LATEST EUROPE GOLF CLUBS, COURSES & RESORT REVIEWS Royal County Down Golf Club in Northern Ireland is where links dreams come true There are few courses in the world where every step feels like a dream. Royal County Down Golf Club in Northern Ireland -- which hosted the 2015 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open in May -- is one of these precious few courses. Kiel Christianson has more from Newcastle. ... full article » Castlerock Golf Club in County Londonderry: Northern Ireland's hidden links gem All of Northern Ireland is blossoming under the warm sun of peace. This is wonderful news for golfers looking to experience the full range of Irish links courses such as Castlerock Golf Club in Castlerock on the northern coast. The club, founded in 1901, is home to two courses, the original 18-hole, 6,805-yard, par-73 Mussenden Links and the 1970s-vintage, nine-hole Bann Course. ... full article » Golf is thriving at the historic Golf Resort Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic While golf for the masses may be a recent phenomenon in the Czech Republic, that doesn't mean there aren't clubs with a rich tradition and storied history. Take the Golf Resort Karlovy Vary, for example. Dating back to 1904, the course has become a favorite for travelers, locals and especially corporate guests who come from all over Europe. Westerners who take a trip to central Europe, and Prague in particular, may want to consider a side trip to this region. It would be worth it. ... full article » At the new Loreta Golf Club Pysely near Prague, Czech Republic, it's all about the golf For a course in its first year, Loreta Golf Club Pysely is in remarkably good shape and should only get better in a short amount of time. As it is, Loreta has created a lot of buzz in the Czech golf world, which is obvious when you come to the course, given the full tee sheet (green fees in the $50-$70 range) and membership (the semi-private club already has 700 members). ... full article » An unexpected journey: Headfort Golf Club's New Course, a premium parkland near Dublin, Ireland The New Course at Headfort Golf Club in Co. Meath is the perfect complement to the existing Old Course, which has been around since 1928. With four sets of tees, it accommodates most levels of play but probably is a little more geared toward the intermediate to advanced player. Overall, however, this parkland gem is a change-up from the great links courses in Ireland. ... full article » Links-inspired Montgomerie golf course at Carton House in County Kildare is Irish Open worthy The Montgomerie Course at magnificent Carton House just outside of Dublin is not quite parkland, and it's not quite links. Rather, it's a combination of both, and it's quite unique, much like its designer, Colin Montgomerie, who has always had his own way of looking at things. With a river that runs alongside the boundaries of the Montgomerie, the course is both beautiful and challenging. Couple that with the 145-room Carton House -- which dates back to the early 1700s -- and you've got a terrific golf escape, especially if you play the O'Meara Course as well. ... full article » Dungannon Golf Club in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland: A champion's home course Darren Clarke learned to play the game at Dungannon Golf Club, a pretty parkland course right in the middle of Northern Ireland. While the course is pretty enough and the green fee is almost embarrassingly reasonable, the appeal of Dungannon is the opportunity to pay homage to the 2011 British Open champion, Clive Agran writes from County Tyrone. ... full article » Portmarnock Links in County Dublin, Ireland: An affordable, playable seaside golf course Portmarnock Links does not have history on its side. But the course, which opened in 1995, has everything else going its way -- a playable Bernhard Langer layout, an affordable rate, a historic golfer-friendly hotel and a seaside setting filled with dunes just minutes from the Dublin airport, Jason Scott Deegan writes. ... full article » The Island Golf Club near Dublin, Ireland: Under-appreciated gem is pure links fun All of the finest links courses around Dublin have hosted the European Tour's Irish Open at least twice. It's probably the only reason why the Island Golf Club constantly flies under the radar when it should be considered 'the' links course to play around Dublin. The words "pure links" are tailor-made for The Island -- the Irish Sea and the Malahide Estuary surround the exposed site on three sides. But it's The Island's dunes that make its competitors look like mole hills. ... full article » The K Club, near Dublin, Ireland, continues to shine in the golf-resort spotlight Just a few years removed from the 2006 Ryder Cup Matches, one thing remains constant: the timeless elegance of the Kildare Hotel, Spa & Country Club. The K Club, as it is known around the world, remains an Irish jewel on 550 acres just 30 minutes outside Dublin. Ireland's "AA Hotel of the Year" for 2011 has lost none of its rock-star appeal, thanks in large part to its two stellar Arnold Palmer-designed courses, Jason Scott Deegan writes. ... full article » Stadium Course at PGA Catalunya Resort: A golf jewel in Spain's Costa Brava crown The undisputed jewel in Costa Brava, Spain, is the Stadium Course at PGA Catalunya Resort. And it's not hard to see why it rates so highly on so many lists. It has everything you look for in an outstanding golf course -- self-contained holes that offer a variety of challenges, wonderfully true greens, superb condition, fabulous views and dramatically elevated tees. ... full article » Former Open Championship host Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club is the real Deal in England Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club -- or Deal as it is locally known -- was once a fixture on the Open rota. But bad luck and natural disasters caused this classy links, located in Kent, England, to be removed from the rotation. More than 60 years on, Deal hopes to again host the Open. If the R&A do decide to add another course to the rotation, it's hard to think of many that can outclass Royal Cinque Ports. ... full article » Naturally Ireland: Links golf thrives at hilly Doonbeg Golf Club in County Clare Anyone who relishes the unique thrill of links golf will feel their pulse quicken as they approach Doonbeg Golf Club in County Clare, Ireland, and see the great dunes looming up on the horizon. These 100-foot mini mountains are a highlight of visitors to one of the loveliest golf resorts on the Emerald Isle. Course designer Greg Norman succeeded in building an Irish course in Ireland by keeping it as natural as possible. ... full article » Golf at Killeen Castle in Ireland: A worthy home for the 2011 Solheim Cup Just northwest of Dublin, Ireland, the golf course at Killeen Castle is a fitting venue for the 2011 Solheim Cup. The 12th-century Norman castle, golf course and gardens sprawl over more than 600 acres of meadows and woodlands. Fanning out from the castle, the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course is an interesting combo of links meets parkland with thick grasses, subtle greens and tough bunkers, Katharine Dyson writes. ... full article » British Open host Royal St. George's Golf Club in Kent, England is a truly great course With towering dunes, delightfully springy turf, innumerable bumps and hollows, sea views and a constant breeze, Royal St George's Golf Club -- the 2011 British Open host -- has all the elements that make links golf the thrilling experience that it is. Although obviously a "trophy course" that you can brag about having played when you're back home with your friends, it is also a glorious experience of links golf at its very best. ... full article » Royal Blackheath in London: Play the oldest golf club in England and pay tribute to the game's great traditions, rich heritage Royal Blackheath Golf Club is a traditional parkland layout, but the rich history of the club is anything but ordinary. The oldest golf club in England, Royal Blackheath has the finest collection of golf memorabilia anywhere. That alone is worth the visit. Clive Agran has more. ... full article » The European Club in County Wicklow, Ireland: Pat Ruddy's links golf masterpiece The European Club in County Wicklow is the realized dream of Pat Ruddy, a ruddy Irish character, collector of golf books, publisher, golf writer and architect of 36 courses. There are only about 160 true links courses in the world, and this one is worth playing. That's because The European Club is not just an exceptional golf course, it's exceptionally unusual, Katharine Dyson writes. ... full article » Led by its Faldo course, lovely Lough Erne Resort heralds a bright new future in Northern Ireland Frequently compared with Loch Lomond in Scotland and clearly destined to be up there with the best of them, Lough Erne Resort is living testimony to the new age of optimism that is dawning right across the six counties of Northern Ireland. From the moment you enter through the imposing wrought iron gates, you're conscious of being somewhere special, Clive Agran writes. ... full article » Rye Golf Club in East Sussex, England does it the old fashioned way About 40 miles up the coast from Royal St. Georges, where the 2011 Open Championship will be held, Rye Golf Club in East Sussex, England is a course visitors should definitely play if at all possible. While it may be difficult to get on, it is certainly worth the effort to try, Clive Argan writes, adding that, "the whole experience is about the nearest thing to P.G. Wodehouse that you'll find in the 21st century." ... full article » Royal Porthcawl Golf Club in Wales: The sand makes it special Beaches attract visitors to the town of Porthcawl from Wales' most industrious city of Cardiff, which is about 25 miles away. Once you hit the course at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club, a different kind of sand takes your attention - the sand in the sod-walled pot bunkers. But there is design genius outside of the bunkers at Royal Porthcawl, Brandon Tucker writes. ... full article » Southerndown Golf Club in Bridgend, Wales: A rare kind of links Walton Heath in England: Heavenly heather and golf history Castlemartyr Resort: A five-star golf retreat in County Cork, Ireland Cruden Bay Golf Club in Aberdeenshire: Right up with Scotland's best courses The great James Braid pushes the boat out at Boat of Garten Golf and Tennis Club in the Highlands of Scotland The Old Course at Lahinch Golf Club: An Irish treasure loved by pros and amateurs alike France's Correncon en Vercors Golf Club: The gamble pays off Discovering the Golf Club at St. Etienne in France's Rhone-Alps The Oceanico Old Course appeals to traditionalist golfers in Portugal's Algarve Dunbar Golf Club: Historic links course still one of Scotland's prettiest Oceanico Faldo Course at Amendoeira Golf Resort in Portugal's Algarve is a winner O'Connor Course at Amendoeira Golf Resort is changing the face of golf in Portugal New course offers roller coaster golf at Gran Flamingos Golf Club on Spain's Costa Del Sol England's Burnham & Berrow Golf Club boasts century of championship pedigree Prayers are answered: St. Enodoc's Church Course is a southwest England delight Up close with Danish royalty: Stay at Hotel Store Kro in Fredensborg, Denmark Bull Bay Golf Club on Anglesey: Wales' northernmost golf course is a heathland beast A favorite of Nicklaus and Trevino, Barseback Golf and Country Club in Sweden won't disappoint Sunningdale Golf Club near London: Women's British Open host exceeds great expectations Ljunghusen Golf Club in Hollviken, Sweden: A beauty by the Baltic Woodenbridge Golf Club in the Vale of Avoca among Ireland's best golf courses Royal North Devon Golf Club: Soak in the history, avoid the sheep at England's oldest links course Denmark's Royal Copenhagen Golf Club: Watch out for those Danish deer Nefyn & District Golf Club: The place for golf 'firsts' in Wales Clifftop views, strong finish highlight Cardigan Golf Club in southwest Wales The secret's out at hidden Enniscrone Golf Club in NW Ireland El Chaparral Golf Club near Malaga, Spain second to none, reader Greg Blake remarks Pennard Golf Club in southern Wales: A dramatic, old school links course in the sky Ashburnham Golf Club re-emerges as a can't-miss links in southwest Wales Playing Open venue Carnoustie isn't pretty (just like Van de Velde's bare legs) Ardglass Golf Club: A hidden gem in County Down, Northern Ireland Take it from a member: Castle Hume Northern Ireland's best parkland golf course Royal Portrush: Ireland's only British Open venue remains one of golf's best links Headfort Golf Club's new course: Christy O'Connor brings forth an Irish beast Reader: Amsterdam's Waterlandse Golf Club a Dutch treat Relax (or not) at the Radisson Roe Park Hotel and Golf Resort in Northern Ireland Play authentic Irish 'castle golf' at Ballyheigue Castle Golf Club in County Kerry Conditions at La Marquesa Golf Club in Spain impress reader Connemara Golf Club provides a safe landing in northwest Ireland Prestwick Golf Club: Too short for a British Open but challenging for the rest of us Lisselan Golf Club no ordinary walk in the parkland in County Cork, Ireland Kingsbarns in St. Andrews: A 21st-century complement to golf's hallowed ground Alyth Golf Club makes the A-list in Perthshire King's Course at Gleneagles outshines PGA Centenary, host of the 2014 Ryder Cup Ballyliffin Golf Club: Golfers find Ireland's northernmost links is well worth the trek New Course at St. Andrews: Scotland golf's most famous second fiddle British Open host Turnberry at the top of its game after a century of golf Estoril Golf Club: Classic European golfing in the birthplace of 007 Praia D'El Rey golf course in Portugal a victim of overdevelopment Reader applauds Portugal's Alto Golf & Country Club in the Algarve Historic Royal Dornoch Golf Club in Scotland's Highlands is well worth the drive London Golf Club features courses with more teeth than an alligator Hainault Forest golf: The price isn't right, Martin Lumb says Oitavos Golf Club highlights Lisbon's "Golf Coast" in Portugal France's Chiberta Golf Club: C'est magnifique Reader: Peacehaven Golf Club among southern England's toughest courses Golf Resort Karlstejn in the shadow of a famous Czech castle is fit for a modern-day king Experience a memorable slice of history at Hever Castle Golf Club Carton House Golf Club is an Irish challenge, reader says Chart Hills Golf Club in Kent, England is a Nick Faldo masterpiece Northern Ireland's Moyola Park Golf Club a disappointment, reader says Portugal's Golden Eagle Golf Club far from a golden play, reader says Warrenpoint Golf Club in Ireland maintains high quality Old Head Golf Links is head of the class in County Cork, reader says Tuscany's Castelfalfi Golf and Country Club: Odd place, great play Krakow Valley Golf & Country Club's only competition is itself in southern Poland Head for the hills of Northumberland's Alnwick Golf Club A little America and a lot of Ireland make a nice mix at PGA National Golf at Las Ramblas in Spain leaves a lot to be desired, reader says Play power golf at stately Powerscourt in Enniskerry, Ireland Bettystown gives you an affordable, true Irish links golf experience Wars, wolves and now golf: Don't miss Mt. Temple in Co. Westmeath Tear yourself away from the Irish links, drink in the scenery at Woodenbridge Lahinch Golf Club: Two courses, one amazing Irish golf experience Doonbeg Golf Club: An artful balance of links and resort golf Tralee Golf Club in County Kerry: The best Irish links course you've never heard of Kilkee Golf Club: A little pot o' gold in County Clare, Ireland Ballybunion's Old Course: Historic links punishes modern golfers Club Castel d' Aviano to be savored like fine Italian wine Spain's La Manga Club leaves golfers wanting to go back for more Machrihanish Golf Club in Argyll and Bute: Scotland's faraway links Royal Ashdown Forest is a real treat, but don't be fooled, it's a real test Weather is pushing Swiss to consider golf as winter sports decline Budock Vean Hotel offers comforting retreat from modern England Salzburg in Austria has plenty to offer, but be careful on the mountains Powerscourt GC unknown to many, but they like it that way Santana Golf and Country Club in Costa del Sol, Spain delights the senses Vale do Lobo is Europe's toughest course Prepare for an authentic Scottish experience at Scotscraig Golf Club England's Woburn Abbey an unknown gem, but now the secret's out When in Sevilla, check out the golf, but don't forget the tapas Old Head and the European Club are the new classics of Ireland More than just challenging links golf, Royal County Down is a life experience Doonbeg makes a bold statement on the international scene Tree-Lined Terrain at Mount Juliet Lahinch Golf Club is positively enchanting Feel the history at Monifieth Golf Links Foxhills Golf Club: A touch of Americana in the heart of England The West Course at Wentworth: One of the jewels of English golf The Eden Course: Paradise found in St. andrews Kingsbarns Golf Links: The best of Scottish links golf Marriott Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club's East Course: A wonderfully welcoming place for golf near Edinburgh, Scotland Braid Hills Golf Course in Edinburgh, Scotland: A true formula for success Ireland's literary capital a novel home base for an emerald isle golf vacation On the Algarve: Palmares Golf Surreal landscapes at Spain's Costa Ballena Golf Meet the K-Club: Ireland's 2005 Ryder Cup venue Dehesa Montenmedio Golf and Country Club: Striking natural surroundings Playing the game in southern Spain Valderrama Golf Club: Top of the range in Spain Stoke Park Club: Love lends just the right touch England's Killiow Park: Remember the name Delamere Forest Golf Club Stoke Park golf course in England: Love lends just the right touch A comforting retreat from modernity in England Portugal Play (Part 2): Northern challenges Portugal Golf (Part 3): Combines culture and courses An introduction to golf in Portugal Spain's First Game: Golf in the Huelva Area Portuguese Golf Mecca: Lisbon and surrounds Downfield Golf Club: Featuring length, charm and character Birchwood Golf Course: Tranquillity amongst the mayhem in england Kings Acre Golf Course: Quickly maturing into a masterpiece The Old Course: Even presidents consider ancient links a must-play Montrose Links Medal Course appeals to every golfer Put your troubles behind you at Mullion Golf Course St. Andrews Bay Resort and Golf: Expanding resort offers the best of both worlds Monifieth Golf Links, Pitlochry Golf Club are worthy stops An Irish Gem (made in scotland): Mullingar Golf Club Ireland's European Club Old Head Golf Links: Ireland's seaside treasure