Continental Europe's Top 20 golf courses: Castelconturbia, Vilamoura and Hamburg
Following Golf Monthly's Top 100 UK and Ireland Course Rankings, we've introduced a list of our Top 20 European Courses. View pictures and reviews of those that made the list, as well as future contenders.
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to Golf Monthly Newsletter Newsletter

15. Castelconturbia (Blue/Yellow)
Architect: Robert Trent Jones GF: €65-€105 W: castelconturbia.it (opens in new tab)
Robert Trent Jones Snr designed the three loops of nine at Castelconturbia with the Blue (Chestnuts) and Yellow (Pines) being the two that have been used to stage the Italian Open. The Red (Oaks) nine is slightly longer, and all three boast well-defended greens that demand accurate approach shots. The course is very tranquil and the stunning views of the Italian Alps provide a wonderful backdrop.
16. Vilamoura (Old)
Architect: Frank Pennink GF €88-€119 W: oceanicogolf.com (opens in new tab)
Although only 40 years old, this is one of the elder statesmen of European courses. Straight driving will open up plenty of good scoring opportunities, but the greens are small and lapses in concentration will be punished. A respectful upgrade a few years back from Martin Hawtree – which included a state-of-the-art irrigation system – has ensured that this remains one of Iberia’s must-play courses.
17. Hamburg
Architect: Harry Colt/Charles Allison/John Morrison GF: €70 W: hamburgergolf-club.de (opens in new tab)
Hamburg Golf Club (often called Falkenstein) dates back more than a century, but it was not until 1930 that it relocated to this undulating, heathland course. Now too short for Tour events, it was host to the German Open, won here in 1981 by a young Bernhard Langer who thus became the first German winner in the tournament’s 70-year history.
Vilamoura Old's 16th
-
-
‘It Just Doesn’t Seem Fair’ – Jon Rahm On Gareth Bale’s Golf Ability
The Spaniard was hugely impressed by the footballer’s ability on the course after playing with him in a pro-am
By Mike Hall • Published
-
Report: BBC To End Masters Highlights Coverage
The Telegraph reports that costs of over £1m per year could see the end of the highlights coverage
By Mike Hall • Published