Top 3 European Golf Courses by Private Jet

Crans-sur-Sierre, Switzerland: golf atop the Alps

Perched at about 1,500 metres above the Valais, the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club offers one of the most spectacular panoramas in world golf: at this altitude, the thinner air adds close to 10% to your drives. The club lines up several courses, including the Severiano Ballesteros, stage every year of the Omega European Masters, the oldest European tournament played on the same course since 1939: the 2026 edition runs from 3 to 6 September 2026, an ideal moment to combine playing and watching. As for addresses, LeCrans Hotel & Spa and its restaurant LeMontBlanc, starred in the Michelin Guide, overlook the resort. By private jet, you land at Sion (SIR): about 1 h 10 from Paris, 1 h 40 from London, then thirty minutes by road, or fifteen minutes by helicopter to the Crans-Montana heliport.

Monte Rei, Portugal: Portugal's number one, Nicklaus style

In the Eastern Algarve, between the Serra do Caldeirão hills and the Atlantic, the Monte Rei Golf & Country Club is home to Portugal's only Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, ranked number one in the country by the reference rankings. Its North Course, a par 72, plays the card of strategy and tranquillity: each hole is isolated from the next, with water coming into play on eleven of them. Note for 2026: the course underwent a major renovation this spring and reopens in autumn, more beautiful than ever, while a second Nicklaus layout, the South Course, is in the pipeline. On site, luxury villas and residences, and the Vistas Rui Silvestre table, starred in the Michelin Guide. You land at Faro (FAO), about fifty minutes by road: expect about 2 h 35 of flight from Paris, 2 h 45 from London.

St Andrews, Scotland: the home of golf

Playing St Andrews means walking the very history of the game, played here since the 15th century. The Old Course, with its huge double greens and the Swilcan Bridge, remains the pilgrimage every golfer must make once. The good news: the seven St Andrews Links courses are public. The catch: the Old Course must be earned; tee times are allocated by daily ballot or by advance reservation, and it is wise to plan months ahead, or to go through an operator holding guaranteed tee times. The town itself, with its medieval lanes, golfers' pubs and the Old Course Hotel facing the 17th hole, is worth the journey. You land at Edinburgh (EDI), about 1 h 15 by road, or at Dundee (DND), twenty-five minutes from the course: about 1 h 55 of flight from Paris, 1 h 10 from London. To extend the escape, see our complete guide to Scotland by private jet, between golf and whisky.

The three courses at a glance

Travelling with your clubs: the true luxury of private aviation

Every golfer who has entrusted their bag to a scheduled airline knows the anxiety: excess baggage fees, a lost bag, a broken shaft. On a private jet, your clubs are loaded with you, accessible, at no extra baggage cost. Another decisive advantage on a golf trip: the return schedule adapts to your round, not the other way round. A departure delayed by a play-off between friends, a spontaneous last round on Sunday morning? The aircraft waits. And for a tournament between friends or a corporate golf trip, our group travel service coordinates aircraft, tee times and transfers.

How much does a golf trip by private jet cost?

The price depends on the aircraft, distance and dates. As an indication, expect from about 9,000 euros for a Paris-Sion round trip on a light jet, from about 15,000 euros for a Paris-Edinburgh round trip, and from about 21,000 euros for a Paris-Faro round trip. Split between four players, the per-person cost often compares with business-class fares, without the constraints. Our private jet rental cost page details the factors behind a quote, and our available fleet covers every configuration, from a light jet to a long-range aircraft for eight players and their bags.

IBC Aviation: your turnkey golf trip

A business aviation broker for over thirty years, IBC Aviation organises its clients' golf travel across Europe and beyond: the right aircraft for the number of bags, schedules matched to tee times, and every detail on the ground through our concierge services, from transfers to hotel and restaurant bookings. For more fairway inspiration, explore all our private jet destinations.

Private jet charter with IBC Aviation:

Our teams advise you on the private jet best suited to your itinerary and requirements, and organise your trip to or from your destination. Available 24/7:

• France: +33 1 41 69 88 88
• Switzerland: +41 22 880 28 88
• Dubai: +971 55 303 5161
• Bangkok: +66 92 372 4680
• Email: contact@ibc-aviation.com

Frequently asked questions

What is the finest golf course in Europe?

Hard to decide, but three names appear in every ranking: Crans-sur-Sierre for its Alpine panorama at 1,500 metres, Monte Rei for its Jack Nicklaus Signature Course ranked number one in Portugal, and St Andrews, the historic home of the game since the 15th century. The choice depends on your season and your style of travel.

How do I book a tee time on the Old Course at St Andrews?

The seven St Andrews Links courses are public, but the Old Course is in high demand. Tee times are obtained through the daily ballot, by booking months in advance, or via operators offering guaranteed tee times. Our concierge can guide you and organise the stay around it.

Which airport should I choose to play Crans-Montana?

Sion airport (SIR), below the resort, is the most convenient: about 1 h 10 of flight from Paris, then thirty minutes by road or fifteen minutes by helicopter to the Crans-Montana heliport. Geneva remains the alternative, about two hours away by road.

Can I bring my golf clubs on a private jet?

Yes, and that is one of the great advantages of private aviation for golfers: your clubs travel with you in the aircraft, with no special baggage fees and no risk of going missing. Simply tell us the number of bags when booking so we select an aircraft with a suitable hold.

How much does a golf weekend by private jet cost?

As an indication, expect from about 9,000 euros for a Paris-Sion round trip on a light jet, and from about 21,000 euros for a Paris-Faro round trip. Split between four players, the per-person cost often comes close to a business-class fare. Every trip is quoted individually according to the aircraft and dates.