Best DP World Tour events to attend in Europe

The best tournaments to attend this year include possibly the most stunning venue for any golf tournament in Europe and the host courses for the 2023 Solheim and Ryder Cups.

Omega European Masters, Switzerland: Aug 31 – Sept 3

The Omega European Masters, formerly the Swiss Open, is quite possibly the most beautiful setting for a golf event you will ever attend. In 2022 the tournament was attended by George Clooney, while golf fan Justin Timberlake and Cindy Crawford have also paid a visit in the past. This year it takes place one week after the FedEx final and several world stars will be announced as playing in the coming months. There’s also a Pro-Am before the pro event.

Dating back to 1923, it’s one of Europe’s most prestigious tournaments with past champions including three-times winner Severiano Ballesteros, José Maria Olazabal, Sergio Garcia, Colin Montgomerie, Ernie Els and Sir Nick Faldo. Children (under 18) are admitted free and spectators can also enjoy VIP treatment and hospitality at the Dent Blanche Lounge and the Matterhorn Village.

The main appeal of the tournament is its venue. Crans-Sur-Sierre Golf Club, in the ski resort of Crans-Montana, is set in the spectacular Swiss Alps and has two courses, by Seve Ballesteros and Jack Nicklaus. Seve’s course hosts the event and has jaw-dropping views of Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. The 7th hole is perhaps its most iconic with one of the most awe-inspiring views in all of golf, with the huge snow-capped Alps as a backdrop.

BMW International Open, Munich: Jun 22 – 25

Since 1989, the BMW International Open has been thrilling golf pros and spectators with its world-class facilities and joyful atmosphere. For 2023 it has announced a strong group of players for the 34th edition of the event, which takes place at Golfclub München Eichenried just three months before the Ryder Cup in Rome.

Entry to the Pro-Am is free on June 21, while entry is free for children and young people up to the age of 16 on all days. The golf course itself is a gorgeous tree-lined parkland layout with impeccable conditioning, offering an enjoyable spectator experience.

Europe’s Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald is playing along with all three vice captains: Thomas Bjørn, two-time champion Edoardo Molinari and Nicolas Colsaerts. Other big names who will be playing include Danish twins Nicolai and Rasmus Højgaard, Victor Perez, Robert MacIntyre, Rafa Cabrera Bello and Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston.

Spectators can also enjoy The Championship Village with it BMW exhibition, food and drink, live video transmission and golf-related media content, and pure indulgence at the Fairway Club, right on the 18th green, where guests can enjoy a unique view of the action while enjoying exquisite food and drinks.

KLM Dutch Open, Holland: May 25 – 28

One of the oldest tournaments of the (previously named) European Tour. In 2023, the 103rd edition of the Netherlands’ biggest international golf event will be played for the third time on one of Europe’s leading golf courses, Bernardus Golf in Cromvoirt. Located close to Eindhoven, it opened in 2018 and will host the Solheim Cup in 2026.

The Championship Course at Bernardus Golf was designed by Kyle Phillips, a heathland track course with a tight layout, steep-faced bunkers and water hazards which should add plenty of drama to the contest.

Founded in 1912, recent winners of the KLM Dutch Open have included 2017 Masters winner and Ryder Cup star Sergio Garcia and local favourite Joost Luiten. The defending champion is Victor Perez who beat Ryan Fox in a dramatic playoff in the 2022 edition.

Daily, weekend, and 4-day general admission Grounds tickets are available, with the multi-day packages offering a cost saving per day. For those seeking a premium experience, Bernardus Club Lounge hospitality passes are also available on a single-day basis. Also this year, Beat the Pro is a special event where amateurs can claim victory against professional players. During all four days of the tournament, amateur players are invited to hit a ball on hole 8 (par-3), after the professionals tee off.

Made in Himmerland, Denmark: July 6 – 9

Made in Himmerland, previously known as Made in Denmark, will provide great entertainment with a guarantee of world-class golf. It started in 2014 and has been won by names such as Thomas Pieters and Bernd Wiesberger. In 2022, all the Danish stars of golf participated, including the two talented twins Rasmus and Nicolai Højgaard and Thomas Bjørn.

In 2023, it will be the penultimate event of The Open Qualifying Series. Held at HimmerLand Golf & Spa Resort, it will offer three places in the field for The 151st Open at Royal Liverpool. The most notable feature of the golf course is undoubtedly the spectacular hill surrounding the back and sides of the green at the short par-3 16th. Quickly christened as HimmerLand Hill, it has space for thousands of fans, providing a stunning atmosphere for spectators.

General admission tickets are available exclusively as a 4-day ticket lasting the full duration of the tournament. They can also be purchased as a ‘Friends & Family’ pack of 4, for the price of 3 individual tickets. VIP tickets will become available in the spring.

There will be live music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. On Thursday, spectators can look forward to Bellami feat. Lune Carlsen; Friday is headlined by Smokie; and Electric Light Orchestra feat. Phil Bates plays on Saturday. All concerts will take place in the large village area, where there will also be exhibitions and activities as well as a huge food and drink courts.

Italian Open, Rome: May 4 – 7

The Italian Open is the most important international event organized by the Italian Golf Federation. It has been played since 1925 and has been part of the European golf circuit of the DP World Tour since 1972. The 80th edition will take place at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Guidonia Montecelio in Rome – venue for the 2023 Ryder Cup. The event will be an appetizer for the 44th edition of the Team Europe vs Team USA event from 29 September to 1 October.

The tournament has attracted many of golf’s biggest European names over the years, and is sure to attract even more in 2023 as many of Team Europe’s players will want to get used to the course. Recent winners include Tyrrell Hatton, Francesco Molinari, Nicolai Højgaard and, in 2022, Robert MacIntyre who beat Matt Fitzpatrick in a playoff.

The golf course has undergone big changes to improve both the player and spectator experience to get it ready for the Ryder Cup. The redesign project, led by European Golf Design in co-operation with Tom Fazio II, focused on creating a golf course specifically with the drama of match play in mind. Spectators will now have unrivalled vantage points of the action as well as distant views of the Eternal City, including spectacular views of St Peter’s Basilica and of the Castle of Marco Simone.

Rome is a short trip from the golf course, the wonderful historic capital of Italy which is home to ancient wonders like the Colosseum, endless cobbled streets and superb food. Combining a visit to the city as part of your trip to the Italian Open would make for a magical golf experience.