A Golfers Guide to A Golf Holiday in Italy

Perfect climate, spectacular landscapes and delicious food; Italy is the perfect destination for a European golf holiday. Between the glistening lakes and rugged coastlines, Italy is home to some spectacular top-quality golf courses. However, as the country varies so dramatically it can be hard to know where to visit on your golf holiday. We’ve shared our favourite regions to help you decide where to go on your Italian golfing holiday.

Golf Holidays in Turin

The capital city of Piedmont in northern Italy, Turin is renowned for its beautiful architecture and delicious cuisine. Partially surrounded by the Alps, golf courses benefit from the breath-taking natural beauty of the area. If you are looking for courses with countless elevation changes, Golf Club Biella and Golf Club Des Iles Borromes are perfect options. Whilst Golf Club Biella is located on the slopes of the Serra moraine, Golf Club Des Iles Borromes offers dramatic views of the Swiss Alps, the Ticino Plain, Milan skyline and a handful of Italian lakes.

Golf Holidays in Milan

The second most populous city in Italy, Milan is the capital of Lombardy and is known as a global leader in design and fashion. Located in the northwestern section of the Po Valley, the city is situated between the Alps and the river Po. Close to the great lakes, the golf courses located in the area are some of the most picturesque in the country. Set within a parkland estate close to Lake Garda, Golf Club Arzaga features a Jack Nicklaus II design, whilst Royal Park I Roveri Golf Club is located in a former royal hunting reserve.

Golf Holiday in Sicily

An autonomous region of Italy, Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Served by Catania Airport, Sicily is separated from the mainland by the Strait of Messina, the terrain is mostly hilly, giving rise to some incredible golf courses. Located on the slopes of Mount Etna, Il Picciolo has hosted five open championships including the Sicilian Ladies Italian Open, whilst Verdura Golf & Spa Resort has been named as an official European Tour Destination.

Golf Holidays in Rome

One of the most famous cities in the world, Rome’s history spans 28 centuries. In light of this, the areas golf clubs incorporate the regions historical past and offers a unique experience for visitors. Whilst Castelgandolfo Golf & Country Club is situated in the remains of an ancient volcanic crater, Circolo del Golf di Roma Aquasanta has views of the Via Appia Antica Roman aqueduct arches and the ancient tomb of Cecilia Metella.

Golf Holidays in Sardinia

Located to the south of Corsica, Sardinia is served by Cagliari Airport and is another autonomous region of Italy. Featuring a rocky coastline and incredible mountain ranges, the island’s geography provides the perfect backdrop for exclusive golf resorts. Located in the Costa Smeralda region, Pevero Golf Club offers glimpses of Corsica on a clear day, whilst Is Molas Golf Resort has hosted an impressive four Italian Opens.

Golf Holidays from Venice Airport

Served by both Venice Marco Polo Airport and Venice Treviso Airport, Venice is a fabulous location for a golf holiday. The capital of the Veneto region, this northeastern Italian city is made up of 118 small islands that are separated by canals and linked by bridges. Although you might not automatically associate Venice with a golf holiday, it is home to some of the most prestigious clubs in the country such as Golf Club Udine. One must visit is Circolo Golf Venezia which opened in 1930 and is the oldest club in the region.

We hope this has helped you decide which Italian region to visit and enjoy a golf holiday.

Golf-Drives offers transfers from the airports in all of these destinations, and can take you from the airport to hotel, hotel to the course and back again! Get a quick, hassle-free quote now!

Your Ultimate Guide to Golfing on the Canary Islands

Offering spectacular golf all-year round, the Canary Islands, Spain are perfect for golf holidays. Located off the coast of Morocco, the islands enjoy the sun all year round, with an average temperature of 19 degrees Celsius in winter and 23 degrees Celsius in summer. An autonomous archipelago of 7 islands, the best golf courses in the Canary Islands can be found on Gran Canaria and Tenerife.

To help give you some inspiration for your next golf holiday, we’ve chosen our favourite golf clubs in Gran Canaria and Tenerife that you can play at all year round.

Gran Canaria Golf Courses

With an incredible volcanic landscape featuring 60km of beaches and a Biosphere Reserve, Gran Canaria is a spectacular destination for golf holidays. Easily accessed via a transfer from Gran Canaria airport, the majority of golf clubs in Gran Canaria are located on the east side of the island, centred around the popular towns of Telde and Maspalomas.

Just 25km to the north of Gran Canaria Airpor t, Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas is a must-visit when visiting the island. Known as Spain’s oldest golf club, it has a unique backdrop and is situated next to Caldera de Bandama volcanic crater. Featuring narrow fairways, deep ravines and small greens, the course offers fantastic panoramic views of the northwest coastline. El Cortijo Club de Campo also makes use of the breath-taking landscape and is routed through a series of valleys surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. A challenging and technical course, it has hosted numerous tournaments including the Canarias Open de Espana 2002 which saw Sergio Garcia claim victory.

Located close to Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria towards the south of Gran Canaria, Anfi Tauro is another fantastic golf club. Consistently ranked as one the best golf courses in Europe, the 18-hole championship golf course is arranged in American-style layout and includes various water hazards such as lakes and waterfalls. Further down the coast, close to the popular resort of Playa del Ingles, Maspalomas offers a beautiful, natural course. Parallel to the Maspalomas Dunes Nature Reserve, the course features long broad fairways on a flat terrain with the constant threat of the sea breeze. Additional variety is provided by Salobre Golf which is the only golf club in the Canary Islands to boast a 36-hole layout. Although the ‘New’ course has been developed to an exceptional standard, it is the ‘Old’ course that is the most popular. Previously host to important championships such as the 2006 Spanish PGA, the course has developed an international reputation and is not to be missed during your golf holiday in Gran Canaria.

Tenerife Golf Courses

Featuring some of the most dramatic scenery in Europe, Tenerife is a great location for a golf holiday in the Canary Islands. Home to Mount Teide, the third highest volcano in the world, Tenerife boasts 8 golf courses, with the majority being located in the west and easily accessed via a transfer from Tenerife South Airport.

Situated away from the popular tourist resort in the northwest of the island, Buenavista Golf has a more remote location than the other golf clubs in Tenerife. However, despite the additional transfer time, this Seve Ballesteros-designed course is worth the effort. Nestled on a cliff top overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Buenavista Golf provides golfers incredible views as they move around the course. Suitable for players of all abilities, the course offers exceptional holiday golf. Another course that boasts amazing ocean views is Abama Golf. One of Spain’s most exclusive golf clubs, it’s palm tree-lined fairways provide a constant challenge. Featuring 22 lakes, waterfalls and white sand bunkers, this course located on the west face of Mount Teide provides a memorable experience. Golf Costa Adeje also boasts exceptional surroundings and has been designed by integrating the natural features of the area into the course.

Offering impressive golf facilities in an extremely convenient location, Golf Las Americas is a natural choice when visiting Tenerife on a Golf Hotel. Located in the main tourist area of Las Americas, the course is laid out in two returning loops of nine holes with the coastal location providing subtle elevation changes. Another fantastic golf club that is easily accessible via transfer is Golf del Sur. Located in the south of Tenerife, the course is arranged in three loops of nine holes, allowing golfers to choose from 3 different 18-hole combinations. Expertly maintained, Golf del Sur’s lush fairways and black volcanic sand bunkers will help great a memorable golf holiday in Tenerife.

We hope our favourite golf courses in the Canary Islands have given you plenty of inspiration for your next golf holiday.

If you’re planning a golf holiday in the Canary Islands, Golf-Drives provide hassle-free transfers for your entire holiday. Transporting you from Gran Canaria Airport and Tenerife South Airport to your hotel, from your hotel to the golf course, and back again, Golf-Drives can deal with all your transport.

10 Most Unique Golf Courses in the World

When you’re heading off on a golf holiday, it’s understandable that you might want to experience something a little different. These unique golf courses will give you memories that last a lifetime.

For a little inspiration on your next golf holiday, we’ve put together a list of the most unique golf courses in the world. You’ll definitely want to say you’ve played at least one of these courses in your lifetime.

10. Ile Aux Cerfs Golf – Mauritius

If you like to escape from the hustle of modern life, this is the course for you. Part of Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort and Spa in Mauritius, Ile Aux Cerfs Golf course is one of the world’s finest and most unique golf courses. Designed by Bernhard Langer, the tranquil course is located on its own beautiful island off the east coast of Mauritius, separated from the mainland by a glistening lagoon. It’s pretty impressive.

9. Coeur d’Alene Golf Resort – USA

We’re unable to compare this course with any other because there’s nothing quite like the Coeur d’Alene Golf Resort. Located in Idaho, USA, the course is designed by Scott Miller and features one of the most well-known holes in golf, ‘The Floating Green’. Computer-controlled to a different distance from the tee each day, the ‘Floating Green’ is a bucket-list hole. Golfers can take a maximum of two attempts to land safely on the island before taking a drop on the green. Once attempted, board the ‘Putter’ boat that ferries players to the green and back.

Can’t travel to Coeur d’Alene? Try visiting Le Golf National during a golf holiday to France. Host to the 2018 Ryder Cup, the course features a strip of turf connecting the 18th to the 15th, creating one of the most difficult island greens.

8. Nullarbor Links Golf Course – Australia

If you’re looking to impress, try out the world’s longest golf course. Thought to be about 850 miles long, the average time it takes to complete Nullarbor Links is 4 days, with each hole being a 30-mile drive apart. Crossing two time-zones, it takes dedication to complete a round of golf at Nullarbor Links Golf Course.

7. El Camaleon Mayakoba Golf Club – Mexico

Host to the first PGA Tour event to be contested outside the USA and Canada, El Camaleon Mayakoba is a golfing paradise. A natural beauty, the course offers the ultimate variety as it has a mixture of three diverse ecosystems: the tropical Mayan jungle, mangrove wetlands and Mexican Caribbean Sea coastline. Including hazards such as cenotes (sinkholes), extensive bunkers and freshwater canals, the course is like nothing you will have experienced before – and we love it!

6. Skukuza Golf Course – South Africa

Located in the famous Kruger National Park, the Skukuza Golf Course is in a rich wildlife sanctuary including the Big Five, a huge variety of birds and countless animals. With no fence to separate the golf course, animals such as hippos, impala, warthog and baboons are free to roam onto the course. It’s a course like no other that offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

5. Himalayan Golf Club – Nepal

Located 7km away from Pokhara, the Himalayan Golf Club is one of only two 18-hole golf courses in Nepal. Situated in a canyon created by the Himalayan snowed waters of the Bijayapur river, the course offers a spectacular view of the Fishtail and Annapurna mountain range. Featuring roaming buffalo and a natural island hole, this course takes adventure golf to the extreme.

Want to experience mountain views a little closer to home? A golf holiday in the southeastern regions of France might be for you, with golf clubs such as Golf International de Grenoble Bresson and Golf and Country Club de Bossey having incredible backdrops.

4. Merapi Golf Course – Indonesia

Sitting 800 metres above sea level, Merapi Golf Course offers a unique landscape for golf. Located 30 minutes away from the ancient city of Yogyakarta, this course sits at the base of Mount Merapi, an active volcano. Smoke is seen emerging from the volcano over 300 days per year and eruptions take place every two to three years, making any round high risk.

Don’t want to risk it? Try a golf holiday to Sicily, Italy, and play at the foot of Mount Etna at Il Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & Spa.

3. Prison View Golf Club – USA

Once known as the ‘bloodiest prison in America’, the Louisiana State Penitentiary isn’t the first place you think of when thinking of golf course destinations. Prison View Golf Course is in Angola and offers players a challenging round of golf whilst being on the grounds of the prison. To play her a background check is necessary and play may be suspended at any time due to institutional need or at the warden’s discretion. Don’t forget to check out our USA golf transfers to get you there.

2. Uummannaq Greenland Golf – Greenland

500 miles north of the Arctic Circle, Uummannaq Greenland Golf wins the award for the coldest round of golf. Host to the World Ice Golf Championship, golfers from around the world come to play on this unique golf course. Although hazards are said to include seal dens and crevasses, the biggest threat is frostbite, which players are taught how to spot before they tee off.

1. Legend Golf & Safari Resort – South Africa

Located in Limpopo Province in South Africa, Legend Golf & Safari is one of the world’s top luxury destinations. Apart from being in the middle of a wildlife preserve, the course is known as the unique ‘world-in-one’ Signature Course where each of the 18-holes is designed by a different golfing legend. In addition to this, golfers have the chance to attempt the iconic par-3, the ‘Extreme 19th’. Only accessible by helicopter, the tee shot is 400m above ground on Hanglip Mountain. Aiming for a green shaped like the African continent, there’s 1,200 feet drop to the hole.

Hassle-free transfers for your unique golf holiday

Wherever you decide to visit for your golf holiday, book your transfer with Golf Drives. We offer a unique service, offering transport from the airport to the hotel, hotel to course, and back again! With each trip including one golf bag per person, it’s a hassle-free way of travelling on your golf holiday. Get a free quote online and book your transfer instantly. It’s that simple.

Your Guide to Golfing in the Costa del Sol

Over 10 million people visit the Costa del Sol, Spain every year making it one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world, with tourists heading to destinations such as; Malaga, Marbella, Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Puerto Banus and Sotogrande. With some of the best golf courses located along the coastline of the Province of Malaga, the area has become the premier destination for golfing holidays in Spain. However, with so many golf clubs near the Costa del Sol, it can be hard to know where to start. To help you decide which golf clubs on the Costa del Sol to visit, we’ve put together a guide with some of our favourites.

Golf courses near Torremolinos

If your heading to Torremolinos for a golfing holiday, a visit to the oldest club on the Costa Del Sol can’t be missed. The Real Club de Campo de Malaga is located between Malaga and Torremolinos, close to Malaga Airport. Despite the location, the course is routed over sandy terrain, giving the course a links-like feel in places. Another great golf club is Golf Torrequebrada, a testing course for even the most experienced of players. Routed over hilly terrain, the course features water hazards, doglegged fairways and strategically placed bunkers to challenge players of all abilities.

Although its name means ‘The Sunshine Coast’, some of the best golf clubs on the Costa Del Sol are located inland. Situated 1,000 feet above sea level, Lauro Golf is an 18-hole course built on the undulating terrain of an old 18th Century farm. Whilst elevation changes are a key feature at Lauro, Guadalhorce Club de Golf offers golfers variety. Stretching over 6,800 yards, the first nine are configured in a typical European format with the back nine being flatter and involving water hazards.

Golf clubs near Fuengirola

Unlike a lot of golf clubs on the Costa del Sol, El Chaparral Golf Club is situated in a wooded area featuring incredible valleys. Requiring players to focus on accuracy and precision, this course is great for those looking to evaluate their skills. Another top coastal golf club near Fuengirola is Miraflores Golf. A good choice for those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, the course follows the natural contour of the valley and is much flatter than its appearance suggests.

Situated inland from the Mediterranean, Santana Golf & Country Club sits surrounded by 140 acres of orange and avocado groves, with views of the spectacular Mijas Mountains. One of the top golf courses on the Costa del Sol, the course is laid over gently undulating farmland that is easy to walk. Santana is also close to the largest golf resort in Spain, La Cala Resort. Boasting three championship 18-hole courses and a 6-hole par three course, La Cala has some of the best facilities in the area and a must visit on your Costa del Sol golfing holiday.

Golf clubs near Marbella

Rio Real Golf & Wellness Resort is one of the oldest courses in the Marbella area. Complete with pine and palm tree-lined fairways, this course is reminiscent of classic Costa del Sol golf. Featuring bold bunkering and a handful of water features, Rio Real is suitable for players of all abilities. Another well-established course is Real Club de Golf Las Brisas. Known for its attention to detail and high quality, it was the host venue of the 1973 World Cup of Golf and the 1987 Spanish Open.

One of the most popular golf courses on the Costa del Sol is Club de Golf Aloha. Immaculately maintained, the course stretches 6,900 yards over hilly, tight terrain. The host of the European Tour’s Andalucía Open between 2007 and 2012, Aloha is one of the most prestigious clubs in the area. Another golf course near Marbella is La Quinta Golf & Country Club. Designed by the three-times World Champion and Ryder Cup champion Manuel Pinero, the course offers a 27-hole course that is suitable for all levels of play.

We hope we’ve given you some inspiration for your golfing holiday to the Costa del Sol, Spain. If you are looking for a hassle-free way to travel from the airport to hotel, and the hotel to golf course, why not let Golf-Drives take care of all your Costa del Sol golfing holiday transfer needs? Use the online quote generator to get an instant quote now!

The Best Golf Courses in the Algarve

The Algarve is one of the top destinations for golf tourists, and with towns such as Albufeira, Lagos and Vilamoura, it is no surprise to see why. Introduced in 1890 by a group of British wine exporters, the golf courses in Portugal are some of the best in the world.

As one of Europe’s most popular golf holiday destinations, over half of the best golf courses in Portugal can be found in the Algarve. Stretching for 100 miles along the southern coastline, there are over 40 golf courses in the Algarve, ranging from 9-holes to 18-holes and everything in between. Obviously, you can’t visit all of these courses during a single golf holiday in the Algarve, so here we’ve listed 10 of the best and we’re counting down. Take a look!

Algarve Golf Courses List

10. Quinta da Ria at Quinta da Ria Resort

Located away from the majority of Algarve golf courses, Quinta da Ria is one of two courses at the Quinta da Ria Resort. Located in the Eastern Algarve and within the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, the Quinta da Ria opened for play in 2002.

The course was designed by the architect, Rocky Roquemore, and offers 18 holes with a traditional par 72 layout that runs on an almost flat terrain. Serene, rugged and unspoilt, Quinta da Ria features five lakes and numerous bunkers to challenge players of all standards.

9. Quinta de Cima at Quinta da Ria Resort

The second course located within the Quinta da Ria Resort, the Quinta de Cima is an 18-hole championship course with a par of 72. Spread over 620,000m², the course has established international acclaim, hosting the PGA Europro Tour in 2003 and 2004. Quinta da Cima combines the serene surroundings of orange trees and vineyards with hazards such as permanent flowing water to create a top-quality golf course that maintains the essence of the landscape.

8. Laranjal at Quinta do Lago

Part of a 2,000-acre exclusive residential development, Laranjal is one of three courses at Sociedade de Golfe da Quinta do Lago. Just 15 minutes northwest of Faro airport, the development consists of housing and three award-winning golf courses.

Voted Best Golf Course at the 2011 Portuguese Travel Awards, Laranjal gets its name from the orange grove which previously occupied the site. Measuring 6,480 metres in length, this par 72 championship course has a distinctive undulating terrain which requires concentration and accuracy. You’ll need to be on your A game!

7. North at Quinta do Lago

Renovated in 2014 by Beau Welling in collaboration with European Ryder Cup captain, Paul McGinley, the North course at Quinta do Lago is one of the most enjoyable golf courses in the Algarve. Embracing the charm of the Ria Formosa nature reserve, this par 72 course is both natural and technically perfect. Using undulating terrain, strategically placed bunkers and water hazards such as a 3-acre lake, players of all abilities will be challenged at Quinta do Lago.

6. South at Quinta do Lago

The third and most critically-acclaimed course at the Sociedade de Golfe da Quinta do Lago is the South. Designed by William Mitchell in 1974, this 18-hole championship par 72 course has hosted the Portuguese Open eight times and is a flagship in the European Tour Course. Despite its prestigious reputation, the South course’s variety should not deter an amateur golfer from trying their hand.

5. Onyria Palmares Golf & Beach Resort

Offering the best views available from any golf course in Portugal, the Onyria Palmares Golf & Beach Resort has a range of fairways to try out. Renovated by Robert Trent Jones in 2011, the course is composed of three returning nine-hole loops that can be played in any sequence. Combining elevation changes, various hazards and shoreline play, the amount of variety available at this course has made it one of the most popular golf courses on the Algarve.

4. The Sir Henry Cotton Championship at Penina Hotel & Golf Resort

The first 18-hole Championship golf course on the Algarve, the Championship course at Penina Hotel & Golf Resort was built in 1966 by Sir Henry Cotton. Located on a 360-acre estate between Portimao and Lagos, the resort has previously been voted Portugal’s Leading Golf Resort by the World Travel Awards. The Championship course is one of three at the resort; the other two being the 18-hole Resort course and the 9-hole Academy course. Featuring a stream, ditches and subtle slopes, this par 73 course has hosted the Portuguese Open ten times and is playable all year round.

3. The Royal at Vale do Lobo

Portugal’s largest luxury resort and the most senior golf resort on the Algarve, Vale do Lobo is a luxury residential development which boasts two award-winning 18-hole golf courses, known as the Royal and the Ocean. Based on the original drawings of Sir Henry Cotton, the Royal was designed by Rocky Roquemore and opened in 1997. Home to the almost island green of the 9th and the famous 16th, with cliff-top carryover, the Royal course is a must-visit on your golfing holiday to the Algarve.

2. San Lorenzo Golf Course

Set close by to Vilamoura, alongside the Atlantic Ocean, the San Lorenzo Golf Course is ranked alongside the best in the world. Opening for play in 1988, Joe Lee took advantage of the areas excellent topography and routed the course through gently undulating pine woodland. Laid out in a figure of eight, the course offers spectacular sea views alongside threatening water hazards.

1. North at Monte Rei Golf & Country Club

Located in the northeast hills of Tavira, the Monte Rei Golf & Country Club is worth travelling for. Despite only opening for play in 2007, the North is not only the best golf course in the Algarve but also the best golf course in Portugal. This par 72 championship golf course consists of eight par 4’s, five par 3’s and five par 5’s in a unique and challenging layout. Measuring 6567m² from the Tournament tees, the contoured, sculpted bunkers and attention to detail make this course an enjoyable and memorable experience that no golfing holiday to the Algarve is complete without.

Prepare for the golf holiday of a lifetime

There you have it! If you have any more questions at all, just get in touch. Alternatively, you can take a look at our FAQs page which should answer any questions you may have. Happy golfing!