Thinking of an exclusive golf course? If you are looking for a golfing experience that is beyond compare, you may want to check out some of Europe’s most exclusive golf courses. These are not your average clubs where you can book a tee time online and show up with your buddies. These are the private domains of some of Europe’s wealthiest and most influential people, where access is strictly by invitation only and security is paramount. Here are some of the most elusive and luxurious golf courses in the continent, with a few hints on how you might be able to play them.
Beaverbrook
Located in the Surrey countryside, Beaverbrook is the newest addition to the cluster of ultra-exclusive clubs in the area. It opened in 2016 and has been described as having a ‘Soho Farmhouse vibe’, meaning it is stylishly rustic and relaxed, but with impeccable service and amenities. A friend who visited told me that no-one would bat an eyelid if you teed off in a six-ball, in jeans! The wine cellar is said to be one of the very best in England so make sure you have some time to enjoy a glass or two.
The course was designed by David McLay Kidd and Tom Watson, and offers a fun and challenging layout that can be enjoyed by all levels of players. The course is still maturing, but it already boasts some stunning views and features, such as the signature par-3 11th hole that plays over a lake to a peninsula green.
How to play Beaverbrook: Like many of the courses on this list, you need to find a member to host you. From time to time you will find one of them offering the opportunity to play in a charity auction, like tennis player Tim Henman did here². It will cost you, but what a chance to see how the other half live for a day.
La Zagaleta Golf Course
You may not have heard of La Zagaleta before, but it is one of Europe’s truly exclusive resorts. Situated in the hills above Marbella, La Zagaleta is home to some of Europe’s wealthiest families, who enjoy unparalleled privacy and security. The club claims to be the most secure golf club on the continent³, and boasts incredible facilities and discretion guaranteed.
The club has two courses: The Old Course (par 72, 6,600 yards) and The New Course (par 70, 6,800 yards). The Old Course was opened in 1991 and renovated in 2016, and features verdant fairways, lush valleys and inspiring mountain views. The New Course was added in 2005 and is a thrilling mountain course with danger at every turn. Both courses are immaculately maintained and offer a superb golfing challenge.
How to play La Zagaleta: If you want to play the Old Course, you need to be with a member – and there are only 150 of them. Access to the New Course is a little easier as the member doesn’t need to be with you but you do require an introduction. On average there only 40 rounds a day on the property². However, keep your eyes out for charity golf days – every once in a while a member will auction a round which you may be able to blag your way into.
Les Bordes
Les Bordes is not only one of the most exclusive courses in Europe, it’s also one of the best. The course was built in the 1980s by Baron Marcel Bich, the founder of Bic pens, as his personal playground for him and his friends. Despite several changes of ownership, the course has maintained its quality and supreme conditioning. It is ranked among the top 10 courses in France and among the top 100 courses in the world.
The course was designed by Robert von Hagge, who created a masterpiece of strategic golf that winds through dense forest and around numerous lakes. The course is notoriously difficult, with narrow fairways, deep bunkers and slick greens. The signature hole is the par-5 18th, which requires three precise shots to reach a green surrounded by water.
How to play Les Bordes: Les Bordes is strictly private and does not accept visitors or green fees. You need to be invited by a member or stay at one of the luxury lodges on site. However, there is some good news: Les Bordes is undergoing a major transformation that will see the addition of a second course (designed by Gil Hanse), a hotel, spa and other amenities. The club plans to open its doors to more guests in the future², so keep an eye on their website for updates.
Queenwood Golf Course
Queenwood is arguably the most exclusive golf course in Europe, and certainly one of the most luxurious. Opened in 2001, Queenwood is located in Surrey in UK and caters to a select group of members, who include celebrities, businessmen and sports stars. The club is renowned for its impeccable service and attention to detail, and nothing is too much trouble for its members. When I played here I was accompanied by a European Tour player and the only other two people we saw were a billionaire businessman and one of the highest paid Premier League footballers. This place is in a different league.
The course was designed by David McLay Kidd, who also designed Beaverbrook, and is a classic parkland layout that blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The course is not overly long, but it requires accuracy and strategy to score well. The greens are fast and undulating, and the bunkers are deep and penal. The course is always in immaculate condition and offers a fair and enjoyable test of golf.
How to play Queenwood: Queenwood is extremely private and does not advertise its membership or fees. You need to be invited by a member or know someone who knows someone who knows someone. Alternatively, you can try to win a charity auction or enter a pro-am event that is hosted by the club from time to time.
Vidauban
Vidauban is one of the ultimate enigmas in European golf. It was built in the 1990s by Robert Trent Jones Sr, who fell in love with the land and setting, and completed by his son Rees Jones. It is ranked among the top 10 courses in France, but hardly anyone has played this course as it is shrouded in mystery and secrecy. The course is located in Provence, near Saint-Tropez, and is surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and lavender fields.
The club started with around 18 members and currently has around 25 who are what are referred to as “equity members”, so are all part owners of the club with annual running costs split between them. There are plans to increase the membership marginally to around 35.
The Golf course is a stunning example of Trent Jones’ design philosophy, with wide fairways, large greens and strategic bunkering. The course is also very long, measuring over 7,500 yards from the back tees. The course offers a variety of challenges, from water hazards to elevation changes to doglegs. The course is said to be in pristine condition all year round, and offers spectacular views of the countryside.
How to play Vidauban: Vidauban is so exclusive that it does not even have a website or a phone number. You need to be invited by one of the few members or owners, who are mostly American or British. There is no clubhouse or pro shop, just a small hut where you check in and get your cart. There are no tee times or marshals, just you and the course. Vidauban is the ultimate golfing escape.
Wentworth
Wentworth is one of the most evocative names in European golf, as it hosts the flagship event of the European Tour, the BMW PGA Championship, on its famous West Course. Wentworth was founded in 1924 and has three courses: the West, the East and the Edinburgh. The club has a rich history and tradition, and has been home to many golfing legends, such as Nick Faldo, Ernie Els and Rory McIlroy.
The West Course was designed by Harry Colt and has been renovated several times over the years, most recently by Ernie Els in 2010. The course is a classic heathland layout that features narrow fairways, heather-lined rough and slick greens. The course is famous for its closing stretch of holes, especially the par-5 18th, which has a large lake guarding the green.
Other courses
The East Course was also designed by Harry Colt and is considered by many to be his finest work. The course is shorter than the West Course, but more undulating and scenic. The course features some of Colt’s trademark bunkering and green complexes, and requires accuracy and finesse to score well.
The Edinburgh Course was designed by John Jacobs and Gary Player in 1990 and is the newest and longest of the three courses. The course is more open than the other two courses, but still has plenty of hazards to contend with. The course offers some stunning views of the Surrey countryside and Windsor Castle.
How to play Wentworth: A few years ago Wentworth went from being a members’ club which you could play for a rather saucy green fee, to one of the most exclusive golf clubs in the world. The club raised its membership fees to £125,000 (plus annual dues) and restricted access to visitors. You need to be invited by a member or stay at one of the nearby hotels that have arrangements with the club. Alternatively, you can try to qualify for the BMW PGA Championship or enter one of the charity events that are held at the club throughout the year.
You can also check out our article on how Monaco is a playground for the rich
