Where to Golf in Hungary

Hungary, well known for its rich cultural history, thermal baths and architectural beauty, is making a push to become Central Europe’s next great golf destination.

According to Mate Szeberenyi, former Hungarian Amateur Champion and the current general secretary of the Hungarian Golf Federation, the joy of playing in Hungary is that “a perfect swing can be followed by a glass of volcanic wine or a restorative dip in medicinal thermal waters.” 

There are fewer than 25 golf courses in the whole country, and five of its most notable ones are within a 2.5-hour drive of the capital city of Budapest, making it relatively easy for clients to play a round when in the destination.

Here's where Szeberenyi recommends clients tee off in Hungary.

Botaniq Marientvalley Golf Klub

Just 40 minutes outside of Budapest, this 18-hole, par-72 course is surrounded by rolling hills and offers tree-lined fairways that will challenge beginner and experienced golfers alike. It’s a personal favorite of Szeberenyi’s, who appreciates the course’s “technical brilliance” and the way it requires golfers to play with “strategic thinking.”

There are on-site accommodations and a restaurant with a Mediterranean-inspired menu. It’s also worth exploring the nearby Etyek wine region, which is known as “Budapest’s Vineyard." The family-run and well-regarded Nadas Winery is a 30-minute drive from Botaniq.

Magyar Golf Club

The Magyar Golf Club is an 18-hole, par-72 course located on the northern end of Szentendre Island. It is known for its unique layout, with rolling fairways and natural dunes. To score well requires precision. The front nine is set among ancient trees, giving guests the feeling of playing in a forest.

Also notable: Magyar Golf Club sits near the Danube Bend, one of Hungary’s natural treasures. It’s where the Danube River makes a dramatic U-turn, offering scenic views and outdoor adventures such as hiking and cycling. Many visitors make a multi-day trip out of the Danube Bend. For accommodations, look at the charming river towns of Szentendre or Visegrad.

Greenfield Golf Club

Founded in 1991, this 18-hole championship course is set adjacent to lakes and a dense forest, making for a picturesque experience. Located in the town of Bukfurdo, it’s a 2.5-hour drive from Budapest. Clients might stay the night at the associated Greenfield Hotel Golf & Spa, a five-star luxury hotel.

RELATED: This Tour Operator Specializes in Golf Trips in Ireland

The hotel embraces the region’s history of wellness and thermal spas, offering a spacious spa with an outdoor pool and six indoor pools, as well as two thermal pools with medicinal waters. It’s also a good retreat for families, thanks to a kids' club and family programming. An on-site restaurant specializes in Hungarian cuisine but also offers international dishes.

Zala Springs Health & Golf Resort

Famed golf architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed this 18-hole, par-72 course in the Zala Valley of Western Hungary. Golfers are in for a challenge here as they play around natural reserves, vineyards and lakes.

The resort features apartment-style accommodations and makes for a great home base for exploring the region. Lake Heviz, a large thermal lake, is easily reached by car, as is Lake Balaton. Exploring the small towns along the latter lake’s perimeter is also worthwhile, as is visiting the wine region of Badacsony. Set on the north edge of Lake Balaton, Badacsony is highly regarded for its rich and full-bodied white wine.

Balaton Golf Club

This golf club is set on Lake Balaton and offers panoramic views of the water. The course runs along the expansive Balaton-Uplands National Park and dense forest, and the back nine is set among an old stone quarry, offering a unique challenge.

Much like Zala Springs Health & Golf Resort, Balaton Golf Club offers access to the Lake Balaton region, with a standout off-the-course excursion being a trip to the Balaton-Uplands National Park. It’s a destination for nature lovers, with hiking, beaches and historic monuments to explore. The nearby town of Tihany is known for its lavender fields and 11th-century Benedictine abbey that overlooks the lake.