In the first part of 20 for ’20 must play golf courses, I kept things a bit closer to home with eight classic tracks. Now we’re going to head into Continental Europe and then a bit further for 12 more. How many of these are on your bucketlist?
- 20 for ’20: The GB&I courses you need to play this year
Must play golf courses 2020: Rest of the world
Le Golf National
Why go? The Ryder Cup hype has died down around it so the cost and availability are now much more attractive. Isn’t the most charming course but is dramatic and hosting the 2018 matches means it has ‘bucket list’ factor.
Gloria Resort (New)
Why go? Belek offers frankly bewildering value, sensational year-round weather and a totally stress-free experience. And Gloria is one of its top resorts, boasting luxury hotels, terrific buffets and loads of non-golf amenities. It has three very evenly balanced courses with the New just edging ahead of the Old.
Lofoten Links
Why go? You need at least two flights and a good deal of determination to get there but, trust us, Lofoten is worth it. We had it at No. 8 in our Continental Top 100 and if you’ve played anywhere more scenic and captivating, please let us know. Spellbinding stuff, and time it so you see the Northern Lights too.
Costa Navarino
Why go? It’s our Continental No. 1 Resort, has two courses – the technically impressive Dunes and the aesthetically breathtaking Bay – has high-end accommodation and facilities and it’s sunny basically all year round.
Assoufid
Why go? Marrakesh has 12 courses and at least half are really good. It is an awesome experience off the course, the climate is superb and flights from the UK are cheap. And Assoufid is comfortably the best in the city; it would be in a Continental Top 100, by way of comparison.
West Cliffs
Why go? This new Cynthia Dye design an hour north of Lisbon combines fabulous Atlantic views with a clever design that makes the most of the rolling land. Not the easiest in a breeze but already one of Europe’s finest. And 10 minutes away is its sister course Praia D’El Rey, a mix of pine-lined holes and awesome seaside ones.
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NewGiza
Why go? Tim Lobb’s new design in Cairo has the Pyramids as the backdrop from the 4th tee. It’s more than just one photo opportunity though; a stellar modern course by an in-vogue architect. Plus there’s all Cairo’s attractions to savour too.
Dubai Hills
Why go? Opened just over a year ago, the Middle East’s new kid is already one of its best. It’s playable and interesting, and gives you classic Dubai views including an Instagram hero shot of the iconic Burj Khalifa.
Royal Melbourne
Why go? The Presidents Cup illustrated why this Mackenzie classic is regarded as one of the world’s premier courses. Fine, it’s a long way to go, but it and it’s fellow sandbelt brethren are a proper pilgrimage and a connoisseur’s badge of honour.
Al Mouj
Why go? A Greg Norman seaside course that is playable and bursting with variety. It is part of a swish modern complex with a super hotel (Kempsinki) and beyond the resort are the plentiful natural delights of captivating Oman.
Belle Mare Plage
Why go? Two excellent courses set on the edge of the Indian Ocean and a fabulous hotel to feel very smug in when you’re not playing golf. And lots of other super courses in Mauritius to play too.
Where are you planning on playing this year? Let us know in the comments below, or you can tweet us.
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