led by legendary Jean-Jacques Rivet. Then there is a ﬁve-star hotel with a Michelin star, huge spa, and accommodation in the style of a Provençal village. It’s a Senior Tour host and a European Tour Property. GW verdict: A genuine all-rounder that can cater for any type of golf holiday for any kind of golfer or golf group. The south of France’s wonderful weather and tremendous access enhance a golf holiday – or indeed any kind of holiday – at this ﬁve-star resort.

WHY IT’S OUR NO.1

By Chris Bertram

Courses & Travel Editor “Consistency across the board led Terre Blanche to top spot. Its lowest mark is for amenities... at 17.6/20. Its immense practice setup, including a European Tour Performance Institute, actually proved the difference and earned it a place as a worthy No.1 .”

54 Golf World xxxxxxxx 201X

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ting r those wan is perfect fo e ch an ith Bl w e y Terr ivac luxury and pr red to combine it is the cultu s ie lit ci fa n tio fantastic xa la re dise and the golfer’s para n. ve ha seeker’s wood Emily Rook er el av tr Elite

EXPERT OPINION

By Charles Briscoe-Knight

“IT SHOULD BE A EUROPEAN TOUR VENUE” The best quantity of golf holes? Penha Longa has 27 – it is a brilliant layout, and such a waste not to be using it on the European Tour. The best for fun golf? Monte Carlo. Brilliant setting high above the Principality, dancing around the holes among a moonscape of the Alp maritime and occasionally in the clouds. Not long, and not a taxing layout. The best golf facilities? Has to be PGA Catalunya – nowhere else has everything a serious golfer would need. Your favourite large hotel? Hotel du Palais in Biarritz. Your favourite small hotel? Hotel Quinta da Auga, Santiago de Compostela Galicia, Spain. The widest range of nongolf facilities? Not in Europe: Hasdrubal Prestige Thalassa and Spa, Djerba, Tunisia – want to ride a camel? Best non-golf facilities? St Moritz (Kulm Hotel) has everything from Spa to walking, to swimming, and shopping to say nothing of sheer majesty of the venue. The resort you always feel reinvigorated at? LeFay Resort and Spa, Gargnano, Lake Garda, Italy. Best for a quick break? Royal Zoute and Royal Ostende, Belgium or Golf de Dinard, Brittany, France. Your favourite overall? Kenemmer GC, Holland.

Top: The infinity pool enjoys views over the Provencal countryside and has four-poster sunbeds set back from the water. Middle: Typical luxury in the cosy villas. Bottom: The rooftop range – part of the astonishing practice facilities – means you can work on your tan and your game simultaneously.

n Charles is a golf travel

writer and photographer.

TOP 100 RESORTS Golf World 55

TOP 100 RESORTS

94 98

100

69 87 57 65 45 91

60 8 47 76

46 80

49 3 11

97 30 10 58

20 18

32 34 52 54 67 68

81 17

28 38

42 55

56 Golf World Top 100 Resorts

40 41 75

24 31

71 19

61 77 83 26 35 37

4 48

WHERE TO FIND THE 100 RESORTS Liked the sound of one of the resorts in the list? Use our map to start planning your Top 100-calibre golf break.

64 53

36 33

12 27

13 39 89

21 43

1 Terre Blanche, France 2 Carya, Turkey 3 PGA Catalunya, Spain 4 Verdura, Italy 5 Gloria, Turkey 6 Costa Navarino, Greece 7 Antalya GC, Turkey 8 Golf du Medoc, France 9 Quinta do Lago, Portugal 10 La Manga, Spain 11 Penha Longa, Portugal 12 Lykia Links, Turkey 13 Montgomerie Maxx, Turkey 14 Praia Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;El Rey, Portugal 15 San Lorenzo, Portugal 16 Royal Obidos, Portugal 17 Finca Cortesin, Spain 18 Oitavos Dunes, Portugal 19 Real Club El Prat, Spain 20 Troia, Portugal 21 Cornelia, Turkey 22 El Saler, Spain 23 Golf National, France 24 Pine Cliffs, Portugal 25 Le Touquet, France 26 Salobre, Canaries 27 Sueno, Turkey 28 Montecastillo, Spain 29 Evian, France 30 Quinta Da Marinha, Portugal 31 Quinta da Ria, Portugal 32 Amendoeira, Portugal 33 Aphrodite Hills, Cyprus 34 Penina, Portugal 35 Buenavista, Canaries 36 Korineum, Cyprus 37 Abama, Canaries 38 San Roque, Spain 39 Robinson Nobilis, Turkey 40 Pula, Mallorca 41 Arabella, Majorca 42 La Cala, Spain 43 Titanic, Turkey 44 Desert Springs, Spain 45 Sporting Club Berlin, Germany 46 Bogogno, Italy 47 Moliets, France 48 Donnafugata, Sicily 49 Vidago Palace, Portugal 50 Argentario, Italy

51 Emporda, Spain 52 Monte Rei, Portugal 53 Thracian Cliffs, Bulgaria 54 Vila Sol, Portugal 55 La Quinta, Spain 56 Penati, Slovakia 57 Lubker, Denmark 58 Las Colinas, Spain 59 Campo Real, Portugal 60 ChĂ˘teau des Vigiers, France 61 Anfi Tauro, Canaries 62 Castelconturbia, Italy 63 Kusadasi, Turkey 64 Lighthouse, Bulgaria 65 Budersand, Germany 66 Chateau Augerville, France 67 Vale do Lobo, Portugal 68 Boavista, Portugal 69 Barseback, Sweden 70 Bad Ragaz, Switzerland 71 Barcelona Golf, Spain 72 Barbaroux, France 73 Palheiro, Madeira 74 Saint Endreol, France 75 Son Antem, Majorca 76 Chateau de Taulane, France 77 Las Americas, Canaries 78 Black Sea Rama, Bulgaria 79 Grado, Italy 80 Dolce Fregate, France 81 Almenara, Spain 82 Is Molas, Italy 83 La Gomera, Canaries 84 El Encin, Spain 85 Poggio Dei Medici, Italy 86 Kempferhof, France 87 Himmerland, Denmark 88 Palazzo Arzaga, Italy 89 Kaya Eagles, Turkey 90 Crecy, France 91 Royal Zoute, Belgium 92 Peralada, Spain 93 Konopiste, Czech Republic 94 Linna, Finland 95 Biella, Italy 96 Diamond CC, Austria 97 Aroeira, Portugal 98 Sand, Sweden 99 Bom Sucesso, Portugal 100 Estonian G&CC, Estonia Top 100 Resorts Golf World 57

TOP 100 RESORTS

FIVE THINGS WE NOTICED

We spent months creating this Top 100, so we were bound to spot the odd theme... 1 THE GOLF IS STILL KING

There are no courses in this list that aren’t of an acceptably high standard. Over 70 are Top 200 in Continental Europe standard and there are less than a handful where the amenities have essentially got the resort in the list. We didn’t want a ‘Courses with Rooms’ list but we did weight the course criteria significantly higher than the rest and that has resulted in a strong list of courses not just resorts.

TOP RESORTS, ALL YEAR ROUND

No matter what month of the year you fancy a break, there is a resort within the list that will provide you with good weather. The Belek contingent, Cyprus, Madeira and the Canaries are key in this regard, but also don’t discount Sicily (geographically lower than Tunisia in Africa), Sotogrande and the Algarve.

ACCESS ALL AREAS

The accessibility criteria was harsh on some resorts – it’s not necessarily their fault they are harder to get to than the Algarve or Paris or Milan. But as we concluded the ranking, it felt justified. These are often short breaks and getting there quickly is a worthy consideration.

Spanish islands

Spain

Italy

THE LEADING COUNTRIES

11 Turkey

France

Cape Kaliakra, Costa Brava, Majorca, N Italy

Cote d’Azure

Canaries

It also struck us how few resorts are really hard to get to. Flick back through and note how many are within an hour of an airport. It’s a lot. Going on a golf break abroad need not be a huge hassle.

Costa del Sol

Lisbon

THE LEADING AREAS 9

Portugal

Algarve

BELEK TICKS BOXES

Belek might be suffering from Turkey’s political situation, but it is indubitably very strong. Because it is the newest resort area, it has learnt very well what works, what golfers want, and how to do it. They’ve routinely built the hotels and the courses properly. It might not be for everyone, but Belek – going by the mix of on and off-course criteria we used for this Top 100 – ticks all the boxes. It’s even highly accessible these days.

5 TOP RESORTS, FOR EVERY BUDGET

10 Belek

There is no denying a lot of these resorts are five-star affairs and that excludes a lot of golfers whether on practical grounds or simply that it feels too much to pay for a golf break. But there are plenty in this list offering really good value. Belek leads the way in a quality-toprice ratio, matched by Bulgaria’s trio. But in the Algarve’s Boavista and Quinta da Ria, you can find a serious bargain. n

THE TOP 100 BY NUMBERS

18 115 42 2,537 35 0 2358

the number of countries represented in the 100

the number of miles to Le Touquet, the closest resort to Britain

58 Golf World Top 100 Resorts

the number of Continental European Top 100 Courses that feature in this list

the number of miles to Aphrodite Hills, the furthest resort from Britain

the number of multi-course resorts in this Top 100

the number of single-course venues in the top 10

the number of golf holes in this Top 100

Untouched, unspoilt, tranquil

North Cyprus Golf Holidays

Along with 200 miles of enchanted coastline, over 300 days of sunshine every year and 9000 years of history and culture it is the breath-taking setting that sets this resort apart. This 5 star Luxury resort’s 18 hole championship golf course is a dynamic 6,232 metres, 72 par gem designed for golfers of all standards and ages. The unique design enables the golfers to enjoy the views of the Five Finger mountains and the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean sea from each hole making it a breath taking experience and also a golfing challenge that golfers want to experience over and over again.

SAVE uP TO

£217 PER PERSON, uP TO 33% OFF BROCHuRE PRiCE!

Highly recommended on Trip Advisor Beautiful Mediterranean Coastal Views Private Beach Club Spa & Freshwater swimming pool

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7 Night Holiday at 5 Korineum Golf Holiday Resort including:

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 Return Flights w/FREE Carriage of Golf Bag  20kg luggage + 8kg cabin bag  4 Rounds of Golf with guaranteed tee-times  Daily Breakfast & Evening Meals  Return local transfers  Representative in resort  NO Credit Card charges  Complimentary shuttle service to Kyrenia town

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0208 150 6066

CyprusParadise.com/TD

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Y2916

Prices are per person based on 2 sharing from Stansted on selected dates only. For prices from other airports please enquire. All offers are subject to availability. Please mention Today’s Golfer when booking. Terms & Conditions Apply.

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