Originally a sport for the elite, golf has become more democratized and attracts more and more players, including the young.

In addition, a new kind of golf has appeared: compact golf, or Pitch & Putt. This style of course is more ecologically sound, as it requires less water, and is more compact. Thus these courses can be closer to cities, and are readily accessible to all kinds of golfers who use them as a complement to traditional golf.

 

Some history

The origins of golf are not officially established: Chinese, Dutch, Scottish? The latest theory is the most widely accepted; it puts the birth of golf in Scotland, around 1100. The most ancient golf course in the world is the Old Links of Musselburgh Racecourse, where legend has it that Mary, Queen of Scots played in 1567.

 

The 13 original rules of golf were drawn up by the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers in 1744. Even if the rules have since changed, those currently in use were inspired by these original ones.

 

Associations

The European Golf Association, founded in 1937, today has 36 member countries. They are responsible on an international level for promoting the development of golf, and supervising the correct application of the Rules Of Golf And Amateur Status, published by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews.

 

With increasing global concern for the environmental crises facing the planet, consideration is being given to making golf a more environmentally sustainable sport. The non-profit organization Golf Environment Europe, for example, is dedicated to this task.

 

Tour of Golf Courses: the Giants

The European countries most well known world-wide for the number and quality of their courses are the United Kingdom and Ireland.

 

According to the the European Golf Association’s 2007 statistics, more than 3,100 courses are spread across the United Kingdom. In England, golf lovers are inevitably familiar with the most renowned golf courses. The Royal Birkdale Golf Club lies close to Southport, a charming seaside resort in the northwest of England; the Royal Liverpool and The Belfry golf clubs are in the West Midlands (a perfect opportunity to visit Birmingham and Stratford-upon-Avon, just a few miles further on).

Scotland, home of golf, has 579 courses, each in a magnificent natural setting. Six itineraries take you to some of the most beautiful among Scotland’s golf links as you visit the work of James Brain, one of the most well-know golf course designers in the world. Scotland is the site of famous St. Andrews, the very cradle of golf. Enjoy your visit to the fullest: after seeing the old town of St. Andrews and the Museum of Golf, explore the long beaches along the coast!

In Wales, more than 150 golf courses dot the country’s spectacular landscape. In the shadow of a mountain or at the foot of a medieval castle, the magic of these locations is inspiring. Two of the most extraordinary links in the world are the Royal Porthcawl Golf Club in the south of Wales and the

In Northern Ireland you’ll be permanently charmed by the Royal Portrush Golf Club, not far from Larne’s spectacular coast and the Glens region, or by the Royal Country Down Golf Club at Newcastle, just south of Belfast.

In Ireland you’ll have a royal choice of places to test your swing: 30% of the world’s links are in this beautiful country! The courses are in natural settings with lakes and rivers, never far from the sea. . . Like Tiger Woods, come and refresh yourself at the Waterville Golf Links, or follow Tom Watson and choose Ballybunnion Golf Club!

 

Addicted to Golf?

France, Germany, and Sweden also have a number of impressive golf courses. Germany prides itself on offering you the pleasure of practicing your swing amidst lovely scenery on some of the most attractive golf courses in Europe. From the North Sea to the Alps, you’ll find beautiful golf courses in extraordinary lakeside and spa settings throughout the country.

 

France is rich with over 500 golf courses, and more on the drawing board. Grab your clubs!

If you’re really hooked on golf, Sweden is where you can play non-stop, 24 hours a day, thanks to the midnight sun! A golfer’s dream. . . . Is this why one out of twenty Swedes plays the game? Björklidens golf course is reputed to be one of the loveliest courses in existence. Give it a try!

In other European countries, golf is a sport in full bloom, and everyone is doing his best to offer quality courses, attracting players as well with beautiful surroundings, the cultural interest of the destination, and for certain lucky ones, an appealing climate. How can you resist such enticements?

 

Teeing Off in Southern Europe

Portugal features courses designed by great architects, in beautifully scenic settings. These courses give golfers an advance taste of paradise, as the greens are a delight for the eye as well as your game! In the Algarve, the 16th hole of the Royal circuit (Vale do Lobo) is the most photographed of Europe, thanks to the panoramic view of the white beach and blue sea, the town of Vilamoura in the background. Ah Portugal, land of golf challenges!

 

Spain is a must for golf aficionados, with its sun and warm temperatures all year round, striking landscapes and difficulties for players of all levels. All this comes together with first class accommodation, superb local cuisine, fiesta and fun to be enjoyed with friends or family, particularly in the Costa Brava. However, the Canary Islands are equally favored, with splendid courses located just a few steps from the beach, as are the Balearic Islands, where the Majorca Classic Tournament takes place on October 25th at Pula Golf Club.

Italy also offers hundreds of courses throughout the country. Golf has been rapidly developing in Greece for several years: you can play at courses in places such as Athens (Glyfada), Corfu, Rhodes, and Crete. Cyprus has recently developed golf courses and offers a choice of nine different links. One of the advantages of this destination is that you can practice your favorite sport all year long!

 

Teeing Off in Northern Europe

Ah! See the Nordic countries from the end of a golf club! Breathtaking scenery and a hospitable welcome in addition to practicing your calling! You have choices: if you want to play golf all year, go to Denmark; this country doesn’t know a bad season. In Finland, enjoy a summer visit in this magnificent country and sample the ambiance of one of its courses. And why not cross the border into Norway to play one of its 154 links? Not bad!

 

Iceland, already irresistibly equipped with attractions for tourists thanks to its unusual and abundant natural resources and fiery nature, also offers golfers the additional persuasive element of the midnight sun. That’s why the Akureyri club, in the north of the island, runs a 36-hole international open tournament at the end of June. The first ball is played just before midnight and the tournament lasts until early morning. Unique, isn’t it?

Latvia’s softly undulating, green terrain is perfectly adapted to golf. The course at Ozo, just fifteen minutes from Riga alongside beautiful Ķ¨©sezers lake, was designed by hockey star Sandis Ozolins.

Lithuanians ‘discovered’ golf just a few years ago but have already learned how to enjoy it, and the sport is rapidly growing in popularity among the residents of the country.
Six golf clubs have opened since 2000: The Capitals Golf Club, Svingas, Lituanica, and the European Centre Golf Club all in the Vilnius area, the Deer golf club in Kaunas, and finally the national golf club Klaipeda, in the Klaipeda district, opens this year with an expansion planned for 2008. Explore Lithuania and its remarkable natural beuaty in a new way – while playing golf!

 

 

Teeing Off in Western Europe

Austria has a vast network of courses to suit players of every level and handicap. Practically all the courses willingly welcome beginners with prior approval (AP).

 

If clubs, tees, and greens are synonymous with relaxation for you, then Slovenia is where you should go. Scenery varying from Alpine to Mediterranean provides beautiful settings for ten different courses and twenty practice areas. Go golfing in Switzerland; besides its 88 links, you can enjoy a wide diversity of landscapes. The natural and cultural attractions make this an ideal destination for your golfing vacation.

More than fifty golf clubs welcome you in Flanders (Belgium). You can enjoy a golf game on a peaceful course near beautiful historic cities, near the coastline, or in the countryside. The variety of courses will suit every player. Clubs with an Ecolabel promise you an environmentally friendly course. Those who like something different can try Urban golf in the city center, Farmers’ golf played in country meadows, or Bambini golf for young children.

 

Teeing Off in Central Europe

In the Czech Republic the Mariánské Lázn¨§ was founded in 1905 by King Edward VII of England and is in magnificent natural surroundings, right next to a thermal village. After sport, some comfort! The Czech Republic earned the AIGTO “Unknown Golf Destination of 2007” award. From three golf courses in 1990, the number of courses swelled to 26 by 2006, an achievement that merits distinction! The Mariánské Lázne, established in 1905 by the English king, Edward VII, I one of the oldest courses in the Czech Republic. It’s located in a beautiful area at the heart of a charming town featuring thermal baths. After a good game of golf, how about some serious comfort?

 

The first eighteen holes in Slovakia are in the dazzling region of the Low Tatras. The Grey Bear Golf course is beautifully integrated into the countryside.

Hungary has twelve professional level golf courses situated in lovely natural surroundings. They’re waiting for just one thing: to welcome golf lovers to the greens!

Whatever your handicap, come play on Europe’s beautiful and world-renowned golf courses, and enjoy exploring the splendid scenery and the European art of living!