The Times: Why the Alps suit golf lovers to a tee

Today's issue of The Times featured an article from ski property journalist Liz Rowlinson and her research into the many golf courses the mountains have to offer. As per usual, our resident property and resort expert Simon Malster weighed in with some of his 30 years worth of Alpine knowledge:

"Ski resorts have been investing in cycling trails, music festivals and zip lines everywhere from the Three Valleys to the Tyrol in a drive to attract summer visitors. Yet for those who prefer to take in the scenery at a more leisurely pace, golf is fast becoming a must-do Alpine sport.

Golfing trips are more often associated with Spain or Portugal than the Alps, but the proximity of a good course can add a fillip to a mountain bolt hole."

As well as the popular course in Chamonix, "There are also golf courses at Megève, Annecy, Les Gets, Les Arcs and Courchevel 1850, where the driving range is one of the best in the world. The 18-hole par 72 course at Méribel Golf Club is tight and technically challenging. The golf pro Alexis Grivaud says that many second-home owners love the course. “The club holds a hugely important role in the valley during the summer season and we have a busy schedule of competitions. Locals and children get discounts,” he says.

Golf is also growing in popularity in Austria, home to top players such as Bernd Wiesberger, and where there are 160 courses. “It’s a highly popular sport here and more people should discover it,” says Richard Nutten, a PGA-qualified professional who lives in the lakeside ski town of Zell am See. “There are two 18-hole courses here, but five courses within half an hour. A lot of German, Swiss and Czechs come to play — you can ski in the morning [on the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier] and play golf in the afternoon.”

There are two courses in fashionable Lech, but if you prefer Switzerland you can find courses at popular resorts such as Verbier, Villars, Zermatt, Grindelwald and Interlaken, says Simon Malster, the managing director of Investors in Property, an estate agency. “Or buyers choose Crans-Montana [a chic Valais resort] more for the summer season and golf than the skiing. The Omega European Masters is held at the legendary Severiano Ballesteros Course.” Investors in Property has a three-bedroom apartment for sale there for SwFr3.12 million (£2.39 million), or at the Residence Garden Golf development, which is on the Jack Nicklaus nine-hole course, there are three-bedroom luxury apartments for SwFr4.852 million."