We have chosen some great courses and golf resorts in Spain, Portugal, Scotland, Italy and France for higher handicap golfers looking for the perfect golf trip.
These courses are not too difficult and the resorts include excellent practice facilities and 9-hole options to improve your game.
La Cala Golf Resort
La Cala Golf Resort is a fantastic option for a golf holiday with a four-star hotel and spa and three championship courses situated on Spain’s Costa del Sol. Each course presents its own challenges, designed by the renowned Cabell Robinson. But while Campo America and Campo Asia are particularly tough, Campo Europa is easier for the average golfer.
There are generous fairways, flatter terrain and slightly larger greens. It’s still testing in places, with water hazards guarding the greens at the 3rd and 14th which is a memorable par-3 challenge at 254 yards, but it’s less demanding which makes it a good option at a great resort.
Hotel Peralada Wine Spa & Golf
Peralada Resort in Catalonia offers exceptional wine tourism experiences, a five-star hotel, a beautiful 18-hole golf course and Michelin-starred dining. The golf course is one of Spain’s most beautiful, surrounded by the stunning scenery of Emporda. It’s a par-71 layout and has its challenges with strategic bunkering and water hazards, but it’s designed for the enjoyment of players at any level with four tee boxes.
It’s also a relatively flat parkland course, rather than, say, a link which can be trickier. It’s also mostly tree-lined so wind is usually not an issue. The course is complemented by a 9-hole pitch & putt, always a great option to develop your golf game.
Camiral Golf & Wellness
Less than an hour from Barcelona and close to the glorious beaches of the Costa Brava, Camiral Golf & Wellness is one of the world’s leading five-star golf, lifestyle and real estate resorts.
While The Stadium Course here has hosted the Spanish Open multiple times, its sibling, the Tour Course is easier with wider fairways, less undulations and it’s shorter too. Its strategic bunkers and water hazards ensure it remains a challenge, but this is another great option for those looking for a great golf trip but one which includes a more accessible golf course.
Pine Cliffs Resort
Pine Cliffs in the Algarve, a Luxury Collection Resort, is one of the leading and award-winning five-star luxury and family resorts in Europe. It’s home to a 9-hole course, but not just any 9-hole course. It’s perched on top of cliffs with tee shots over ravines with beautiful ocean and beach views. It’s a short little gem, but you’ll never forget playing at this stunningly dramatic course.
The signature hole of this Martin Hawtree design is the par 3 sixth hole, the Devil’s Parlour, built over a ravine that requires a 215-yard tee shot over the ocean and cliffs to a narrow green. Now that is tricky, but as a whole, this is not too strenuous. It’s entertaining while trees protect the fairways from the ocean winds and it’s obviously not too long either. It’s also close to 18-hole courses in this excellent part of Europe for golfers such as Dom Pedro Vilamoura.
The Pine Cliffs Golf Academy is equipped with the latest technology with Internationally Qualified PGA Professionals. There’s tuition service second to none for all level players and a dedicated short game practice area specifically designed to aid the beginner and improver.
Mijas Golf
This venue is popular with golfers visiting the Costa del Sol due to its two courses, with one great for less skilled players. Los Lagos is a championship layout, while Los Olivos by comparison is much friendlier. The fairways are generous and the rough is short making life a little easier. This is a championship standard golf course but Robert Trent Jones Snr has thoughtfully designed it to be fun for the less confident golfer.
Montelupo Golf Club
Around 20km west of Florence in Italy, Montelupo is a flat course with plenty of water and splendid views of the Chianti hills. It offers 14 holes along the River Arno and is especially good for beginners. While it’s not difficult, it’s peaceful and relaxing and pure enjoyment for all levels of golfer. The countryside and views are gorgeous.
Terre Blanche Hotel & Spa Golf Resort
Less than an hour west of Nice airport among the vineyards of Provence, the five-star resort of Terre Blanche boasts two championship-level courses and a state-of-the-art golf academy, a great option for those wanting to improve on their handicap.
The two courses, Le Château and Le Riou have been woven seamlessly into the countryside and are in immaculate condition. The holes are threaded over a rolling terrain of valleys and lakes with tree-lined fairways and lovely views across the local villages. Le Riou though is definitely more playable for a wider range of handicaps.
