Top 5 courses for high handicappers…

This week’s blog is to help those of you who may not have the lowest handicap or be the most skilled golfer but are still looking to enjoy a fabulous golfing holiday in Europe and are wondering which courses will be the best for you. Here is our blog on the top five courses in Europe for those of you with a high handicap…

First up we have the Bom Sucesso course which is situated just an hours drive from Lisbon. Although there are many strategically placed bunkers and this course is a little challenging, this is a great course to play for those less experienced golfers as the main challenge of this course is avoiding those obstacles by hitting accurately. Playing from the front tees will eliminate the long carries which means that you can focus on navigating this brilliant course but from the championship tees those with a lower handicap will find it a challenging course too. This course also boasts some beautiful views over the Obidos region and the sea, especially on the last two holes, making the round a scenic and enjoyable one. With gently undulating fairways, fair but fast greens and beautiful scenery when you are next in Lisbon on a golfing holiday make sure to visit the Bom Sucesso course and enjoy a fabulous round here (whilst not scoring badly!).

Next up on the list of European courses perfect for those with a higher handicap is the PGA Catalunya Tour course situated in Spain. This course is the kinder of the two courses at the PGA Catalunya resort and offers a great game for players of all levels. Whilst you are never far from a water hazard or a trickily positioned bunker, the course features wide fairways meaning that a few dodgy shots will be forgiven! Having said that, accuracy is key on this course and with the hazards set to trip you up it is a good idea to keep concentration through this round in order to finish with a good score! This course is a breathtakingly beautiful course with its stunning woodland surroundings and of course, the lakes. As this course is a shorter, less undulating course than its sister course it is a walkable course which means that you have more time to enjoy the scenery and socialise with your fellow players. This is great course to add to the itinerary of your next golfing holiday to Spain!

Next up, on the list we have the well-established and well-known Monte Rei course. This course is considered to be the number one course in Portugal and if that isn’t enough of a reason to come and play then maybe the beautiful surroundings and fabulous layout of the course will tempt you. Monte Rei is set in the hills towards the Spanish border and the mountainous setting is very special to this course. The fairways are bordered with indigenous trees and plants just adding to the beautiful scenery created by the mountainous setting. Although the terrain is very undulating, there is no reason that with concentration and some accurate shots those with a higher handicap cannot score well on this course – as long as you avoid the lakes and bunkers! As you progress throughout the course you will find that each hole is better than the last making this such a superb round of golf it is unmissable. This is one of the finest courses around and it truly is a perfect course for those with all handicap scores making this a must-play on your next golfing holiday to Portugal!

The next course on the list is the Oceanico Old course situated in the Algarve. This course is a traditional one and is the second oldest course in Portugal, showing how traditional parkland courses which are in tune with their surroundings can still compete with the newer courses. Although the back nine holes on this course have proven to be a challenge for many golfers, the front few holes provide golfers with a chance to get comfortable and hit some accurate shots and score well – just don’t get lulled into a false sense of security! Watch out for the cluster of deep and dangerous bunkers on the 12^th hole and maintain concentration the whole way through the round making sure that you are not distracted by the beautiful surroundings. All of the greens are always in immaculate condition and this course is truly at one with its surroundings making it a fabulous round to play! This course is a great one for golfers of all handicaps as it is such a fun and exciting course with wonderful surroundings. Make sure that on your next golfing holiday to the Algarve you add this course to the itinerary!

Last, but certainly not least, on the list is the Oceanico Victoria course, also situated in the Algarve. This course is essentially a flat course, meaning that navigation is easier than on some of the more undulating courses meaning that it is possible to score well on this course even if you are in possession of a higher handicap score! However, the course boasts many stunning water features and fountains which can be a little tricky to navigate around but add to the natural beauty of the course. These hazards are severe but there are safer routes to make it to the final putt – there is a huge element of risk-reward on this course! The greens and fairways are fast but fair and they are large enough to accept some error in shots meaning that this course is perfect for those of all handicaps. Don’t be put off by the many water hazards and make sure this stunning course is on the agenda for your next golf break to Lisbon!

We hope that this list has helped you decide which European courses you are going to try and play on your next golfing holiday to Spain or Portugal if you haven’t got the lowest handicap in the world!

About the Author

Matt Standley

Role: Marketing Executive - Handicap: 15 - Home course: Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club - Favourite courses: Palmares, Aphrodite Hills, Quinta do Lago North, Monte Rei & La Manga Club South