Switzerland, with its majestic Alps, tranquil lakes, and charming villages, is a lesser-known but extraordinary golfing destination. Despite having only about 100 courses — two-thirds featuring 18 holes — the country’s golf scene is exclusive, shaped by strict environmental regulations that preserve its natural beauty. The All Square Golf Rankings showcase Switzerland’s finest courses, highlighting their design, setting, and hospitality. This article explores 15 top courses, weaving through their unique characteristics and the regional allure that makes Switzerland a hidden gem for golf enthusiasts.
Golf Club Domaine Impérial: Gland’s Lakeside Elegance
Nestled on Lake Geneva’s shores in Gland, Vaud, Golf Club Domaine Impérial is a masterpiece of design and ambience. Dating back to the early 20th century, this course harmonises with its surroundings, offering views of Mont Blanc and the Alps. Strategic bunkers and undulating greens challenge players, while the serene lakeside setting elevates the experience. Though primarily for members, guests can secure tee times with advance planning. The Vaud region, with Lausanne’s cultural vibrancy and Lavaux’s terraced vineyards, complements a visit, blending golf with the elegance of Lake Geneva.
Golf Club Crans-sur-Sierre – Severiano Ballesteros Course: Alpine Grandeur
High in the Valais Alps, the Severiano Ballesteros Course at Golf Club Crans-sur-Sierre in Crans-Montana is a global icon. Designed by the legendary Ballesteros, it hosts the Omega European Masters, drawing international acclaim. Perched at 1,500 meters, its fairways carve through alpine meadows, with elevation changes and hazards demanding precision. The Matterhorn and Weisshorn provide a breathtaking backdrop, while Crans-Montana’s resort offerings — skiing, hiking, and the Crans Ambassador’s luxurious spa — enhance the experience. Valais’ sunny climate and robust wines add warmth to this high-altitude haven.
Golf Club de Genève: Vandoeuvres’ Timeless Craft
Just outside Geneva in Vandoeuvres, Golf Club de Genève is a Robert Trent Jones Sr. design from 1973. Its tree-lined fairways and fast greens reward strategic play, while the secluded feel, despite nearby residential areas, adds charm. Founded in the 1920s, the club carries a rich legacy, and its proximity to Geneva’s international airport (30 minutes) ensures accessibility. The Lake Geneva region, a hub of diplomacy and culture, offers lakeside sailing and wine tasting, making this course a sophisticated stop for golfers.
Golf and Country Club Zurich-Zumikon: Zurich’s Refined Escape
In the Central Plateau, Golf and Country Club Zurich-Zumikon, near Zurich, is celebrated for its pristine maintenance. The course’s fast, subtle greens and rolling fairways balance challenge and fairness, while the clubhouse’s warmth creates a welcoming atmosphere. Just 20 minutes from Zurich, it’s perfectly positioned for exploring the city’s Kunsthaus museum or Lake Zurich’s shores. The Central Plateau’s blend of urban energy and pastoral beauty makes Zumikon a delightful retreat for golfers.
Golf Gerre Losone: Ticino’s Mediterranean Charm
Near the Italian border in Ticino, Golf Gerre Losone embodies the region’s Mediterranean flair. This parkland-style course integrates water hazards and bunkers with lush valleys, offering views of Lake Como. The mild climate and Italian-speaking culture, paired with Lugano’s vibrant promenades and cuisine like polenta, create a unique golfing experience. Losone’s scenic and strategic design appeals to those seeking a sun-drenched round in Switzerland’s southernmost canton.
Golf Club de Lausanne: Vaud’s Historic Vista
Set above Lausanne in Vaud, Golf Club de Lausanne offers sweeping views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. Established in 1921, this historic course challenges with rolling fairways and well-guarded greens. Its scenic setting and proximity to Lausanne’s Olympic Museum and thriving arts scene make it a cultural and golfing highlight. Vaud’s concentration of elite courses, including Domaine Impérial, positions it as a golfer’s paradise with access to lakeside towns.
Golf Sempach – Lakeside Course: Lucerne’s Modern Gem
In Lucerne, Central Switzerland, the Lakeside Course at Golf Sempach is part of a 36-hole complex. Its modern layout features open fairways and large greens, with Lake Sempach providing a scenic frame. Designed to blend with the rolling terrain, it offers an engaging yet approachable experience. Lucerne’s medieval charm, from the Chapel Bridge to Mount Pilatus, complements a visit, making Sempach a vibrant addition to Switzerland’s golf scene.
Golf Club Patriziale Ascona: Ticino’s Historic Beauty
Also in Ticino, Golf Club Patriziale Ascona lies near Lake Maggiore. One of Switzerland’s oldest courses, it combines parkland charm with strategic bunkering and mature trees. Ascona’s Mediterranean ambience, with palm-lined streets and lakeside dining, enhances the experience. Ticino’s Italian flair and mild climate make Patriziale a captivating choice for golfers seeking history and scenic allure.
Golf and Country Club Schönenberg: Zurich’s Welcoming Haven
Near Zurich, Golf and Country Club Schönenberg, in the Central Plateau, offers a balanced layout with tree-lined fairways and tricky greens. Its welcoming atmosphere and proximity to Zurich’s cultural and financial hubs make it both accessible and serene. The region’s blend of urban vibrancy and pastoral calm positions Schönenberg as a versatile stop for golfers exploring the area.
Golf Club Vuissens: Fribourg’s Countryside Retreat
In Fribourg, Western Switzerland, Golf Club Vuissens is set among rolling hills. This countryside course mixes open and wooded holes, with water hazards adding challenge. Its tranquil setting and proximity to Fribourg’s medieval old town and Gruyères’ cheese-making heritage make it a delightful escape. Vuissens’ blend of accessibility and charm appeals to golfers seeking a quieter round.
Golf Club Montreux: Vaud’s Lakeside Serenity
Located near Lake Geneva in Vaud, Golf Club Montreux offers a compact yet scenic layout with views of the Alps. Its proximity to Montreux’s famous jazz festival and the historic Chillon Castle adds cultural depth. The Vaud region’s lakeside beauty and vibrant towns make this course a compelling choice for those pairing golf with exploration.
Golf and Country Club de Bonmont: Nyon’s Modern Classic
In Nyon, Vaud, Golf and Country Club de Bonmont, near Lake Geneva, is a modern design with open fairways and strategic bunkers. Catering to varied skill levels, it offers views of the Jura Mountains. Nyon’s historic charm and proximity to Geneva make Bonmont an accessible yet scenic option in the Lake Geneva region.
Golf Club Bad Ragaz: St. Gallen’s Resort Oasis
Part of the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz in St. Gallen, Golf Club Bad Ragaz sits in the Rhine Valley. Its flat, open layout contrasts with Switzerland’s hilly courses, offering a forgiving experience. The resort’s thermal spa, fed by local hot springs, and proximity to the Tamina Gorge add luxury, while St. Gallen’s quieter charm, near Lake Constance, makes it a relaxing destination.
Golf Club Breitenloo: Central Switzerland’s Hidden Gem
In Sursee, Central Switzerland, Golf Club Breitenloo blends open fairways with strategic hazards, set against rolling hills. Its proximity to Lucerne and Lake Sempach offers access to the region’s cultural and natural attractions, from medieval bridges to alpine trails. Breitenloo is a lesser-known but rewarding stop for golfers.
Golf Club Leuk: Valais’ Alpine Rising Star
In the Rhône Valley of Valais, Golf Club Leuk is an emerging gem with a modern layout. Its wide fairways and alpine views offer playability and beauty. Less famous than Crans-sur-Sierre, Leuk benefits from Valais’ sunny microclimate and proximity to Leukerbad’s thermal baths, making it a serene yet striking golfing destination.
Switzerland’s Golfing Tapestry: A Regional Mosaic
These courses span Switzerland’s diverse regions, each enriching the nation’s golfing allure. The Lake Geneva region (Vaud and Geneva) hosts Domaine Impérial, Golf Club de Genève, Golf Club de Lausanne, Montreux, and Bonmont, blending lakeside elegance with urban access. Valais, with Crans-sur-Sierre and Leuk, delivers alpine drama and sunshine. Ticino’s Gerre Losone and Patriziale Ascona bring Mediterranean warmth, while the Central Plateau’s Zurich-Zumikon and Schönenberg offer urban proximity. Central Switzerland’s Sempach and Breitenloo provide cultural richness, Fribourg Vuissens adds countryside charm, and St. Gallen’s Bad Ragaz offers resort luxury. Switzerland’s limited land and strict regulations ensure courses integrate seamlessly with the landscape, creating exclusive yet stunning venues.
