Top 100 Golf Courses Europe 2015
1-10 | 11-20 | 21-30 | 31-40 | 41-50 | 51-60 | 61-70 | 71-80 | 81-90 | 91-100
Thracian Cliffs
Kavarna, Bulgaria | Par 72 | 7,108 yards
Nick Wright (GW Editor): It is all about the vistas, with every hole off ering a sea view. The serenity of the Black Sea is relaxing and enchanting. Often visually dramatic but not excessively diffi cult.
GW VERDICT Technical design squeezed by amazing cliff top location, but is a 'must play'. Could hop up list if conditioning rises a notch.
Las Brisas
Andalucia, Spain | Par 72 | 6,415 yards
CB The star of the heavily-populated Marbella area, Las Brisas has always impressed with its variety of holes and fl ora and fauna.
GW VERDICT Kyle Phillips has overhauled the course nine by nine, and so far the results are predictably impressive. Expect a full report in 2016 – and a move into the top 50 in 2017?
Las Colinas
Alicante, Spain | Par 71 | 7,014 yards
CB A relatively new course that opened just fi ve years ago but has settled well into its surroundings near Alicante. Tough off the backs.
GW VERDICT Part of a resort and residential complex but this Troon-managed resort manages to retain a nice air of peacefulness in its wooded valley.
Crans sur Sierre
Crans-Montana, Switzerland | Par 72 | 6,975 yards
FC Re-designed by Severiano Ballesteros, due to its spectacular views on the alps (1500m above sea level) and the fact it is the only regular stop of the European Tour in Switzerland. Adjacent nine-hole course was designed by Jack Nicklaus.
GW VERDICT Something special whether bathed in sunshine or coated in snow.
La Reserva de Sotogrande
Sotogrande, Spain | Par 73 | 7,350 yards
CB Off ers one of the best varieties of hole in Spain and deserves its place alongside the big names of Sotogrande. A new course and a very welcome addition to the Costa del Sol.
GW VERDICT One of Cabell Robinson's best; a challenging and long course with clever green designs and exceptional maintenance.
Abama
Tenerife, Spain | Par 72 | 6,899 yards
CB Near the bustling Las Americas resort in Tenerife is an oasis of serenity, an immaculatelymanicured course with fabulous views of the Atlantic from its hilltop position. Seriously slick, multi-tiered greens will entertain/infuriate.
GW VERDICT Not popular with all but its beauty, conditioning and views see it slot into the 70s.
Cornelia (Prince)
Belek, Turkey | Par 72 | 6,916 yards
CB One of Sir Nick Faldo's finest designs in my view. Some typically strategic questions but also some cool sporty holes that give you a chance.
GW VERDICT A significant rise for the second Belek course in the list, all the loops here are impressive and this could easily not be Cornelia's peak in the Top 100 rankings.
Fontana
Oberwaltersdorf, Aust. | Par 72 | 7,097 yards
CB Glorious lake-and-pines setting is matched by a course well routed by respected Canadian architect Doug Carrick.
GW VERDICT A very strong Ryder Cup candidate course for 2022, this super parkland is located to the south of Vienna and has been a popular host of the European and Challenge Tour.
Villa de Madrid (Black)
Madrid, Spain | Par 71 | 6,610 yards
JAL This is another great Javier Arana design that never loses its class.
GW VERDICT As we reported last month, this neat parkland is under threat from local government, even though it is a popular course catering for hundreds of golfers per week. Perhaps you should get there while you can.
Chiberta
Landes, France | Par 70 | 6,178 yards
PG The opening and closing holes are a disappointment, and the links-like holes in between are a mixed bunch. But still Top 100. PBe A bit too highly rated compared to several other French courses such as Saint Endreol.
GW VERDICT Chiberta has olde world charm in both the chic hotel and the seaside holes.