Eight top golf destinations to putt on your wish list – with direct Manchester Airport flights from £26pp return*
The 90th annual Masters at Augusta – one of the biggest events in the golfing calendar – is now less than two weeks away, and with spring finally here, keen golfers will soon start hitting the fairways in Europe too.
Manchester Airport’s route network of more than 200 destinations is unrivalled in the UK outside of London, and for golfers that means an abundance of choice. Whether you’re looking for guaranteed sunshine, scenic or historic courses, or resorts with plenty of amenities for the whole family, Manchester Airport has you covered with direct flights.
Here we look at eight destinations that each offer something a bit different – but all have a direct link to the North’s global gateway, with prices from only £26pp return.*
Guaranteed sunshine in the Algarve
Fly to Faro with Ryanair from £26pp return.*
Since the first courses were established here in the 1960s, the Algarve has been attracting golfers from across the world and has become arguably the best golf destination in continental Europe. The sport’s biggest names have invested in the region – the Monte Rei Golf resort is endorsed by Jack Nicklaus and Amendoeira Golf Resort has courses designed by Sir Nick Faldo and Christy O'Connor Jr. The Algarve boasts more than 300 days of sunshine annually, making it one of Europe’s sunniest regions, and a great bet if you want to ensure favourable weather conditions on your golf break.
Take on a challenge in Versailles
Fly to Paris with Ryanair from £26pp return.*
If you’re a seasoned golfer looking for something to truly test you, why not take on the Albatros course at Le Golf National, France’s premier championship course? Designed for players with a low handicap, it features narrow fairways, deep rough and is littered with water hazards. It hosts the Open de France annually and was also the setting for the 2018 Ryder Cup and 2024 Olympics – so you’ll have the chance to try your hand at a course that has tested some of golf’s most famous names.
Explore the game’s heritage at historic Highland links
Fly to Inverness with Loganair from £215pp return.*
Some of golf’s most historic and iconic courses can be found in the north of Scotland, the country that gifted the sport to the world, including the Royal Dornoch, Nairn Golf Club and Brora Golf Club. Membership is not required to play at any of these courses, but booking in advance is strongly encouraged, especially if you’re planning a visit in the summer – when more favourable weather and long sunlight hours draw in golfers from across the globe, wanting to experience courses steeped in centuries of history.
Beginner’s luck on the Costa del Sol
Fly to Malaga with Ryanair from £36pp return.*
If you, or someone in your entourage, has not picked up a club before, you’ll find plenty of options catering to all levels of ability and experience on the Costa del Sol. The Europa Course at La Cala Resort is one of the best, with wide fairways, a great mix of holes and stunning scenery. It’s also worth checking out Azata Golf, with its Kiko Luna Golf Academy offering lessons aimed at beginners, and Calanova in Mijas, which is a great spot for novices to hone their course management skills and learn how to play on hilly terrain.
Enjoy spectacular Alpine scenery in Switzerland
Fly to Geneva with easyJet from £54pp return.*
An emerging golf destination, Switzerland’s high-altitude courses are establishing themselves as a challenging but rewarding test for intermediate golfers. Andermatt Swiss Alps Golf Course and Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club are both open to members of the public with a handicap certificate and offer stunning Alpine backdrops. Lausanne Golf Club is private but allows visitors to play on weekends and boasts a challenging but well-maintained layout.
Play year-round in Tenerife
Fly to Tenerife with Ryanair from £39pp return.*
The subtropical climate of the Canary Islands makes Tenerife a great option for a golf trip at any time of year. The south of the island offers nine championship courses with diverse terrains, from volcanic landscapes to coastal resorts. Costa Adeje is in the heart of Tenerife’s tourist area and is a great bet if you want a well-maintained course suitable for a range of abilities – but for something more challenging head to Buenavista Golf, designed by none other than Spanish golf legend Seve Ballesteros.
Mix the fairways with the beach in Greece
Fly to Kalamata with Jet2.com from £88pp return.*
Perhaps you’re travelling with non-golfers who just want a beach holiday, or you want to mix one or two days of golf with some R&R by the pool. The Costa Navarino complex near Kalamata offers four world-class 18-hole championship courses adjoining several distinct resorts, from the family friendly Westin Resort to the adults-only W Costa Navarino, with outstanding facilities ranging from spas and tennis courts to water parks, and easy access to a golden sandy beach. The region is also famous for its Greek cuisine and fresh produce (it gave its name to Kalamata Olives) – all of which can be sampled in the resorts.
Follow in the footsteps of the pros at 2025 Ryder Cup venue
Fly to New York with Virgin Atlantic from £521pp return.*
The Black Course of Bethpage Park at Farmingdale, on New York’s Long Island, hosted last year’s Ryder Cup. The good news if you want to follow in your favourite pro’s footsteps is that tee times are available for the public to book, but you need to be quick if you want to secure access this summer as demand is expected to be very high. Those who take on the course where Europe retained the trophy can create their own memories at the scene where Tyrrell Hatton hit his victory-sealing approach shot, or where Rory McIlroy made a crucial, high-pressure putt on the 11th.
*Prices quoted are the cheapest available return fare on the specified route before 31 March 2027, when booked directly through the named airline, and accurate at the time of publication. Prices quoted may not include hold baggage, seat selection or other optional extras.