10 Overseas Golf Courses You Should Play on Holiday

If you're a keen traveller with a thirst for special golf courses, then it's a banquet for you out there these days! There are so many destinations and resorts to choose from throughout Europe and beyond, ensuring that there is something for everyone.

But what are the standouts that really should be on your list to play? That was a question we recently posed to the Golfshake Community, who responded in their hundreds to identify and describe the best layouts that they played last year, with some of the finest being among those that they played on their travels.

We have picked out ten of the most popular recommendations, all of which come suggested to you by other golfers, and would serve as the highlight of any golf break abroad.

Here are ten overseas golf courses that you really have to consider experiencing!

Carya Golf Club

Part of the magical Belek coastline in southern Turkey, Carya was inspired by the heathland courses of Britain and has become a major attraction for visitors to this region since it opened back in 2008. It's full of character and challenges, with the hole variety being just as outstanding as the immaculate conditioning. And - get this - the entirety of the course is floodlit, meaning you could actually play night golf!

We suggest that you check out our travel partners Golfbreaks for the best packages to this Turkish jewel.

Survey Comments: 

• "Great layout and condition."
• "Felt like a professional teeing off on the first next to the 'good luck' sign."

Espiche Golf Club

Moving to Portugal and the unforgettable Algarve, you are spoiled for choice in this spectacular area, but it was clear that many of you favoured what's on offer at the superb Espiche Golf Club. Taking you away from the hustle and bustle and the layouts you typically see that are framed by hotels and apartments, this course is considerably more tranquil, benefitting from a picturesque countryside location, where you can gaze across vineyards and views of the Monchique Mountains. That sounds pretty good to us - and if it does to you too, then you need to click https://www.golfbreaks.com/en-gb/holidays/lagos/espiche-golf/.

Survey Comments: 

• "Well designed course. Some very good holes."
• "Facilities, weather, course layout."

Montagu Course at Fancourt

Considered by some to be the most exceptional course in South Africa, the Montagu was created by Gary Player, with the layout having an undeniable American feel due to the vast Kikuyu fairways and rapid greens. The brilliant par 3 17th is reminiscent of the famous 12th at Augusta National - where the designer won three Green Jackets - and you could take on that fabulous test yourself by visiting https://www.golfbreaks.com/en-gb/holidays/garden-route/fancourt-hotel/montagu-course/.

Survey Comments: 

• "Great test of golf and perfect conditions."
• "The magnificent scenery and the best kept fairways and greens in South Africa. The facilities are outstanding."

Finca Cortesin Hotel Golf & Spa

If you were captivated by last September's Solheim Cup and relish a challenge, then Finca Cortesin is a place to stop by when you're in the Costa del Sol. Cutting through a dramatic valley landscape, the acclaimed designer Cabel Robinson was the brains behind this track that will fully examine your skills on a canvas that is always presented beautifully.

Visit https://www.golfbreaks.com/en-gb/holidays/estepona/finca-cortesin/finca-cortesin-golf-course/ to see how you could add this to a golf holiday in Spain!

Survey Comments: 

• "Excellent condition."
• "Tough course, but great layout and challenge."

Golf del Sur, Tenerife

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and it's a beckon for holidaymakers across Europe, and for golfers, it's not all bad either. Golf del Sur is the venue that respondents to our survey recommended to you, with this testing course being laid out across rolling countryside and features dark, volcanic sand in the bunkers that certainly gives it a distinctive look.

Take a gander at https://www.golfbreaks.com/en-gb/holidays/tenerife/golf-sur/ for more information!

Survey Comments: 

• "Challenging but fair lovely views and a nice clubhouse."

La Manga Club

Moving back to mainland Spain, La Manga Club has been named 'Europe's Leading Sports Resort' - and for very good reason, as it offers a vast range of facilities that allow for activities such as football, cricket, rugby, tennis, padel, pickleball, lacrosse, netball, horse riding, Gaelic football and snorkelling, and others that we've probably forgotten.

But for golfers, it's not shabby either, as there are three wonderful courses, North, West and South, with this extraordinary destination being easily reachable from airports in Murcia or Alicante. Visit Golfbreaks and start planning your own adventure to La Manga!

Survey Comments: 

• "Just everything from the topography and use of wind direction to make the challenge more difficult."

Lo Romero Golf Club

Remaining in the Costa Blanca near Murcia and Alicante, Lo Romero is a fantastic design that presents strategic questions to golfers throughout its 18 holes. Boasting superb conditioning and being blessed with that famously reliable climate, it's no wonder that visitors rave about this place.

You can discover whether the hype is real by taking a look at https://www.golfbreaks.com/en-gb/holidays/alicante/lo-romero-golf/.

Survey Comments: 

• "High standard of course, staff and organisation."

Golf Torrequebrada

Venturing back to Malaga, it's fair to say that Spain was a big winner in the survey, Golf Torrequebrada is a proper test, which is why it has become known as The Beast. If you fancy taking that on, you'll find a course that features deep bunkers, lakes, and several doglegs, placing a premium on accuracy off the tee and with your approach shots.

But it's also a stunning place to play golf, showcasing fabulous sea views and perfect conditioning. Want to know more? https://www.golfbreaks.com/en-gb/holidays/benalmadena/torrequebrada-golf/ has all the detail you require.

Survey Comments: 

• "The hospitality, the overall course condition, the views. Everything was brilliant."

Vale do Lobo Resort

Considered to be among Europe's finest golf courses, it was no surprise to see Vale do Lobo here. Located just 30 minutes from Faro Airport in Portugal, it's an accessible place to reach, and once you arrive you are greeted by a supreme resort that has two high-quality and visually spectacular golf courses.

The scenery is memorable, but so is the standard of the design. Visit https://www.golfbreaks.com/en-gb/holidays/faro/vale-do-lobo/ and put Vale do Lobo firmly on your list to play.

Survey Comments: 

• "Two courses with stunning views. Course was in excellent condition. Good for most standards of play."

Melia Villaitana Golf Club

Finally, returning to Alicante, which seems to be a hotbed of gems, Melia Villaitana is a sprawling facility that offers 356 Mediterranean-styled rooms, six restaurants and two Jack Nicklaus designed courses. 

Presenting a formidable examination, the Levante Course measures over 7,000 yards from the back tees, while the Poniente Course is a little more manageable at 4,000 yards. But we think you should play both - so get your hands on the best deals right now by paying a visit to https://www.golfbreaks.com/en-gb/holidays/benidorm/melia-villaitana/.

Survey Comments: 

• "Views, challenge, price and interesting course."

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