Spain has some of the best golf courses in the world and many of the best championships are held here. Spain’s golf courses range from historic classics to modern masterpieces. Here is our suggestion for the 5 golf courses in Spain that you must play if you have the chance;
Real Club de la Puerta de Hierro, Madrid
Located in a beautiful oak forest on the outskirts of Madrid, this is one of the oldest golf courses in Spain and definitely the most exclusive. The Campo de Abajo is very popular on weekends. It was established in 1895 and includes two courses: the old eighteen-hole Campo Arriba and the new eighteen-hole Campo Abaja. Both are challenging. There are plenty of bunkers between the tree-lined fairways and well-maintained greens. Pitching and putting green are available for practice. Other facilities include a pro shop, golf lessons, swimming pool, tennis courts, horse riding and a club house with bar, restaurant and sauna.
Alicante, Costa Blanca
Situated amongst a series of residential developments, this 18-hole, Par 72 course was designed by Seve Ballesteros, and features contoured greens, long fairways and strategically placed bunkers. The picturesque ruins of a Roman villa are located near the 15th green. Located next to the beach, this course has numerous holes with strategically placed bunkers and water hazards. The last hole requires a tee shot over water and several bunkers. More lake breaks are involved in making the green. A buggy is required to play the Alicante course and is provided as part of the play fee. Practicing greens, a cafe/restaurant and a well-stocked golf shop are also available.
Desert Springs, Almeria
With a design based on courses in California and Arizona, Desert Springs in Almería is the first desert course in Europe. This challenging and prestigious 18-hole course was opened in 2002 and the mild local climate allows for year-round play. You can also take classes or private lessons at the state-of-the-art golf academy complete with computer video analysis.
The countryside setting is dramatic with dry riverbeds, water channels, rocks, and various xerophytic plants against a backdrop of surrounding mountains. The desert terrain contrasts sharply with the usual coastal environment of Spanish golf courses. Desert Springs also features pitching and putting greens, plus a driving range.
Valderrama Golf Club
Valderrama, located on the Costa del Sol, is considered by many to be the best golf course in Spain. It has long Par 5 courses with a series of water hazards and greens that are protected by bunkers. This course deserves its excellent reputation thanks to its clean, elevated greens, beautiful tree-lined fairways and expansive views of Gibraltar and the North African coast. It takes a perfect shot over water to make the green on Valderrama’s famously difficult 17th hole, a site of several dramatic world championship matches. Reservations are required months in advance to play golf here, so don’t expect to show up and play.
Montecastillo, Cadiz
The wonderful golf course of Montecastillo, Cádiz, was designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus. It has 18 holes and has 160 hectares. It is located in the tourist complex of Montecastillo next to a health center, swimming pool, restaurants and hotels. The fairways and greens are very well maintained and there are a variety of practice facilities including the driving range with 75 sheltered bays, turfed practice tees and putting and chipping greens. The course is moderately flat, with undulating fairways, wide lakes, several bunkers and top-notch greens. You can see stunning views of Jerez from the 18th hole of the golf course.
There are fantastic courses all over Spain, so wherever you go you can play great golf. However, if you are planning a golf holiday in Spain, it is essential to book your tee times well in advance to ensure you get to play the courses you want.