Golf Drives’ Top 5 European Golf Resorts

The 5 Best Golf Resorts in Europe in 2024

Are you ready to step into a golfer’s paradise?

At Golf Drives, we’ve handpicked the crème de la crème of golfing destinations, ensuring an unforgettable experience from tee-off to the final putt. Let’s dive into our top five favourite golfing havens that promise not only outstanding service and facilities but also world-class courses that will leave you in awe.

1.

Finca Cortesin, Spain: Imagine teeing off against the backdrop of Spain’s breathtaking Andalusian coast. At Finca Cortesin, luxury intertwines with championship-worthy courses, offering sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea with every swing. It’s not just golf; it’s an experience of a lifetime.

Insider Tip – After a satisfying round of golf, treat yourself to the ultimate relaxation experience at the resort’s spa. Indulge in their signature treatments and unwind amidst luxurious surroundings, rejuvenating both your body and mind for another day at their top European golf course.

2.

Gleneagles, Scotland: Delve into the rich tapestry of Scottish golfing history at Gleneagles. With three championship courses, including the iconic PGA Centenary Course, get ready for a blend of challenge and traditional Scottish hospitality that is second to none. It’s where legends are made and memories are crafted.

Insider Tip – Don’t miss the chance to explore beyond the golf course. Take a stroll through the estate’s stunning grounds, where you’ll discover lush gardens, picturesque lakes, and even falconry displays. It’s a delightful way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Scottish countryside—one of our top 5 golf resorts for its location and 5-star facilities.

3.

Camiral Golf & Wellness, Spain: Prepare to be enchanted as Spanish charm meets world-class design at Camiral Golf & Wellness. Nestled amidst Catalonia’s picturesque landscape, this top golf destination promises strategic layouts and impeccable conditioning, making it a golfer’s paradise. Get ready to be captivated from the first drive to the final putt.

Insider Tip – Enhance your golfing skills with a personalised coaching session from one of the resort’s expert instructors. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or a seasoned pro aiming to refine your technique, their tailored lessons will take your game to the next level.

4.

Monte Rei, Portugal: Escape to our favourite golf resort on the Algarve – Monte Rei Golf & Country Club. Here, unparalleled beauty meets challenging terrain, with Jack Nicklaus’ signature course awaiting your arrival. Surrounded by unspoiled countryside, this is not just a golfing retreat; it’s a sanctuary for the soul.

Insider Tip – Use Golf Drives to organise transport to a memorable off-course adventure. From scenic boat tours along the Algarve coast to cultural excursions exploring nearby villages, there’s no shortage of experiences to complement your golfing getaway.

5.

Thracian Cliffs, Bulgaria: Prepare to be spellbound by Bulgaria’s rugged Black Sea coast at Thracian Cliffs Golf & Beach Resort. With Gary Player’s masterpiece carved into the cliffs, brace yourself for dramatic elevation changes and stunning sea views that will take your breath away. It is truly an adventure of a lifetime.

Insider Tip – Capture unforgettable memories of your golfing adventure with a drone photography session. Hire a professional photographer to accompany you on the course and capture breathtaking aerial shots of you teeing off against the backdrop of the stunning Black Sea coastline. It’s a unique way to commemorate your time at this extraordinary destination.

As you plan your next golfing adventure, remember that the journey is just as important as the destination. Whether you choose to tee off against the stunning backdrop of Spain’s Andalusian coast, immerse yourself in the rich history of Scottish golfing at Gleneagles, or embrace the rugged beauty of Bulgaria’s Thracian Cliffs, Golf Drives is here to ensure your trip is nothing short of extraordinary.

With our quality golf transfers, you can relax and focus on perfecting your swing while we take care of the rest. Book your transfers with Golf Drives today and embark on a golfing journey that exceeds your every expectation.

4 New Golf Destinations for 2024

BRAND NEW destinations for 2024 spring/summer trips.

From the majestic peaks of the Alps to the sun-kissed fairways of Cyprus, each destination promises a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes and world-class golfing experiences.

Bulgaria:
Nestled amidst stunning landscapes, Bulgaria offers a picturesque backdrop for your golfing escapades. Ideal for those seeking a blend of affordability and luxury, Bulgaria’s courses cater to all levels of expertise.

Insider Secret: Don’t miss the breathtaking vistas from courses like Thracian Cliffs, where each hole feels like a masterpiece.

The Alps:
Embark on an alpine golfing adventure, where lush fairways meet towering peaks. Suited for both thrill-seeking pros and leisurely enthusiasts, the Alps boast courses that challenge and inspire.

Insider Secret: Experience a twilight round on the fairways, with the alpenglow casting a mesmerising hue over the mountains, creating an unforgettable backdrop for your game.

Morocco:
Immerse yourself in the exotic allure of Morocco’s golfing scene, where ancient culture meets modern luxury. Tailored for those craving a sensory-rich experience, Morocco’s courses offer a compelling mix of challenge and indulgence.

Insider Secret: Tee off amidst palm groves and stunning vistas at Assoufid Golf Club, a hidden gem awaiting discovery.

Cyprus:
Bask in the Mediterranean sun while perfecting your swing on Cyprus’s pristine courses. Designed to captivate both novices and seasoned players, Cyprus combines natural beauty with unparalleled hospitality.

Insider Secret: Explore the historic grounds of Minthis Golf Club, where ancient ruins provide a unique backdrop to your game.

Embrace these exciting new destinations in 2024 and discover new golfing horizons.

With Golf Drives, you’re assured a smooth, comfortable journey from your airport to the most prestigious golf resorts in the region. Our dedicated service is designed to meet the needs of golfers seeking convenience, comfort, and a touch of elegance, ensuring your travel is hassle-free from the moment you arrive.

Book your golf transfer today.

5 things golf-related that you can do at home

Following the government advice, the best place you can be is at home, and still, there are so many things golf-related you can do! ⁠Here are five things you can start with:

Do you know the latest golf gear and equipment? The most iconic game in the PGA Tour? Where to go on your next golf break? Well, now is a good moment to take the couch and learn about all the things that make this sport amazing.

You can start by reading our article about the best golf magazines: Keep updated: Top 5 golf magazines

If you have a positive mindset, your mates trust you and rely on your opinion to make a successful stroke, you have skills to start a professional career as a caddy.

Wondering where to start? Check our blog post What makes a great golf caddy?

Many elements must be carefully combined to create a challenging, stunning and enjoyable golf course, not only to design a great layout but also to manage the team and understand the local environment.

Understand better the greens you are going to test in our article You might know the course but not the name; Golf’s most famous architects.

Do you know what is a “fried egg”? And, yes, we’re talking about golf!

Discover more words of the golf slap in our article Learning the Lingo: Golf Slang & Terms

Grab your toilet roll and keep it up as long as you can. Of course, don’t forget to film it and share it on social media with the hashtag #StatAtHomeChallenge.

What makes a great golf caddy? 

While watching a golf tournament, past the 10th hole, the tension on the course is visible. It’s the turn of your favourite player. They watch the ball, the course, the tee, and they start talking to the person holding the bag. They point to the tee and the caddy (or caddie) starts whispering to the player. The golfer returns to the ball, gets ready, stroke, and right into the hole! It’s like the person holding the clubs whispered a magic spell! 

More than a magic spell, the caddy recommends strategies to the player to make an outstanding stroke. A caddy is a mix of a personal physicist, a landscape analyser, a psychologist and a bestie. There are so many skills required in a professional golf caddy that their paycheck can get up to $2,000 per week. Not bad, eh?

But, what makes a good caddy? 

Understanding of the course

At Golf Drives, we know that being aware of the difficulties that a golf course presents is the key for a successful game, that’s why we care so much about details, such as who was the architect? Likewise, a good caddy will know the golf course better than the 19th hole, and they will be able to recognise the golfer’s challenges. You should provide the golfer insightful information that will help them to make the right decisions to make a bogey, especially if they’re playing at a new golf course. 

Give the right advice

While playing a game, and especially during a tournament, the golf player might need help to make the right stroke, and this is when the job of being a caddy gets the most exciting. Knowing the course without flaw and having a perfect understanding of the game will allow you to give the right advice to the player. Therefore, this requires time, a lot of practice and dedication. 

Watch the ball

A good caddy doesn’t miss the ball. Doesn’t matter how hard the golfer shot or if the wind modifies the trajectory of the ball, you have to know where the ball ended. By understanding the course well, it will be easier for you to see where the ball landed and guide the player to their next point. 

Emotional boosting

Mastering all the technical aspects of the course and the player is crucial to be a good caddy, but is also relevant to give emotional support and share a positive set of mind with the player. Playing such a challenging game sometimes can be frustrating for the golfer, with balls that end in ponds or hazards that over-complicate the game. If you want to be a good caddy, you will have to keep the player optimistic and boost their morale, complimenting them as much as possible when things go right.

Trust

As a caddy, players will ask you for advice when they don’t know what to do and, sometimes, you will give recommendations based on their flaws. To build the confidence to hear and say these things, it requires a lot of trust, especially considering they are the only person they speak to during some tense moments on the greens. 

For this reason, it is easy to find a professional golf player having dinner and some good laughs with their caddy. After a short time, you’ll build a solid bond that will help both to give your best on the course. For example, when Tiger Woods stopped playing, he suggested to Joe LaCava to take someone else’s bag and get back to the game. The answer of the caddy was unanimous: “No, no, I’m committed to you. I’m committed to your return and you playing golf again”. Find yourself someone that tells you those things. 

The bag

Carrying the bag and keeping the gear in optimal conditions might be a small portion of the work and may be less exciting. However, still, it must be done correctly, so the golfer can focus on the game. Make sure you carry a towel and clean the clubs after each shot and give them a deep clean before the game.

Being a caddy requires many different skills, from physical to mental, and mastering these tasks take time and hard work. You can start by joining the Professional Caddies Association (PCA) and get some official training from their apprenticeship programmes. Also, you can check the golf courses around your area and ask for caddying opportunities. But the best advice we can give you is to talk to other caddies and ask them for information or go for some drinks!