The gates opened, and we eased our rental car down the driveway of what has become Portugal’s most exclusive golf environment.  Vilamoura Victoria was once a staple of the Algarve holiday scene, but is now the private Els Club. Its Arnold Palmer-designed course has been reimagined by Ernie Els , and the clubhouse experience is top-notch. The club reopened in July 2025 following a partnership between Els and Arrow Global, a group making major development investments in Portu

ur round at Quinta do Lago’s South Course had been a delight. Great company and a balmy day on the resort’s premium layout, which stands in favourable comparison with the best in Portugal.

Laranjal is a ten-minute drive from the main QDL hub and features a much more understated clubhouse, car park, and practice facility. Nevertheless, Mrs W and I liked its welcoming atmosphere and were paired with a couple of regulars who proved to be excellent company.

The North was ranked in Continental Europe’s top 100 when my quest began in 2020, and it was the first we played during a lovely, sunny March week in the Algarve.

We had been beguiled by the variety at Palmares. And the culinary experience at restaurant Al Sud is a high-end match for the golf.

My topsy-turvy scoring certainly didn't dampen my appreciation for this quirky masterpiece, which is destined to soar in the world rankings.

Anyone can play Paraparaumu without feeling intimidated, and I heartily recommend it.

Cleeve Hill is for everyone and is more than just fun; it is an adventure.

After the exciting but very modern designs of New Zealand’s most-acclaimed courses, Titirangi was like stepping into old-world golf.

Cape Kidnappers delivered a fantastic experience. It wasn’t quite the white-knuckle ride we had anticipated, but it was an awesome day nonetheless. 

Is there anywhere else in the world where golf is played over thermal lakes and streams? Rotorua Golf Club is also known as Arikikapakapa, a Māori name meaning "the gentle sound of plopping mud". That very sound can indeed be heard as players head from the 18th tee on this unique course.

Tara Iti lived up to every expectation and then some. I am still pinching myself that it actually happened.

Never have so many questions swirled around my head after playing a top 100 golf course as they did after our game at The European Club in Brittas Bay. I had played here before, when the Pat Ruddy design was ranked among the world’s best, with some highly acclaimed holes.  This was Ruddy’s baby: a fearsome layout with railway sleepers propping up every bunker and hellish rough, which made losing balls a certainty. Oh, and there were two extra holes in case 18 wasn't enough. L

I only spent four hours playing golf at The Island, and I could easily imagine that being here daily must be a joy.

this superbly manicured woodland course, located on the outskirts of Arnhem, Rosendaelsche is near the A12 motorway. Yet the moment you arrive, you’re transported to a tranquil scene where a tumultuous history blends with modern ambition.

"Our key aim is to restore one of the finest Golden Age courses in the British Isles and couple it with first-class hospitality and service." If the astounding work on The Addington’s course is replicated across all other facets of the club, its owner’s vision will surely be fulfilled.

It was a pity the weather was not kinder on the day we played Kennemer, because better light would have showcased the course at its best.  Nevertheless, it was still obvious why it is so highly rated and demands quality golf to achieve a decent score. And I loved its history.

Kilspindie is one of 22 golf courses in East Lothian, and several of its first nine holes are played right beside the sea.  Its history is rich, and the links are unusual. They are shoe-horned into a small parcel of land and add up to a mere par 69. 

Royal Hague, or Koninklijke Haagsche Golf & Country Club, as the Dutch call it, was one of the most memorable visits on my top 100 quest.

The visit was extra-special for me because it marked the completion of my quest to play all 14 Open venues. The contrast with the other 13 could not be starker.