I wrote recently about some of the very hardest courses in Europe to access but that still had ways in for unaccompanied play – though often at quite a price. However, there are some which are more elusive and can genuinely lay claim to be Europe’s most exclusive golf courses. Here they are, with a few ideas on what may be possible...
BEAVERBROOK
There are a cluster of courses in the Surrey heartlands which are the preserve of the uber-rich and Beaverbrook is the newest member of the gang. It has been described as having a ‘Soho Farmhouse vibe’. That may not mean much to you but think ostentatiously unpretentious – somewhere to lounge rather than to sit up straight. A friend who visited told me that no-one would bat an eyelid if you teed off in a six-ball, in jeans! The wine cellar is said to be one of the very best in England so make sure you have some time to enjoy a glass or two.
Picture - DMK Golf Design
The Course
The golf course at Beaverbrook only opened in 2016 so still has some maturing to do. David McLay Kidd teamed up with Tom Watson to design the course and typical of more recent work by McLay Kidd has produced a golf course that can be enjoyed by all but will also be a good test for the better player.
How to play Beaverbrook
Like many of the courses on this list you need to find a member to host you. From time to time you will find one of them offering the opportunity to play in a charity auction, like tennis player Tim Henman did here. It will cost you, but what a chance to see how the other half live for a day.
LA ZAGALETA
OK, hands up if you’d heard of La Zagaleta before? There’s a good chance that you haven’t because this is one of Europe’s truly exclusive resorts. In the hills above Marbella, La Zagaleta is the playground of some of Europe’s wealthiest families. It claims to be the most secure golf club on the continent - expect incredible facilities and discretion guaranteed!
Picture - Lazagaleta.com
The Course
There are two courses at La Zagaleta. The Old Course (par 72, 6,600 yards) was opened in 1991 and renovated in 2016. Think verdant fairways, lush valleys and inspiring mountain views. The New Course was added in 2005 and sounds like a thrilling mountain course with danger at every turn.
How to play La Zagaleta
If you want to play the Old Course you need to be with a member – and there are only 150 of them. Access to the New Course is a little easier as the member doesn’t need to be with you but you do require an introduction. On average there only 40 rounds a day on the property. However, keep your eyes out for charity golf days – every once in a while a member will auction a round which you may be able to blag your way into.
LES BORDES (Click title for my full course review)
Les Bordes is not only one of the most exclusive courses in the continent, it’s also one of the best. The history or the course is fabled – a rich businessman building the ultimate playground for him and his friends. Despite several changes of ownership the course has maintained its quality and supreme conditioning.
Water and rough abound at the original Les Bordes course
The Course
This Robert von Hagge course is one of the sternest test of golf you will find anywhere in the world. It’s an American-style course and the conditioning is breathtaking. However, leave the carpet-like fairways and you will be likely to find deep rough or a watery grave. This is a serious course for the serious golfer. A second course, designed by the more forgiving Gil Hanse, is in the final stages of build along with a 9 hole course. These additions are expected to bring a little more fun for the average player but they have a high quality standard to live up to.
The new course at Les Bordes will be open soon. Picture - @JackLaws_
How to Play Les Bordes
For a couple of years Les Bordes was opened up to casual visitors at a very reasonable price. However, the door has closed on that opportunity and now the only way in is to be invited by one of the handful of members. It will be interesting to see what business model emerges as the new course opens but for now it looks like it will remain one of the most exclusive clubs in Europe. You could try a high-end agency that specialises in French Golf like Private Golf Key and see what they can do.
QUEENWOOD
Queenwood is one of the high-end Surrey clubs opened in recent years, but probably stands a little above the rest when it comes to pure luxury. When I played here I was accompanied by a European Tour player and the only other two people we saw were a billionaire businessman and one of the highest paid Premier League footballers. This place is a different league - the service levels at the course are quite incredible and nothing is too much trouble for their members.
The Course
This is another David McLay Kidd creation which is built for enjoyment – in line with his ethos it’s fairly easy to get off the tee but questions come the closer you get to the green. Queenwood is like a blend of Surrey heathland and US parkland. There’s water in play on several holes and it really is a beautiful place. Architecturally I don’t think it quite holds its own with the Sunningdales and Swinley but it’s a lovely place and the conditioning is world class.
How to Play Queenwood
I would say this is the hardest of the Surrey courses to play - you will absolutely have to have a member with you to get on the property. Again, a charity auction will probably be your best bet but they very rarely come up.
VIDAUBAN, PRINCE DE PROVENCE
There are golf courses which are very hard to get on, and then there’s Vidauban. This was a passion project of Robert Trent Jones Snr, who fell in love with the land and setting, built by his son. It ranks in the top 10 in France but hardly anyone has played this course so it remains one of the ultimate enigmas in European Golf.
Picture - vidaubangolfclub.com/
The Course
There are few first hand accounts of Vidauban but the course is set among a Provencal landscape of vineyards, pine trees and rocks. It is said to have similarities with another Trent Jones creation, Valderrama.
How to play Vidauban
OK, this is a tough one. However, where there’s a will... There’s a top-end experience here which includes a stay at the lovely Terre Blanche, attendance at the Monaco Grand Prix and a game at Vidauban. Not cheap but you would be one of the very few to see beyond the gates of this mysterious club!
WENTWORTH
A few years ago Wentworth went from being a members’ club which you could play for a rather saucy green fee, to one of the most exclusive golf clubs in the world. Controversy has dogged Wentworth for the last few years but it still remains one of the most evocative names in European golf.
The Course
The West Course at Wentworth is a Harry Colt design dating back to 1926. Unlike many of its Surrey neighbours this is parkland golf rather than heathland. Local resident Ernie Els made some controversial changes in 2007 which many feel changed the nature of the course considerably. However, since then some of these changes have been undone and there have been big investments in the conditioning as it continues to evolve and attempts to regain its reputation as one of the best courses in the country.
How to Play Wentworth
Green fee play was removed under the new ownership and you are now required to play with a member. Very occasionally there are high-end charity days you may be able to gain access to and the old auction route can be your friend. In fact, at the moment, there’s one live here to play with European Tour player Steven Brown.
THE WISLEY
You’ll never guess where the Wisley is. Surrey!! They really do like a proper ’members only’ course there don’t they?! However, the vibe at The Wisley is different. It’s all relative, but The Wisley just feels a bit more normal. OK, the members are likely to be top touring pros or famous sportspeople but you won’t feel like you’re stepping into a movie set when you drive through the gates at The Wisley.
The Course
There are 3 nines at The Wisley and you can expect to find plenty of water out there – it’s target-style golf a lot of the way around. The condition is great, as you would expect, although maybe just a touch behind the magnificence of Queenwood. For sure, you would be more than happy playing your golf at The Wisley every day, but don’t expect the course to be an absolute rockstar.
How to play The Wisley
While you do need to play with a member there are 700 of them so getting access is a little easier than at some of the other courses on this list.