Engadine Golf Club, Samedan
Founded in 1893, this is the oldest golf club in Switzerland, and its Samedan course is one of the most spectacular places to play in the Alps. A par 72 of roughly 6,240 metres laid across the flat valley floor at around 1,700 metres, near St Moritz, with broad fairways, giant larches and a horizon of glacier capped peaks.
Photo: Engadine Golf Club via Google.
The verdict
Golf in the Engadine is about setting as much as scorecard, and few rounds anywhere can match this one for sheer drama. The Engadine Golf Club was founded at Samedan in 1893, making it the oldest in Switzerland, and the course spreads across the broad floor of the Upper Engadine valley at around 1,700 metres, walled in on every side by the peaks above St Moritz, Pontresina and the Bernina range.
It plays as a par 72 of roughly 6,240 metres, a links style parkland of generous fairways, meandering streams and avenues of giant larch trees. The thin alpine air sends the ball noticeably further, the season is short and precious, and the views are simply extraordinary. This is a public access course rather than a private members enclave, so a visiting golfer can actually get on, which makes it one of the most rewarding rounds to build a St Moritz trip around.
Engadine Golf Club, Samedan at a glance
- Founded
- 1893
- Setting
- Alpine valley
- Type
- Links style parkland
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- About 6,240 m
- Altitude
- About 1,700 m
Founding year, par, yardage and altitude verified June 2026 from the Engadine Golf Club and leading course databases. The club was founded at Samedan in 1893 and is Switzerland's oldest; the Samedan course is a par 72 of roughly 6,240 metres, about 6,820 yards, set at around 1,700 metres. Green fees are seasonal and access is public with a valid handicap; rates are indicative for the 2026 high season, so always confirm directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
The Samedan course rewards a steady, well planned round rather than raw length, which is just as well, because the altitude can flatter every drive. The fairways are wide and inviting from the tee, but streams thread across the valley floor and come into play more often than a first look suggests, asking for a clear strategy on where to leave the approach.
Stands of mature larch frame many of the holes and tighten the targets, and the greens, true and unhurried, sit naturally with the land rather than fighting it. The closing stretch back toward the clubhouse, with the Bernina peaks filling the sky, is the kind of finish that lingers long after the card is signed.
Pace yourself for the thin air and the walking at altitude, take a moment between shots to look up, and you have a round that is as much an alpine experience as a test of golf. The club also runs a second course at Zuoz Madulain higher up the valley, so a longer stay can take in both.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Public access course operated by Golf Engadin St. Moritz; visitors welcome with a valid handicap |
| Green fee | Seasonal green fees apply, generally higher in July and August (indicative, 2026 high season); confirm current rates with the club |
| Booking | Book tee times ahead in the short, busy alpine summer; carry your handicap certificate |
| On the day | Walking valley floor course with buggies available; practice ground, range and putting greens on site; smart golf attire |
| Getting there | Samedan, Upper Engadine, Graubunden, a few minutes from St Moritz and close to Samedan airfield |
| Best months | Roughly late May to October depending on snow; July and August are the warmest and most reliable |
Access, season and fee details verified June 2026; the alpine season and rates vary year to year, so always confirm directly with the club or your trip planner before booking.
Where to stay nearby
St Moritz, a few minutes from the first tee, is one of the great names in alpine resort travel, with grand lakeside hotels and a calendar of summer events to match the winter season. Samedan, Pontresina and Celerina add quieter, characterful bases along the valley, all within a short drive of the course.
The Upper Engadine pairs golf with hiking, lake swimming, the Bernina railway and some of the clearest mountain air in Europe, which makes it an ideal centrepiece for a couple's trip or a relaxed buddies week that mixes golf with the outdoors. Plan around the short summer season and book lodging early.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near the Engadine Golf Club.
Build a St Moritz golf trip
We book the tee times, pair Samedan with the best of alpine and Swiss golf and arrange the lodging in the Engadine around it. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Engadine Golf Club, Samedan questions
Is Engadine Golf Club the oldest in Switzerland?
Yes. The Engadine Golf Club was founded at Samedan in 1893 and is recognized as the oldest golf club in Switzerland, with its first tournament played in August of that year. The Samedan course is among the oldest layouts in the country.
What is the par and length of the Samedan course?
The Samedan course is a par 72 of roughly 6,240 metres, about 6,820 yards, set on the flat valley floor of the Upper Engadine at around 1,700 metres above sea level.
Can visitors play the Samedan course?
Yes. Samedan is a public access course operated by Golf Engadin St. Moritz, with green fees and tee times available to visitors carrying a valid handicap. Book ahead in the short alpine season and confirm fees directly before booking.
When is the best time to play golf at Samedan?
The alpine season is short, running roughly from late May or June to September or October depending on snow. July and August offer the warmest, most reliable conditions in the Engadine valley.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Founding year, par, yardage and altitude verified June 2026. Green fees are seasonal and indicative; access verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.