When I put together the 20 courses you must play this year, one avid fan of my work described it as an “elitist list”. To be fair he was correct. They weren’t the most obvious collection of courses to moot, but equally they were all fairly expensive and most were reasonably well known. And as we are for the many not the few at NCG, the challenge was set to come up with another batch of ‘must plays’ that would fit most budgets. I’ve done 10 within our own islands here, and now here are the 10 best affordable golf courses outside GB&I, starting with…
Wimereux
Why play it? Barely 15 minutes off the Channel Tunnel, this under-stated seaside course has bags of appeal. A Continental Top 100 contender and an absolute must for hipsters, it has several outstanding holes among more steady fayre.
Noria
Why play it? It’s got square greens! And square water features! And it’s generally tremendously entertaining. Plus it’s in Marrakesh, which is brilliant in all kinds of ways – not least the excellent year-round climate. A proper find among the mixed bag of courses in the Moroccan city.
Ribagolfe (No. 1)
Why play it? The Orizonte group offer arguably the best-value golf breaks in Europe and Ribagolfe is very much part of that. A mini Valderrama which plays among cork oaks over gently undulating ground, you won’t be disappointed you trusted our judgement on this one.
Anfi Tauro
Why play it? Robert von Hagge turned this raunchy Arizona-like landscape into a thrill-a-minute experience on the southern coast of Gran Canaria. It is unforgiving at times, but the views and the unique holes make it an unforgettable few hours.
Dreamland
Why play it? This Cynthia Dye design in Azerbaijan is in fabulous nick, has been built to high specifications and is hugely impressive in its consistency – with a few standout moments. Add in a brand-new hotel to stay in, plus the vibrant, intriguing city of Baku to explore as well as terrific weather and you have one of Europe’s most alluring destinations.
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Il Picciolo
Why play it? Verdura and Donnafugata dominate the scene on Sicily but this resort at the foot of Mount Etna is also well worth your attention. It might be super-narrow between the trees in places but it’s an intriguing test of game management and patience. And the hotel is excellent.
Olching
Why play it? Munich is a very appealing option for a city break and this is our favourite course there. Has an old-school atmosphere off the course and a traditional vibe to the design with all sorts of welcome architectural features.
PGA National Turkey (Pasha)
Why play it? The Sultan is this Belek resort’s No. 1 course but the Pasha is arguably the one everyone would enjoy more. Much less demanding and much more forgiving, it has a handful of holes that are right out of the top drawer. Immaculately conditioned too.
Madinat Makadi
Why play it? Soma Bay, El Gouna and Madinat Makadi form a nice little collection of courses around the Egyptian resort of Hurghada and we really like this course in particular. Incredible value and lots of variety to the holes, with a super hotel right on the doorstep. And Hurghada has not had any security concerns.
Al Ghazal
Why play it? It’s sand golf. That’s golf on sand. And if that lols prospect isn’t enough to attract you to Al Ghazal when you head for Abu Dhabi to play Yas etc, we give up. Enormous fun and a great ‘experience’.
