Championship Golf Course

Bad Ragaz is a spa town in the Rhine valley of the canton of St. Gallen, close to the border with Graubünden and Liechtenstein, and its golf course is among the oldest and best-known in Switzerland. The course lies on the flat valley floor beside the Rhine, with the steep slopes of the Falknis and other mountains rising on the other side, so a round of golf is played under an alpine backdrop. The surrounding landscape of meadows, tall trees and mountain views gives the course a park-like quality, and it is often described as a classic parkland course, with fairways lined by mature trees and water hazards.

The history of golf in Bad Ragaz is linked to the town's long record as a health resort. The warm spring waters of the Tamina gorge, which have been used for bathing since the Middle Ages, made Bad Ragaz a fashionable resort in the nineteenth century, with grand hotels attracting visitors from across Europe. When golf became popular among the guests, the resort laid out a course in the early twentieth century, and it was later redesigned and extended. The course has been maintained as an eighteen-hole layout that suits both resort guests and serious players, and the club has a long history as one of the more traditional in the country.

The course is attached to the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, the large luxury hotel and spa complex that dominates the town, and many players come as part of a longer stay that combines golf with the thermal baths and the resort's restaurants. Other visitors are day guests, and the club allows access to non-members under certain conditions, though green fees, handicap requirements and booking rules apply. Because rules change, check the official site and book a tee time in advance, especially at weekends and in high season. Equipment can be hired, and the resort has a practice area and a pro shop.

For non-golfers, the setting is part of the pleasure. Bad Ragaz offers a range of other activities within easy reach. The Tamina gorge, a deep, narrow ravine through which the thermal water flows, can be visited on foot from the resort, and it was the site of the original bathing place. The town has a pedestrian centre with shops and cafés, and the surrounding mountains offer walking trails, from gentle valley paths to high alpine routes. The Grand Resort includes a Michelin-starred restaurant, which is among the best known in the country. The Rhine valley also has the medieval town of Maienfeld, associated with the story of Heidi, close by.

The golf season runs from spring to autumn, with the most pleasant weather in late spring and early autumn, when temperatures are mild and the light is soft. In summer, mornings are cooler, and thunderstorms can occur in the afternoon, so check forecasts. The course suits golfers of all levels, from beginners looking for a scenic round to experienced players seeking a classic test. Dress codes and etiquette are usual for a traditional club, so bring appropriate clothing, and respect the pace of play. A round takes four to five hours.