Finland is often rated as the happiest nation in the world. Is it because of its high standard of living? Is it the beauty of the landscape, or because Finns spend so much time in saunas? Or could it be because they have some beautiful golf courses like Linna which feature in continental Europe's Top 100?

One of the holes on this course was designed by the winner of a competition - and Dave Sampson went on to have a successful career as a golf architect. We talk to him about Linna, as well as his most famous creation - the Marco Simone course near Rome which staged the 2023 Ryder Cup.

https://www.thegolfpilgrim.com/post/linna

https://linnagolf.fi/?lang=en-gb&langmenu=1

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There are so many highly rated courses in this part of England, that Camberley Heath probably doesn't get the attention it deserves, even though it's in England's Top 100.

But this Harry Colt heathland gem should be on your must-play list, and not just because it's a good deal cheaper to play than many of its illustrious Surrey neighbours. Towering pines line the fairways, and there are plenty of elevation changes to make for a challenging, but fun round.

https://www.camberleyheathgolfclub.co.uk/

https://www.thegolfpilgrim.com/post/camberley-heath

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We're publishing our review of Estonia's top course on a famous day in the country's golf history. It's Day One of The Open championship at Royal Portrush, and, for the first time, an Estonian golfer will be among those taking part!

Richard Teder, an amateur, qualified in stunning fashion a few weeks earlier - and by coincidence, he did so while Neil was at Pärnu Bay in Estonia - which is ranked in the Top 100 courses in continental Europe. There was much excitement back home…

Ian caught up with Richard at Portrush and they spoke about Pärnu Bay, and how he helped put Estonia on the world golf map.

https://www.thegolfpilgrim.com/post/p%C3%A4rnu-bay

https://parnubay.com/

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When a young Scottish surgeon moved across the border to north-east England in the early 1870s, he was shocked o discover that there was nowhere for him to play his favourite sport. And so The Durham and Yorkshire Golf Club was born, later renamed Seaton Carew.

For the next century, heavy industry dominated the landscape, but in the midst of it all, there is a golfing oasis, which for decades has been recognised as one of England's best courses.

And not content with having 18 great holes, Seaton Carew has 22….

https://www.seatoncarewgolfclub.co.uk/

https://www.thegolfpilgrim.com/post/seaton-carew-revisited

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Breaking News alert! The Golf Pilgrim takes on the BBC…as Neil goes head-to-head with BBC TV news presenter Christian Fraser in a matchplay knockout contest.

Neutral territory somewhere in central England was required, so Northamptonshire County was chosen. With a Harry Colt and James Braid pedigree, this is a venue that is sure to test the best.

https://www.countygolfclub.co.uk/

https://www.thegolfpilgrim.com/post/northamptonshire-county-revised

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The grass may be green and as well-manicured as any we’ve seen this year, but it certainly doesn’t grow under the feet of the management at El Paraiso between Marbella and Estepona on the Costa Del Sol.

This is a club that's on the move, and don’t be surprised to see it enhance its position in Spain’s top 100.

https://elparaisogolf.com/

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An exclusive, private club in one of Spain’s most upmarket resorts - but a small number of visitors are allowed to play at Las Brisas, especially in summer.

So you can follow in the footsteps of Sean Connery, who used to be a member, and top footballers, who still are.

It was designed by Robert Trent Jones and updated by Kyle Phillips - who tells us about the changes he made.

https://www.thegolfpilgrim.com/post/real-club-de-golf-las-brisas

https://realclubdegolflasbrisas.com/

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Opened in 2000, Kingsbarns has quickly established itself as a course on a par with some of the greatest links courses in Scotland. Every year, it jointly hosts the Alfred Dunhill Pro-Am event alongside The Old Course at St Andrews and Carnoustie.

It's now a must-play destination for thousands of visitng golfers, so you might find the pace of play a little frustrating…but just relax and enjoy the spectacular views.

And what better way to prepare for your round than to listen to architect Kyle Phillips talking to The Golf Pilgrim about the course he built. And if you stick around to the end, you'll hear from a mystery special guest - an international sports star who plays Kingsbarns regularly!

https://www.thegolfpilgrim.com/post/kingsbarns

https://www.kingsbarns.com/

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