With the staggering amount of incredible golf courses all over the world, it’s becoming a challenge choosing between the never-ending options of well-known and sought-after golf routes. One factor to always have in mind is the difficulty of the routes. Choosing a golf course that is suitably demanding for your level of golf can be crucial to the entire experience.

The currently expiring travel restrictions are enabling us to book rounds at our favorite destinations, finally allowing treatment to the many serious cases of travel fever.

Although many golf courses are intended and designed to be enjoyed by players of all experiences and abilities, they feature varying levels of difficulty. We’ve made a list of different must-go-destinations divided into three separate recommended categories: novice, intermediate, and advanced.

Novice:


Parador de Málaga: Par: 72
Spain
Even though it is the oldest golf course in the region, it is suitable for players of all ages. Parador is enjoyable for more experienced golfers, but still completely operable for players still learning the game. With its flat design, it enables visitors to work in their swing without any undulating obstacles. Astounding views of the surrounding area.

Book tee times here


Penina Resort Course: Par: 35
Portugal
A gentle 9-hole training ground for beginners, with an exceptionally well-thought-out layout to work on your short game. Their third par 3 signature hole invites players to test their skills by reaching the water-surrounded green from the tee; a risk that will occur more frequently when playing at other more advanced courses.

Book tee times here


The Track, Meydan Golf: Par: 36
United Arab Emirates

This 9-hole beauty in Dubai offers the perfect streets for those who are recently introduced to the sport. The club is welcoming towards all golfers regardless of age, ability, and experience. Complete with all the necessary components for an entire golf experience such as par 3s, 4s, 5s, bunkers, water hazards, and amazing views.

Book tee times here


Aguilón Golf: Par: 71
Spain
An all-year-round golf course designed to be played by golfers of any handicap. The ultimate route for beginners that feel ready to tackle a full 18-hole round of golf. Often referred to as one of the best desert fields in Europe, surrounded by majestical mountainous sceneries.

Book tee times here


Salobre Golf & Resort: Par: 70
Canary Islands

The only resort on the Canary Islands with two different 18-hole courses. We strongly recommend the New Course for beginners, as the sibling Old Course calls for a more experienced approach, having been the venue for the Spanish PGA. A seemingly short route, perfect for novice players searching for a full traditional 18-hole round.

Book tee times here

Intermediate:


The Els Club: Par: 72
United Arab Emirates
First-class golf in a 5-star atmosphere. Designed by legendary Ernie Els, he used his expertise to create one of the finest golf courses in Dubai. As a link-style enthusiast, he brought together all the components from his favorite international golf courses and created this masterpiece.

Book tee times here


Real Club de Golf Sotogrande: Par: 72
Spain
Playing this course is a real test for players to determine if they’re ready for more provocative courses. With 100 bunkers strategically placed throughout the course, 69 of them are located near the greens. The carefulness of the approach game will determine the score of any player.

Book tee times here


Son Vida Golf: Par: 71
Spain

Proud of being the oldest golf course on Mallorca, Son Vida is a true legend among European golfers. Once you feel that your precision is improving, this route is an exciting challenge as the fairways are lined with the neighboring residential areas, truly putting your accuracy to the test.

Book tee times here


Praia d'el Rey Golf Beach Resort: Par: 73
Portugal
Praised as one of the best golf courses in Europe, Praia d’el Rey is characterized by a mixture of seaside links and parkland holes. Accompanied by views of the Atlantic Ocean, the deep bunkers and sloping greens are impressive, yet provide a demanding assessment of any golfer’s ability.

Book tee times here


Carya Golf Club: Par: 72
Turkey
A perfect mix of old English style heathland layout located on the Turkish Mediterranean coast. Not only is it appointed as one of the most popular country clubs in Turkey, but it’s fully lit up after dark, enabling players to enjoy a spectacular round of golf until late at night.

Book tee times here

Advanced:


PGA Catalunya Stadium Course: Par: 72
Spain

The history of this course speaks for itself. Ranked top 10 courses in Europe since it opened in 1999, voted as the 4th best course in continental Europe, and #1 in Spain in 2019. The course is filled with many dangers lurking around corners that can be damaging to the scorecard. Despite the challenging design and demanding carefulness of every shot, it is a world-class golf course that will have an imprint on any golfer, including professionals.

Book tee times here


Real Club Valderrama: Par: 71
Spain
Nicknamed the Augusta of Europe. A well-deserved association due to the genius course design, resulting in continuously being among the top 100 courses in the world since 1989. In addition, Valderrama was the venue for the Ryder Cup in 1997. The course is consistently and perfectly manicured, hence the proven reputation of being a memorable golf experience found nowhere else in the world.

Book tee times here


Benamor Golf: Par: 71
Portugal
The pride of Portugal. The architects of the course cleverly placed natural obstacles, bunkers, and multiple water hazards to create streets that threaten the ability of even the best golfers. Most of the course is placed on mainly undulating terrain with phenomenal views of the Atlantic Ocean and the hills of the Serra do Caldeirao. Don’t let the mesmerizing scenery distract you from the game as this course requires your full attention.

Book tee times here


Albatross Golf Resort: Par: 72
Czech Republic

This 13-year-old course aims to be the future host of professional international tournaments, intended to increase the Czech Republic’s presence on the global golf scene. Designed with strong features such as creeks, hidden hazards, and tricky bunkers, this championship course built on 200 acres of undulating terrain will result in unpredictable bounces, and every shot needs to be very calculated carefully for a good score.

Book tee times here


Quinta do Lago Laranjal: Par: 72
Portugal
Voted the best golf course at the 2011 Portuguese Travel Awards, only two years after it opened in 2009. The natural beauty and rolling terrain of Laranjal is perfectly integrated with the demanding difficult design, providing a challenging route that requires the highest level of concentration. Hands down the most challenging course out of the three golf courses found at Quinta do Lago.

Book tee times here

Happy golfing! 🏌