Golf is a deceptively popular game. We say deceptively because most people don’t think of it as extremely well-loved. And yet, it is easily in the top 10 most played and watched sports around the world.

The Popularity of Golf

Reasons for golf’s popularity vary. For one, it isn’t very physically draining. This means that it is a great way for elderly people to get good exercise. It also means that it is excellent for a family outing or a fun time with friends.

Another good reason for the sport’s popularity is because it has integrated itself in high society and popular culture. High-power CEOs having their business meetings on the golf course is a cliché at this point. However, clichés often ring true.

Finally, unlike most sports golf has no set season. Rather, golf matches are played all year round. This fact has made golf one of the most popular betting sports in the world. In fact, if you were to visit any golf betting site, you would find a wide variety of people, all looking to place a bet on this fantastic sport.

As most of you will undoubtedly know, golf is played on sprawling courses, most of which are private property, owned by various golf clubs. While the prestige of these clubs can vary, most are quite pricey. In this article, we would like to go over the most expensive golf clubs in Europe, and see whether they are worth the price of admission.

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, Scotland

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (hereby shortened to the RAGCSA), is one of the oldest, if not the oldest golf clubs still in business. It is a private club, available only to members. Although, due to its historic significance, tours of the club are afforded to non-member visitors.

Scotland and golf have a long history together. Quite a few historians believe that the Highlands is where the game was first played, though evidence for this claim remains sparse. In either case, there is little surprise in finding that Scotland is home to one of the oldest and most expensive courses in the world.

In 2004, The RAGCSA spun-off into a governing body known as the R&A, which previously had been the colloquial term for the golf club itself. The R&A is currently in charge of some of golf’s most important tournaments, including the Open Championship, which is the world’s oldest men’s national golf championship.

With so much history and prestige, it is no surprise at all that the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews is one of the most expensive golf clubs in the world.

The Golf Course at Adare Manor, Co. Limerick, Ireland

Ireland’s importance to the game of golf is second maybe only to Scotland. Some of the greatest players alive today hail from Ireland, and some of the best players of all time came from the Emerald Islands. Irish players frequently are shown respect in the world of golf, including most recently, when Shane Lowry was named to the PGA Tour’s Player Advisory Council.

So, it is not surprising to learn that Ireland is home to some of the most spectacular golf clubs and golf courses in the world. And the one we are giving special attention to today is the Adare Manor, located in the county of Limerick.

Adare Manor was already impressive before its remodelling in 2017. Now, it is certainly one of the most beautiful golf courses on the planet. Surrounded by lush greenery, with a bubbling brook passing through its fields, even non-players will be absolutely smitten by this course.

Of course, non-players may not want to pay upwards of €400 just to take in the sights. You see, when putting together the cost of admission, the cost of the caddie (which is mandatory), and the golf kart loan, the full price for a game of golf might come around, somewhere in the ballpark of €500. Certainly, one of the more expensive courses in Europe today.

Old Head Golf Links, Co. Cork, Ireland

Another golf course in Ireland, the Old Head Golf Links might just be the most spectacular destination on this list. Located just off the coast of Kinsale, the Old Head offers a spectacular view on the ocean. Fields of green make this course one of the best to behold. Once again, even non-players will certainly enjoy spending time on the course, just for the scenery alone.

While not as expensive as the Golf Club at Adare Manor, the Old Head Golf Links is still one of the most expensive European golfing courses. During its “low season” (the season when tickets and admissions are less expensive) players still need to fork over upwards of €200. However, the peak fee is just short of €400. And most players are going to want to play the game during the peak season.

The Trump Turnberry Ailsa Course, Scotland

The Trump Turnberry Ailsa Course is easily one of Scotland’s (and one of Europe’s) best golf courses. Like the Old Head, it overlooks the ocean, providing a spectacular view for players and non-players alike. The greenery is unmatched by most golf courses in the world, and the service is top notch as well.

So, it will surprise no one to find out that this is also the most expensive course in Europe. For a simple game, players will have to pay up to €425. And this isn’t even taking into account any utilities or extra fees. The true amount likely exceeds €500.

However, if you can afford it, then you are not likely to find a course better than the Ailsa Course in Scotland. Most who’ve trodden its fields will say that it is worth every penny.

Conclusion

The four golf courses mentioned are just a few of Europe’s most spectacular, and most expensive, golf clubs. Unsurprisingly, most of the best golf clubs Europe has to offer are located in Scotland and Ireland. However, you are likely to find some top-quality courses in England, France, Germany, and the Netherlands as well.