Have you been wondering what golfing is like in Switzerland? It isn’t Europe’s most obvious destination for golfing; the land is expensive and scarce, and environmental regulations are strict. And since demand exceeds what’s available, many are private or semi-private with limited access for visitors.
However, golfing in Switzerland means you’ll get to enjoy Switzerland’s fresh air and impressive scenery at the high-altitude courses. You may even hear cowbells jingling in the distance.
Combine your golfing holiday with breathtaking natural surroundings at one of the following best golf courses in Switzerland.
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Golf Club Bad Ragaz
Located in eastern Switzerland’s Rhine Valley, Golf Club Bad Ragaz is about a 75-minute drive from Zurich. It’s a member of Leading Golf Courses and World of Leading Golf and is the only Swiss golf course to earn the 5-star Superior rating by the Golf Course Owners Association. In 2017, it earned the Best Maintained golf club in Switzerland award.
The greens are maintained to perfection, and it’s surrounded by a mountain panorama. It’s located next to Europe’s leading Wellbeing & Medical resort and is part of the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz. Hotel guests receive reduced green fees and reserved tee times.
Andermatt Swiss Alps Golf Course
Go golfing next door to the famous Andermatt ski resort in the Ursern Valley surrounded by the Alps. The Andermatt Swiss Alps Golf Course is an 18-hole Scottish-style course that covers 1.3 million square meters and is six kilometers long. It was designed by golf course architect Kurt Rossknecht and meets international tournament standards.
The Andermatt Golf Course is one of the most scenic ones in the Alps. It earned the title of Switzerland’s Best Golf Course in 2016 and 2017. Premium rental equipment is available, and there is a restaurant and clubhouse on the grounds.
Golf Club du Domaine Impérial
Golf Club du Domain Impérial is in a beautiful setting on the shores of Lake Geneva. Established in May 1987, it soon became one of Switzerland’s major golf courses and has ranked among Europe’s Top 50. Halfway between Geneva and Lausanne, its geographic location is ideal. The setting has a view of Mont Blanc and the city of Geneva while the lake laps at the putting green.
Pete Dye designed the 18-hole course and magnificent clubhouse with environmental restrictions and contingencies in mind. Guests should ask about course maintenance before hitting the greens.
Golf-Club Crans-sur-Sierre
Sitting on a plateau overlooking the Rhone Valley, Golf-Club Crans-sur-Sierre is one of the world’s most scenic golf courses with views of peaks from the Matterhorn to Mont Blanc.
The first golf course in this magnificent setting was built in 1906. Over the century, the greens have flourished and welcomed some of the world’s greatest golfers. Its four courses include the famous 18-hole Severiano Ballesteros, the host of the European Masters. The Jack Nicklaus is the second course and has been named the most beautiful 9-hole course in Switzerland several times.
Golf & Country Club Schönenberg
The Golf & Country Club Schönenberg was designed in 1967 by Donald Harradine and built among a landscape of glacial till. It’s located about 20 kilometers south of Zurich in a beautiful setting between Lake Zurich and Lake Sihl.
The 18-hole course was creatively designed and integrated into the pristine landscape. Golfers of all levels will find a challenge.
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The Schönenberg is a regular host for the renowned Zurich Open. Some of the world’s best players attend the professional tournament including Fred Couples, Sam Torrance, Miguel Angel Jiménez, and more.
The course has lots of great amenities including a pro shop, snack bar, driving range, putting range, clubhouse, and restaurant.
Geneva Golf Club
The Geneva Golf Club is located close to the city on the shores of Lake Geneva. The 18-hole championship golf course was founded in 1922 on the heights of Cologny, and Robert Trent Senior designed the course in 1973.
The setting is park-like with a view of the city, the lake, and the famous Jet d’Eau from the first hole. On the course’s south side, you’ll have views of Mont Blanc and the Alps.
The club was the host of the European Junior Championship in 1975, and the World Ladies Amateurs Championship in 1982. It has also hosted the Rolex Trophy many times.
Lausanne Golf Club
The Lausanne Golf Club is on Lake Geneva’s northern shores 15 minutes from Downtown Lausanne. It was founded in 1921 and redesigned in 1962 by Hermann Narbel and Donald Harradine. Today, the 18-hole course has a hilly classic parkland setting with a view of the Alps and Jura to tee off by.
Many of the holes are routed through a lovely wooded area planted with birch, chestnut, and fir trees. The pars at the 7th and 12th holes are traditional short par fours. The front and back nines are matched by long par fives for an overall length of 6,197 meters.
The Restaurant-19th Hole is a plus for the well-maintained parkland course serving traditional cuisine featuring fresh seasonal produce.
Engadine Golf Club – Samedan
The Engadine Golf Club sits on an Alpine plateau buffeted by the Maloja wind at a 2 hr and 40 min drive from Zurich. It has the distinction of being Switzerland’s oldest golf club and is home to the oldest amateur golf tournament in Switzerland (since 1893).
Engadine Samedan’s course has a traditional layout. The terrain is open and flat with numerous watercourses, and you’ll have views of the Livigno Alps. There are 12 courses to choose from, and caddies will organize tee times for your favorite.
The Samedan golf club has a newer sister course 10 kilometers away in Madulain called Zuoz-Madulain. The Peugeot Golf Guide guarantees “an unforgettable golfing experience” at both courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many golf courses are there in Switzerland?
Switzerland has 100 golf courses, two-thirds of which are 18-hole courses.
What is the hardest golf course in Switzerland?
Golf Club Bodensee Weissensberg in Weissenberg has the reputation of being the “Green Hell of the South.” It features lots of trees, 96 bunkers, water hazards, and a slope of 143.
Can tourists play golf in Switzerland?
Yes, tourists are welcome at many mountain resort golf clubs in Switzerland. Some clubs allow visitors of members to play on weekdays but rarely on weekends or holidays.
Do you need a license to play golf in Switzerland?
A Swiss Golf card or a license from a recognized federation is needed to play golf in Switzerland.
