| 'Tis the season for long drives into the | | | | looking for a golf getaway. Normally known as |
| countryside and manicured grass for as far as the | | | | Costa del Sol in southern Spain in Andalucia, it has |
| eye can see. Yes it's true, spring is here and it is | | | | the highest number or concentration of top notch, |
| here to stay - which also means 6am tee times | | | | world-class golf courses in the world and gives |
| on freshly dewed courses and terrible angst with | | | | you the most bang for your buck. |
| your new driver (why does it work so well for | | | | With just over 60 golf courses concentrated in |
| Tiger but not you?). | | | | the small area nestled on the Mediterranean coast |
| Top 5 Golf Destinations in Europe | | | | surrounded by breathtaking scenery and a |
| Well, whether you're a beginner or expert golfer, | | | | multitude of activities, there's no wonder |
| here's a list of the Top 5 Destinations and | | | | Europeans have been coming here for years and |
| Courses for a Golf Holiday in Europe. These spots | | | | years. In Andalucia, you can catch a bullfight, |
| are great because they not only offer some of | | | | flamenco dancing, rich Spanish wines and lots of |
| the best golf in Europe and in the world - but | | | | tapas restaurants and bars. |
| offer a diversity of playing levels, challenge, styles | | | | 4) Alsace, Bordeaux & Provence Regions in |
| (traditional links or modern style), and amazing | | | | France |
| scenery that in itself, is enough to appreciate - | | | | In Alsace, Bordeaux and Provence in France, you'll |
| especially after a long, tough game. | | | | find three of the top wine regions in the world, |
| What's even better is that these places also offer | | | | with some of the best terroir and finest wines for |
| the best of these regions' sights, cultures, | | | | the past hundreds of years. These areas are |
| activities, foods and wines, entertainment and | | | | every wine lover's most coveted destinations - |
| more. No doubt, these spots will guarantee you an | | | | but are also the perfect regions in Europe to get |
| unforgettable golf holiday! | | | | the best of the luxuries of life: golf, wine and |
| 1) Scotland & Ireland | | | | exquisite French cuisine. Visit internationally rated |
| The best of all of Europe's golf experiences begins | | | | restaurants, castles and chateaux littered |
| where the whole game began - in Scotland, the | | | | throughout France's massive green countryside |
| celebrated home of golf. All along its coastline and | | | | and play golf in style. |
| between, Scotland offers all kinds of courses for | | | | France is home to more than 500 golf courses, |
| beginners, intermediates and experts. From link | | | | the most in any country in Europe, 12 of which |
| style courses to newer style courses, the | | | | are often included in Europe's Top 50 courses. |
| prestige and spirit of golf bleeds through its grass. | | | | Visit the Bordeaux and Biarritz region for the best |
| Don't forget to visit St. Andrews Links - the | | | | of French seaside golf, small villages and old style |
| course where "the game evolved and where the | | | | luxurious 5-star beaches, hotels and resorts. |
| spirit and traditions of golf have been safeguarded | | | | Cannes and Monte Carlo are also just a train ride |
| for over six centuries." | | | | away. In Alsace, try Golf Club Le Kempferhof, |
| Ireland with its vast landscapes of rolling hills has | | | | rated the No. 2 course in France and offers |
| become an popular golf destination, nearby its big | | | | renovated lodging in a 18th century residence. |
| brother, Scotland. Championship courses as well as | | | | 5) Eastern Europe: Czech Republic, Russia, Poland |
| links courses are available for golfing - but nothing | | | | and Slovakia |
| matches the brilliant scenery available only in the | | | | Where the Iron Curtain once dominated in these |
| Emerald Isle. Visit ancient castles, ruins and | | | | eastern European countries, these former Eastern |
| picturesque Irish towns and pubs when you're | | | | Bloc regions have slowly begun to regain their |
| visiting. | | | | colour and vibrancy amid independence and |
| 2) Wales & England | | | | freedom. The grass has begun to grow and so |
| Wales and England are no doubt destinations that | | | | too, have the golf courses. Known as the "Iron |
| offer golf at its classiest - and have been doing | | | | Curtain Golf Trail," these regions offer a new kind |
| so for hundreds of years. Wales offers a smaller | | | | of golf trying to establish itself nearby its ancient |
| countryside-link style golf experience amongst | | | | St. Andrews-like neighbours. |
| charming houses, country homes and bed and | | | | Like many golf courses in China, few locals play |
| breakfasts for those looking at exploring the | | | | the sport and often look on in interest at visitors |
| countryside. For two of the best golf courses in | | | | or travelers sporting their golf clubs through train |
| Wales, try Royal Portcawl and Royal St. David's, | | | | stations. At present, however, many locals are |
| often listed as two of the British Isles' best. | | | | beginning to learn how to play and develop this |
| England offers a taste of golf fit for royalty, for | | | | industry in their countries. |
| lords, earls and noblemen - and are a great | | | | The golf courses offered in these areas are a |
| experience for today's golfer. Visit the Lancashire | | | | little more off the radar because it is more |
| Coast or the Southeast coast for a "golf trial" of | | | | difficult to find tour operators offering golf in |
| sorts and don't forget that there are several | | | | these areas - but in the next 10-20 years, it is |
| courses nearby London for those looking to stay | | | | certain that golf travel to Czech Republic, Russia, |
| close to the city. | | | | Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania |
| 3) Costa del Sol in Andalucia, Spain | | | | will grow immensely (just like golf in China!). |
| Also known as "Costa del Golf," or the Golf | | | | Good luck and enjoy your golf holidays! |
| Coast, this area is a favourite for Europeans | | | | |