Is winter dragging on too long? Dying to get the clubs out and hit the links? Enjoy traveling and want to experience a new culture? Then you should consider a golf trip to to Portugal. Portugal is one of Europe’s best golf destinations. With hundreds of courses spread throughout a fascinating country, it is not hard to find a resort or city that will provide you with a rich cultural visit and an amazing golf experience.

Golfers typically think of the Algarve when they think about Golf in Portugal. But if you want to really get beneath the surface and discover Portuguese culture and still get to play some phenomenal golf courses, then Lisbon is the perfect place.

With springtime temperatures whilst most of Europe is experiencing winter, the Costa de Lisboa has natural beauty, rich architecture and some of Europe’s best golf courses. There are over 20 courses surrounding Lisbon and most of them are better value and quieter than those on the Algarve.

Penha Longa Golf Course is located in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and is ranked among the top 30 courses in Europe. It is a first class golf facility boasting 36 holes of championship golf and a splendid five star hotel and spa. The Atlantic Course is a par 72, measures 6,290 meters and was designed by Robert Trent Jones jr. The layout is extremely challenging and provides breathtaking views of the ocean with Estoril and Cascais to the South and the Sintra hills to the North. Pehna is the current host of the Portuguese Open and at 70 EUR per round, it is a “must play” course.

The Estoril Championship Golf Course is situated 25 minutes away from Lisbon and is the oldest golf course in Portugal. Designed by MacKenzie Ross in 1936, its fairways overlook the town of Estoril and the Atlantic Ocean. It is set amongst Eucalyptus, Pine and Mimosa trees and measures 5262 meters. Although the course is short, the heavily contoured fairways and elevation changes make it a test of accuracy not distance. Strategic thinking and respect for the course will give you the best chance of a good score here. It is no surprise why it has hosted the Portuguese Open 20 times.

A great place to stay whilst visiting this area is Cascais. This once tiny fishing village has turned into an elegant beach town without losing its charm. This a great place to absorb the best of Portuguese culture. Portuguese food is fresh and healthy and in Cascais you will find an abundance of quality seafood restaurants. Try langostinos, fresh fish, ceviche, fine local wines and vintage ports. You can also visit the boutiques and markets where you will find great value high-end fashion and local art. Be sure to pay a visit to the ancient town of Sintra where you can take a horse drawn carriage tour through the medieval streets and take in the several castles and palaces.

For championship golf, a relaxing break and an intense cultural experience you have to visit this area of Portugal.

With its rich history, diverse geographical regions and a love of good food and wine, France has long been a popular vacation destination. Here you are able to satisfy all the sensory pleasures. But there’s another to add to the list. Golf is becoming increasingly popular in France. With such a strong presence on the European Tour with players such as Thomas Levet, Raphael Jacquelin and the infamous Jean Van de Velde, it is no surprise that France is home many world class golf courses.

If you are visiting Paris, take a break from the cultural sites, shopping and amazing restaurants, and make your way to one of the 10 top quality courses within an hour’s drive of the city. One course that is definitely worth a visit, is Dolce de Chantilly, a 30 mile journey north of the capital. With 36 holes of championship golf set amongst the Ile de France forest, a visit here is the perfect way to experience what golf in France as to offer. The Vineuil Course was designed by Tom Simpson in 1909 and it is considered to be in the top 5 courses in France and one of the best in Europe.

This course is a true test of golf and will be among the best courses you ever play. At 6995 yds off the back tees, length is an advantage but the heavily tree-lined fairways means accuracy is imperative for a good score. The fairways are gently contoured and designed to give the thinking golfer a strong chance at making par. A good strategy will give you an advantage on this course. The greens are big, heavily contoured and very fast, making every hole a challenge until the ball disappears in the hole. Simpson’s penal bunkering means that you are forced to think about every shot or pay the consequences. As you walk these fairways you will feel completely submerged in the natural beauty of the forest and a very challenging layout. Being a host to several big tournaments, the course is in great condition all year round but open to the public during weekdays only.

In addition to several fantastic golf courses, the Ile de France region around Paris is home to world famous horse racing at Morfontaine and numerous castles and historic chateaux, including the grand Château de Fontainebleau, the former home of Napoleon.

France is fast becoming recognized as a top golf tourism destination. With so much on offer to satisfy all tastes beyond golf, it makes for a the perfect country to combine a great golf experience with a family vacation or weekend break. For information on accommodation in Paris, you can visit Paris Hotels.

Located on the Costa Brava coast in the North East of Spain, Barcelona is one of Europe’s most diverse and interesting cities. A short break here is the perfect way to experience the very best of the Spanish way of life. It has something for everyone: rich cultural history, architecture, art, museums, bustling market places, excellent cuisine, beaches and an energetic nightlife. And for good measure, it has some of Europe’s best golf courses surrounding the city.

Golf in Spain has never been so popular. With great players such as Seve Ballesteros, Sergio Garcia, Olazabal and Jimenez, there is so much inspiration for fellow countrymen. Hence there are hundreds of top quality golf courses to play and the weather makes it possible all year round.

One such golf resort and host of this year’s Spanish Open, is the PGA Golf Catalunya Resort. Less than an hours drive from Barcelona, the two championship courses here provide an excellent opportunity to combine a golf trip with a city break. Both courses have just recently hosted the European Tour Qualifying school and with several other European PGA events held here, the courses are always in great condition. They were designed by European Tour veterans Angel Gallardo and Neil Coles.

The Stadium Course opened in 1999 and is consistently ranked in Europe’s top 10 courses (most recently voted no.3 by the UK’s “Golf Monthly” magazine). At 6588 yds and a par 72 it is a stern test of golf. With water on 7 holes, fairways lined with evergreens, oak trees and heather, along with strategically placed bunkers, means careful thought and respect for the course has to be paid ahead of every shot. Elevation changes and a well thought out routing make each hole unique and memorable. The Pyrenee Mountain range and Montseny Massif National Park create a dramatic backdrop.

A slightly easier test of golf is the Tour Course. At 6030 off the white tees, it is shorter and has wider fairways and larger greens than its neighbor. This makes it the perfect course for all levels of golfer. The fairways are lined with pine trees and lakes, and well placed bunkers can catch you out. The large greens are undulating and contribute to a challenging and enjoyable round of golf.

Green fees for both courses range between €70 to €100, but specials are to be found such as a twilight round round for €47.5 euros and golf with lunch on Tuesdays for €59. After your round you can enjoy all the facilities the newly refurbished clubhouse has to offer. The bistro restaurant provides exquisite Spanish food and magnificent views of the surrounding natural beauty.

If you choose to stay at the resort, the 4 star Meliá Golf Vichy Catalán hotel is located in the heart of the golf course. A unique design featuring plenty of wood and stone, it is the perfect place to relax in luxury. The hotel comprises 149 rooms with spectacular views, a health spa and a beautiful garden and terrace. You will find everything you need here to unwind and enjoy a wonderful golf resort.

When you are in the city of Barcelona, you must be sure to visit La Boqueria, a huge food market, which can be found at the bottom of the famous Las Ramblas street. If you are a food lover, you will love this market. You can find everything from cured meats (serrano, chorizo) and sea food stalls to fresh fruit and vegetables. Plenty of tapas (small plates) are on offer for a few euros, which can be accompanied with a glass of the local wine.

The Gothic Quarter has the most breathtaking architecture and there you can find the Gaudi designed Sagrada Familia cathedral. If you are visiting during the football season, it is well worth experiencing the excitement of a Barcelona football match at the New Camp, one of the largest football stadiums in Europe. The Spanish have a passion for football like no other and the atmosphere is electrifying.

Whether you go to Barcelona for a golf trip, a cultural visit, or both, it is undoubtedly a place that will appeal to all tastes and leave you wanting more. For advice on accommodation in Barcelona, you can visit Barcelona Hotels

With the weather starting to cool and conditions for your favorite past time becoming much less favorable, there is no better time to head for Spain. Spain has too many alluring qualities to cover in a one page article. It is home to sandy beaches, exquisite wines, excellent gastonomy, a rich culture, and countless historical sites. But today, Spain is becoming more famous, not for tapas, football (the European kind) or bull fighting, but for GOLF. Spain can now be talked about as being on “par” with Scotland and Ireland as one of the best golf holiday destinations. It has produced some of the world’s greatest and most exciting players. Seve first showed us what they are capable of in the early eighties and inspired successors such as Olazabal, Garcia, Jimenez and now Quieroz. But when you visit Spain, you can’t fail to realize why this country is so in love with the game of golf.

The climate is perfect for playing the game all year round. You can take a beach holiday here when most of the nothern hemisphere is in the depths of of a cold winter. Combine this with outstanding golf courses and the Spanish “Viva la vida” lifestyle and you have the ingredients for a wonderful golf break.

One of the finest golf resorts and frequent winner of the best golf resort in Europe, is the La Manga Club, located on the Costa Blanca on the south eastern Meditarranean coast. With over 300 days of sunshine per year, the Costa Blanca has been named one of the healthiest places on earth by the World Health Organization.
The La Manga Club has hosted many major European tournaments such as the Spanish Open and is the current venue for the European Tour qualifying school. Here you will find first class amenities and the perfect environment to work on your game or simply relax and pamper yourself. With 1400 acres, 3 championship golf cousres, 28 tennis courts, a spa, 35 restaurants & bars and even its own beach, everyone’s interests are more than catered for. The Academy of Golf, is arguably one of the best practice and training facilities in Europe.

Each golf course is very diverse and unique but the general theme is undulated fairways, palm trees, large lakes, sculpted bunkers and barrancas (natural storm gullies).

The South Course was designed by Robert Putman and opened in 1971 but has since been redesigned by the legendary Arnold Palmer. A par 73 and 6700 yds, this course is long but fair and will provide a challenge to both the scratch and average player.

The North Course is slightly shorter at 6000 yds, but with narrower fairways it is no less challenging. The greens on this course have been built to USGA specification and are very fast and provide a great test of putting. The additional water hazards will keep you on your toes.

The West Course is the most tree lined and has more elevation changes and undulations. Every area of your game is tested here and course management and strategy more important than length.

The accomodation at La Manga is excellent and includes a Hyatt Regency hotel and 111 serviced apartments. The range of accomodation types mean that all your possible vacation needs are taken care of.

With such a strong representation in the world of golf, Spain is now firmly on the map as a great golfing nation. La Manga Club, is one of those places where serious sportsman can hone their skills, or where casual golfers needing a break can relax in luxury. It combines a great golf experience with a taste of Spanish Culture in very luxurious surroundings.

With such high accolades as the #2 public course in the US and the #1 public course in Florida, Panther Lake at the Orange County National Golf Center & Lodge is one of those golf courses that should be high on your list of “courses to play before I die.” In the words of the Zagat guide, it’s a “true golfer’s paradise”.

Located in Winter Garden, near Orlando, this golf resort has two 18 hole championship courses – Panther Lake and Crooked Cat, and the short nine hole – Tooth Course. It boasts the largest practice facility in the world and a first-class lodge which is a short walk from the first tee(s).

Panther Lake is arguably the best course in Florida. Designed by the team of Phil Ritson/Dave Harman/Isao Aoki and open since 1997, it offers one of the world’s most memorable golfing experiences. The host course for the PGA Tour’s Q-school finals in 2003, 2005, 2007 (next in 2010) and a member of Golf Digest’s “best courses you can play” every year since 1999, it combines championship golf with first class amenities.

This links-style course measures 7350 yds and its gently rolling fairways meander through natural oak hammocks, citrus groves, pine trees and freshwater lakes. Each hole is distinctly unique, offering a fresh panorama and interesting challenge. With no homes or developments on the course itself, it makes for a relaxing, yet stimulating round of golf. The subtly contoured greens are large and fast and a two putt is far from being a formality. The many tee boxes and elevation changes, will make this enjoyable test of golf for all levels of player. The course is perfectly maintained and playable all year round.

In addition to championship courses, Orange Country National is home to the world’s largest practice area, comprising of a 42 acre driving range and a 22,000ft putting and short game area, which are lit up at night for practice after dark.

The lodge has 46 spacious rooms and two hospitality suites, which will provide you will all the necessary comfort and luxury to have you feeling completely refreshed when you step onto the first tee.

In the Orlando area there are endless possibilites for dining and entertainment. A popular and excellent restaurant within 2 miles of the resort is “Victoria and Alberts” a contemporay American restaurant with dishes such as Hudson Valley foie gras with fuji apples to chorizo-crusted shrimp with white beans and olives. Another excellent restaurant, this time offering a more festive atmosphere, is the Cuban themed Cube Libre Bar and Restaurant which offers the taste and feel of 1950s Havana.

Whether this is a golf trip or a family vacation to the Walt Disney World Resort or Sea World, the Orange County National Golf Resort lives up to all its awards and is a must-play for any golfer.

For those of you not familiar with this region of the world, with over 130 golf courses, perfect year round weather and breath-taking panoramas, the Costa del Sol in Southern Spain is one of Europe’s most popular and finest golf vacation destinations.

Half way between Marbella and Sotogrande on the Costa del Sol coast, you will find the exclusive, five-star Finca Cortesin Hotel and Golf Resort. A visit here will no doubt raise the bar for all your future golf trips.

When you arrive at the 67 room boutique hotel and resort, your first impression will tell you that you are in for a very luxurious and first-class Costa del Sol golf break. The wonderful Andalusian inspired building, along with the rich natural vegetation and views of the turquoise Mediterranean Sea, provide a feast for the eyes. Everything about this place is beautiful, relaxing and of the highest quality. The very welcoming and highly attentive staff will show you to your intimate, but spacious, one or two bedroom suite and proceed with a tour of what the resort has to offer.

The spa offers a full range of treatments, including massage, Turkish bath and even a “snow cabin” designed to refresh the respiratory system after steam or sauna. A state of the art fitness center is equipped with all your possible exercise needs.

The resort has two excellent restaurants, an Asian fusion creation from Executive Chef Van Coevorden and a Mediterranean restaurant, which will give you a taste of the local gastronomical delights and exquisite wines. The accommodation and facilities on offer here make it the very best of luxury Costa del Sol golf hotels and golf resorts.

But let’s get to why we’re really here…to play one of the best golf courses the world has to offer. The 18 hole championship course was designed by Cabell Robinson, and at 7,439 yards (par 72), it is one of Europe’s longest layouts. Meandering through rugged coastal terrain, each hole provides a unique challenge, elevation and view of the Mediterranean Sea and Estepona Mountains. The Bermuda greens are fast (11+ on the stimp meter) and the subtle breaks will provide even the very best golfers with a true test. Over 100 bunkers and several lakes are positioned to keep you thinking all the way round. Unlike most resort courses, you will not find any properties on the course itself, which only increases your connection with the natural beauty of the surroundings.

The practice facilities here boast one of the Jack Nicklaus academies, which will provide all your game improvement requirements to get your game in tip-top shape for the links.

The Volvo World Match Play Championship will be hosted here between October 26th and November 1st this year. Sixteen of the world’s best players will go head-to-head for a prize of £1mn, which is sure to be a spectacle of golf and great showcase for the golf course. I’ve no doubt that watching this tournament will make you think about a visit to this truly magnificent golf resort and awe inspiring region of Spain.

If you plan to extend your European Trip and visit the cultural city of Amsterdam, you can get advice at Amsterdam Hotels.

Anyone who has played golf knows that St. Andrews, Scotland is the birthplace and “Home” of the game. The game originated here in the 15th century, and if you have been fortunate enough to play at any of the town’s ancient courses, you will understand why the game of golf has such enduring longevity. This place gives you a true sense of the Spirit of Golf. These links courses were designed by the hand of Mother Nature over thousands of years, and what you get is golf in its rawest and purest form.

So when Mark Parsinen, a successful Silicon Valley entrepreneur, approached the R&A with a plan to develop a new golf course a few miles around the coast from the Old Course, I’m sure that many eye brows and concerns were raised. Could a new course be built that could provide a true links golf experience and lure the golfing world with such an established pedigree of courses as neigbours?

At Kingsbarns Golf Links, that is exactly what has been achieved. After securing a £1mn interest free loan from the R&A, work began to create another masterpiece on the Fife coast. Along with designer Kyle Phillips, Parsinen and his team moved as little earth as possible to create the links, making optimal use of the existing natural contours. The routing and layout were designed to ensure every hole has a scenic vista and provides a fine balance of risk and reward. On every tee, you are made to think carefully about your choice of shot and the subtlety of the slopes on the fairway and greens, makes this a true test of golf. The most memorable holes are the par 3 15th across the rugged coastline (below) and the magnificent par 4 18th, which has to one of the world’s most dramatic finishing holes.

Since opening in 2000, Kingsbarns has already become one of the world’s best golf courses and annually co-hosts the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. I’ve no doubt it is an Open venue for the future.

The whole experience at Kingsbarns is quality from start to finish and there is amazing attention to detail. The staff make you feel very welcome and you know from the moment you arrive you are in a special place. The clubhouse was built in a classical design and is a wonderful place to talk over a round and perhaps enjoy a glass of Scottish Whiskey from an extensive collection. Kingsbarns has succeeded in becoming comparable to those ancient courses it has as neighbours and is undoubtedly one of world’s finest links courses. It only enhances St. Andrews as the world’s top golf destination.

There are an abundance of great places to stay in St. Andrews, from cosy B&Bs to 5 star hotels. At the upper end you have hotels such Rufflets, The Russacks and of course, The Old Course Hotel. At the more affordable end, you could stay at Nethan House. I can say from personal experience this is a wonderful B&B. For a consistently excellent restaurant in St. Andrews, I would recomend the Doll’s House (Scottish and French cuisine) and for a true St. Andrews pub experience, try the Dunvegan and the Jigger Inn, alongside the 17th hole on the Old Course.

A visit to St. Andrews and especially Kingsbarns will undoubtedly whet your appetite for the game of golf. St. Andrews is synonymous with golf and if you love golf, you will love this town.

I have been fortunate enough to live in San Francisco for the past five years and experience the many delights this city has to offer. It has everything – a rich cultural diversity, excellent food and wine, beautiful architecture and amazing panoramas. But what people don’t often associate with SF is a fantastic golf venue.

Within the city limits, San Francisco has 9 golf courses, which considering its size of 7×7 miles, is testament to how much the people here love the game. The sloped terrain and mild climate provide high quality golf courses with great coastal views and excellent shot value. Famous golf course designer, Alister MacKenzie, once said that The Olympic Club in San Francisco (host of 4 US Opens) was the finest piece of land for a golf course in the world, outside of his masterpiece at Cypress Point on the Monterey Peninsula.

Along the shore of Lake Merced in the south of the city you will find Harding Park Municipal Golf Course. Rennovated in 2002, Harding has hosted 2 PGA Tour events including the 2005 World Golf Championships and it will host the President’s Cup next month. Harding is a world class venue and you will not be disappointed by a visit here. The gently rolling fairways meander through cypress and eucalyptus trees, and it is a challenging and stimulating golf experience. At 7200 yards off the tips, this golf course can be as difficult as you want it to be, but the generous fairways make it suitable for all levels of player. The signature hole has to be the 18th, which requires a drive over the corner of Lake Merced followed by a long approach to a green perched on the water’s edge.

Coverage of the President’s Cup will no doubt show you what a first class golf facility this is. There aren’t many public courses that are host to such high profile events and it is great for the game that the public can share in the experience of the world’s best players.

Harding Park also has a nine hole course, “Flemming”, which is a great beginners course or quick round if you only have a couple of hours.

Generally speaking, you cannot go wrong to combine a golf trip with your cultural visit to SF. After your round you will be spoilt for choice for fantastic restaurants and other activities. On your way back into town from the golf courses be sure to stop at the Beach Chalet, a brew pub with fantastic beers, right across from Ocean Beach. Two of my favorite restarants in the city are Yank Sing, for Chinese Dim Sum and Boulevard for excellent Californian cuisine. For me San Francisco is not only the most beautiful city in the world, but it’s also one of the world’s best cities to play golf.

For your next golf trip consider San Francisco. It has so many great golf courses to play and so much more available! To read more on traveling to San Francisco click Travel Guide – San Francisco.

We have a feast of golf to come this afternoon. The leaderboard at The Senior Open at Sunningdale, Surrey, England, sees several of the game’s legends poised to battle it out for the former European Open trophy.

Greg Norman and Fred Funk share the lead, but they will no doubt feel the presence of golfing greats such as Tom Kite, Larry Mize and Berhard Langer, who are all within striking distance.

This is the best field ever assembled for the championship, and walking around Sunningdale yesterday, I recognized more stars of the game than I would at a regular PGA Tour event. Almost every group contained a major winner and we were treated to an abundance of the sort of shots you would expect from such experience and talent. It was great to see Tom Watson being as genial and gracious as ever. No smiles from Sir Nick Faldo however who barely acknowledged the crowd.

The Surrey heathland course is in fantastic condition and is without a doubt one of the finest in the world. For advice on accommodation near Surrey, you can visit London Hotels.

Here are a few shots from yesterday…

I’ve just received something very exciting in my inbox. It’s a job posting for an opening in the golf industry that will no doubt have thousands of golfers scrambling to submit an application.

Your golftravel.com is offering, one extremely lucky individual the opportunity to travel and play the world’s best golf courses for a whole year AND get paid for the privilege. Turnberry, Pebble Beach and St. Andrews will be the caliber of golf course on the itinerary. The job specs are nothing more than to play and then write about these fantastic courses and the facilities on offer. Sound good?

Check out this article in today’s Times On-line: Ideal job for someone teed off with redundancy.

Golf jobs (or any jobs for that matter) don’t come much better than this one and with unemployment at record levels, there will certainly be a great deal of interest. Golfers who apply will be screened firstly on their writing skills (and a handicap of less than 14 is a pre-requisite) and a short-list of applicants will battle it out over a round of golf to determine who spends a year in paradise, playing and writing about the great game of golf.