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Every April, like clockwork, myself and millions of wannabe golfers around the world eye up the dusty clubs in the cupboard and start to daydream of picturesque fairways, water hazards and manicured greens.
Why? Because we’ve all been watching the Masters and wishing we were at Augusta National Golf Club playing alongside the likes of Team Europe’s Ryder Cup heroes Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry and Justin Rose.
Of course, the major championships are not for the “hackers” of this world (like me), but despite a lack of Green Jacket-worthy skills, this should not put any of us off from booking 18 holes on a beautiful golf course from time to time.
Luckily, in Europe we’re blessed with some of the world’s best golf destinations and thousands of courses to play on. In fact, the choice is so varied that early retirement and a few lottery wins may be the only way to visit just a small percentage of what the continent has to offer.
So, to make the choice a little easier, here’s some of Europe’s top new golf courses to add to your golf travel bucket list for 2026 and 2027.
Old Petty at Cabot Highlands, Scotland
Set along the Moray Firth in the Scottish Highlands, Old Petty is one of this year’s most anticipated European golf tourism openings. Part of the Cabot Highlands resort, the course is designed to embrace rugged coastal terrain, with dramatic sea views and natural contours shaping play. Early previews highlight a classic links-style layout, but with modern routing that maximises the wild landscape. Strengthening Scotland’s position as a bucket-list golf destination, Old Petty’s grand opening is set for 15 May.
Le Golf National (redesign), France
Already one of Europe’s most recognisable courses, the Albatros at Le Golf National near Paris is undergoing a major redesign ahead of its planned reopening in September 2026. Known for hosting the 2018 Ryder Cup, the Albatros is being refined to enhance both spectator experience and course playability. For travellers, it offers the rare opportunity to play a championship venue refreshed for a new era.
Torre Course at Terras da Comporta, Portugal
At the 2025 World Golf Awards, the Torre Course at Terras da Comporta in Portugal was the overall winner in the world’s best new golf course category. Opened in June 2025, the Torre Course was designed by 2017 Masters winner Sergio Garcia, marking the Spaniard’s first signature golf course. “We tried to make it challenging, but at the same time, a place that draws you back in and makes you want to play more and see if you can play differently,” Garcia said. Located one hour south of Lisbon, the Terras da Comporta complex also features the world-class Dunas Course, which opened in October 2023.
Trump International, Scotland
Named Europe’s best new golf course for 2025 at the World Golf Awards, the New Course at the Trump International golf resort in the north east of Scotland was officially opened in July last year. Spanning miles of coastal terrain, the New Course boasts panoramic North Sea views and features the world’s largest natural bunker.
Ponta do Pargo Golf Course, Madeira, Portugal
Portugal is set to welcome its first new course in Madeira for more than two decades with the opening of Ponta do Pargo expected in 2027. Designed by Nick Faldo’s Faldo Design team, the layout is carved into the island’s rugged western coastline, boasting dramatic cliffs and sweeping Atlantic views. For travellers, it marks a significant addition to Portugal’s golf offering, positioning Madeira alongside the Algarve.
Curracloe Links, Ireland
Located on Ireland’s southeast coast, Curracloe Links is expected to open for play in April 2027, bringing a new links experience to a region better known for its beaches than golf. Designed by American architects Dana Fry and Jason Straka, County Wexford’s first championship course is part of the €20 million Ravenport Resort golf holiday destination and is “unlike any existing Irish links”, said Top100GolfCourses.com.
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