20-11
1-10 | 11-20 | 21-30 | 31-40 | 41-50 | 51-60 | 61-70 | 71-80 | 81-90 | 91-100
Hilversum
Hilversum, NL | Par 72 | 6,710 yards
CB Magnificent heathland that deserves its reputation as a tough examination but certainly does not lose any marks for being so. A top-20 course without question in my mind.
GW VERDICT A huge rise for this Colt-Phillips design, which had previously lost out by virtue of its collection of exacting par 4s that did not always appeal to all levels of player. We are pleased to elevate this terrifi c heather-and-pine heaven to a ranking more applicable to its quality.
Troia
Lisbon, Portugal | Par 72 | 6,911 yards
JVP Near the biggest beach in Europe and built in sandy terrain, it will be an experience you will never forget. Even if it is a diffi cult course.
CB Challenging and memorable. Sandy turf complemented by pines and small greens.
GW VERDICT Its remote location has counted against it, but this is a world-class seaside course.
Oitavos Dunes
Cascais, Portugal | Par 72 | 6,893 yards
PG Links-like in places and highly entertaining.
JVP It's perfect when you can combine pure nature with pure golf. Oitavos is a perfect challenge for the expert golfer.
GW Starts among trees but it is the far end of the course where it is truly world class, with Atlantic views, fabulous holes and seaside turf to love.
Golf National
Paris, France | Par 72 | 7,321 yards
CB One of the most impressive design and shaping jobs in this Top 100. To have a course this good from the pancake-flat site is a fi ne achievement. Nervous energy is frequently expended as you tackle this water-based test.
GW Loved by Tour pros as it is 'all out in front of them'. Lacks the charm of those above it.
Bro Hof Slott
Stockholm, Sweden | Par 72 | 8,054 yards
TJ Ranked number one in Sweden since 2007, and one of the best courses on the continent.
HJW I still think it is the best in Scandinavia.
BL Absolutely the best course in Sweden. And better than others like it such as Sporting Club Faldo and The Scandinavian Old. A top 12 course.
GW Encapsulates modern championship golf.
Golf du Medoc (Châteaux)
Bordeaux, France | Par 71 | 6,907 yards
CB Lurking in the leafy suburbs on the northern outskirts of Bordeaux is this testament to the skill of Bill Coore. Would not be fl attered by a top-10 spot.
GW VERDICT We believe the top 30 this year is incredibly strong, by virtue of the elevation of the likes of this wonderful heathland. Along with the Vignes, the local claret, and a fi ne on-site hotel, it is diffi cult to imagine a poor weekend here.
Monte Rei
Algarve, Portugal | Par 72 | 7,181 yards
PG Hard to score on: long, bouncy, with tricky greens and encroaching rough. Top 20
JVP Forget about the views or the classic course. Monte Rei is all about the challenge.
GW Oozes big budget quality and cements its place as Portugal's No.1 for us. This east Algarve parkland will justifi ably have eyes on the top 10.
Terre Blanche (Chateau)
Fayence, France | Par 72 | 7,235 yards
CB A perfect mix of challenge and aesthetics.
PBe A lovely course that could be even higher. Playing it makes me smile the whole round. Gives me energy, excitement and challenges.
GW Relatively new but now established in the upper echelons of this list. The Chateau is the centre point for the Continent's fi nest resort.
Chantilly
Paris, France | Par 71 | 6,994 yards
CB Feels like a classic old English parkland as you play through avenues of mature trees. Lacks the thrills of others in the top 20 but for a peaceful round in serene beauty, few can match it. A regal experience in every respect.
GW VERDICT An open parkland with peerless green surfaces and a guarantee of tranquility.
Kennemer
Haarlem, Netherlands
CB All three loops are good and great debate exists over the best combination. Seaside golf that while being tough enough to test Tour pros in the Dutch Open, is playable for club golfers.
GW Lacks the huge sandy blowouts of Royal Hague or the undulating beachside links land of Noordwijkse but still a top-class experience.