Switzerland offers some of the most breathtaking and challenging golf experiences in Europe. The best golf destinations in Switzerland combine stunning mountain landscapes, pristine courses, and excellent facilities. From lakeside greens to high-altitude fairways, this country has it all.
Overview of Golf in Switzerland
- Switzerland boasts over 100 golf courses set against stunning alpine and lakeside backdrops.
- Golf is popular year-round, with the best seasons being late spring to early autumn.
- The country offers a wide range of courses suitable for beginners, intermediates, and pros alike.
- Many golf destinations provide top-notch facilities including clubhouses, training academies, and fine dining.
- Luxury golf destinations in Switzerland combine exclusive courses with breathtaking views and premium services.
- Mountain golf courses offer unique challenges with elevation changes and spectacular scenery.
- Lakeside courses provide a relaxing atmosphere with panoramic water views.
- Switzerland’s resorts often pair golf with wellness options such as spas and luxury accommodations.
- The golf culture here emphasizes respect, etiquette, and a connection with nature.
- Easy access from major cities and transportation hubs makes Switzerland an ideal golf travel destination.
Best Golf Destinations in Switzerland
1. Golf Club Crans-sur-Sier
- Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club is widely regarded as one of the best places to play golf in Switzerland. It’s set in the town of Crans-Montana, famous for its alpine scenery and outdoor sports.
- Recognized as one of the premium golf destinations in Switzerland, it offers world-class facilities and two championship courses. Courses include the Severiano Ballesteros Course (an 18-hole championship course that has hosted the Omega European Masters since 1993) and the Sorell Course (a 9-hole course ideal for beginners and those looking for a quicker round).
- Situated at around 1,500 meters altitude, the club offers panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and the Rhone Valley. Golfers can enjoy breathtaking landscapes while playing, including views of the Weisshorn and Matterhorn peaks.
- The club hosts professional tournaments, including the Ladies European Tour’s Omega European Masters, attracting top players worldwide.
- Facilities include a modern clubhouse with a gourmet restaurant, a pro shop stocked with major brands like Titleist and Callaway, and a golf academy offering lessons by certified professionals.
- Crans-Montana is easily accessible, located about 2 hours from Geneva Airport and 3 hours from Zurich Airport by car or train.
- The area around the golf club offers numerous activities: winter skiing at nearby Glacier 3000, summer hiking trails like the Bisse du Torrent-Neuf, local vineyards for wine tasting tours, and several luxury spas such as the Crans Ambassador Spa.
2. Golf Club Engadine St. Moritz
- Located in the Engadin valley, Golf Club Engadine St. Moritz is one of the famous golf destinations in Switzerland.
- Considered among the best golf courses in Switzerland, it features two 18-hole courses: the Championship Course (designed by renowned architect Robert Trent Jones Sr., opened in 1935 and is one of the oldest courses in Switzerland) and the Albula Course (a newer 9-hole course, ideal for practice or shorter rounds, designed to complement the main course).
- Situated at about 1,800 meters altitude, this club is one of the highest golf courses in Europe, providing unique playing conditions. The high elevation influences ball flight and demands adaptability from players.
- The club hosts important amateur and professional tournaments, such as the St. Moritz Ladies Open and the Engadin Amateur Championship, attracting both local and international golfers.
- Facilities include a clubhouse with fine dining, a pro shop featuring top brands like Ping and Titleist, and professional coaching services.
- St. Moritz is accessible via Zurich Airport (approximately 3 hours by car or train) and offers luxurious accommodations including the famous Badrutt’s Palace Hotel.
- Beyond golf, visitors can enjoy hiking on trails like the Corviglia Panorama Trail, mountain biking routes around the Val Roseg, winter skiing at the famous Corviglia ski resort, and spa treatments at luxury wellness centers such as the Kempinski The Spa St. Moritz.
3. Golf Club Zurich
- Located just outside the city of Zurich, Golf Club Zurich is one of the must-visit golf destinations in Switzerland. It offers easy access for both local and international visitors.
- Recognized as a top choice among golf holiday destinations in Switzerland, it combines high-quality golfing with proximity to urban amenities such as Zurich’s Old Town, the Kunsthaus art museum, and the vibrant Bahnhofstrasse shopping street.
- The club features an 18-hole championship course designed by Dr. Bernhard von Limburger, known for its challenging layout with water hazards, bunkers, and varied terrain.
- The course is set in a picturesque landscape with mature oak and beech trees, rolling fairways alongside the Sihl River, and well-maintained greens, ideal for players of all skill levels.
- Golf Club Zurich regularly hosts national amateur tournaments such as the Swiss Amateur Championship and corporate golf events including the Zurich Business Golf Cup.
- Facilities include a modern clubhouse with the “19th Hole” restaurant, a pro shop featuring brands like Titleist and TaylorMade, and a golf academy offering lessons and training programs led by PGA-certified instructors.
- The club is easily reachable from Zurich Airport (about 30 minutes by car), making it convenient for golf travelers.
- Nearby attractions include Zurich city center with its museums, shopping districts, and Lake Zurich for leisure activities.
- The region also offers hiking trails such as the Uetliberg Mountain Trail and cycling routes along Lake Zurich, making it a great destination for a combined golf and outdoor holiday experience.
4. Golf & Country Club Schloss Goldenberg
- Located near Lake Zurich in the municipality of Pfäffikon, Golf & Country Club Schloss Goldenberg is one of the top golf destinations in Switzerland, known for its scenic setting and historic charm.
- The club features an 18-hole championship course designed by renowned architect Kyle Phillips. The course offers a mix of parkland and forest terrain with water hazards and strategically placed bunkers.
- The course is surrounded by beautiful views of the Pfäffikersee lake and the nearby Swiss Alps.
- Facilities include a grand clubhouse built like a castle, featuring the elegant “Goldenberg Grill” restaurant, serving Swiss specialties like Zürcher Geschnetzeltes and international dishes such as Mediterranean seafood.
- The pro shop offers a wide range of golf equipment from top brands such as Callaway and Titleist.
- Golfers can improve their game at the on-site academy, which offers private lessons with PGA-certified coaches, group clinics for beginners and intermediates, and practice facilities including a heated driving range and a championship-standard putting green.
- Schloss Goldenberg hosts various tournaments throughout the year, including the Swiss PGA Championship and corporate golf events.
- The club is easily accessible from Zurich Airport (about 30 minutes by car) and offers luxury accommodation options nearby, including the Hotel Seedamm Plaza and the romantically historic Hotel Rapperswil, making it ideal for golf holidays.
- Beyond golf, visitors can explore nearby attractions such as the medieval town of Rapperswil with its famous rose gardens and castle, boat tours on Lake Zurich, and hiking trails like the Etzel Panorama Trail in the surrounding hills.
5. Golf Club Interlaken
- Situated between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Golf Club Interlaken is one of the most picturesque golf resorts and destinations in Switzerland.
- Known as one of the top scenic golf destinations in Switzerland, the 18-hole championship course blends parkland with alpine landscapes, featuring views of the Eiger and Jungfrau mountains, tree-lined fairways, and crystal-clear streams.
- The course features wide fairways framed by spruce and pine trees, strategically placed bunkers near the 5th and 12th holes, and challenging water hazards including the Aare River crossing the 7th hole, suitable for players of all skill levels.
- Established in 1906, Golf Club Interlaken is one of Switzerland’s oldest golf clubs with a rich history, hosting legendary players like Severiano Ballesteros and maintaining traditions such as the annual Interlaken Trophy tournament.
- Facilities include a traditional clubhouse with the “Alpenstübli” restaurant serving Swiss specialties like rösti and fondue, and a pro shop stocked with premium golf brands such as Titleist, Callaway, and Ping.
- The club organizes regular tournaments such as the annual Interlaken Open Championship and seasonal corporate events like the Jungfrau Business Golf Challenge.
- Visitors can easily access the club from Bern Airport (about 45 minutes by car) or Zurich Airport (approximately 2 hours by train or car).
- Nearby attractions include boat cruises on Lake Thun, hiking trails to Harder Kulm viewpoint, and winter sports in the Jungfrau region.
- The surrounding area offers various accommodation options, from luxury hotels like Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa to charming guesthouses such as Hotel Beausite, perfect for a golf holiday combined with nature exploration.
6. Golf Club de Genève
- Located near Lake Geneva, Golf Club de Genève is one of Switzerland’s most prestigious golf clubs, featuring two 18-hole championship courses — “Varembé” and “La Bâtie.”
- The courses offer a mix of parkland and lakeside views, with well-maintained fairways, challenging bunkers, and fast greens suitable for all skill levels.
- The club regularly hosts important amateur and professional tournaments, including the annual Geneva Open, attracting golfers from around the world.
- The clubhouse features elegant dining rooms where guests can enjoy traditional Swiss fondue as well as gourmet international dishes. The pro shop stocks premium brands like Titleist, Callaway, and TaylorMade, offering the latest golf equipment and apparel.
- Conveniently located just a 15-minute drive from Geneva Airport, making it ideal for international visitors.
- Visitors can explore Lake Geneva’s scenic boat tours, the historic Old Town of Geneva, and the nearby vineyards of Lavaux, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Beyond golf, the region offers numerous hiking trails through the nearby Jura Mountains. Cycling routes along the shores of Lake Geneva provide a mix of leisurely rides and challenging terrains. Additionally, visitors can enjoy cultural events such as the annual Geneva International Film Festival and various music concerts in the city, ensuring entertainment off the course as well.
7. Lucerne Golf Club
- Lucerne Golf Club is a top golf destination offering an 18-hole championship course set amid rolling hills and scenic landscapes.
- The course features a mix of parkland style fairways, well-placed bunkers, and fast, undulating greens that challenge players of all levels.
- The club hosts regular amateur tournaments such as the Lucerne Open, which draws competitive players from neighboring regions. Additionally, corporate golf days and charity tournaments are frequently organized, providing opportunities for networking and team building among local businesses and international visitors.
- The modern clubhouse features a cozy restaurant where guests can enjoy traditional Swiss dishes like rösti and Zürcher Geschnetzeltes alongside international favorites such as pasta and seafood. The pro shop is stocked with premium brands like Ping, Titleist, and Callaway, offering the latest golf clubs, apparel, and accessories.
- Located about 15 minutes from Lucerne city center and easily reachable from Zurich Airport, making it convenient for travelers.
- Visitors can explore the historic city of Lucerne, famous for its Chapel Bridge and Lake Lucerne cruises, as well as the nearby Swiss Museum of Transport.
- The region features well-marked hiking trails through the nearby Swiss Prealps. Popular cycling routes wind along the lakeshore and through charming villages. Throughout the year, visitors can experience cultural festivals such as the Lucerne Festival for classical music and the Fasnacht carnival, adding local flavor to any golf holiday.
Tips for Golfers Visiting Switzerland
- Book tee times in advance – Popular courses can fill up quickly, especially in peak seasons.
- Check the weather forecast – Swiss weather can change rapidly, so be prepared for rain or cooler temperatures.
- Dress appropriately – Follow the dress codes of each club; layers and waterproof clothing are recommended.
- Bring your own clubs or rent locally – Many clubs offer rental sets if you prefer not to travel with your equipment.
- Familiarize yourself with local golf etiquette – Swiss golf clubs value pace of play and respect for the course.
- Explore off-peak times – Early mornings or late afternoons can offer quieter rounds and better rates.
- Use golf apps or GPS devices – Many courses have apps or provide GPS to help with distances and course layout.
- Take lessons or clinics – Improve your game by booking a lesson with a PGA professional available at most clubs.
- Combine golf with sightseeing – Plan trips around nearby attractions and enjoy Switzerland’s natural beauty.
- Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun – Even in cooler climates, sun protection is essential.
Conclusion
- Crans-sur-Sierre offers premium mountain golf courses
- Engadine St. Moritz is renowned for its luxury alpine resorts
- The Zurich area combines urban convenience with quality golf facilities
- Schloss Goldenberg impresses with its historic charm near Lake Zurich
- Interlaken is known for its breathtaking mountain scenery
- The Geneva region features international-standard courses with lakeside views
- The Lucerne area stands out with picturesque courses close to cultural attractions
These golf destinations in Switzerland offer the perfect combination of challenging courses, stunning natural landscapes, and luxurious amenities, making the country an ideal choice for unforgettable golf vacations.