The Clubhouse

The Ultimate Golf Destination: Europe vs USA

When it comes to golf, Europe and the USA both offer a huge variety of world-renowned courses...

Chris Bowles
Chris Bowles
2 mins read
AmericasUSAEuropeUK & IrelandRyder CupTournaments

The Ryder Cup is the biggest contest in golf, but who do you think reigns as supreme when it comes to European venues vs the USA? Which golf destination would you choose?

The Stalwarts: Pebble Beach vs St Andrews

Pebble Beach Golf Links - ©Joann Dost. Reproduced by permission of Pebble Beach Company

With the best views in golf and a star-studded history, Pebble Beach should have this battle of the heavyweights wrapped up. Yet when it comes to spine-tingling moments St Andrews just keeps on delivering. The Monterrey Bay may have the best public course in America, but this contest is going to Team Europe.

Team USA 0-1 Team Europe

The Veterans: Pinehurst No. 2 vs Sunningdale Old

How can you compare two of the greatest inland courses on the planet? Quite simply, you can't. Both timeless classics, Pinehurst may have the edge when it comes to major pedigree but Sunningdale Old (or New for that matter) never fails to deliver when it comes to goosebumps on the first tee. This one is going all the way to the eighteenth green.

Team USA 1/2 - 1 1/2 Team Europe

The Fan Favourite: Bandon Dunes vs Real Valderrama

Valderrama

Headlined by the magnificent Tom Doak designed Pacific Dunes, Bandon Dunes is the resort of choice for thousands of golf fans. Meanwhile, the first course in Continental Europe to host the Ryder Cup, Real Valderrama's world-class layout continues to have visitors flocking back for more. The Andalusian gem may be an unforgettable test, but with five distinctively different courses, the Oregan powerhouse grabs the point for Team USA.

Team USA 1 1/2- 1 1/2 Team Europe

Most scenic hole: Cypress Point (16th) vs Trump Turnberry (9th)

Trump Turnberry

Cypress Point and Trump Turnberry may be a continent apart but the two venues have plenty in common. Both vie for the title of the best golf course on the planet and both boast ridiculously breathtaking par-3's.

The 16th at Cypress Point has long been the leading contender for that title, forming part of a magnificent triumvirate of holes that has given the exclusive Californian venue legendary status.

Meanwhile, the 9th hole at Trump Turnberry has been totally re-designed as part of a massive overhaul of the Open Championship venue by renowned architects MacKenzie & Ebert. Played against the panoramic backcloth of the glistening ocean and with the iconic lighthouse behind the green, the setting sure takes some beating.

The winner? We wouldn't dare to call it.

Team USA 2- 3 Team Europe

Best Major Venue: Augusta vs Royal Birkdale

Royal Birkdale

Which Open Championship course claims the honour of Europe's best major venue? St. Andrews, the fearsome test at Carnoustie or maybe even England finest links course, Royal Birkdale. While Europe is certainly not short of world-class tournament hosts, can anything compare to the buzz of attending the Masters at Augusta National?

We say, no.

Team USA 3 vs Team Europe 3

Feeling inspired?
Whether you're team Europe or USA, we think you'll appreciate the golf packages both in the UK and domestically. Choose where you want to go and get exploring...

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Chris Bowles avatar
Chris Bowles

Senior Golf Vacation Specialist - UK & Ireland

Senior Golf Vacation Specialist, I help golfers find their ideal golfing getaway overseas

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