Golfing
The Five Best Golf Courses In The European Union
By Ezilon.com Articles
Feb 21, 2006, 21:42

The Five Best Golf Courses In The European Union


Planning on a vacation to golfing paradise? Then do consider the beautiful European continent. Not only is it a land of regal history and pristine countryside, it also hosts some of the best golf courses in the world. If you’re used to playing golf in the US, then the European courses may offer an entirely different experience for you. The wind is softer, the air is fresher, the greens are healthier, and the environment is more laidback and relaxed. In a nutshell, it’s the golfing heaven you have been looking for!

Let’s take a look at the five finest golf courses that Europe has to offer.

1. First on the list has to be the St. Andrews Golf Club in Scotland. Said to be the oldest golf course in the world, golf was already played here back in the 12th century. In 1854, it was bestowed royal patronage and now, it is the world’s oldest surviving “Royal” golf club, thus leaving a historical aura. It doesn’t necessarily leave a golfer in awe the first time, rather, as you get to know the course, it will grow on you. The more you play here, the more you appreciate it because knowledge course management is essential for you to strategize your game play. The golf club also has a Golf Practice Centre which lets you master your golf skills, no matter what age or expertise you have.

2. The Muirfield Golf Club in Scotland is home to the oldest golf club, the “The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers”. The design layout of the course is superb, some even considering that it has the most perfectly laid out course, and there is even a fine view of the sea. Three of its golf holes are considered to be among the best in the world. Unlike other golf courses, you cannot expect Muirfield to have gentle openers, rather, even the first hole may intimidate you. There are no trees or water hazards, and there is only one blind shot throughout the entire course.

3. The Royal County Down Golf Club in Northern Ireland is one of the oldest golf clubs in Ireland. However it has never hosted an Open Championship due to ever changing winds. However, it has a fantastic landscape, stunning views on each hole, high quality greens, and very much ideal for the average golfer. Some have likened the course to a roller coaster ride due to the elevation changes. It has two outstanding eighteen-hole courses, with five blind tee shots and some greens partially obscured. One must be careful as the slightest misjudgment can send your ball to run off areas.

4. The Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland, venue of the first golf tournament in Ireland, boasts of the most dramatic entrance to any other. It lies on the seaside with magnificent ocean views and relies on nature for its various hazards. It is said to be one of the most challenging courses that needs a tight driving in order to achieve a decent score. It has two 18-hole courses and one 9-hole pitch & putt course.

5. The Royal Dornoch in Scotland presents magnificent contours, varying winds, thick rough and large rolling greens kept in prime condition which require a player to plan a careful course management to earn a decent score. With its location on the far north of Scotland, it has a spectacular view of the North Sea and the Sutherland and Ross-shire hills. Plus, being situated only four degrees below the Arctic Circle, one can even play golf on a June evening.


© Copyright 2004 by YourSITE.com