Spain’s finest golf courses, all within a 3 kilometer radius make Sotogrande the perfect base to enjoy your favorite sport and discover the wide variety of experiences the region has to offer. Now, golfers around the globe have the opportunity to indulge in the Sotogrande lifestyle with a new golf experience that will allow guests to play La Reserva Club and Almenara Golf while enjoying a luxurious stay at the brand-new five-star SO/ Sotogrande hotel.
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Golf course waterlogged or closed even, clubs covered in mud? The joys of winter golf!! To distract you from the dark afternoons and inclement weather then our current magazine, might just have the destinations that can lift your spirit.
Christmas in Madeira? The island is renowned for its Christmas and New year’s festivities, and hosts a Christmas market to rival the best in Germany and a fireworks display on New Year’s Eve that is noted in the ‘Guinness Book of Records no less! Golfers have a choice of 3 diverse golf courses. Enjoy reading about what the Island has to offer.
Most golfers know Andalucía – it does after all have some of the best courses in Europe, but what else does it have to offer. Sotogrande of course, a classy 5-star destination, with luxury at every turn and a food scene to match any large Spanish or European city. We played a small selection of the wonderful golf courses Sotogrande has to offer, and visited the classy high-quality SO/ Sotogrande Hotel, La Reserva Country Club and the enviable facilities they offer.
If you like to make winter training part of your golf plans, then enjoy our piece on Paul Stuart PGA Head Professional at The London Golf Club. After a very successful trip in 2022, Paul is once again offering a PreSeason Luxury training trip to Monte Rei in Portugal on 27th March, as we all know ‘the harder I practice the luckier I get!’.
And, finally to Tenerife where the quality and diversity of the golf courses is undeniable. One day you are playing a course 700m high and the next you are on the coast, at the foot of the cliffs or on sandy or rocky coves. The Atlantic Ocean is an ever-present vision on most of Tenerife’s courses, providing a specular backdrop and amazing views, to infinity and beyond!
I do hope you enjoy reading this edition and contact us so we can craft your perfect winter golf getaway.
Above Image: Abama Golf Course, Tenerife
Front Cover image: La Reserva Golf Club, Sotogrande
Written by Carolyn Scott
Valderrama Golf Course
There is something bewitching about the rolling hills of Andalucía. Olive groves stretch for miles and miles as far as the eye can see, gnarled cork oaks and fragrant symmetrical Mediterranean pines line the coastline and golf courses. In this enchanting corner of Spain sits the relatively little know oasis of Sotogrande. Popular with both madrileños and a discerning international clientele this enclave tucked away at the end of the somewhat overdeveloped Costa del Sol, that wends its way from Malaga to Gibraltar, is becoming the place to be.
Valderrama may have put Sotogrande on the golf map, and will be well known by most golfers, as the jewel in the ‘golf crown’ of Spain, if not the best course in Europe, but within a radius of 5km are four other high-quality prestigious courses. Sotogrande really has become the focus of the very best in Spanish golf. If your sporting prowess stretches beyond golf or you have non-golf travelling companions then Sotogrande also offers world class equestrian facilities, most notable is the international polo, with its associated glitz and glamour. At Santa Maria Polo Club, you can even try your hand at polo (it is only golf on horseback after all!) as the club offer experience packages for adults and children, from complete beginners who don’t know one end of a horse from the other.
If keeping two feet on the ground is more your style, or you have a tennis mad family then the SotoTennis Academy, an International high-performance tennis academy, has a programme of year-round events. Still have energy to burn off then what about some sailing, (Yachting Sotogrande) or why not try electric mountain biking, Sotogrande really is a sporting paradise.
Until quite recently Sotogrande lacked a really prestigious and luxurious hotel, however, this has all changed. I visited the newly renovated SO/ Sotogrande, a part of the Hotels & Resorts brand by the French hotel group Accor, its first in Spain, who blend luxury hostelry with the needs and expectations of a 21st century clientele.
If golf is the main reason for your visit, you will find yourself spoilt for choice. SO/ Sotogrande works harmoniously with four of the very best golf courses in Andalucía, all within a 10-minute drive from the hotel. The hotel offers all the amenities you could wish for in an upmarket resort, including gorgeously styled designer accommodation, equally refined contemporary leisure areas and of course a very high standard of gastronomy. The hotel is part traditional Cotijas and part modern SoHo house feel. Beautiful natural landscaping and wild flower planting, soften and enhance the more modern of the architecture, and natural materials like, wood and stone are sophisticated and calming. The hotel is arranged laterally in a relaxed country house style with lots of relaxing corners to get away from it all. Rooms, as you would expect, combine the modern with natural materials, sumptuous beds, excellent bathrooms and high-end touches including toiletries, Nespresso coffee machines and the initial contents of the mini bar are complimentary (beers, soft drinks, juices and water), which is a lovely touch.
When you are not playing golf or for non-golfers the Spa, Gym and Wellness offer unparalleled facilities even at this 5-star level. The huge gym is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and personal trainers for a specialised individual programme, or join in the plethora of classes available from Spin to Pilates and for Yogis try the morning Yoga class in the outdoor pavilion, with its stunning views over the countryside to the sea, positioned just right to catch the sunrise. Post exertion relax with a session of Cryotherapy, visit the flotation tank or just have a plain oldfashioned massage.
The cotijo style Andalusian tapas bar and restaurant located in the old farmhouse serves the best of Andalusian local produce including a ‘Pata Negra’ area where the hams of the area hang temptingly (the term of ‘Pata Negra’ is used to describe the finest of all Iberian Ham). Closest to the pro shop is the ‘SoCiety’ restaurant and bistro which is open all day and with a wide selection of traditional and contemporary food, a take away service and a pre/post-match place to gather for golfers. For cocktails and cool club vibe MIXO, the hotel’s contemporary bar, which combines a lively club feel with a chic lounge, HI-SO is presented like a beach chiringuito, with food from the wood-burning oven, completing the atmosphere with relaxed music.
So, to the golf. In the environs of the hotel, and literally a minute’s walk to the pro shop, is the Almenara’s 27-hole course, arranged as three nine-hole tracks. Pinos (the Pines), Lagos (the Lakes) and Alcorncales (the Oaks), each with a unique feel reflecting their natural landscape and location. We sometimes walked, as all the courses whilst hilly are not over long, and sometimes took a buggy, just be aware that there is some considerable distance between the different 9 holes. Facilities were good, as one would expect from a resort of this calibre, a helpful and accommodating pro shop, state of the art buggies with GPS, cool boxes, with unlimited water provided. We played Pinos dominated by fragrant Mediterranean Pine trees, whether you go around them, under them, or over them, they create narrow, twisting fairways, not long, but demanding of arrow like accuracy. Of particular note is hole 6, a long difficult uphill par 4 with, a severe left camber that means a shot left is a definite ‘no no’, right is also challenged by a long line of dense pine trees, running the length of the hole, all in all making it almost impossible to keep the ball on the fairway. If you can stay on the fairway the drama is still in front of you, with a steep incline from which to play your approach shot and a deep green side bunker to capture the ball rolling left on the camber. Pinos first and last holes are close to the bar and restaurant so we took advantage of this to grab takeaway sandwiches and coffees, before tackling the second of our 9 holes, La Alcorncales.
Alcorncales presents an altogether more dramatic 9 holes, think carefully where you aim as rocky ravines attract wayward balls. The first few holes are dominated by dramatic rocky terrain in particular hole 2, the first par 3 is an intimidating and dramatic tee shot over a deep ravine with no room for error. Water starts to feature on hole 6, particularly with a large water feature running the whole distance of the hole and enveloping the green, so that it becomes an island. This is a very pretty 9 holes, cork oaks line the fairways, dramatic rocky outcrops and distant views of the national park and sea beyond.
If you can drag yourself away from the charms of SO/ Sotogrande then a visit to
Country Club is a definite must, a true country club concept aimed at local residents as much as visitors, the club is a homage to luxury living, offering an impressive world class golf course, classic country style club house, professional tennis centre and revolutionary Beach Club. The Beach Club is a novel triumph of engineering and design, an inland oasis carved out of the hillside. The landscaping is beautiful with natural grasses and wild flowers softening the contemporary design of the walkways, pool sides and bar and restaurant. Only open since 2018, this winter season for the first time the club will remain open at weekends, offering a restaurant, a heated pool with sunbeds, and water sports on the sports lagoon. If you like the beach but not the crowds then this is perfect, private, luxurious!! Just the place for relaxing in between golf games or for non-golfing partners and families.
The golf course at La Reserva Country Club, sits comfortably on par with its neighbours, Valderrama, Royal Sotogrande and San Roque. An excellent pro shop, extensive practice grounds with complimentary triangles of balls, and a beautifully stylish modern farmhouse clubhouse, luxury and class are abundant. The serene white ‘cotija style’ courtyard entrance sets the tone for the style and quality of facilities that the country club prides itself on providing.
The course, whilst relatively young (built in 2003) is increasingly becoming a destination for international events such as the Ladies European Tour and the Aramaco Team Series, and it is not hard to see why. The condition of the course is excellent and everything about the services is classy. Our clubs are whisked away from us as we drive into the car park and presented to us later, ready to go in a well-prepared buggy with state-of-the-art GPS, key safe box, USB charger and a cool box with more than sufficient water. The scenery is spectacular with far reaching view over cork oak covered hills and mountains and down to the sea. A long course at 6700 meters from the back tees, as a modest 16 handicap player, some of the par 5’s seemed somewhat intimidating, but for big hitters this is paradise as the fairways on the whole are generous allowing for an aggressive tee shot. The course is in excellent condition, the fairway bunkers are dramatic, and the cunningly deep bunkers protecting the quick and undulating greens, challenged our resolve on many holes. We start simply enough with a gentle par 4, slight dog leg left that flatters to deceive, as the course gets increasingly difficult from this point on. A lake protecting the entire length of the fairway on hole 8, which is undoubtedly the signature hole, a par 4, awaits you to swallow even your good shots. The back nine gives a fantastic view of the sea and a meander through olive and cork tree forests with stunning scenery, we spent an enjoyable time gazing at the stunning properties nestled in the hills. In summary this course is pure class, providing a testing yet immensely enjoyable 18 holes that you will want to play again and again.
To our final golf course, we played on this trip, the San Roque Old Course. Steeped in history having been the former estate of the Domecq Sherry dynasty, and well known for hosting European Tours, and the Spanish Open in its time. The club had a few years of low investment and both the Old Course and the facilities became dated, but now a dramatic change has occurred. The clubhouse mansion, once the farmhouse on the Domecq estate has been transformed into a classy stylish pro shop, members area, bar and restaurant all seamlessly linked together to make the visitor experience relaxed and enjoyable. The terrace has a relaxed vibe with attentive staff, the perfect place to sit and watch players coming down the 18th hole, the sun setting behind them.
From the moment you arrive your every golf whim is catered for, golf bags whisked away to appear later on your buggy or trolley, practice balls, if you want them to limber up on the pristine driving range, just a short walk from the buggy area. Complimentary refillable water bottle with frequent cold-water stations on the course, so no plastic bottles, on course luxury toilets, and well stocked buggy bar, even a cooling towel as you pass from the front 9 to back 9. Service here is just on point.
The course has been upgraded too. The rough has been cleared to give run offs to areas of bark between the trees, similar to Valderrama, partly an environmental move, as the bark requires less water and pesticides, but also making the rough less penal and on the whole the generous fairways suggest a straightforward track, however, do not be lulled into thinking this course is easy. The greens are challenging – hard to access, often raised high and protected by deep bunkers. Stand out holes for me are hole 5, a par 4, downhill with a need to keep the ball left with a very severe roll right, to out of bounds. Hole 6, is an imposing par 3. The green is perched challenging
high with a deep-set gully preceding the incline and unless you make the back of the green with your tee shot, then it’s a punitive roll back down and off the green, really harsh if you have a good tee shot. And hole 11 a par 4 with a narrow approach to the dramatic looking green, the approach shot is key as the back of the green is treacherous but whilst downhill the green has an uphill slope to its front. Fun, playable and a lovely well-maintained golf course with a relaxed club feel.
This is just a sample of what we had time to play, there are other high-quality courses to play in the area, such as Finca Cortesin and the newly renovated Links Course at Alcaidesa. To whet your appetite for some winter golf these are some examples of what we can create for you.
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Includes accommodation at 5 star SO/ Sotogrande, on bed & breakfast basis, 2 half board dinners and 2 green fees** (1 x Almenara & 1 x La Reserva)
Travelling between 1 Dec’22 – 28 Feb’23
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Includes accommodation at 5 star SO/ Sotogrande on bed & breakfast basis, 3 half board dinners and 5 green fees** (3 x Almenara & 2 x La Reserva)
Travelling between 1 March-31 May’23
SPECIAL OFFER - price from £755 per person*
7 nights’ accommodation at 5 Star SO/ Sotogrande on bed & breakfast basis and 3 green fees on Almenara
Travelling between 1-28 May’23
* Based on two people sharing a SO/ Comfy room.
**Green fees include a shared buggy, access to SO/ Fit & SO/ Spa (thermal circuit and relaxation area). Other dates, durations and golf courses are available.
For more information and please contact info@front9travel.com or call on 01342 653093
Written by Pete Simm
Christmas and New Year Festivities, Funchal
Madeira may be famous for its glorious summers, but the beloved island destination is once again preparing to delight guests over the winter and holiday season with an enticing schedule of festivities.
Golfers visiting any of ‘the islands of eternal spring’s three outstanding golf venues – Palheiro Golf, Clube de Golf Santo da Serra and Porto Santo Golfe – can get into the festive spirit on and off the course before a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration welcomes in 2023 in style.
At the heart of these celebrations is the city of Funchal, which is set to come alive with light from the start of December until January 8. Colour fills the capital throughout the Christmas season, as well as nativity scenes and a host of music performances to commemorate the occasion. Holiday celebrations have long been a part of Funchal’s rich history, making it the place to be for anyone visiting the island over Christmas.
A particular highlight is the Funchal Market Night, a tradition every year on December 23. This unmissable event joins cultures from far and wide in a party atmosphere. Christmas carols ring through the streets as stalls sell regional specialities and poncha, a favourite local drink made with brandy, honey and lemon juice.
However, the action in Madeira does not stop when the sun sets on Christmas Day. Funchal’s New Years’ Eve firework displays are famously renowned across Europe and were officially recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as ‘The Greatest Firework Show in the World’ in 2006.
The Santo Amaro Festival continues the fun on January 15, marking the end of Christmas festivities while looking ahead to 2023. This religious festival, based in the city of Santa Cruz, features a candlelit procession and live music. For visiting golfers, the Santo Amaro Festival is the perfect way to unwind after the busy festive period where visitors can gain valuable insight into the island’s rich culture.
Named as the world and Europe’s ‘Leading Island Destination’ at the World Travel Awards in 2021, Madeira has become especially popular with golfers thanks to a trio of diverse golf courses – Palheiro Golf and Clube de Golf Santo da Serra on Madeira itself and Porto Santo Golfe, which lies a short hop away on the island of the same name, one of four comprising the Portuguese archipelago.
The best way to enjoy the golf offering is with a Madeira Golf Passport. Providing holders with an unrivalled golf experience on the island, the Madeira Island Golf Passport is available to both individuals and groups and can be booked on a three or five-round basis spilt between Palheiro Golf and Clube de Golf do Santo da Serra, with costs ranging from £200 per person for three rounds and £315 for a five-round package. For further information on Madeira, go to www.madeiraallyear.com. Booking couldn’t be easier; contact Front 9 Travel and they will be able to organise a golf holiday to Madeira for you.
Palheiro Golf Course
We always start our coaching articles with this paragraph, as it’s a great philosophy to take onboard; The harder I practice the luckier I get!’ A great quote attributed at times to both golfing greats Arnold Palmer and Gary Player…in fact it doesn’t belong to either of them and more likely the philosopher Confucius….. however, the point is that it’s a brilliant mindset for making improvements in your golf performance and what better way to do this than by travelling to Portugal and staying at one of the Algarve’s most famous golf resorts, Penina Hotel & Golf Resort, to fine tune your swing with an experienced PGA Professional.
What better way to do this than by travelling to Portugal and staying at the Algarve’s premier exclusive golf and country club, Monte Rei, with PGA Head Coach Paul Stuart, from one of the most prestigious English golf courses’ The London Club. Paul is highly respected amongst his peers with a proven track record in teaching at all level, he has developed a bespoke training programme which we can offer to you.
After experiencing Paul’s 2022 coaching trip first hand, we have decided to organise another trip in 2023. The coaching trip was a huge success with our clients, who not only improved their golf skills through on course coaching and use of the impressive driving range, but made new friendships with like-minded golf mad people.
Nestled amongst the foothills of the Eastern Algarve, this exclusive residential community is woven into 1,000 acres of un-spoilt countryside, overlooking the award-winning Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, which is consistently ranked as the best in Portugal and in Golf World’s top 20 Europe rankings.
Monte Rei offers state of the art luxury accommodation to suit all tastes from one, two and three bedroom residences and villas. Designed and built to the highest specification these villas and apartments provide an enviable place to stay and play in a private hideaway. Additional facilities include high-end dining, 24/7 concierge service, heated swimming pool, gym and tennis courts, all supported by exceptional staff.
Thoughtfully designed and beautifully appointed, these contemporary apartments and penthouses are surrounded by landscaped gardens and located next to the Clubhouse and overlooking the 18th fairway of the North Course with views towards the Atlantic Ocean.
The new Clubhouse Residences provide the comforts of modern living where every element has been carefully considered, including their own heated pool and gymnasium facilities. With a range of one, two or three-bedroom options, each property offers en-suite bathrooms, fully fitted and equipped kitchens and balconies for outdoor living.
These villas exude all the comfort and charm of a private home, elegantly furnished and surrounded by extensive manicured gardens; these spacious villas offer generously sized terraces with a private and cool outdoor dining area. At the heart of each villa, comfortable openplan living spaces make full use of the natural light, warmth and views. Each double-bedroom comes with its own en-suite bathroom complete with under floor heating, kitchens are fully-fitted and equipped with the latest white goods, and each villa has its own dedicated fibre-optic broadband service.
Located just a few steps away from Veranda, the social focal point of the village, which houses a restaurant, bar, tennis courts, heated swimming pools, fully equipped gymnasium and spa facilities.
Monte Rei - North Course
North Course – 18 holes / 6567 meters / Par 72
Opened in 2007, this globally acclaimed golfing paradise, with its award-winning Jack Nicklaus Signature course challenges players of all abilities and handicaps, is the ‘jewel in the crown’ of Portuguese golf. The course is stunning and should be on your ‘must play’ list.
• Daily breakfast
• Welcome BBQ (excluding drinks)
• 2 cold buffet lunches
• Farewell dinner, 3 course (excluding drinks)
• Golf: 2 rounds (18 holes) including 2 hours tuition use of range prior to play plus shared buggy with GPS
27 March - arrive – option 9 holes on Monte Rei North Golf Course (depending on flight times) –with welcome BBQ dinner
28 March - 2 hours coaching - driving range & short game, 18 holes on Monte Rei North Golf Course and lunch
29 March - 2 hours coaching - driving range & short game, 18 holes on Monte Rei North Golf Course and lunch - 3 course farewell dinner
30 March – Depart (option to extend)
*Itinerary subject to change
Run of house with rooms throughout 3 bedroom luxury linked villa
£1200 per person sharing a twin room
£1380 per person in a single room
2 bedroom Clubhouse Suite - based on 4 sharing £1285 per person sharing
2 bedroom Clubhouse Suite - based on 2 sharing £1530 per person sharing
*Based on a minimum of 7 amateurs travelling with the Golf Professional.
For more information please contact info@front9travel.com or call on 01342 653093
Paul Stuart, Head PGA Professional at The London Club, has 20 years’ experience of coaching. He developed his love for the game of golf at early age, regularly playing three rounds a day in the school holidays. Working with former Ryder Cup player, George Will, shaped his passion and dedication, as George encouraged and mentored leading to a successful amateur career, culminating in England honours. Progressing into the Professional ranks, spells on the local mini tours and a brief spell on The Challenge exposed him to many coaching styles as his desire to improve his knowledge of the game drove him forward. These past experiences have contributed to Paul’s success as an Instructor as he continues to build The LGC Academy.
‘Golfers that stand the test of time, at any level, are all great ball strikers, so I work hard with my players on this area of the game. Working with my players to understand their golfing aspirations and goals is also very important, as we look to develop a road map for them to achieve their aims, with effective practice drills and course management strategies’.
Testimonial from
on the March 2022 trip: ‘I have played the Monte Rei course several times over the last few years. When I heard that Paul Stuart had teamed up with Front 9 Travel to organise a training trip there, I jumped at the opportunity to take part. I was not disappointed, the combination of the trip organisation by Front 9 Travel through the delightful Natalie Scott and the skilful professional input from Paul were exemplary. Paul is a superb teacher, who works with the way you play, providing invaluable advice to tweak your game with often subtle changes that work. If you want to take a few shots a round off your game a session or two with Paul would be well worth it’
Longing for a temperate climate in which to play golf all year round then Tenerife could be just the destination. The dominant island in the Canaries, step beyond the tourist hotspots and Tenerife is an island of extraordinary beauty and diversity, with remote mountain-ridge villages, cultured port settlements and charming ancient towns. A rich and varied range of landscapes and vegetation from imposing cliffs hundreds of meters high, to deserts, and the lush forest. A memorable landscape that enticed and challenged golfing greats, the likes of Seve Ballesteros and Dave Thomas, to create their vision of the perfect golf course.
The climate for one, with warm winters, gentle bright summer days and an average annual temperate of 23c. Secondly, the quality and diversity of the golf courses is undeniable. One day you are playing a course 700m high and the next you are on the coast, at the foot of the cliffs or on sandy or rocky coves. The Atlantic Ocean is an ever-present vision on most of Tenerife’s courses, providing a specular backdrop and amazing views, to infinity and beyond!
The long list of golfing greats who have imposed their will on the landscape to create world class golf courses ensures frequent demand nationally and internationally as a venue for prestigious golfing tournaments. Most recently Golf Costa Adeje hosted the Tenerife Open 2021 and the Canary Islands Championship 2021, which were won by South Africans, Dean Burmester and Garrick Higgo respectively.
Nine challenging golf courses with nine unique experiences.
Abama Golf - A genuine work of art by Dave Thomas, this is a modern European course designed to use the terrain to challenge the player with dramatic use of elevation and water. Against the backdrop of the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean and the island of Gomera beyond, 22 Lakes are strategically placed around the course, and with a reputed thousand palm trees, this course offer’s some stunning signature holes. If this alone wasn’t enough, the course is kept in immaculate condition with velvet greens and lush fairways. Located in the area of Guia de Isora, West Tenerife.
Amarilla Golf - Not quite as well known or prestigious as the Abama, the Amarilla offers no frills challenges that are not to be underestimated. Designed by Donald Steel, the 5th hole, one of the more spectacular you might find on any course, where the sea becomes your fairway as you drive over the waves onto the raised green. The course is attractively lined with lush vegetation, with the ever-present backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, and inland imposing views of Mount Teide.
Buenavista Golf - Located in the north of Tenerife, a little out of the way but well worth the visit. Laid out along the stunning coastline in the shadow of striking cliffs and flanked by the impressive Teno Country Park, this Seve Ballesteros designed course is as he described quite ‘unique’. Whilst the fairways are generally wide and the greens inviting, it is the proximity to the ocean that adds a rare dimension to this course, and on several of the holes it feels like you are playing the ocean as much as the course. Of particularly note are the two par threes (15th and 17th holes) both teetering on the cliff edge. Post round the lovely Club House has superb panoramic views of the entire course where you can marvel at the vision Ballesteros had to place a course in such a dramatic location.
Golf Los Palos This 9-hole, par 27 golf course is set in luxuriant, colorful landscape. Virtually flat the main obstacles are the lakes and streams, it’s perfect for beginners or for improving your short game. Designed by Integral Golf Design, José María Olazábal’s company, it boasts a lovely terrace overlooking the entire golf course.
Golf Costa Adeje - Pepe Gancedo, often called the ‘Picasso’ of golf, has shown his design flair by incorporating the landscape to interesting effect on this course. The old farm terraces that slope down to the ocean, with their original dry stonewalls cross the fairways at times to create natural hazards, which with several gorges and lakes create a satisfyingly challenging golf experience. With really beautiful views of the ocean, the island of La Gomera and the rugged Adeje Mountains, this unique golf course features 27 holes unusually configured with equal number of par 3, par 4 and par 5’s.
Golf del Sur - Another of Gancedo’s masterpieces, this course has been more recently updated by Manuel Piñero. The original layout worked with and enhanced all the natural protected areas that surround the 27 holes, ravine’s and lava rock create danger and excitement, and black bunker sand contrast with the verdant greens, indigenous flowers; cacti, palm trees and other large colourful plants that line the fairways.
Golf Las Américas - Designed by John Jacobs this 18-hole course is situated in the centre of Playa de Las Américas, one of the most famous holiday areas in the south of the island. Located in a natural amphitheatre with superb views of the ocean and the island of La Gomera. The par 3 13th provides quite a memorable challenge with the green appearing as if an island surrounded by water.
Real Club de Golf de Tenerife - Founded in 1932, this is one of the oldest golf clubs in Spain and still preserves a typically British air of distinction. Situated at 600m above sea level, the 18-hole course has undulating fairways that ascend with a spectacular view of Teide. The dry streambeds play a part in several holes. The first five holes all play uphill away for the clubhouse, but what goes up must come down, the closing holes are worth the earlier climb. The 4th hole is one of the most difficult where precision play is important, especially on the shot to the green, as you have out of bounds on the left and right.
Tecina Golf - In La Gomera, just a 40-minute ferry ride from Tenerife, Donald Steel designed a striking 18hole course perched on a cliff with impressive views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Mount Teide. The course is unique in its design, as the 1st hole is over 100m higher than the 18th hole and clubhouse, as you descend; the holes traverse across the downward slope. The native vegetation on the upper areas becomes more and more exuberant as the course slopes down to the sea until it reaches a beauty spot full of tropical fruit trees. From 2009 until 2019 the Fred Olsen Challenge de España and the Alps Tour, both tournaments that belong to the European satellite circuit, have been contested at Tecina Golf.
For more information and prices please contact info@front9travel.com or call on 01342 653093
A 4-star superior boutique hotel, in a fabulous location, just 300m from the prestigious yachting and leisure development of Puerto Portals, in the heart of the Bay of Palma and ten minutes from Palma city itself. The contemporary design concept concurs with Majorcan influences, and is complemented by state-of-the-art technology and many sustainable features. Leonardo Hotels are known for their perfect locations and their Sky Bars, where in the summer time you can enjoy great vibes and the most impressive views, accompanied by drinks and music.
Located in the East of the island of Antigua, and situated on a 350-year-old former sugar estate, this property has been converted into a boutique private hotel catering for those who wish for privacy and peace amongst the sounds of the hummingbirds and sea breeze of the Caribbean. The Great House Antigua is one of a handful of original plantation houses open to guests. The features and furnishings throughout the Buff House have been restored to present an elegant and charming hotel.
This is a family-owned and operated hotel. A charming eco-friendly boutique resort located on the south coast of the beautiful island of Grenada, where the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean merge. A five-minute drive can take you to popular restaurants, banks, shopping centres and several white sandy beaches including the infamous Grand Anse Beach. This boutique resort is one of the most affordable, friendly & relaxing places to say when visiting the Spice Island in the Caribbean.
Our handpicked selection of boutique properties in Spain, England and the Caribbean, offer fabulous golf and unique accommodation. For
Whether you are looking for a cosy hideaway for a romantic weekend away, a place to rest your weary head after a round of golf or a luxury suite to fit all the family, you will find the perfect room for your stay. The 26 individually-styled, dog friendly rooms have been freshly updated to seamlessly combine the inn’s rich history with modern elegance and you will just love the quirky corners, oak panels and wood-beamed ceilings which await you.
Natalie has a wealth of expertise and knowledge of the global golf travel market, with over 27 years of experience of working closely with high quality 5 star resorts in some of the most prestigious locations in the world.
Closer to home she is well respected by members of the professional golf community with strong connections to The PGA, and some of the most prestigious golf clubs in the UK, giving her a vast network of contacts and experiences.
At Front 9 Travel, the philosophy is to offer an unrivalled, targeted, personal and professional service to clients looking for a truly 5 star golf experience, and Natalie has the knowledge and experience to build for clients a unique golf experience.
Pete’s a qualified journalist with nearly 30 years’ experience of the media industry, Pete has travelled the world working on some of the landmark golf destination accounts at PR and marketing golf and travel specialists Azalea.
A self-confessed sports fan and passionate golfer, he has an outstanding knowledge of the golfing landscape in the UK, Europe and beyond and heads up the editorial department at Azalea.
Coming from a golfing family and with a mother who worked for a variety of national magazines, it was somewhat inevitable that Pete would end up working in the golf media, although none of them managed to achieve one of his career highlights – a visit to Augusta to watch The Masters.
Carolyn is an avid golfer and has spent many years visiting an array of luxury and unusual destinations around the world, and has consequently developed a discerning eye for what our clients at Front 9 Travel expect from our partner hotels and resorts.
She applies the same rigour of assessment and expectation of a quality client at the courses that she plays, appreciating that our clients expect the highest quality of accommodation and facilities, and to play excellent golf courses. At Front 9 Travel we are continually searching for new and exciting destinations to offer our clients and Carolyn is at the forefront of this, researching and writing our articles to give our clients a flavour of what is on offer.
