Pirin Golf & Country Club

Pirin Golf & Country Club brings two on-site courses to a gated 150-hectare mountain valley near Razlog, with the Pirin, Rila and Rodopi ranges forming the backdrop from first tee to evening drink. Both layouts are listed among the Top 100 courses in continental Europe and form part of European Tour Destinations. Between rounds, the resort offers a choice of the five-star Pirin Golf Hotel & SPA, luxury chalets and apartments, alongside seven pools, a sports centre and a 5,500-square-metre wellness centre. It has the scale for a relaxed week away, while still keeping the golf at the centre of each day.

The 18-hole, par-72 Main Course Ian Woosnam follows the folds of the mountain ground, where 80 bunkers, four lakes and a river make club selection matter. Designed by Ryder Cup-winning captain Ian Woosnam, it uses the terrain and mature mountain vegetation well, asking for controlled approaches rather than simply long hitting. The separate Practice Course gives newcomers and experienced players another place to work on their game, supported by a well-equipped practice set-up. GPS-equipped buggies provide yardages during the round and allow food and drinks to be ordered from the course. Afterwards, the clubhouse terrace looks across the practice area and fairways, while its restaurant and Bar 19th Hole cover a proper meal, wine, beer and clubhouse favourites. The Half-Way House beside the driving range is another useful pause, with pine forest and mountain summits in view.

More than 20 themed restaurants, bars, shops and supermarkets give the resort a self-contained feel, particularly useful for groups staying in the apartments or chalets. The spa and pools provide an easy alternative to a second round, while large changing rooms, individual lockers, showers and golf equipment storage keep the practical side straightforward. Sofia International Airport is around an hour away, and Bansko is only minutes from the resort, making the surrounding mountains part of the stay as much as the golf. For a longer day out, Kavala is about 108 miles away and the beach at Nea Paramos is around 114 miles from the club.