The Continent’s Architects Give Their Verdict

Seven leading designers from Continental Europe – all members of the EIGCA – reveal their favourites in mainland Europe, in an article by Chris Bertram.

The course you enjoy playing overall?

Michiel Van Der Vaart: I have the luxury of having a course just around the corner that is a real treat. Utrechtse (De Pan) is a stunning heathland track on a rather small piece of sandy dunes.

Christoph Städler: De Pan, Utrecht. Sandy ground, gently rolling terrain. A short course for today thus giving a lot of birdie chances but superbly balanced in punishing poor play.

Christian Lundin: I unfortunately have not been to the great courses in the Netherlands and Belgium but I would definitely put Morfontaine and Valderrama on top of my list.

Alan Rijks: The course in Continental Europe which I enjoy playing the most is Utrecht (De Pan). This is an inland links course with sand dunes and pine trees and heather.

Marco Martin: Sotogrande is for me a great tourist course. It’s a perfect example of how to combine real estate without reducing the quality of the course and safety.

Bruno Steensels: Most of the links courses – Koninklijke Haagsche (Royal Hague) and Noordwijkse are probably the best.

Franco Piras: The Links course at Donnafugata Resort in Sicily is a beautiful course that runs up and down among the hills facing the Mediterranean Sea.

This article appeared in Top 100 Golf Courses in Continental Europe 2017/18, published by Golf World.

Click here to read more about Michiel.

Click here to read more about Christoph.

Click here to read more about Christian.

Click here to read more about Alan.

Click here to read more about Marco.

Click here to read more about Bruno.

Click here to read more about Franco.

The full article can be found on pages 52-53 of Top 100 Golf Courses in Continental Europe 2017/18 or you can download the pdf below: