Destination Spain 2012

YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO GOLFING IN SPAIN 2012

Anfi Tauro (Gran Canaria)

SPAIN

Welcome

Congratulations to Destination Golf Media on the successful publication of this guide to golfing in Spain.

This is a very comprehensive guide which I am sure will give a good idea to the Irish golf players of the great variety of places to play golf in Spain.

Depending on which kind of golf course you prefer and what you like to do when you are not playing golf, I am sure that you will find in Spain your perfect area to combine all your interests. Whether you just want to relax on the beach, do some wine tasting or stroll along bustling streets until you find your perfect tapas bar.

With over 415 golf courses in the country you can play in the major cities as well as in the mountain areas and right on the coast. Many are just a few miles from major international airports.

I hope that this guide will be your source to decide where to play golf next time. You do not need to look any further than Spain.

Thanks to Destination Golf Media for this publication and to all the readers for their interest in golfing in Spain.

Enjoy the guide and enjoy Spain!

Gonzalo Ceballos Watling Director Spanish Tourist Office in Ireland

Welcome

Welcome to Destination Golf Spain 2012 Destination Golf Spain was launched to provide an essential guide to golf in Spain. This golf guide will familiarise you with the well-known golf destinations in Spain, as well as presenting a few others that should be considered before choosing your next golf holiday.

Across the following 160 pages, we hope to educate you about where to play, where to stay and where to find the best deals.

Over 1.4 million Irish people travel to Spain each year.

It has long been a favourite for the Irish tourist due to its proximity, accessibility, culture, and of course it’s climate.

For the travelling golfer, there is a vast assortment of choice; Award winning Championship courses, Friendly ‘pay and play’ courses, Leisurely resort courses or why not go off the beaten track to find that hidden gem.

Spain is a fantastic country that is rich in history, passionate about its culture, spoilt with scenery, dedicated to tourism and fanatic about gastronomy. The contrasts in its terrain provides an astonishing range of cuisine and dynamic wine options, which have become more common place in the Irish market, as Mediterranean cuisine has rapidly grown in popularity.

Most off-license shelves are heavily stocked with Spanish Wines, but what should we be looking out for before purchasing that next bottle? We have partnered up with the Economic and Commercial Office of the Spanish Embassy to provide an essential guide to Spanish Food and Wine.

Hopefully this guide will provide you with some tips about: correctly reading a wine label, matching wines with food, the health benefits of Olive Oil and much more.

Whether it’s at home or abroad, we hope you enjoy Spain and all that it has to offer.

Dermot Synnott Publisher Destination Golf Media

Thank You

This golf guide has been created with the help of the Spanish Tourist Office in Ireland, as well as regional tourist boards, golf federations and golf associations in Spain. Each has played an active role in the development of this Edition, so their region could benefit from a quality destination marketing campaign to golfers in Ireland.

A big thank you to our Spanish friends & colleagues in the following companies:

Destination Golf Media Ltd Destination Golf Media Ltd 184 Charlesland Wood Greystones Co Wicklow Ireland destinationgolf@live.com www.destinationgolf.ie PUBLISHER Dermot Synnott DIRECTOR Vincent Synnott FINANCIAL CONTROLLER Darren Maguire CREDIT CONTROLLER Mallory Courell UK OPERATIONS Peter Barnes OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Helen Duggan INTERNATIONAL SALES Gianni Attanasio, David Cooney, Albert Ferrer I Lahoz FRONT COVER Anfi Tauro (Gran Canaria) PHOTOGRAPHY / EDITORIAL Turespana (Ireland) Turismo Andaluz Gran Canaria Golf Tenerife Tourism IBATUR Valencia City Tourism (VLC) Comunitat Valenciana Barcelona Golf Tenerife Golf Association Costa Blanca Golf Federation Murcia Tourism Patronat Tourisme de Tarragona Turisme de Barcelona Costa Brava Girona Tourism Foods & Wines from Spain ICEX Text, photographs and illustrations in this publication are protected by copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly forbidden. While every effort has been made to maintain integrity and accuracy, the publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors, inconvenience or legal proceedings of any kind arising from information, content, advice or advertisements contained herein. We are grateful to the many tourist boards and federations that have helped with certain text and images in this magazine.

All rights reserved.

www.destinationgolf.ie

Le Meridien Penina Golf & Resort

Located between the fishing port of Portimao and the historic town of Lagos, Le Meridien Penina is the perfect retreat for the leisure, family and business traveller to the Algarve.

Located on the sunny Algarve coastline, with stunning views over the mountains, gardens and golf course, Le Meridien Penina Golf & Resort has been a magnet for the travelling golfer for many a year. The unique landscapes and seemly endless amounts of lush vegetation provide a resort that has a relaxed and atmospheric atmosphere.

For more information visit http://www.lemeridienpenina.com/en

All 188 bedrooms and suites have been recently renovated, which now boast fantastic facilities such as Le Meridien Bed, flat screen TC, high speed internet access, automatic minibar, electronic safe, coffee and tea facilities adding to the customers comfort.

Le Meridien Penina is known for being a well ‘leisure filled’ resort.

Aside from the famous Championship golf course and golf academy, other facilities at Le Meridien Penina include the largest outdoor swimming pool in Portugal, six tennis course, a football pitch, a fitness and running trail, full size snooker table, Kids Club, sauna and beauty treatment area.

If water sports are your thing then a short shuttle ride to the Beach Club (open June to September) will be the perfect place for you. Here you can find pedal boats, sunbeds, towel service, restaurant and of course, the golden sands of the Algarve coastline.

4 | Destination Golf Spain

Tecina

Destination Golf Spain 2012 Featured golf courses

P52 – ANDALUCIA >> MALAGA 54 - Alhaurín Golf 54 - La Siesta Golf 54 - Añoreta Golf P26 – CANARY ISLANDS >> GRAN CANARIA 54 - Cabopino Golf Marbella 55 - Atalaya Golf - Old course 28 - Anfi Tauro Golf 56 - La Quinta Golf & Spa Resort 30 - Salobre Golf & Resort – South 58 - Atalaya Golf - New course 30 - Meloneras Golf 58 - Baviera Golf 30 - Oasis Golf 58 - Artola Golf 30 - Maspalomas Golf 58 - Guadalhorce Club de Golf 31 - Salobre Golf & Resort – North 59 - Club de Campo La Zagaleta 32 - Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas 59 - Club Mijas Golf - Los Lagos 32 - El Cortijo Club de Campo 59 - Club Mijas Golf - Los Olivos 59 - Club de Golf El Candado P34 – CANARY ISLANDS >> TENERIFE 60 - Club de Golf Aloha 36 - Tecina Golf 60 - Coto de La Serena Golf 38 - Golf Costa Adeje 60 - El Chaparral 38 - Buenavista Golf 60 - Santana Golf 38 - Amarilla Golf 63 - Greenlife Golf 38 - Centro de Golf Los Palos 64 - Parador Málaga del Golf 40 - Abama 65 - Golf Torrequebrada 40 - Golf Las Americas 65 - Miraflores Golf 40 - Real Club de Golf de Tenerife 65 - Real Club de Golf Las Brisas 40 - Golf del Sur 65 - Santa Clara Golf 66 - Guadalmina Golf - North P42 – BALEARIC ISLANDS >> MALLORCA 66 - Guadalmina Golf - South 44 - Son Gual Golf 66 - Marbella Club Golf Resort 44 - Golf Maioris 66 - Monte Paraíso Golf 44 - Canyamel Golf Course 69 - Golf Río Real 44 - Golf Park Puntiro 69 - Valle Romano 45 - Real Golf de Bendinat 69 - Golf La Dama de Noche 45 - Capdepera Golf Course 69 - El Paraíso Golf Club 45 - Pula Golf Club & Course 70 - La Cala – Campo America 45 - Golf de Andratx 70 - La Cala – Campo Asia 46 - Golf Pollensa 70 - La Cala – Campo Europa 46 - Golf de Poniente 72 - Calanova Golf 46 - La Rotana Private Golf Course 72 - Dona Julia 46 - Santa Ponsa Golf Course I 72 - Cerrado del Aguila 46 - Santa Ponsa Golf Course II 72 - Magna Marbella Golf 46 - Santa Ponsa Golf Course III 73 - La Duquesa Golf 48 - Son Termens Golf Course 73 - La Noria Golf Resort 48 - Son Muntaner Golf Course 73 - Lauro Golf 48 - Son Vida Golf Course 73 - Antequera Golf 48 - Son Quint Golf Course 74 - Los Naranjos 49 - Son Servera Golf Course 49 - Marriott Son Antem Golf Course - East 76 - Los Arqueros Golf 49 - Marriott Son Antem Golf Course - West 76 - Marbella Golf & Country Club 76 - Finca Cortesín 49 - Vall D’or Golf Course 76 - Casares Golf 50 - Club de Golf Alcanada 77 - Santa María 78 - Estepona Golf P20 – CANARY ISLANDS >> LANZAROTE 23 - Lanzarote Golf 24 - Costa Teguise Golf

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78 - Tramores Golf Club 80 - Flamingos Golf Club 80 - Alferini Golf Club P82 – ANDALUCIA >> ALMERIA 84 - Desert Springs Resort 85 - Alborán Golf 85 - Marina Golf Mojácar 85 - Golf Almerimar 85 - Aguilon 86 - Playa Macenas 86 - Club de Golf Playa Serena 86 - Cortijo Grande Club de Golf 86 - Club de Golf La Envia 87 - Golf Valle Del Este P88 – ANDALUCIA >> CADIZ 90 - Alcaidesa Links 90 - Sherry Golf Jerez 90 - Costa Ballena Club de Golf 90 - Club de Golf La Cañada 91 - Club de Golf Novo Sancti Petri 91 - Lomas de Sancti Petri Golf Garden 91 - Benalup Golf 91 - Montenmedio Golf & Country Club 92 - Golf El Puerto 92 - La Estancia 92 - La Reserva de Sotogrande 92 - Montecastillo Golf Resort 93 - Club de Golf Valderrama 94 - Arcos Gardens Golf & Country Club 95 - Real Club de Golf de Sotogrande 95 - Villanueva Golf Resort 95 - VistaHermosa Golf 95 - Sanlúcar Club de Campo 96 - Club de Golf Campano 96 - Almenara Golf 96 - Rota Club de Golf 96 - San Roque - Old course 97 - San Roque - New course P98 – ANDALUCIA >> CORDOBA 100 - Club de Campo de Córdoba 100 - Club de Golf Pozoblanco P102 – ANDALUCIA >> GRANADA 104 - Los Moriscos Club de Golf 105 - Granada Club de Golf 105 - Santa Clara Granada 105 - Medina Elvira Club de Golf

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www.destinationgolf.ie

P106 – ANDALUCIA >> HUELVA 108 - Club de Golf El Rompido - North 108 - Club de Golf El Rompido - South 108 - Isla Canela Club de Golf 108 - Bellavista Golf 108 - Islantilla Golf Resort 109 - Costa Esuri - West 109 - Costa Esuri – East 109 - La Monacilla 109 - Club de Golf Corta Atalaya 109 - Golf Nuevo Portil P110 – ANDALUCIA >> JAEN 111 - Club de Golf La Garza P112 – ANDALUCIA >> SEVILLE 114 - Club Zaudín Golf 114 - Las Minas Golf 114 - Real Club de Pineda de Sevilla 114 - Club de Golf Hato Verde 115 - Real Club de Golf de Sevilla P116 – MURCIA 118 - Hacienda del Álamo 118 - Sensol Golf 118 - Calidona - Roda Golf 118 - Calidona - Corvera Golf 119 - La Manga Club – South course 119 - La Manga Club – North course 119 - La Manga Club – West course 120 - La Torre Best Golf 120 - Hacienda Riquelme Best Golf 120 - La Serena Golf 120 - Sierra Golf 121 - La Peraleja 121 - Mosa Trajectum - Stone Course 121 - Mosa Trajectum - Pine Course 121 - Ugr La Tercia 121 - Altorreal 122 - Alhama Signature Golf 122 - Saurines de la Torre Golf 122 - Mar Menor Village Golf 122 - Nicklaus Golf Trail - El Valle Best Golf P124 – COMUNITAT VALENCIANA >> ALICANTE 126 - Alicante Golf 126 - Club de Golf Ifach 126 - Club de Golf Alenda 126 - Club de Golf Don Cayo 127 - Real Club de Golf Campoamor

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127 - Club de Golf Jávea 127 - Las Ramblas de Orihuela 127 - Campo de Golf Villamartín 128 - Las Colinas Golf & Country Club 129 - Golf & Spa Bonalba 129 - La Sella Golf 129 - Lo Romero Golf 130 - La Finca 130 - Villaitana Golf – Levante Golf 130 - Villaitana Golf – Poniente Golf 130 - El Plantio 130 - Font de Llop 131 - La Marquesa

P156 – CATALUNYA >> GIRONA 158 - Platja de Pals 158 - Peralada 158 - PGA Golf Catalunya – Tour Course 158 - PGA Golf Catalunya – Stadium Course 159 - Emporda Golf Club (Forest Course) 159 - Emporda Golf Club (Links Course) 159 - Girona Golf Club Club de Golf 159 - Torremirona Resort 160 - Costa Brava Golf Club 160 - Serres de Pals Golf Club 160 - D’Aro – Mas Nou

P132 – COMUNITAT VALENCIANA >> VALENCIA 134 - Campo de Golf El Tejo 134 - Club de Golf Escorpión 134 - Club de Golf el Saler 134 - Club de Golf Manises 135 - El Bosque 135 - Foressos Golf 135 - Club de Golf Oliva Nova 135 - La Galiana P136 – COMUNITAT VALENCIANA >> CASTELLON 138 - Panorámica Golf & Country Club 138 - Club de Golf Costa Azahar 139 - Club de Campo del Mediterráneo P140 – CATALUNYA >> TARRAGONA 142 - LUMINE (Lakes) 144 - LUMINE (Hills) 144 - LUMINE (Ruines) 146 - Golf Bonmont Terres Noves 146 - Reus Aiguesverds 146 - Costa Dorada 146 - La Graiera P148 – CATALUNYA >> BARCELONA 150 - Real Club de Golf El Prat 152 - Club de Golf de Barcelona 152 - St Cugat 152 - Vilalba Golf 153 - Llavaneres 153 - Caldes 153 - Vallromanes Golf 153 - Sant Vicenc de Montalt 154 - Sitges Terramar

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We’ve highlighted a few golf courses and hotels in each Golf Destination, which we recommend for 2011. Keep an eye out for the logo!

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How to taste • How to serve • How to read the label • How to match

Destination Golf Spain | 7

HOW TO TASTE

The art of tasting: wine & the five senses Sight - The colour of a wine can be different depending on the grape variety from which it is made, the processing itself or cask ageing. Age will lighten the colour of reds and darken that of whites. Appearances should never lead us to pass premature judgment on a wine.

Smell - It is our sense of smell that will provide us with most information about a wine.

We smell the wine both before and after twirling the glass so that the wine swirls around inside it.

Swirl the wine in your glass by rotating your wrist. This releases molecules in the wine allowing you to smell the aroma, also called the bouquet or nose.

Taste - Contrary to what one may assume at first sight, taste is the sense that produces the fewest sensations. The taste buds can only provide information on the four basic tastes: sweet, sour, salty and bitter.

Tactile sensations - Touch provides different kinds of information to the wine taster. First, temperature: physical temperature (the degrees centigrade at which the liquid is) and perceived temperature.

A wine with substantial acidity will provide a feeling of freshness, and may be defined as fresh. High alcohol prompts a feeling of heat and such a wine is known as warm.

A good sign of quality is balance. A wine is balanced when all of the wine’s components (sweetness and tannins) blend together.

A wine is mature when it has achieved optimal balance.

Developing the skill of wine tasting is an art that takes practice.

The more wines you taste, the better you will become with describing its characteristics.

FROM THIS GRAPE… THIS WINE REDS Tempranillo this grape can produce a variety of styles from medium bodied and fruity to powerful and serious. It’s a red grape you can trust to deliver every time.

Garnacha full, fruity and accessible reds, full-bodied red wines and characteristically red fruit flavoured rosés.

And also…

Other Spanish wines made of grapes like Bobal and Monastrell will surprise you with their deep coloured, black fruit flavoured reds. Good for everyday drinking!

8 | Destination Golf Spain Juan Manuel Sanz / ICEX

HOW TO READ THE LABEL Spain’s Top Wine Distinction Denominación de origen Calificada

Wines with this classification have their geographical, varietal composition and production methods strictly regulated. Generally a mark of quality and a guarantee of traditional winemaking.

Denominación de origen

Wine from larger areas than that of the DO and usually made from all sorts of grape varieties usually by more innovative winemakers who do not want to stick to the criteria of a DO. Vino de la Tierra

DOCA

Ageing Process Year AÑo

DO

VDT

AGEING PROCESS

Vintage Year Cosecha Wine aged for a minimum of two years after the harvest of which at least six months in oak.

CRIANZA Wine aged for at least three years of which at least one is in oak.

RESERVA Wine aged for a minimum of five years of which at least two years are in oak and three in bottle.

GRAN RESERVA

HOW TO SERVE Storage - The temperature should be cool and constant for long-term storage, preferably between 10° and 15°. Extremes of cold or heat can damage it. One of the worst places for longterm storage is in a kitchen due to the wide fluctuations in temperature.

Ensure that the wine is stored on its side so that the cork remains in contact with the wine.

Opening a bottle - Some red wines need to be in contact with the air before being consumed in order to get oxygen.

Opening the bottle in advanced or in the table, they must be treated with care, without sudden movements.

Remove the top of the capsule by cutting round below the lip of the bottle and then draw the cork as gently and cleanly as possible using a corkscrew. Finally, give the neck of the bottle a clean inside and out and pour a sample into the host’s glass for approval.

Glasses - The use of the correct glass will enhance the drinking experience. Red wines are best served in larger-sized glasses. This will allow air to come into contact with a large wine surface and develop the aromas and flavours. White and rosé wines require medium-sized glasses, so that the fresh, fruit characteristics are gathered and directed towards the top of the glass.

Pouring - Never fill the glass. The half way mark is fine. It allows the wine to breathe in the glass and for the recipient to swirl the wine and enjoy the aromas. As a general rule, serve white before red, young before old and keep the good wine until last.

FROM THIS GRAPE… THIS WINE WHITES Albariño dry yet juicy, with flavours reminiscent of apricots and melon.

Top quality white grape!

Macabeo, Xarel-lo, Parellada produce dry, light white wines that are drinkable, with or without food, as well as Cava, the most renowned Spanish sparkling wine.

Verdejo the perfect white wine from the the region of Rueda to combine with any meal. Dry but with a lovely full melon fruit flavour.

Palomino used in the production of fine sherries.

Godello grown in northwestern Spain, can produce fine white wines.

Destination Golf Spain | 9

GIVE THEM A TRY IN IRELAND All that you need to know about Spanish regions and its wines. A tour around the country to discover the essence of the diverse styles and flavours available. Some of the most popular and easy to find in Ireland are Rioja, Ribera del Duero…Rias Baixas, Sherry Wines and Spanish Cava are also finding their place in Ireland.

CAVA

RIBERA DEL DUERO

A fun bubbly made principally in Catalonia.

You can find cavas from other areas like Rioja and Extremadura. These fruit-filled fizzes can brighten up any occasion.

Famed for its full-bodied reds, this region concentrates all its efforts into making some of the best Tempranillos. Big, juicy and meaty these wines are great if you want to impress.

JEREZ/SHERRY From the light, dry styles of Manzanilla and Finos to the richer, nuttier Olorosos and Amontillados, you can taste a fabulous product that is aged for a minimum of three years in the Solera system.

RIAS BAIXAS Specialised in making internationally well known whites. Rias Baixas’ wines are full of nuances, fresh and light, pleasant and complete whites and also reds and sparkling wines. Their intensively fruity “Albariño” leaves a subtle long flavour that will impress you.

RIOJA The red wine king of Spain. Rioja has wines to suit every red wine palate, from the easy drinking affordable to the top end Gran Reservas. Rioja’s distinctive whites are aged in oak to give them a characteristic nutty, dry after taste.

AND DON’T FORGET… That this is just a snapshot of some of the major Spanish Wine producing regions.

There are many more regions like Jumilla, Somontano, Bierzo, Toro, Priorat… there is a large diversity of wines and styles available from Spain and all are well worth a try!

MORE INFORMATION ON OUR REGIONS IS AVAILABLE ON:

www.winesfromspain.com

Destination Golf Spain | 11

HOW TO MATCH Food & Wine: The perfect marriage

As most wines are produced as an accompaniment to food, there are some guidelines that you must follow to reach the perfect match.

FOOD CONSISTENCY - Lighter food, as plain white meat or fish, is complemented by delicate wine. Whites are the normal choice.

Heavyweight foods need a full bodied wine.

FLAVOUR INTENSITY - If a food is cooked by a moist, gentle method such as steaming, it will require a lighter-flavoured wine than a food that is roasted.

ACIDITY - Sour flavours make wines taste less acid, and therefore less vibrant and refreshing. Any acidity in the food should be matched by acidity in the accompanying wines.

SWEETNESS - The sweeter the food, the sweeter the wine.

Late-harvest wines and sweet Muscat-based wines are the ideal choice for puddings.

TANNINS - Wines from high-tannin grapes varieties such as Tempranillo go well with roast meats, stews and steaks. Light, fruity red wines with low levels of tannins will complement white meats.

SALT - Salty foods are enhanced by a touch of sweetness and also benefit from a little acidity. Although neither sweet nor high in acid, Fino sherry is a classic accompaniment for olives or salted nuts.

OILY FOODS - Wines with a good level of acidity can be superb with rich, oily foods, such as paté.

Toya Legido / ICEX

SPAIN: THE OLIVE LAND The natural juice obtained from the fresh fruits of the olive, extra virgin olive oil, is widely revered as one of the great ingredients of Spanish gastronomy. Its varied aromas and flavours, culinary versatility and health-giving attributes have been acknowledged and extolled by chefs and nutritionists the world over.

The great diversity of native olive oils expresses the geographical diversity of Spain.

PICUAL - The star in Andalucia region.

New techniques make it possible to extract more fragrant, green, fruity oils.

CORNICABRA - Fruity and thick oils, useful for creating highly-esteemed blends with other olive varieties.

ARBEQUINA - Originally from Catalonia and known for its sweet fruitiness.

Other important Spanish varieties include HOJIBLANCA and PICUDO, whose oils have a clearly-defined personality. Also EMPELTRE from Aragon and LECHÍN from Seville.

Altogether, the Spanish map of native olives includes about 260 varieties.

PROTECTED DESIGNATIONS OF ORIGIN • Baena • Sierra de Segura • Priego de Córdoba • Sierra Mágina • Sierra de Cazorla • Les Garrigues • Siurana • Montes de Toledo • Bajo Aragón

WHICH WOULD MARRY WHICH There is no single choice of wine that must be drunk with a certain dish, but some are definitely a better match than others. There’s a wide range of Sherry wines, from bone dry (excellent matches for tapas and shellfish) to richly sweet (spectacular with blue cheeses and Asian food, specially sushi and tempura).

Modern cuisine will be perfect to try with Cava, and Whites are definitely the wines for seafood. When it comes to treat some friends with a barbecue, make the most of it serving a fresh Rosé (also a great choice for pasta dishes) and keep the most powerful wines, the Reds, for stronger meals, like steaks.

AND REMEMBER… hatever you cook, SPANISH OLIVE OIL W Is the best to choose

FROM THE OLIVE TREE TO YOUR TABLE The range of aromas and tastes of olive oil varies depending on the olive variety, the region and crop conditions. The huge diversity of varieties in Spain, along with optimum climate conditions results in a superior olive oil range.

• V irgin Olive Oils. Obtained from the fruit of the olive solely by mechanical or physical procedures in conditions which do not affect the oil.

• E xtra virgin olive oil. Excellent aroma and flavour, not exceeding 1° acidity.

• V irgin olive oil. Good aroma and flavour with acidity not exceeding 2°.

• O live Oil. Composed of a mixture of refined olive oils and virgin olive oil, with acidity not exceeding 1,5°.

5 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT OLIVE OIL

Olive oil means quality and you can use it to enhance food properties. As there is a wide range of oils that can be used depending on the food that you are cooking, there are some tips that you must keep in mind to enjoy it.

Olive oil is excellent to spread on meat in a barbecue, as it helps to preserve the natural juices.

1

Any meat, fish or vegetable fried in olive oil is tastier, as the oil prevents the food from sticking and becoming greasy.

2

Ingredients should be dried before deep-frying, so it won’t splash on you.

3

Olive oil in the pan should be hot but not smoking when food is immersed.

4

Food must be fried in small quantities to prevent a reduction in the temperature of the olive oil.

5

GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH • Olive oil is one of the best ingredients that you can include in your diet.

• It prevents cardiovascular diseases. Scientists and dieticians agree that olive oil is a healthier alternative to other oils and fats as it is cholesterol-free.

• It has no sugar and it is very low in sodium. It has a beneficial effect on the skin through its oleic acid content and its vitamin E content.

COOKING SUGGESTION:

Spanish omelette • Heat the oil in a large frying pan and fry the sliced potatoes until almost soft • Add the onion and continue frying until it is soft.

• O nce the bottom of the omelette has set, turn the heat down low and cover the pan.

Ingredients (peeled and thinly sliced)

• Heat a little oil in a frying pan on a moderate heat.

• T urn the omelette by placing a flat plate lid on the frying pan and quickly turning over.

• Pour in the potatoes and eggs and shake the frying pan from time to time so that the omelette doesn’t stick to the bottom.

• G ently slide the omelette back into the frying pan and continue frying, until it has set all the way through.

• Beat the eggs in a bowl and season with salt. Add the potatoes and the onion and mix well

4 medium-sized potatoes 6 eggs 1 onion, chopped ¼ litre olive oil salt Destination Golf Spain | 13

TURN ANY MOMENT INTO A TOP MOMENT WITH CAVA

A glass of cava is the perfect choice to share after playing golf. this centenarian drink comes from the best grapevines in the cava region. made through the most careful and traditional process, which ensures its high quality, cava is the perfect sparkling wine to match after a match…

CAVA: THE SPANISH SPARKLING FOR EVERY MOMENT Thanks to its versatility, its moderate alcohol content, the slight presence of bubbles and its delicate aroma, Cava is an essential wine for any solemn occasion but also the perfect sparkling to enjoy at every moment.

Some tips to make the most of any Cava moment…

•

• The ideal temperature for serving young cavas is 6° to 8°; and for vintage wines, between 8° and 10°

• The best way to cool the bottle is to introduce it in a container with half ice and half water, at least half an hour before serving

• Serve it in white crystal and transparent, high and preferably tulip-shaped glasses

• Cava must slide on the glass wall, not exceeding 2/3 of the capacity

14 | Destination Golf Spain

Cava should not be drunk in a hurry

Destination Golf Spain | 15

Top Golfer 2012 TopGolfer (www.topgolfer.ie) is Ireland’s community for golfers with a handicap of 9 or better. It exists to feed the competitive spirit of the top golfers playing the game in Ireland through an online community, the TopGolfer Tour, an Order of Merit exclusive member events and the season finale Tour Championship. After only two seasons, TopGolfer already has already surpassed 8,000 registered members – who actively play in the TopGolfer Tour events all season long.

The TopGolfer Tour is a series of scratch cups held at venues throughout Ireland. In addition to some impressive prizes from leading brands such as Callaway, Kartel, ECCO and Motocaddy, each tour event winner qualifies for the end of season 2-day Tour Championships.

Due to the phenomenal success of the Kelkin Revive Order of Merit 2011, TopGolfer has renewed this exciting Order of Merit format for 2012, with points up for grabs at every tour event.

To participate in this innovative concept, competitors must purchase a personalised Order of Merit Bag Tag. These will be available to buy at the TopGolfer events or online at www.topgolfer.ie. At the end of the season, the top 30 players from the Kelkin Revive Order of Merit will be invited to the OOM Playoffs, at The K-Club on Sunday 23rd September.

They will compete for the five available places in the 2-day Tour Championship Finals at the stunning Fota Island Resort in Co. Cork the following weekend.

The amateur series which is now in its third season will incorporate 43 scratch cups running from April to September at established host venues such as Cork GC, Castle GC, Woodenbridge GC, Warrenpoint GC, Dromoland Castle, Concra Wood and Rosslare. The new schedule for 2012 includes some exciting new venues and events.

This season the tour will also visit new venues at Dun Laoghaire GC (Co. Dublin), Loughrea GC (Co. Galway), Mallow GC (Co. Cork), Grange GC (Co. Dublin), Blainroe GC (Co. Wicklow), Naas GC (Co. Kildare), Killeen GC (Co. Kildare) and the superb Faldo Course at Lough Erne (Co. Fermanagh).

The winner of each tour event will receive an invitation to the TopGolfer Tour Championship which, after visits to Carton House in 2010 and Druids Glen in 2011, will this year be hosted by Fota Island Resort in Cork, host to Irish Opens in 2001 and 2002.

For more information visit www.topgolfer.ie

In association with:

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CLUB

EVENT

DATE

TYPE

CASTLE GOLF CLUB

TG TOUR JUNIOR SCRATCH (5-9 H’CAP)

FRIDAY 20TH APRIL

18 HOLES

LOUGH ERNE GOLF CLUB

TG TOUR JUNIOR SCRATCH (5-9 H’CAP)

SUNDAY 22ND APRIL

18 HOLES

DELGANY GOLF CLUB

TG TOUR JUNIOR SCRATCH (5-9 H’CAP)

SUNDAY 13TH MAY

18 HOLES

LOUGHREA GOLF CLUB

TG TOUR JUNIOR SCRATCH (5-9 H’CAP)

SATURDAY 19TH MAY

18 HOLES

LOUGHREA GOLF CLUB

TG TOUR SENIOR SCRATCH (0-4 H’CAP)

SATURDAY 19TH MAY

36 HOLES

GLEN OF THE DOWNS GOLF CLUB

TG TOUR JUNIOR SCRATCH (5-9 H’CAP)

SUNDAY 20TH MAY

18 HOLES

ROSSLARE GOLF CLUB

TG TOUR JUNIOR SCRATCH (5-9 H’CAP)

SUNDAY 27TH MAY

36 HOLES

LEE VALLEY GOLF CLUB

TG TOUR JUNIOR SCRATCH (5-9 H’CAP)

SUNDAY 27TH MAY

18 HOLES

DUN LAOGHAIRE GOLF CLUB

TG TOUR JUNIOR SCRATCH (5-9 H’CAP)

SUNDAY 3RD JUNE

18 HOLES

NEW FOREST GOLF CLUB

TG TOUR SENIOR SCRATCH (0-4 H’CAP)

MONDAY 4TH JUNE

36 HOLES

ARKLOW GOLF CLUB

TG TOUR JUNIOR SCRATCH (5-9 H’CAP)

SATURDAY 9TH JUNE

18 HOLES

ARKLOW GOLF CLUB

TG TOUR SENIOR SCRATCH (0-4 H’CAP)

SATURDAY 9TH JUNE

18 HOLES

KILLEEN GOLF CLUB

TG TOUR JUNIOR SCRATCH (5-9 H’CAP)

SUNDAY 10TH JUNE

18 HOLES

KILLEEN GOLF CLUB

TG TOUR SENIOR SCRATCH (0-4 H’CAP)

SUNDAY 10TH JUNE

18 HOLES

ENNISCORTHY GOLF CLUB

TG TOUR JUNIOR SCRATCH (5-9 H’CAP)

SUNDAY 17TH JUNE

18 HOLES

KNIGHTSBROOK GOLF RESORT

TG TOUR SENIOR SCRATCH (0-4 H’CAP)

SUNDAY 17TH JUNE

36 HOLES

GRANGE GOLF CLUB

TG TOUR JUNIOR SCRATCH (5-9 H’CAP)

SUNDAY 24TH JUNE

18 HOLES

GRANGE GOLF CLUB

TG TOUR SENIOR SCRATCH (0-4 H’CAP)

SUNDAY 24TH JUNE

36 HOLES

WARRENPOINT GOLF CLUB

TG TOUR SENIOR SCRATCH (0-4 H’CAP)

SUNDAY 24TH JUNE

36 HOLES

SOUTH COUNTY GOLF CLUB

TG TOUR JUNIOR SCRATCH (5-9 H’CAP)

SUNDAY 1ST JULY

18 HOLES

SOUTH COUNTY GOLF CLUB

TG TOUR SENIOR SCRATCH (0-4 H’CAP)

SUNDAY 1ST JULY

36 HOLES

CORK GOLF CLUB

TG TOUR JUNIOR SCRATCH (5-9 H’CAP)

SUNDAY 15TH JULY

18 HOLES

MALLOW GOLF CLUB

TG TOUR SENIOR SCRATCH (0-4 H’CAP)

SUNDAY 15TH JULY

36 HOLES

ROGANSTOWN GOLF CLUB

TG TOUR JUNIOR SCRATCH (5-9 H’CAP)

SATURDAY 21ST JULY

18 HOLES

CASTLEBLANEY GOLF CLUB @ CONCRA WOOD

TG TOUR JUNIOR SCRATCH (5-9 H’CAP)

SUNDAY 22ND JULY

18 HOLES

CASTLEBLANEY GOLF CLUB @ CONCRA WOOD

TG TOUR SENIOR SCRATCH (0-4 H’CAP)

SUNDAY 22ND JULY

18 HOLES

THE K-CLUB

TG TOUR JUNIOR SCRATCH (5-9 H’CAP)

SUNDAY 29TH JULY

18 HOLES

ASHBOURNE GOLF CLUB

TG TOUR JUNIOR SCRATCH (5-9 H’CAP)

SATURDAY 4TH AUGUST

18 HOLES

THE K-CLUB

TG TOUR SENIOR SCRATCH (0-4 H’CAP)

SUNDAY 5TH AUGUST

36 HOLES

KNIGHTSBROOK GOLF RESORT

TG TOUR JUNIOR SCRATCH (5-9 H’CAP)

MONDAY 6TH AUGUST

18 HOLES

WOODENBRIDGE GOLF CLUB

TG TOUR JUNIOR SCRATCH (5-9 H’CAP)

MONDAY 6TH AUGUST

18 HOLES

BRAY GOLF CLUB

TG TOUR SENIOR SCRATCH (0-4 H’CAP)

SATURDAY 11TH AUGUST

36 HOLES

DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB

TG TOUR JUNIOR SCRATCH (5-9 H’CAP)

SUNDAY 19TH AUGUST

18 HOLES

DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB

TG TOUR SENIOR SCRATCH (0-4 H’CAP)

SUNDAY 19TH AUGUST

36 HOLES

RATHSALLAGH GOLF CLUB

TG TOUR JUNIOR SCRATCH (5-9 H’CAP)

FRIDAY 24TH AUGUST

18 HOLES

MOUNT WOLSELEY GOLF CLUB

TG TOUR JUNIOR SCRATCH (5-9 H’CAP)

SUNDAY 26TH AUGUST

18 HOLES

NAAS GOLF CLUB

TG TOUR JUNIOR SCRATCH (5-9 H’CAP)

SUNDAY 26TH AUGUST

18 HOLES

DELGANY GOLF CLUB

TG TOUR SENIOR SCRATCH (0-4 H’CAP)

SUNDAY 2ND SEPTEMBER

36 HOLES

CHARLESLAND GOLF CLUB

TG TOUR JUNIOR SCRATCH (5-9 H’CAP)

SUNDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER

18 HOLES

BLAINROE GOLF CLUB

TG TOUR JUNIOR SCRATCH (5-9 H’CAP)

SUNDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER

18 HOLES

BLAINROE GOLF CLUB

TG TOUR SENIOR SCRATCH (0-4 H’CAP)

SUNDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER

18 HOLES

THE K-CLUB

ORDER OF MERIT PLAYOFFS 2012

SUNDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER

18 HOLES

FOTA ISLAND GOLF RESORT

TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS 2012

6TH & 7TH OCTOBER

36 HOLES

The Catalonia International Golf Festival 2012

You’ve visited many golf destinations – but what about Barcelona or the region of Catalonia?

Join the team at Destination Golf Spain in a fun filled 5-day golf festival this October. This year’s festival will be based in the lively beach resort of Sitges, just south of Barcelona. Golfers will be in for a real treat as this year’s golf festival visits: Real Club de Golf El Prat – venue of the Spanish Open 2011; The Greg Norman course at Lumine Golf; And the seaside course of Sitges Terramar.

LUMINE LAKES

SITGES TERRAMAR

Real Club de Golf El PraT

For more information and bookings, visit www.barcelonagolf.com In association with

MAIN – Las Conchas Beach - La Graciosa 1 – Jameos del Agua 2 – El Reducto beach 3 – Jardín de Cactus

canaries >> lanzarote

LANZAROTE

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lanzarote Located 140km off the African coast, Lanzarote is the most volcanic-looking of the Canary Islands.

Lanzarote is one of the oldest of the Canaries, the result of volcanic activity that started 22 million years ago. The passing millennia have moulded its landscapes and structure, giving it truly spectacular countryside, a UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserve.

The constant warm, spring weather means you can enjoy the beauty and contrasts of its coast at any time of year. The beaches of golden sand shine in the sunshine, in the towns or in protected nature areas... There are also places of great ecological value to be discovered, such as Timanfaya National

Park, where you can see a huge variety of volcanic formations, and the Chinijo Archipelago Nature Reserve, a refuge for many species of marine birds. Let yourself be tempted by the wide variety of bars and restaurants on the island or visit the vineyards of Geria, to taste the famous wines grown from the lava soil.

If you would like to find out more about the special relationship that exists between local people and their unique volcanic surroundings, visit the island’s Art, Culture and Tourism Centres.

Destination Golf Spain | 21

Lanzarote Golf Very few golf courses can boast 365 days of golf, in such magical settings. Surrounded by volcanoes, Lanzarote Golf is a modern 18-hole par 72 golf course situated between Puerto del Carmen

This Ron Kirby designed course uses the natural volcanic landscape to offer wide fairways, natural hills and majestic views over the Atlantic Ocean.

and Tias. This Ron Kirby designed course uses the natural volcanic landscape to offer wide fairways, natural hills and majestic views over the Atlantic Ocean. It’s full length plays to a total of 6133 metres, but various tee positions make it an enjoyable course for all levels of golfer. Many golfers that come to play Lanzarote Golf comment on how it has some similarities to a Links course that you’d find in the UK or Ireland, having wide fairways and beautiful views over the Atlantic Ocean. The Club House has a reception, changing rooms, proshop, a storage for clubs, showers and a Bar / cafeteria. We also have available driving range, putting green, hire of clubs, buggies and trolleys.

Costa Teguise Golf Opened in 1980, Golf Costa Teguise is an

It was designed by Briton, John Harris, and is a gentle yet highly varied course, running between volcanic rock, cacti and palm trees.

18-hole course located at the foot of a volcano, in Lanzarote. It has stunning views out over the Atlantic Ocean. It was designed by Briton, John Harris, and is a gentle yet highly varied course, running between volcanic rock, cacti and palm trees, so that you can enjoy the natural landscape in all its beauty. The course has numerous dog legs, ideal for attractive, enjoyable play. In addition to its privileged situation, the course also enjoys a wonderful climate, warm all year round.

MAIN – The great desert Dunas de Maspalomas in Gran Canary 1 – View of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 2 – Street in Puerto de Mogan, Gran Canaria 3 – Malpalomas lighthouse, Canary Island

canaries >> gran canaria

GRAN CANARIA

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gran canaria A perfect climate with an annual average temperature between 20 and 24oc makes the island of Gran Canaria the ideal place for outdoor sports - especially golf.

The island truly is a paradise for golf lovers, as, within a radius of under 50km, it offers a superb variety of superior quality golfing facilities at ten different courses.

Gran Canaria was the host of the International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) in 2005, welcoming some 750 Golf tour operators, hotels, courses, clubs, airlines

and tourist boards from more than 63 countries worldwide. Gran Canaria also held for three years consecutively from 2006 to 2008 the Spanish PGA, and was appointed the official holiday destination of the PGA for this period. The climate, ambience and quality golf on offer makes Gran Canaria an ideal choice for the travelling golfer.

Destination Golf Spain | 27

The 18-hole Arizona style course is located in an area of lush green vegetation, with lakes and waterfalls, set against a dramatic volcanic mountain backdrop.

Anfi Tauro Golf Golfers visiting Gran Canaria should try the recently inaugurated Anfi Tauro Golf.

Designed by Von Hagge, Smelek and Baril who have created over 400 courses across five continents. Their world renowned work is apparent in Anfi Tauro Golf as the golfer can enjoy incredible views of the Ocean and the spectacular mountains of Valle de Tauro, creating an unforgettable round of golf. The 18-hole Arizona style course is located in an area of lush green vegetation, with lakes and waterfalls, set against a dramatic volcanic mountain backdrop. This extraordinary setting makes the Anfi Tauro golf experience unique. Feature holes at Anfi Tauro is the 8th hole, surrounded by a bed of red rock or any one of the amazing holes from the 14th to the 17th, which provide sensational view of the Tauro Valley.

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Meloneras Golf

Salobre Golf & Resort (South)

Near to Maspalomas Golf Course is the new Meloneras Golf, an eighteen hole par 71 course which opened in June 2006 in one of the most important resorts of Gran Canaria, next to the Maspalomas Congress Centre, and near to a number of four and five star hotels. It was designed as a technically challenging course to suit players of all handicaps, and an ideal location to host well-known international tournaments. The difficulty of the course, which begins with a gentle par 4, is gradual, so that the player can build confidence progressively to face the remaining holes. Meloneras Golf Course boasts two fantastic sets of 9-holes – one with magnificent mountain views and the other 9-holes of amazing ocean views, three of which run directly along the coastline. The course has four tee-off points per hole which makes it interesting for amateurs as well as professionals.

The golf carts with built in GPS are a clever addition to the list of superb facilities.

Just a few minutes from Maspalomas, is an area of outstanding natural beauty characteristic of the island of Gran Canaria, with ravines, volcanic rock and spectacular mountain and ocean views. This is where the Salobre Golf & Resort can be found.

The manicured green gardens contrast with the rugged desert landscape, creating an tranquil oasis in which to enjoy a round of golf. This resort is unique in that it has two eighteen hole courses.

The South Course was designed by Roland Fauvré, in close collaboration with Robert Trend Jones, and it blends in with the topography of the area and local vegetation, where some 600 different species of plants and trees have been planted.

The course, with a wide variety of holes, is very enjoyable for all levels of golfer.

Salobre Golf & Resort (South)

Maspalomas Golf

Oasis Golf

Maspalomas Golf

At the side of the Cortijo Country Club is Oasis Golf, located only 10 minutes from the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. This par 3 course (18 holes, par 54) is considered by experts to be one of the best in the world, being a small scale replica of a typical North American course with all the usual hazards expected of such a course, including lakes, white sand bunkers, palm trees and other obstacles. Thanks to its floodlighting system, golfers can enjoy the balmy evening temperatures in Gran Canaria to practise their favourite sport. As a complement to the perfect day’s golf, visitors can enjoy the gastronomy of the magnificent restaurant at the course, El Mesón 5 Jotas.

The majority of Gran Canaria’s golf courses are in the south of the island, which is one of the sunniest areas in the world. Here we can find the breathtaking Maspalomas Golf, surrounded by a nature park of sand dunes, a protected area of more than 400 hectares, with views of the Atlantic Ocean, palm trees and fine golden sandy beaches on the horizon. The eighteen hole Par 73 course is next to the major tourist resort of the island where there are a full range of hotels, from luxury five stars to small apartments and bungalows. The dunes which surround the course are a feature incorporated into the design by Mackenzie Ross.

Long and flat, with wide fairways, the proximity of the sea and its gentle breezes make this course a pleasant experience, thanks to the alizé winds. Maspalomas Golf celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2008, a memorable event attended by Green Jacket winner José María Olazábal.

30 | Destination Golf Spain

canaries >> tenerife

Winding through the hills and valleys of the resort, this course offers an authentic challenge to players who enjoy top quality golf whilst admiring impressive views and scenery.

Salobre Golf & Resort (North) The Salobre Golf & Resort North Course is a welcome addition to the Gran Canaria golf scene.

This eighteen hole par 72 course has a style which also reflects the influence of North American courses. Winding through the hills and valleys of the resort, this course offers an authentic challenge to players who enjoy top quality golf whilst admiring impressive views and scenery. The resort also houses a five star Sheraton Hotel.

Destination Golf Spain | 31

www.destinationgolf.ie

Real Club De Las Palmas

El Cortijo Club De Campo

There are three separate courses in and around Las Palmas city, the most famous of which is Spain’s oldest golf club, the Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas, founded in 1891. The eighteen hole par 71 course, designed by Mackenzie Ross in 1956, is in Bandama.

Alongside it is an extinct volcanic crater 800 metres in diameter and 200 metres deep, testimony to the volcanic origins of the Canary Islands, some 14 millions years ago. The course enjoys spectacular views of the top of the crater and of the sea, as well as striking ravines. It’s a relatively short course with narrow fairways, small greens and hazards throughout the course. Next to the first tee is the VIK Bandama Golf Hotel for those who wish to spend the night near the course, in which the facilities and service are first class.

El Cortijo Club de Campo was the venue for the 2002 Spanish Open, and for many other international championships such as the Peugeot Oki Tours, the Spanish Professional Seniors’ Championship, and the Spanish Professional Women’s Championship. This eighteen hole par 72 course, designed by Blake Stirling and Marco Martin, is one of the longest courses in Spain, with up to six tee-offs per hole, allowing for a range of difficulty and diversity. The greens are fast, the course has six lakes and has more than 600 palm trees, and has spectacular views of the sea that surround the island. Its quality has been recognised with a TUV certificate, and the ISO14001 for environmental management.

Real Club De Las Palmas

El Cortijo Club De Campo

Alongside it is an extinct volcanic crater 800 metres in diameter and 200 metres deep, testimony to the volcanic origins of the Canary Islands, some 14 millions years ago.

The course has six lakes and has more than 600 palm trees, and has spectacular views of the sea that surround the island.

32 | Destination Golf Spain

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MAIN – Surfer gazes in awe at a red hot sunset 1 – The famous dolphin show 2 – Beach scene. Playa de la Teresitas. Tenerife 3 – Exotic flowers on Canary Islands

canaries >> tenerife

TENERIFE

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tenerife Boasting four hundred kilometres of stunning coastline, the largest of all the Canary Islands is simply a dream holiday destination.

Tenerife emerged from the depths of the Atlantic Ocean 10 million years ago and enjoys a fantastic range of scenery and microclimates. Located only 65km from the african coastline, the fresh Canary current and the gentle trade winds contribute to the “eternal spring� weather on the island and to its extraordinary diversity. This diversity offers incredible choice for visitors to the island whether looking for lively beach resorts, rural retreats or activity based holidays in its four regions. For those who are interested

in a more cultural holiday, Tenerife also has picturesque towns and villages, which preserve their traditional character.

Most tourists flock to the tourist resorts in the south of Tenerife, where you will find the greatest concentration of hotels and apartments on the island. This area is best known for its many hours of sunshine, its natural beauty and the golden sanded beaches. In Tenerife South the leisure options are outstanding, both during the day and at night.

Destination Golf Spain | 35

www.destinationgolf.ie

Its unique location offers golfers unrepeatable landscape, peace and tranquillity, in short, an incomparable, memorable course.

36 | Destination Golf Spain

Tecina Golf Built in 1987, and set in 70,000 square metres of extraordinary vegetation with more than 50 species of plants from all over the globe the Hotel Jardin Tecina is built on a hillside, designed in true Canarian Style and surrounded by paths bordered with beautiful gardens and colourful flora and fauna. The Hotel JardĂ­n Tecina is the ideal place for those seeking a healthy and rejuvenating rest in a natural environment.Within a short walk from the hotel is the Tecina Golf, an exceptional course where you will be able to enjoy some spectacular views of the sea from any fairway or green. The 18 holes, with a quite demanding par 71, ensure the enjoyment of a great golfing experience.

One of the unique aspects of this course is that it is played down a hillside with a steep incline (there is a difference of 175 m in altitude from its highest to its lowest points) providing golfers with a round that is almost continuously downhill. This means that at every hole, players will find splendid ocean views.

From every perspective, this golf course created on the island of La Gomera by designer Donald Steel is exceptional. Its unique location offers golfers unrepeatable landscape, peace and tranquillity, in short, an incomparable, memorable course.

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Golf Costa Adeje

Buenavista Golf

Golf Costa Adeje is surprising because it is superbly adapted to its surroundings. Pepe Gancedo designed an unusual layout respecting the old farm terraces that slope down to the sea framed by the original dry stone walls. With really beautiful views of the ocean, the island of La Gomera and the rugged Adeje mountains, this unique golf course features 27 holes on wide greens and obstacles such as gorges and lakes. The pleasant and spacious Club House has large terraces and a central courtyard.

An unusual feature is the lift which takes you down to the driving range in your buggy.

Located on striking cliffs and flanked by the impressive Teno Country Park, the Seve Ballesteros designed Buenavista Golf enjoys close proximity to the stunning coastline. On several of the greens it feels like you are hitting the ball into the ocean.

In the first half, the most demanding holes are the par fours and in the second half the par threes require greater precision, particularly the 15th and the 17th holes, both on the edge of a cliff. A large central lake in front of the Club House between the 9th and 18th holes and a waterfall are water obstacles that lend a fresh feel to this unusual course in North Tenerife. An enjoyable 18 holes and a Club House boasting superb panoramic views of the entire course

Amarilla Golf

Buenavista Golf

Amarilla Golf

Centro de Golf Los Palos

Right next to the ocean, the landscape designer Donald Steel created an 18-hole golf course overlooking the sea where you are sometimes obliged to drive the ball over the waves onto the next green. This is the case with the 5th hole, certainly one of the most spectacular on the course. Palm trees, cannas indicas, Canary pine trees and obstacles liven up your round of golf at this course, which also boasts fantastic views of Mount Teide.

The club has a pitch and putt course, a swimming pool and a horse riding club.

Centro de Golf Los Palos is a nine hole, par 27 golf course and a luxuriant, colourful garden. Virtually on one level and featuring refreshing water obstacles of 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.

38 | Destination Golf Spain

canaries >> tenerife

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www.destinationgolf.ie

Abama

Golf Del Sur

At this exceptional 18-hole course, golfers will find a genuine work of art created by Dave Thomas. Fabulous views of the sea and the island of La Gomera await you at all of the holes and you can improve your swing on the practice green (3 holes) or just sit and relax at the Club House. The golf course is unique, peppered with 22 lakes and over 90,000 palm trees. Facing the sea and situated in a very peaceful area in Guía de Isora, West Tenerife, the resort is ideal for a holiday with a difference in an unrivalled setting.

Golf del Sur opened in 1987 with a professional golf tournament, the first of a history of sporting events. Pepe Gancedo designed the layout which was later modified by Manuel Pinero. Pinero enhanced all the natural protected areas that surround the 27 holes, between the ravine, highlighting the beautiful indigenous flowers; cacti, palm trees and other large colourful plants. The course is known for its difficult holes 3 (par 5) and 4 (par 4) on the northern part of the course. Its wide paths are flanked by an impressive ravine of coloured rocks where spectacular indigenous cacti grow with views of Mount Teide. The entrance onto the green for the second hole (par 3) is surrounded by a large bunker of black sand which requires a great deal of accuracy.

Abama

Golf Las Americas

Real Club de Golf de Tenerife

Golf Las Americas

Founded in 19 , this is the second oldest golf club in Spain and still preserves a typically British air of distinction. Situated at 600m above sea level it boasts 18 holes in undulating fairways that ascend with a spectacular view of Teide. The dry stream beds play a part in several holes. The 4th hole is one of the most difficult because you have to be on the green at the second stroke, as there are out of bounds to the left and drops to the right.

Impressive old trees make it very pleasant and give some shade in parts of the round.

In the centre of Playa de Las Américas, one of the most famous holiday resorts in the south of the island, Golf Las Américas stands out for its fantastic location in a natural amphitheatre facing the sea with superb ocean views of the island of La Gomera. The designer, John Jacobs, gave priority to the obstacles on this 18 hole, par 72 course, which covers a total of 6,039 metres. The club house is an architectural gem with comfortable balconies offering excellent views of the golf course.

40 | Destination Golf Spain

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MAIN – Picturesque view towards the cathedral La Seu; 1 – Man and a little girl fishing in the evening 2 – Port de Soller, Majorca 3 – Cathedral of Palma de Majorca in soft late evening sun

balearic islands >> mallorca

MALLORCA

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mallorca Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic islands and has many interesting attractions for tourists. The island boasts an average of 300 days of sunshine each year.

This, combined with numerous excellent beaches, with fine golden sand and clear blue seas, means that Mallorca is understandably a popular destination for tourists.

A sport that has rapidly grown in popularity around the island is golf. All of the Balearic Islands are quite a paradise

for golf lovers as tourists are anxious to play the “green sport�. There has been a proliferation of golf clubs dotted around three main islands; Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca. At present there is a total of twenty two golf couses in Mallorca. Here a golfer will find a diverse choice of excellent courses and hotel accommodation to suit everyones budget.

Destination Golf Spain | 43

www.destinationgolf.ie

Son Gual Golf

Golf Park Puntiro

Son Gual opened in October 2007 and was the dawning of a dream that began in 1995 to design and lay out a high quality golf course. It is set in the grounds of the Finca Son Gual near to the village of Sant Jordi, and in the “Valley of a Thousand Windmills”.

The course was designed by the former German amateur champion, Thomas Himmel and it boasts some wonderful bunkers and more than 1,000 olive trees. There are plans to add a second 9-hole course at some later date.

Golf Park (Puntiro) is part of the Golf Park Entertainment Group which was founded in 1997. This is their third course, following ones in Madrid and Marbella. A Jack Nicklaus Designs course, it takes wonderful advantage of the natural terrain this part of Mallorca offers. It is situated just outside Palma on the road to Sineu, 5 kms after the village of Son Ferriol. There is a 240 yard driving range with 42 practice bays (14 covered). There is also a coaching studio where you can sit and watch a video of your game. The Golf Academy benefits from the Jack Nicklaus teaching technique and all instructors have undergone a three month course of instruction.

Son Gual Golf

Golf Maioris

Golf Maioris

Canyamel Golf Course

Golf Maioris was opened in 2007 and is the second course in the Pula Golf group. A championship-standard course, it is set amongst the classic Mallorquin landscape of pine, carob and olive trees, and offers a stern challenge to any golfer - four lakes and two “island” greens see to that! After a fairly easy par four to start the second drive has to miss the large pine trees in the centre of the fairway and then players have to negotiate a challenging green. The par-5 4th is one of the “island” greens, and judging distance accurately is the key to this great hole. Another notable hole is the par-3 13th. It is only 142 metres (yellow tees) but the green is surrounded on three sides by water. Overall an enjoyable course for players of all standards that also has a superb clubhouse and bar at the 19th.

Canyamel golf course opened in 1989 and its 6,000 metres offers a hilly front nine holes and a slightly longer and flat back nine but a lot of water makes up for its flatness and is a real test of any player’s ability. Set in a small valley, the natural terrain was perfect for designing a golf course, which is just what designer José Gancedo did. The view of the mountains on the inward nine make a spectacular backdrop to a course that is set in an unspoilt part of Mallorca, and, being close to the sea, some of the outward holes offer great views of the Mediterranean. From the 5th tee you can see Menorca on a clear day. A well maintained course with exceptionally well kept greens, many of the fairways are wide, thus giving the high handicap players chance to make amends for wayward tee shots. Many of the natural old stone walls have been left intact around the course and one of the best known landmarks on all of the Mallorcan golf courses is the stone house in the middle of the 9th fairway.

44 | Destination Golf Spain

balearic islands >> mallorca

Capdepera Golf Course

Pula Golf Club & Course

A Dan Maples designed course, Capdepera, also known as Roca Viva, was opened in 1991. It is set in beautiful countryside and whilst it is surrounded by mountains it also offers some spectacular views of the Mediterranean. The view as you stand on the 15th tee and look out over the valley to the Med. is something special and typifies the attraction of Mallorcan golf courses. The golf course is divided into two halves: The first nine holes are flat with long fairways, while the second nine holes start off with three flat holes before rising into the Artá mountains. There are six artificial lakes and three of these make their presence felt on the 5th, 11th and 18th holes. But it is a course which many regard as the finest and fairest in Mallorca and is a true test for high and low handicap players. The club house is extremely comfortable and is the ideal place to sit and analyse your round - or drown your sorrows, as the case may be. For that special night out then the Roca Viva Restaurant, overlooking the course, offers the very highest quality in international and Mallorquin cuisine as well as an intimate setting.

One of Mallorca’s newest golf courses, Pula opened at the end of 1995 and in 2001 underwent major re-construction work with changes to all but a handful of holes. Despite being so new, it is already well known thanks to many top class tournaments which attract many well known names from the world of show business and sport. Pula also hosted Mallorca’s first ‘Skins Game’ in 1997 when José Maria Olazabal, Mark McNulty, Carl Suneson and Bernhard Langer took part. Olazabal reckons it is amongst the top 20 courses in Spain. Designed by Francisco Segalés, Pula is a flat course with some wonderful views of both mountains and the sea. It is built on the site of an ancient estate and many natural elements have remained in place. The clubhouse and shop facilities are second to none and with the proposed leisure complex it will make Pula one of the highest quality courses in Mallorca.

Real Golf De Bendinat

Golf De Andratx

Real Golf De Bendinat

Golf De Andratx

The original Bendinat 9-hole course, designed by Martin Hawtree, opened in 1986. The second nine holes were added in 1996. Close to the city of Palma, Bendinat is in the Calvia municipality and is set in a valley. Many of the tees are elevated, and most of the fairways are tree lined and have severe slopes. The difficult greens then add to the challenge the Bendinat course offers. The undulating and varying terrain gives the golfer the opportunity to use all 14 clubs in his bag (the maximum!). The views over the Bay of Palma from the course are spectacular to say the least and the flora and wildlife around the course are a joy to see. And following an agreement with the Audubon ecological group in New York, the Bendinat Golf Club has created its own special nature reserve and is one of only 15 golf courses in Europe to take this step. The nature conservancy move is just one of the many attractions Bendinat has to offer over and above its golf course; art exhibitions and open air concerts are just two of the attractions that bring people from all over the island to this south-west course.

The Andratx golf course at Camp de Mar is one of Mallorca’s newest courses and was opened in 2000. Magnificently laid out, its design is credited to the Gleneagles Golf Development. It is a long course but is well maintained and exceptionally well run.

The Royal Dorint Hotel, which is adjacent to the 18th green, offers the best in five star luxury and the clubhouse is of the highest standard, as one would expect from such a new course and, like so many Mallorcan golf courses, part of the course is surrounded by property developments. But the remainder is set in unspoilt Mallorquin countryside. There are more than 60 bunkers on the course and them, along with the seven lakes and tricky narrow fairways add to the severity of a beautiful, if not challenging golf course. Good and accurate driving has never been more of a requisite than it is at Golf de Andratx.

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Golf Pollensa Club and Golf Course

Golf de Poniente

The nine hole Pollensa course can be simply described as: hilly with narrow fairways, loads of sand and great views - plus the need to be an expert rally driver to manoeuvre the buggy around the course!

The course, which opened in 1986, has undergone a few changes in recent years with the help of a former member of the Jack Nicklaus golf course designing team, Mike Pinner, but it remains one of the most picturesque of all the Balearic golf courses, with wonderful views over the Bay of Pollensa. Bordering the Mediterranean, this José Gancedo designed course is one of the most beautiful courses in the Balearics and has been very well designed, taking full advantage of the unspoilt Mallorquin countryside, and many of the natural stone walls surround the course.

At first sight one thinks there are bunkers everywhere, but there aren’t - there is an abundance of white sand around the course.

The clubhouse facilities are excellent and offers saunas and a fitness and massage room.

One of Mallorca’s oldest courses, the John Harris course was opened in 1978 and is a well designed course that even the best of players find it hard to beat at times, but it remains a tough but fair course.

The views from the 8th, and 16th holes are exhilarating and make you appreciate the beauty of this course, and it is hard to believe that you are only minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the thriving resort of Magalluf. The wide fairways are a feature of Poniente, but don’t be fooled into thinking that makes the course any easier; they don’t, because many slope away unsuspectingly.

The large greens are also devious at times. But the main hazards on this course are the many trees which line the fairways and have been home to many wayward tee shots. The 10th hole is probably one of the best golf holes in Mallorca. Stroke index 1, it does not appear that hard, but out of bounds on the right and a lot of water to negotiate make it a great hole to achieve your par on. For nature lovers, Poniente is a haven of plants, flowers and wildlife.

Golf Pollensa Club and Golf Course

Santa Ponsa Golf Course I, II & III

Santa Ponsa Golf Course I, II & III

La Rotana Private Golf Course

Santa Ponsa I is one of the Championship Mallorca golf courses, it played host to the Balearic Open when it was part of the European PGA Tour schedule on six occasions between 1988 and 1998. Severiano Ballesteros won the Open twice at the Santa Ponsa golf course. The course was designed by Falco Nordi and opened in 1977. It is probably one of the best known and most used golf courses in Mallorca and many well-known celebrities from the world of sport, entertainment, politics and royalty visit the Santa Ponsa golf course when they are on the island.

It is a very demanding course with wide, but sloping, fairways.

Water comes into play on five of the holes and the 590 metre 10th is one of the longest holes in Europe. The course is now set amongst a large golf urbanisation and the properties around the course are much sought after residences. The Santa Ponsa II and III courses are for the use of shareholders and visitors by invitation only.

Located at the La Rotana Hotel in Manacor, this 9 hole course is for the exclusive use of guests at the hotel.

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Son Termens Golf Course

Son Vida Golf Course

The first thing that strikes you about Son Termens is its friendliness. Open since May 1998, Son Termens is a picturesque yet demanding golf course that has been superbly laid out using many local features and a lot of initiative ideas from designers, The Harris Group and José Rodriguez. A hilly course, it is surrounded by mountains and offers panoramic views towards the Bay of Palma. Set in a valley, it probably takes advantage of its natural terrain more than any other golf course in the Balearics.

Son Termens prides itself in its greens which are of the highest standard. But many of them are protected by bunkers, trees and ravines. This course leaves very little margin for error but, no matter what your handicap, you will always enjoy testing you skills against its par 70.

Son Vida is the oldest golf course in Mallorca. Designed by Fred Hawtree, it was opened by Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1964 and is now the most prestigious golf course in Mallorca as it is set amongst some of the most luxurious properties on the island.

Countless almond, carob, pine and palm trees can be found around the course which has undergone total renovation after being closed throughout the year 2001. To treat yourself to that bit of luxury then why not combine a round or two at Son Vida with a stay at either the Arabella Sheraton Golf Hotel Son Vida or the Hotel Son Vida, both of which are five star hotels. Clients of these two hotels can exclusively use the adjacent Son Muntaner course.

Son Muntaner Golf Course

Son Quint Golf Course

Son Muntaner Golf Course

Son Quint Golf Course

Son Muntaner is a par 72 course measuring 6,266 metres from the back tees. Son Muntaner was opened in March 2000 and holds two important environment friendly certificates. It was designed by Kurt Rossknecht and is a great championship course surrounded by majestic native vegetation. It is probably Mallorca`s most exclusive course and the green fees reflect this fact. There also is a golf school at Son Muntaner for those wanting to sharpen up.

Son Quint opened in September 2007 and is the third course in the Arabella group. It is undulating, rather than hilly, and the course is forgiving for the less talented but still a tough challenge for those trying to beat par. The lake on the par-3 12th is particularly daunting. The greens are fast and will get even quicker as the cut level is reduced. The course entrance is on the right before entering the Son Vida urbanisation in Palma de Mallorca.

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balearic islands >> mallorca

Son Servera Golf Course

Vall D’or Golf Course

The second oldest golf course in Mallorca, Son Servera was opened in 1967 and was designed by John Harris. Despite having only nine holes it is a challenging golf course and demands accuracy off the tee as most of the fairways are narrow and tree lined. It also calls for the ability to read greens well as they are very fast at times. The opening hole can often decide how the rest of your round is going to go ... the second shot to the green is blind and the result of that shot can often decide whether it makes or breaks your round. Surrounded by mountains it is tucked away in a quiet backwater at Costa de los Pinos but is only minutes away from the resorts of Cala Bona and Cala Millor.

Situated close to the sea it is nevertheless, set in a delightfully peaceful part of the island.

When it opened in 1985 Vall D’Or was a nine-hole courses designed by Bill Bendy. His original nine holes, which now form the back nine, are set amongst a variety of trees; carob, olive, almond and, of course, pine trees and compared to the outward nine are very hilly. The holes that currently make up the first nine were designed by Bradford Benz and opened in 1993. They too are set amongst trees but mostly pines. However, in between the trees you get spectacular views of the Med. looking out towards the resorts of Porto Colom and Cala D’Or. Unlike the back nine which are very compact fairways, the opening nine holes are spread out more. The opening hole is a relatively easy par-3 but that is followed by a tough 330 metres par-4. The first nine comes to a close with a par-5 which is stroke index 18, making it the easiest hole on the course - which might be true if it were not for the seven bunkers and a lake. At just over 5,500 metres (from the yellow tees) the course is not particularly tough and gives the high handicap player an opportunity to return a satisfying card!

Son Servera Golf Course

Marriott Son Antem Golf Course

Marriott Son Antem Golf Course (East)

Marriott Son Antem Golf Course (West)

The Marriott Son Antem Golf Resort Spa offers golfers the chance to stay at one of Europe’s top hotels and at the same time play golf on two of Mallorca’s leading golf courses, as well as enjoy the other sporting facilities on offer at this purpose built sporting complex. The East Course opened in 1994 and is a championship course measuring 6,274 metres. It is laid out on what used to be hunting ground, and for that reason you will come across a wide variety of animals and birds during your round. A well designed golf course, the wide and long fairways allow the high-handicap player to recover from bad tee shots.

There is plenty of rough, and a good supply of spare balls is recommended!

The Marriott Son Antem Golf Resort Spa offers golfers the chance to stay at one of Europe’s top hotels and at the same time play golf on two of Mallorca’s leading golf courses, as well as enjoy the other sporting facilities on offer at this purpose built sporting complex. The East Course opened in 1994 and is a championship course measuring 6,274 metres. It is laid out on what used to be hunting ground, and for that reason you will come across a wide variety of animals and birds during your round. A well designed golf course, the wide and long fairways allow the high-handicap player to recover from bad tee shots.

There is plenty of rough, and a good supply of spare balls is recommended!

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Club de Golf Alcanada When Robert Trent Jones designed this course, his philosophy was “easy bogeys and difficult pars” and without doubt he succeeded.

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Opened in 2003, Alcanada Golf Course is the nearest thing to a links course on the island. When Robert Trent Jones designed this course, his philosophy was “easy bogeys and difficult pars” and without doubt he succeeded. Not a course for beginners, but the reasonably confident golfer will appreciate his skill in creating a hard but fair 18 holes. The only course situated by the sea, Alcanada gives golfers the opportunity to soak up the fantastic views of Alcudia bay while they play a round or two. This golf course has been built in an ‘environmentally sensitive’ area that also means you may be met by wild birds and other wild life to brighten up your game.

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MAIN – A relaxing day on the beach along the Costa del Sol coastline 1 – Rocky Coast of Cabo de Gata 2 – Luxury yachts in the famous Puerto Banus Harbour 3 – A view of Antequera town from above

andalucia >> malaga

MALAGA

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2

3

malaga The Province of Malaga provides more than a bustling city lifestyle. White villages with their attractive architecture, bring points of light into secluded valleys where life goes by peacefully.

Ancient and Cosmopolitan Malaga in the past still retains its historic roots intact.

In long-gone times it bore witness to the origins of Mediterranean culture, and is today the primary force in the Andalusian tourist industry, keeping alive its tradition of a welcoming and creative land.

From the high peaks around Malaga province you can look at the horizon until it gently drops into the immense blue seas and the long coastline with bustling resorts.

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Alhaurín Golf

Añoreta Golf

Located near the town of Alhaurín el Grande, inland past Mijas, Alhaurín Golf and Equestrian Club was designed by Severiano Ballesteros and once completed offers one of the most comprehensive golfing experiences in the region. A thought has even been spared for juniors who have their own 18 hole course where adults are not allowed unaccompanied. There is also a par three course and practice facilities are very good. The course is up and down and fairways are long and narrow so straight hitting is a must in order to avoid bunkers, lakes and the colourful array of flowers which make the rough look almost inviting. Playing here, however, is less intimidating than it appears and with up to six teeing areas at each hole Alhaurín is adaptable to various standards of golfer. Relax and enjoy the challenge and the views.

A parkland course, and the first foray into golf design by José María Cañizares, Añoreta is only the second to be built east of Málaga at the resort town of Rincón de la Victoria. It offers a good challenge and is improving with age, something which summer golfers will welcome as the trees nature and the shady areas offer relief from the heat. Water is a major feature, used at eleven holes and unforgettable at the 17th where the green is surrounded on three sides. Most fairways are ample, as are the greens and tees. The 3rd and 7th holes are difficult but spectacular and while the monster 3rd (528 m) offers wonderful sea views from the tee you may not thank Mr. Cañizares if you drive into the water hazard. The par four 8th, with a dogleg to the right is, at 420 metres, full of trouble. Watch out for the lake situated to the right of the fairway

Alhaurín Golf

Cabopino Golf Marbella

La Siesta Golf

Cabopino Golf Marbella

La Siesta is a purpose-built course located at Calahonda and although it is a private club visiting golfers are always welcome.

Enrique Canales designed the layout which presents the variety that would lead one to believe one is playing a much longer course, largely due to the varying distances between tees to greens. The 7th hole may even require a wood to reach the green.

After a round retire to the clubhouse and enjoy the views of the sea and the final hole.

This new course was opened in April 2001 and designed by Juan Ligues Creus. Located at the eastern extremity of Marbella offers a layout lined by pines, jacarandas, acacias, olives and other trees.

It features a modern design and is a challenging par70 test of golf.

The course benefits from the irrigation of recycled water from a plant close by so at times you might find a course that is firm and challenging. The golfer has the chance to use all fourteen clubs while enjoying superb Mediterranean views. The hole everybody talks about it the par 3 third, which has an impressive 200 metre drop off the cliff face. They also have great training facilities through the Ayermich Golf School.

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Atalaya Golf Old Course

Practice facilities are excellent and include one of the largest driving ranges in Spain that hosts the International Golf Academy.

Opened in 1966, Atalaya Old Course opened for play in 1966. Although it has undergone a few changes over the years, it prides itself on being a mature golf course that has been nurtured and maintained by skilled ground staff over the years. It’s richly-coloured flower beds and atmospheric club house, provides a different kind of golf experience on the Costa.

The parkland course, designed by Bernhard von Limburger, offers wide fairways and fast elevated greens. All holes are lined with Eucalyptus and pine which act as natural hazards and give shade in the summer. Thanks to the choice of tee positions at each hole Atalaya is ideal for less expert players but it also plays host to a number of pro-ams and professional tournaments each year. Its apparently benign parkland aspect with gently sloping fairways makes it an ideal course for the average club golfer - but plentiful bunkers filled with sparkling ‘marmolina’ sand, fast greens, lush vegetation and fairways lined with olive, pine, cactus and eucalyptus trees prove a challenge for single-figure players as well. Practice facilities are excellent and include one of the largest driving ranges in Spain that hosts the International Golf Academy. The Ryder Cup bar is the perfect place to unwind on the terrace with a drink.

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La Quinta Golf & Spa Resort The club is well appointed with modern facilities with a golf academy, restaurant and Hotel.

Majestically overlooking Marbella’s Golf Valley is the pioneering La Quinta development and course, designed by Antonio García Garrido and Manuel Piùero.

La Quinta Golf has three 9-hole courses integrated in the natural surroundings of the area. Some holes are unforgivingly up and down and demand accuracy and stamina. Most tees are elevated affording excellent visibility and fairways are wide to receive good tee shots, but beware of trees, water and large yet shallow fairway bunkers. More fearsome deeper bunkers also lie in wait for stray approach shots. The long 15th, a dogleg left, is rated the most difficult hole. The club is well appointed with modern facilities with a golf academy, restaurant and Hotel.

Lumine Lakes

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Atalaya Golf New Course

Baviera Golf

Atalaya New Course offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean and Gibraltar and is seen as one of the most natural courses on the coast. Created in 1990 by Paul Krings, the New Course is set further inland, but has a similar parkland feel about it - with gently undulating fairways and large, fast greens.

It would be fair to say that, in general, hazards are obvious but still manage to trap the unwary. Care is needed off the tees and the wild hitter will soon encounter difficulties. The New Course is rapidly catching up with the Old in terms of quality and in the summer months there are great bargains to be had for the holiday golfer.

This course, located in the Axarquía area to the east of Málaga, in the municipality of Vélez-Málaga, opened a second nine last year.

Baviera Golf, designed by José María Cañizares, is a flat course, fairly easy except for the greens which are large, on average, 700 square metres with slopes and swales. The fairways are very forgiving 80 to 90 metres wide and without climbs or drops.

These are four lakes on the first nine, affecting the 3rd , 4th , and 5th holes. The signature hole is the 4th , a par 5 of 500 metres where two lakes come into play, one with an expanse of water covering 15,000 square metres and the other protecting entry to the green.

Atalaya Golf New Course

Baviera Golf

Artola Golf

Guadalhorce Club de Golf

Designed by Jorge Rein this nine hole pitch and putt provides hotel guests or visiting golfers an ideal form of relaxation during long summer evenings. With short, flat fairways and oval greens Artola offers the fully fledge golfer, with an hour to spare, a reasonably priced practice facility. For learners it provides an opportunity to get the feel of a golf course and become acquainted with the finer point of chipping and putting without the daunting prospect of 18 holes amongst more practiced golfers.

Guadalhorce is a Spanish - Finnish venture. The Kosti Kuronen designed course is a green oasis which provides a welcome escape from the Málaga city bustle and it has made a name for itself as one of the most hospitable clubs on the coast. The front nine holes have a European feel and have been adapted to the mainly flat terrain. However, the rough is difficult and watch out for rolling banks and tricky greens. Considerable earthworks on the back nine have produced a more American style layout, with lakes, tropical vegetation and raised greens which are generally very large. Fairways are wide giving long hitters the chance to stretch themselves. The imposing Andalucian Manor House offers extensive social facilities, its own tennis club, swimming pool and excellent restaurant. The club hosts weekly competitions open to visitors.

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andalucia >> malaga

Club de Campo La Zagaleta

Club Mijas Golf Los Olivos

Nestling in the hills above Benahavís La Zagaleta is one of the Costa del Sol´s most recent golf clubs. Ranging over 1,000 hectares the complex has been developed within a nature reserve so look out for the many diverse species of vegetation and wildlife which inhabit this conservation zone. Designed by Californian Bradford Benz, the club is to remain strictly private, for the pleasure of members and their guests who are also provided with a hunting reserve, heliport, equestrian centre and a fine clubhouse. With magnificent views over the hills of Benahavís to Gibraltar La Zagaleta is one of the most beautiful courses on the coast and just far enough away from ‘civilisation’ to make one feel they are in a different world.

In many ways Los Olivos represents the antithesis of its neighbour, Los Lagos. Also a Robert Trent Jones design it is younger (1983) and shorter than its sister course but also there is less water here, the fairways are more narrow, there are more trees and it is more undulating. Greens are smaller and many are elevated.

The par three 4th is the most spectacular hole with magnificent panoramic views from the raised tees. The small green, tucked away below and protected by three bunkers, demands cool nerve and accurate tee shot. Generally the course favours the precision golfer rather than the big hitter. Mijas Golf is a hospitable club with a pay-as-you-play policy. The Andalucian-style clubhouse with its grapevine covered patio is similarly welcoming and comfortable.

Club Mijas Golf Los Lagos

Club Mijas Golf Los Olivos

Club Mijas Golf Los Lagos

Club de Golf El Candado

Mijas is probably one of the busiest, most popular golf complex on the Costa del Sol. It has two 18 hole layouts which are ideal for enjoyable holiday golf. Los Lagos course, which opened in 1976, was designed by Robert Trent Jones and the hallmarks are apparent: wide fairways, large raised greens, and an extravagant application of vast bunkers and water. Eight lakes yet few trees give an impression of freedom and space. One of the most characteristic and difficult holes is the par five 13th. Seen from elevated tees it looks deceptively easy but at the approach to the green there is water left and right. Also beware of the slope as even a well hit shot is in danger of rolling off green into the water. The 5th, 571 metre monster, is also ‘interesting’! The course is almost free of rough and is practically flat except for a slight incline up the 18th hole.

El Candado, considered one of the golfing pioneers of the Costa del Sol, is situated in a valley five kilometres east of Málaga, near the El Palo district. Carlos Fernández designed the nine hole course which opened in 1968 and which, although just 2,362 metres long, offers the visiting player a fair test of golf particularly on the small undulating greens. With horseriding, sailing and tennis available non-golfers are well catered for and will enjoy the friendly atmosphere of this historic club.

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Club De Golf Aloha

El Chaparral Golf Club

Designed by Javier Arana this 18-hole course is one of the best known on the Costa del Sol. It has benefitted from improvements over recent years. Fairways have been replanted and the clubhouse and changing rooms have been refurbished to include a sauna. Aloha is a private club which welcomes visitors, although members do have priority. Aloha also has a 9-hole par3 course, 2 putting greens and a practise area. The varied vegetation makes each hole different to play and as a rule if you hit straight and manage to stay on the ample fairways you´ll be safe. The large, often difficult greens however keep you on your toes, none more so than the heavily guarded 10th, a par five whose bordering lakes make it memorable for its natural beauty. Situated in Marbella´s Golf Valley Aloha is one of the coast´s most popular and respected courses.

El Chaparral Golf Club is one of the most symbolic courses on the Costa del Sol. Since its reopening, it has established itself as a quality course with the unique layout of six par 3’s, six par 4’s and six par 5’s. The 6000 metre layout offers great variety and demands high levels of skill and accuracy. It is set in unique surroundings of local vegetation and pine trees, with magnificent sea views. Under guidance of Aymerich Golf Management, facilities at El Chaparral are exceptional

Club De Golf Aloha

El Chaparral Golf Club

Coto de la Serena Golf

Santana Golf & Country Golf

The tranquil atmosphere of the Japanese-style gardens of Coto de la Serena is perfect for a relaxing round of golf. Pedro Morán designed the layout which is located within a residential estate between San Pedro and Estepona. Accuracy off the tees is needed as the course winds through lush vegetation and is divided by a meandering stream. The club is private but visiting golfers are welcome and encouraged to take part in the regular competitions and use the very good practice facilities.

Santana Golf is a spectacular course, both for its design ( by Cabell Robinson) and its location - in an old avocado farm that has retained all its former ‘flavour’. Located in Mijas´s ‘Golf Valley’, Santana is one of the newer courses on the Costa del Golf. The layout 6,203 metre par 72 layout is pretty flat, very well formed, with wide fairways, expansive greens and strategically located paths between avocado trees. Situated between two rivers, with a creek passing through, the course provides the sensation of being in an absolutely natural environment away from the hustle and bustle of the coast but just a few hundred metres from the sea, main highway and hotels of Fuengirola and Mijas. The presence of preserved avocado trees makes players feel they on an established course, with mature vegetation.

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Greenlife Golf The layout is well defined by its abundant vegetation including palm trees and oaks.

Greenlife Golf Club is a nine hole Par-3 course of 1.142 metres. With narrow, well prepared fairways, the holes run from the shortest at 89 metres to the longest at 169 metres. The greens are large and offer a considerable variety of pin placings. The course is ideal for starters and expert golfers wishing to keep their eye in. The layout is well defined by its abundant vegetation including palm trees and oaks.

There are water features on the first and second holes and there is a river adjacent to the fifth and ninth. The club has a golf school and is the perfect place to perfect your touch before taking on some of the bigger courses on the door step.

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Parador Malaga The 12th is a good example of lurking danger with its stand of eucalyptus to the right requiring a perfect drive to reach the green in two.

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Strength and strategy are the keynotes to successfully negotiating the oldest course on the coast. Inaugurated by the Spanish Royal Family in 1925 it was designed by Scottish architect Tom Simpson, of Turnberry and Muirfield renown. In 1992 the Royal Club de Campo hosted the inaugural TurespaĂąa Masters Open de AndalucĂ­a won by Vijay Singh. State owned and run in conjunction with the adjoining Parador the club is part links, with natural lagoons formed by sea water and part parkland where the holes form avenues between stands of trees which are home to flocks of colourful parakeets. Although the course is flat with wide fairways the trees make things more difficult. The 12th is a good example of lurking danger with its stand of eucalyptus to the right requiring a perfect drive to reach the green in two.

andalucia >> malaga

Golf Torrequebrada

Real Club de Golf Las Brisas

Why move earth when a golf hole should follow the natural contours? was the philosophy of Pepe Gancedo when he designed Torrequebrada. Not surprisingly the course is tortuous but the panoramic views and variety at each hole make up for the undulating terrain. As for natural hazards, there are plenty of trees and bushes, six holes are affected by water and there are numerous strategically placed bunkers. The 16th, a short par four, is a dogleg to the right with a downhill second shot towards an elevated green where the pin is barely visible. The wind can also influence your play at the home club of PGA European Tour professional Miguel Angel Jiminez. Opened in 1976 Torrequebrada has hosted many world class tournaments including the Spanish Open, and operating a liberal public golf policy it is very popular with visitors.

Royal Las Brisas is one of the ultimate challenges to club golfers and professionals. This Robert Trent Jones design opened in 1969 and is recognised as one of Europe´s finest courses. Since 1970 the course has hosted a wealth of top golf evens such as the Spanish Open, the Spanish Amateur Open, the Nations Cup and the World Cup to name but a few. In fact, our own Eamonn Darcy claimed the Spanish Open here in 1983. A typical Trent Jones design it features raised greens and numerous, strategically placed sand traps. Water is a major feature and must be crossed or avoided on twelve holes. Beware of the three opening holes which require concentration but are not especially difficult, they are a deceptive introduction to the following fifteen. Another resident of Marbella’s Golf Valley, Royal Las Brisas welcome visitors all year although members do have priority.

Golf Torrequebrada

Santa Clara Golf

Miraflores Golf

Santa Clara Golf

One of the Costa del Sol´s top leisure and resort developments.

Miraflores is located in the hills of Mijas Costa and offers breathtaking views of the countryside down to the sea. The centrally located clubhouse is perfectly positioned to take advantage of the magnificent panoramic scenery. Designed by Folco Nardi the course has a number of elevated greens which require some tough walking so a buggy is often a good idea. The 18th green is one of the more tricky greens with severe slopes.

Memorable holes for different reasons include the 570 metre 12th, where a lake divides the fairway, the 15th where water forms a moat around the green, the 5th and 6th which have tee shots over water and the 8th with its spectacular view of the out-of-bounds countryside. Miraflores is sited 14 kilometres west of Fuengirola and 15 kilometres east of Marbella.

The golf course at Santa Clara is designed by Enrique Canales Busquest. The large greens and a variety of tees are complimented by a design that is respectful to the natural environment of indigenous wildlife and vegetation. The par 71 layout is 5,878 metres long but has different tees to cater for all types of golfer.

The course is cleverly 80 per cent free of rough, further making it the ideal course for less experienced golfers. That said, beware of some tricky greens that can run up scores. Santa Clara has a spectacular corner (holes 12-14) and another advantage is that from every tee the correspond green is visible.

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Guadalmina Norte

Guadalmina Sur

Guadalmina now has a total of 45 golf holes: two 18 hole courses - Guadalmina Norte and Guadalmina Sur - and a new nine hole pitch and putt, and under its new ownership it´s looking better all the time. Considered less difficult than the South Course, the North was designed by Folco Nardi and opened in 1975. Forming two loops of nine holes it starts and ends at the clubhouse. The terrain is more undulating, there are fewer trees, and there is more water which comes into play in the form of lakes at the 7th and 11th holes, and a stream which bisects the course north to south.

The 10th descends in a broad swoop to a well bunkered green near the main road, and the short 11th calls for a drive over a small lake. At the par four 17th the river comes into play. Most club competitions at Guadalmina are played on the North Course.

Guadalmina South is considered the most difficult of the club’s 45 holes and opened in 1959. Designed by Javier Arana it is the Costa del Sol’s second oldest course and is characterised by wide fairways, free of rough, which wind between mature shade-giving trees. The raised greens are an encouragement to attack the pin.

Henry Cotton named the long 6th hole ‘Tipperary’ - It’s a long way to go!. The 10th and 11th are next to the sea. At the latter savour the calm before the storm of the 12th: to the left is a river and to the right a private garden therefore a good, straight 150 metre drive is required. At the 14th a bunker waits to catch anything that falls short and from the tee tunnel vision is an advantage in order to successfully drive between two stands of tall pine. Save strength for consecutive par five’s await at 16 and 17.

Marbella Golf & Country Club

Guadalmina

Marbella Golf & Country Club

Monte Paraíso Golf

Designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Senior, and located just 5 minutes drive from the cosmopolitan town of Marbella, the course at Marbella Golf & Country Club provides one of the best and most challenging golfing experiences in the whole of Europe.

Opened in 1994 and occupying one of the largest remaining green areas on the Costa del Sol, the 6,000 metre long 18-hole course with a par of 72, has been imaginatively designed to respect the natural terrain. The facilities the club house offers are the magnificent El Olivo Restaurant, conference rooms, a Pro-shop, a driving range and putting green, tennis courts and a Wellness Centre offering yoga and pilates classes and a variety of massages and treatments.

This nine-hole par-3 course was designed by Manuel Pinero, and is located only two minutes away from the centre of Marbella. It features beautiful sea views and a good chance to perfect the short game skills. It has carefully manicured fairways and wide greens. The holes range from 71 to 149 metres, with the third, fourth and fifth presenting most difficulties. Its layout winds around hills, lakes and slight slopes, while the installations are complemented by a putting area and clubhouse which includes, among other amenities, a restaurant, Turkish baths and a heated pool.

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andalucia >> malaga

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Sunset Beach Club Sunset Beach Club is an FBD resort located in southern Spain offering outstanding services to golfers visiting the Costa del Sol. This 4* hotel offers great value apartment-style accommodation ideal for two golfers sharing, and the wardrobe is even designed to cater for golf clubs!

Located just 15 minutes from Málaga airport and within 30 minutes of many of the Costa del Sol’s favourite golf courses, the hotel’s friendly Golf Desk offers complete services to the travelling golfer. These include pre-booked tee times at preferential rates, arrangement of car hire or transfers, and for larger groups and societies, they can also assist with organizing prize-giving parties, as well as activities for “non-golf” days.

A hearty buffet breakfast provides the perfect start the day, and the popular evening Happy Hour in the hotel’s Panorama Bar is where golfers meet to compare notes over a relaxing drink, or two!

www.sunsetbeachclub.com

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andalucia >> malaga

Golf Río Real

Valle Romano

Designed by Spain´s number one achitect, Javier Arana, Río Real opened in 1965 and follows a wide incline down towards the sea. Otherwise the course is flat. With wonderful views, wellestablished trees that offer much appreciated shade, and the River Real intersecting the course at various points golf here is a very pleasant experience. Holes 4 and 5 run close to the sea and are reached by an underpass beneath the Málaga-Cádiz coast road. The 6th, a par three requires a particularly accurate tee shot to avoid the hillside on the right whilst at the 8th, although it is not especially difficult hole, one must avoid the bunkers which protect a raised green. The dogleg 10th is a pretty par four leading to a spectacular 11th tee which looks down to a green whose access lies across the river which gives the course its name Río Real.

Valle Romano, in Estepona, is an outstanding 18-hole course, fitted out to play host to the most demanding and prestigious tournaments. Its design guarantees the enjoyment of amateur golfers, while being transformed into a challenging circuit for professionals. This is a course which, more than being designed, has been devised to ensure that one day it will become a legend.

It also boasts a fully-equipped Club House: shop, restaurant, locker room and changing rooms with sauna, etc. Also a Golf School and floodlit driving range where learning is a pleasure.

That’s Valle Romano Golf: a complete golf course, on the Costa del Sol.

Golf Río Real Valle Romano

Golf La Dama de Noche

El Paraíso Golf Club

For true golfing addicts and insomniacs Enrique Canales designed Europe’s first twenty-four hour golfing paradise. The course takes its name from the plant whose nocturnal, intoxicating fragrance helpfully keeps the mosquitoes at bay. The lighting system is arranged so as to cast no shadows thus giving daylight quality and maximum visibility and the absence of rough ensures a round of golf here doesn’t become a farce of hunting for the ball.

Originally developed by Belgian ex-colonials from Zaire this Gary Player designed course is now owned by club shareholders.

El Paraiso is very popular on the coast with both residents and visitors due to reasonable rates, a friendly atmosphere and weekly competitions. Don’t be surprised if you hear a few Irish accents in the bar! The well laid out course offers wide fairways, which are bordered by heavy rough and divided by streams, many of which are out of sight. The 7th hole, a par three, is regarded as one of the most difficult, requiring a great tee shot over water to the green which is guarded by two bunkers. The 13th and 14th holes are memorable for their large trees and lakes. The clubhouse is sited at the heart of the course and offers relaxing, unpretentious surroundings in which to unwind after the round.

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The principal facilities include a luxury hotel with its impressive 1,300 m2 Caracala Spa with many après-golf treatments available, the clubhouse and three 18-hole golf courses designed by Cabell B. Robinson. It is also the location of the only David Leadbetter Golf Academy in the country as well as a testing par-3 layout.

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La Cala Golf Resort Irish owned La Cala Resort is an exclusive residential and recreational estate of approximately 1,000 acres and situated between the Sierra de Mijas Nature Park and the Mediterranean on Spain’s Costa del Sol. Although located in a tranquil area, the resort is only 20 minutes from Marbella and 30 minutes from Malaga Airport, making it the perfect location for golfers visiting the favoured European destination for golf holidays.

The principal facilities include a luxury hotel with its impressive 1,300 m2 Caracala Spa with many après-golf treatments available, the clubhouse and three 18-hole golf courses designed by Cabell B. Robinson. It is also the location of the only David Leadbetter Golf Academy in the country as well as a testing par-3 layout.

The complex has staged numerous important competitions such as the Ladies European Tour Q-school and the Spanish Pairs final, won by Miguel Ángel Jiménez and Andrés Jiménez.

The 54 holes at La Cala are divided into three 18-hole course layouts: CAMPO AMERICA - All the holes offer individual challenges and amazing scenery while the small raised greens and undulating fairways require precise club selection.

CAMPO ASIA - It is also a spectacular course, if a little tighter than Campo America..

CAMPO EUROPA - The biggest difference is that has the Ojen river in play on eight holes.

La Cala Resort is the perfect combination for golfers, business people, visitors that wish to relax and enjoy the beauty of the landscape and future owners looking for the perfect urbanisation to live in the Costa del Sol.

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Calanova Golf

Dona Julia

This course lies in Mijas’ golf valley between the sea and the Sierra de Mijas mountain range. It has magnificent panoramic views across the rolling countryside from nearly all holes, and is especially challenging to medium handicap players. It has been constructed to USGA standards with regard to the tees, drainage, bunkers and greens. The fairways are wide with large elevated greens which demand accuracy with approach shots. Strategically placed bunkers and water features scatter the course.

This course opened in 1989 and is located in Casares. It has matured into a lovely established course, with beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding mountains. It has been constructed to USGA standards with regard to the tees, drainage, bunkers and greens. It is over 6000 metres long, with large greens and variable tee positions. The first 9 holes are more difficult as they wind between local trees, rivers and lakes. The second 9 holes are more straightforward on a gentle incline. Facilities include a driving range and putting green, gym and Jacuzzi.

Calanova Golf

Magna Marbella Golf

Cerrado Del Aguila

Magna Marbella Golf

A 9-hole course designed by Francisco Navarro and situated next to the Mijas race course, it has extensive views of the sea from many of the holes. With its flat, wide open fairways and mediumsized greens this is a reasonably easy course to play. There are two Par-5 holes, the 2nd and the 9th, of 520 and 555 metres respectively, and all the greens have a variety of pin positions.

Magna Marbella Golf is in the heart of the Costa del Sol, just two kilometres from Puerto Banús. It is a long, 9-hole course where the designer, José María Elguezábal, has managed to combine easy parts with the most complicated sections, creating a course for all different levels. It has an enjoyable, spectacular itinerary.

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andalucia >> malaga

La Duquesa Golf & Country Club

La Noria Golf Resort

Wrapped around El Hacho beacon hill overlooking the Mediterranean to Africa, La Duquesa is one of the most complete clubs on the coast, with tennis, squash, gym, sauna, jacuzzi, bowls, yacht harbour and, of course, golf. In true Trent Jones style it is a demanding club with abundant vegetation, difficult rough and large greenside bunkers, requiring concentration and straight driving. The front nine starts off eastwards then double back to finish with a long par five. A pretty hole is the 4th, a par four which may interfere with your card. At the spectacular 17th, just 129 metres from tee to green but 30 metres straight down, beware of the wind especially if the Poniente is blowing from the West.

The 18th, a par five, finishes in front of the clubhouse where the green is bordered by a large pond inhabited by ducks and geese.

Opened December 2003, this nine-hole par-33 course combines precise holes as well as others encouraging bigger hitting. La Noria is completely flat and includes four bridges connecting tees, greens and fairways. Shots to the green are a real challenge, as they are well defended by three lakes and a creek that passes through the course forming the layout´s ‘spine’. La Noria Golf Resort is located in the La Cala valley, a short distance from the beach.

Lauro Golf

Antequera Golf

Lauro Golf

Antequera Golf

Situated in the precious landscape of municipality of Alhaurín de la Torre, at 300 metres above the sea level and just at 20 minutes from the airport, Lauro Golf offers spectacular views of the valley of Malaga and the Mediterranean. Designed by Folco Nardi, Lauro Golf has an 18 hole course (each of them bears the name of a famous Spanish bullfighter) and a brand new 9 hole course.

The new holes incorporate five artificial lakes, joined together by waterfalls which add to the natural beauty of the course. Lauro Golf also has a social club, a restaurant, an equestrian centre and its own residential, among other things.

Antequera Golf is an 18 hole golf course, par 72, situated 650 metres above sea level, between the Torcal mountains and the Antequera fertile plain. It is the best connected golf course in Andalusia, 30 minutes from Malaga, 45 from Granada and 1 hour from Seville and Cordoba. All those who know the golf course stand out the amazing contrasts of its landscape, the variety of fairways, the possibility of using all golf clubs, the perfect condition of the golf course, and the good customer service.

All the course is decorated with plants such as lavender, thyme, rosemary and trees such as centenary olive trees, holm oaks, and fruit trees, among others. Feature holes include the Par3 sixth – an eleveated tee shot over water to a small green or the par4 13th where you have to cross three lakes before getting to the green.

Also attached is a four star hotel.

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Maximum use has been made of orange trees, from which the course gets its name.

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Los Naranjos Golf Club Los Naranjos is run on the philosophy that ‘golf means more than just hitting a ball’. The Andalucian-style clubhouse bears this out, emphasising a total golfing experience and rating itself as ‘the Costa del Sol friendly golf club’. Long terraced tees and large undulating greens are the unmistakable hallmarks of a Robert Trent Jones design but there is a significant difference between the front nine holes which have broad fairways with gentle slopes, and the back nine which are much flatter. Maximum use has been made of orange trees, from which the course gets its name, and maintenance is a priority. Each morning a team of twenty staff prepare the course for members and guests. Located seven kilometres from Marbella at the heart of Golf Valley Los Naranjos is a must for the visiting golfer.

Los Naranjos also is a candidate for the 2015 Solheim Cup.

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Los Arqueros Golf & Country Club Halfway between Málaga and Gibraltar Los Arqueros prides itself on being the first Severiano Ballesteros design in the Costa del Sol. Set in the mountains on the road to Ronda the layout is breathtaking in more than one way. In its construction over one million cubic metres of earth were moved, even so it is still quite up and down. At 6,048 metres off the back tees the course is not overly long but strategically located tees add interest and offer a stiff test for professionals whilst at the same time the course is an acceptable challenge for club golfers. The opening of Los Arqueros was eagerly awaited and has not been a disappointment.

Now with new owners in charge the club is benefiting from a programme of improvements and rejuvenation. Located five kilometres from San Pedro de Alcántara it is well worth a drive into the mountains.

Marbella Golf & Country Club Designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Senior, and located just 5 minutes drive from the cosmopolitan town of Marbella, the course at Marbella Golf & Country Club provides one of the best and most challenging golfing experiences in the whole of Europe.

Opened in 1994 and occupying one of the largest remaining green areas on the Costa del Sol, the 6,000 metre long 18-hole course with a par of 72, has been imaginatively designed to respect the natural terrain. The facilities the club house offers are the magnificent El Olivo Restaurant, conference rooms, a Pro-shop, a driving range and putting green, tennis courts and a Wellness Centre offering yoga and pilates classes and a variety of massages and treatments.

Finca Cortesín

Marbella Golf & Country Club

Finca Cortesín

Casares Costa Golf

The Finca Cortesín Golf Club was founded with the intention of becoming a reference in the golf world. The course measures almost 7000 m. from the black marker stakes, making it one of the longest in Europe. It is a par 72 course, with an average difficulty rating, although difficulty will increase if the back markers are used. The different teeing areas and the wide rolling fairways allow most players to reach the green easily. Harald Hurgan, the internationally renowned landscape architect, collaborated with Cabell Robinson, the course designer, on the surrounding landscaping. Together, the two designers have succeeded in preserving the natural features of the area, establishing a balance between natural grass, undergrowth and lawns.

Opened in 2007, Casares Costa Golf is pleasant 9-hole course that is a perfect place to practise. The course was designed and built to entertain, and with three par3’s and one par-5, many would say that this has ben achieved. Its 9-hole layout is presented in a valley with a a few tight holes, especially on opening holes. This is a very pleasant course, with no steep slopes, and surrounded by the trees and plants of the Mediterranean. The course lies in surroundings of unrivalled beauty, with excellent views of the mountains and the sea.

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Santa María Golf & Country Club Santa Maria prides itself on being one of the friendliest international clubs on the coast and the existing membership which is currently held to about 350 members is made up of 14 different nationalities.

“Santa Maria Golf & Country Club”, as the name suggests, is far more than a Golf Club. Based around an 18th century “cortijo” which is currently the Club House, the grounds boasts stunning gardens and fine leisure facilities including tennis and lawn bowling. “Santa Maria” prides itself on being one of the friendliest international clubs on the coast and the existing membership which is currently held to about 350 members is made up of 14 different nationalities.

Set amidst unparallel beauty of the Andalucian countryside, the course traces the contours of two valleys in which the natural vegetation, streams and four lakes form natural hazards. The course is not long but full of interest and with each hole having it’s own character. Many of the tees are elevated and the views from the 10th hole to the 16th are breathtaking on a fine day.

Santa Maria Golf is situated in a superb location on the Costa del Sol, close to the Hotel Don Carlos between Malaga and Marbella.

Santa Maria is not only considered one of the most exquisite Golf and Country Clubs on the Costa del Sol, but also one of the friendliest.

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Estepona Golf

Tramores Golf Club

Located two kilometres past Estepona this natural course was the brainchild of ex-publisher David Leader and was designed

by José Luis López who adapted it to the undulating terrain.

It is a welcome change with the perfect opportunity to enjoy the countryside, fresh air and abundant wildlife with minimal interference from building development and ‘traffic jams’.

Although quite short the course is up and down. Those leaving their hiking legs behind may require a buggy. The long 3rd, the ‘Ski Run’ swoops downhill in a swathe of green forming several tiers and the unsighted drive should bear left slightly leaving a chance to reach the green with the second shot. At the 10th there are four lakes and three bunkers guarding the green to negotiate.

Reasonable rates, open competitions and barbeques make the club especially attractive for visitors.

Opened in 2009, Tramores Golf Club is the shortest of the three golf courses at Los Flamingos. A beautiful, fast course that is, nevertheless, still technical and very entertaining. The 18 hole course plays to a par 65, and is set in beautiful surroundings between 2 valleys. It is a course that provides immediate enjoyment; ideal for playing golf in surroundings that would be the dream of any golfer.

Estepona Golf

Tramores Golf Club

It is a welcome change with the perfect opportunity to enjoy the countryside, fresh air and abundant wildlife with minimal interference from building development and ‘traffic jams’.

A beautiful, fast course that is, nevertheless, still technical and very entertaining.

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Flamingos Golf & Alferini Golf

There’s no doubt that Alferini Golf Course has been built to host major golf competitions, so its no surprise that it is a candidate to host the Solheim Cup 2015.

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Flamingos Golf Resort in Marbella boasts three courses; Flamingos Golf , Alferini Golf, Tramores Golf, the American Golf Academy, and a prestigious 5-star Hotel. Set in beautiful natural surroundings, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, where playing golf once again becomes a unique experience with exceptional views of the Mediterranean.

Flamingos Golf is an 18-hole, 5714 meter, par-71 course, designed by the prestigious course architect Antonio Garcia Garrido. It is characterised by carefully conserved landscaping, with a large variety of trees and beautiful views of the Mediterranean. Narrow fairways and large greens rewards accuracy off the tee.

The layout of Alferini Golf Course is an 18-hole, 6642 metres, par 73, designed by the prestigious Green Keeper Cristobal Guerrero.

The course is perfectly integrated into the landscape, giving you the impression that it has been open for longer than 2007. Its long fairways surrounded by Mountains make it a beautiful challenge.

There’s no doubt that Alferini Golf Course has been built to host major golf competitions, so its no surprise that it is a candidate to host the Solheim Cup 2015.

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MAIN – Cobble steps up to the Castle of Almeria 1 – The white wasbuildings of Mojacar Pueblo 2 – Motor Boats at Quayside, Garrucha Harbor 3 – Gulf of the Aguilas

andalucia >> almeria

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almeria The province of Almeria offers pleasures which are hard to come by in the Mediterranean: over 100 km. of untamed coastline, and landscapes of outstanding beauty.

The peculiarities of the landscape and the bountiful AlmerĂ­an climate have made this province the perfect place to locate a substantial film industry, and the region has played host to some of the most famous stars of the screen.

Its untouched beaches in the east and the larger tourist centres in the west

offer a quality destination for the more demanding traveller. Its exceptional coastline borders the Cabo de Gata-NĂ­jar Nature Reserve, with long sandy beaches and secluded coves bathed by the warm waters of the Mediterranean.

The traditional festivities of the Moors and the Christians will transform your trip to AlmerĂ­a into a wonderful adventure.

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Desert Springs Resort

A spectacular example of man’s creativity in harmony with nature; its emerald green fairways are set amongst massive rocky outcrops, arroyos and dry rivers.

Inspired by the famous desert courses of Arizona & California, The Indiana course is built to full USGA specifications. A spectacular example of man’s creativity in harmony with nature; its emerald green fairways are set amongst massive rocky outcrops, arroyos and dry rivers.

The contrast of the immaculate fairways and ‘desert springs’ with the arid landscape of cactus, rock and flowering desert, all framed within a panorama of landmark mountain ranges, is stunning at all times of year.

Over 600.000 cacti and other desert plants grow progressively more dense and troubling, the further your shot is off the fairway, culminating in the dreaded ‘spiked lies’, so the course is both demanding and exhilarating and offers a variety of shot making challenges to test the skill level of every player, from the beginner to professional.

But Desert Springs has more to offer than a championship standard golf course. This complete resort encompasses a village life that provides a quality lifestyle and sense of well-being.

At Almanzora you will find everything that you could possibly require from a relaxing holiday in the Spanish sunshine.

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Alborán Golf

Marina Golf Mojácar

Alborán Golf, a fantastic golf course of 18 holes Championship, lies on the new residential and tourist resort of El Toyo, a new town area that offers different hotel chances at a few yards from the beach and immersed in a unique half-deserted environment, just five minutes away from the international airport. Alborán Golf, whose design was developed by the prestigious golf architect Ramon Espinosa, is located in front of the natural background of Cabo de Gata-Níjar and ten minutes from town center. Alboran Golf has a round of 18 holes Championship par 72 of 6278 metres long, a spacious driving range and different training places which will serve as golf school. On the other hand, Almería has the best climate in Europe for practicing golf with the low rainfall and a lot of sunny hours. Therefore, we think Alborán Golf is a wonderful place to enjoy a game in a defiant course which is able to test our ability when playing every hole.

This new golf course, designed by Ramón Espinosa, opens up the eastern Almería region to Andalucía´s ongoing golf/tourism boom. Marina Golf covers 5,464 metres and has two distinct halves. The first, holes 1, 2 and 12 to 18 running parallel to the sea is flat and forgiving while the other half, holes 3 to 11, takes a detour behind a hill and follows more undulating terrain. There are three large lakes affecting ten holes. Spectacular views await the golfer on the 3rd tee with the par-5 hole dropping dramatically 65 metres towards a lake and green some 485 metres distant.

Alborán Golf

Aguilon

Golf Almerimar

Aguilon

Almerimar is considered one of the best golf courses in Spain.

It is a Japanese owned complex which forms part of a resort development that boasts its own marina, hotel, apartments and other sporting facilities. Aiming to transform it into one of the most spectacular tourist resorts in Europe the owners are well on their way to fulfilling this pledge. From the drawing board of Gary Player the course offers wide fairways and large fast greens protected by a profusion of trees and plants that offer welcome shade in the hotter months. Well positioned sand traps and water feature at five holes, whilst one of the most challenging holes is the short 12th where the green is marooned in the centre of a lake giving a tee-short over 100 metres of water. Fourteen kilometres from Roquetas de Mar, Almerimar is an oasis between sea and mountains.

Opened in 2008, Aguilon Golf is a new golf course in the area of Pulpi. This is another project by Aymerich Golf Club. It is a course with a spectacular design and out of the ordinary with more than 100 bunkers, 6 large lakes and a large number of natural ravines that together make playing in this course an unforgettable experience. The integration into the local topography and Sierra Aguilón mountains towering over you makes a game here quite breathtaking. Not least, eye catching views of the Bay of Pulpí make a perfect setting for this beautiful golf course. The challenging holes with a unique design makes Aguilon Golf the newcomer among the most interesting courses of Spain.

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Playa Macenas

Cortijo Grande Club de Golf

This new course at Playa Macenas Beach & Golf Resort was opened for play in 2008 as part of a resort development by Med Group. It is like a huge verdant garden and provides a great challenge for all levels of golfers. Located close to the quiet spanish village of Mojacar, it neighbours Marina Golf Mojacar course. This course is unique in many ways, boasting large man-made water hazards to challenge the golfer. Playa Macenas provides stunning views of the sea and many indigenous species of vegetation

Cortijo Grande is located just four kilometres from the sea, between Turre and Mojacar on the Costa de Almería. The layout is a Paul Jay Polansky design and opened in 1976. It is a flat course winding through groves of orange and lemon trees, a constant reminder, if one is needed, of the southern Mediterranean climate. The club does not have a clubhouse but the adjacent Almazara bar and restaurant is an ideal place to unwind and contemplate the next round of golf.

Club de Golf Playa Serena

Club De Golf La Envia

Club de Golf Playa Serena

Club De Golf La Envia

Opened in 1979 and running parallel to the Mediterranean Playa Serena is mainly flat with small sloping greens, most of which are protected by bunkers and water. A a dominant feature of this par 72 layout is the wind which effects around twelve holes. Winds from the east and west together with the length of the course and the unforgiving rough make the Angel Gallardo and Peter Allis design a considerable challenge. Many players find their problems begin at the 7th, a long hole with out-of-bounds close by on the right and water on the left demanding both power and accuracy off the tees. In response to the growing demand for golf in this rapidly developing area, which boasts projects for an additional seven or eight courses to open by the end of the century, Playa Serena plans to build a further nine holes. The course is located five kilometres from Roquetas de Mar.

La Envía is the most recent 18 hole course to open in the province of Almería. It is located between El Parador and Enix, very close to the Almería-Adra highway. The layout has been designed for players who want to enjoy a pleasant round of golf rather than one fraught with difficulty and complications. It is not too long and there is no rough. However some holes do offer up more of a challenge, for example the 9th, a par four of 377 metres, and the 365 metre 14th amongst others. The par five 4th hole, at first sight, appears straightforward and two shots should be enough to reach the approach however a brilliant third is needed if a birdie is to be secured as the green has been designed in the shape of a volcano.

The 17th and 18th greens are also tricky. La Envía has a spacious clubhouse which houses an excellent restaurant.

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Golf Valle del Este

Maintained to the highest standards, together with the regions famed climate, they make Valle del Este a golf-course that can be played all year round, making it an unforgettable experience.

Go back a decade and imagine a desert scrubland with a small white cortijo sitting in its midst surrounded by a few goatherds and the odd almond tree. Picture the local colours of yellow soil, crimson rocks, black granite and burnt orange sandstone sitting in the gentle contours of the land. Olive and carob trees dot the countryside as rabbits rush around, perhaps fleeing the odd pot shot from a local hunter.

Press the fast forward button and bring yourself to 2010: similar colours, still much the same landscape with the same ancient olives and carobs. But look closely and in between the shrubs and trees, are tees and fairways. The cortijo is no longer here – the typically Andalusian farmhouse has been replaced by a four-star hotel and discreetly-placed residential areas, all part of Valle Del Este Golf Resort, situated near Vera.

“Spectacular” and “challenging” are two words use to describe a round at Valle del Este Golf Resort. Designer Jose Canales, has managed to create a golf-course that is already considered one of the top new courses in Europe. With ample fairways, large receptive greens and measuring only 6300 yards of the back-tees and par 71, it should not be. Yet, somehow the course manages to extract every bit of skill from even the most seasoned of golf-pro, without ever becoming unfair for the beginning golfer.Desert surroundings with the occasional view of the Mediterranean, rolling hills and steep cliffs make it visually spectacular.

Maintained to the highest standards, together with the regions famed climate, they make Valle del Este a golf-course that can be played all year round, making it an unforgettable experience.

Other facilties include a Golf School and four star hotel with 142 rooms. For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, the sauna and Spa guarantee a relaxing experience.

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MAIN – Sunset behind the wind turbines in the Cadiz countryside 1 – “Caleta” Beach of Cadiz 2 – Cathedral of Cadiz 3 – Colourful painted mosaic tile in Cadiz

andalucia >> cadiz

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cadiz The sea, its people, its bay and its history all make Cadiz a special place.

The province of Cadiz is very diverse and contains numerous places which are well worth a visit, from the countryside around Jerez de la Frontera to the villages in Campo de Gibraltar, or you can take a tour of the white villages and stop to relax somewhere along the coast between Tarifa and Sanlúcar de Barrameda.

And all this without forgetting the capital of the region, which holds within its walls the culture and the traditions which set the city –and its people– apart.

Don’t think twice, Cadiz is the perfect destination for your holidays.

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Alcaidesa Links Golf Course

Sherry Golf Jerez

Alcaidesa Links Golf Club, which opened in June 1992, is an experience that cannot be found anywhere else in Spain: it is the nearest thing to a links course in the country. Located to the West of The San Roque Club in an area rich with enthusiastic golfers the course has recently undergone an extensive programme of remodelling: fairways have been improved and widened, new 10th and 11th holes have been built, and the greens have been levelled off with the result that the layout is now much more forgiving and acceptable for golfers of all abilities. The club takes its golf very seriously and is committed to achieving the same standards as those of its illustrious neighbours. Magnificent views over the Mediterranean to Gibraltar offer one an excuse to take a breather at the cliff top to drink in the scene before tackling the next hole.

This easy-to-access golf course is located 1.5 Km from Jerez town centre, only 10 minutes from Jerez airport, (50 minutes from Seville airport) and just 12 minutes from the beach. Sherry Golf Jerez is designed by Stirling & Martín, and is a golf course suitable both for amateurs as well as demanding professionals. It is in the new design concept of American golf courses- safe to play in, interesting, without great slopes that make playing hard. Its wide fairways and greens make of Sherry Golf Jerez a very exclusive golf course indeed. In the 1,800 m2 Casa Club, built in the Jerez design, you can enjoy the sunny weather. Its top facilities also include pro-shop, clubs room, changing room, terrace grill, cafeteria, and restaurant for your business dinners where you can request menu suggestions at different prices and book private lounge and meeting rooms.

Costa Ballena Ocean Golf Club

Sherry Golf Jerez

Costa Ballena Ocean Golf Club

Club de Golf La Cañada

The 18-hole Costa Ballena Ocean Golf Club was designed by José María Olazábal and is characterised by spacious tees and for its suitability for professionals and high handicappers alike. Water is a major feature. There are four lakes and the green at the parthree 16th is virtually an island. The course, which opened in 1997, is set amid a residential and touristic development of the same name. Costa Ballena Ocean Golf Club also offers a nine-hole short course.

Municipal La Cañada is a fitting tribute to the people of Guadiaro who, three decades ago, became greenkeepers and golf addicts overnight with the emergence of Sotogrande. The Robert Trent Jones course is open to the same winds as neighbouring Valderrama. The long first hole sets the tone for a tough round and the 4th is a trek into the unknown with no view of the green until the third shot. La Cañada recently extended to 18-holes thanks to a Dave Thomas design.

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Club de Golf Novo Sancti Petri

Lomas de Sancti Petri Golf Garden

This Ballesteros design, his first in Spain, is firm proof that golf in Andalucia is spreading westwards. Lying along the Atlantic coastline near Chiclana and Jerez the course faces four kilometres of virgin beach adjacent to the spectacular Royal Andalus Golf Hotel. An American style layout it is long and spacious, four lakes provide hazards at eight holes and with over one thousand trees it is not short of shade. Novo Sancti Petri, boasting that ‘Severiano knew what he was doing’, forms three loops of nine holes, starting and finishing at the clubhouse. With a wide variety of sporting facilities including horseriding, football and tennis, the club is very popular and has played host to the 1990 Codorni Spanish Professional Championship won by Santiago Luna, and the 1993 Turespana Masters Open de Andalucia won by Andrew Oldcorn.

Opened in 2006, Lomas de Sancti Petri Golf Garden is an 18-hole golf course owned by Jacaranda. Lomas de Sancti Petri course was been designed for the famous golf architect Manuel Pinero, one of the best golfers in the 80’s (previous Spanish Open Champion and Ryder Cup Player). Lomas de Sancti Petri course is a beautiful challenging course, in a gorgeous natural environment. It is the perfect course to practise your skills, as its only 4767 metres in length. That said, the fairways and not very wide and you must use good course management to score well. The course is irrigated with recycled water, respecting the environment.

Benalup Golf & Country Club

Montenmedio Golf & Country Club

Benalup Golf & Country Club

Montenmedio Golf & Country Club

Benalup, which opened in 2001, is a pioneer in the sense that thanks to the vision of owner Bernard Devos the Andalucian golf trail now opens across country in the virgin territory of the ‘Ruta del Toro’ between Jerez and Sotogrande. Benalup, in fact, sits at a crossroads also reached from the Atlantic coast at Chiclana.

The result is that more developments of this nature are to be expected in the area. Benalup is an up and down country course with water hazards and fabulous views. The Clubhouse with restaurant and bar is complimented by t five star Fairplay Golf Hotel. There will be a limited number of homes, though these are to be built well back from the course itself. The course is the first to be seeded with ‘Terracottem’, a watersaving capsule invented

by Devos.

Dehesa Montenmedio is part of a 300-hectare estate blessed with an abundance of pine trees and cork oaks, and wildlife such as eagles, deer and foxes. The Montenmedio course was designed with the club golfer in mind – a Par 72 of 5,930 metres. It features many bunkers and water hazards, but the fairways are wide and experts say the greens are among the best in Andalucía. The course is particularly challenging when there is a wind blowing.

Montenmedio prides itself on the local restaurants and there always is a wide range of exotic and local gastronomic delights on offer at Montenmedio.

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Golf El Puerto

La Estancia

Golf El Puerto course, placed in El Puerto de Santa María ( the very Heart of Cádiz bay), in Sanlúcar road, is conceived as an attractive 18 holes golf course suitable for all handicap players and prepared to become a venue for professional tournaments.

It is designed by the champion Manuel Piñero, who treats provides a playable course with gentle undulations, that encourage the player to practice this sport. Both the technique and the professional´s creativity have motivated a team with an enormous vision and Golf El Puerto will be probably be their masterpiece; a course with its own identity, with no blind shots.

The amount of indigenous trees and the large extension of water sheet with 33.000 m2 stand out, taking into account the local depressions in order to create lakes and streams. In fact, it is an attractive 18 holes golf course, with 6300 metres in length and suitable for all handicap players.

Designed by the Dutch architect Alan Rijks, the golf course is located on the Chiclana coast, approximately 2.75 kilometres from the Meliá Sancti Petri Hotel and the beach. It is 6,220 metres long, a par 72, and enclosed in natural surroundings featuring the beauty of Andalucia´s typical villages. The course is of very playable, with many obstacles - two lakes, two small streams and protected natural resources. The greens are strategically located, generally large and mostly elevated, offering a demanding target which is also quite entertaining and even amusing. The course is an excellent challenge for experienced players but also appropriate for beginners. The setting also features great ornithological and floral variety. Ancient olive trees have been planted to complement the many native and autochthonous trees, and a modern system of drainage, marble sand, etc., has been installed. It is also important to know that there are more than 3000 hours of sunlight during the year in this area together with unusual air and sea breeze characteristics.

Golf El Puerto

La Estancia

La Reserva de Sotogrande

Montecastillo Golf Resort

La Reserva is an 18 hole 6,700 metre course of eneromus splendour. This course is located in a beautiful part of the heights of the Sotogrande region, characterised by native vegetation of Mediterranean pine, olive and cork trees. Designed by Cabell Robinson, a Robert Trent Jones disciple for 20 years, La Reserva de Sotogrande is surrounded by two valleys. The layout includes four lakes, with water on six holes, though only coming into play on one. Constructed according to USGA specifications, the greens can be characterised by their ample size and variety of form, the same as the bunkers. Robinson is convinced that La Reserva will be considered one of the best courses in Europe and plans are under way for a second 18 holes on the same site.

Located next to the Grand Prix circuit near Jerez, Montecastillo opened in 1992. The official inauguration took place during the 1994 Turespaña Masters Open de Andalucía in which course designer Jack Nicklaus competed together with his sons Jackie and Gary. Following the Golden Bears preferences (‘I hate uphill lies’) Montecastillo is mostly flat. But where the terrain takes control a downhill course has been engineered. ‘I like to see what I´m getting’ is Nicklaus´ explanation. The 18th is one hole which proves the design philosophy. An elevated tee looks down forty metres over a broad sweep of fairway bordering a lake to the left with the green just beyond. The Montecastillo Hotel and Castle Clubhouse overlook the final green from the right. Sandy Lyle hit a massive drive on this hole into the hotel swimming pool.

I’m sure most golfers would like to be able to follow that?

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Club de Golf Valderrama The 4th hole is a par five of spectacular beauty ending on a raised green by the side of which plunges a cascade of water on its way to the greenside lake.

Designed by Robert Trent Jones and lovingly tended by owner Jaime Ortiz Patiño this is one of the continents toughest challenges. You may return home shell-shocked but should be content with the thought that you are one of the few able to boast: ‘Valderrama? Yes, I’ve played there’. The 4th hole is a par five of spectacular beauty ending on a raised green by the side of which plunges a cascade of water on its way to the greenside lake. With recent improvements to the layout, Valderrama is in prime condition and Mr. Patiño only aims to make it better: the ‘Augusta of Europe’. Visitors are welcome but must book in advance. As you walk along the perfectly manicured fairways you quickly realise why it was officially voted as the #1 course in Europe. The list of prestigious events held here include the Ryder Cup: 1997 (the first ever held in Continental Europe), the WGC-American Express Championship: 1999, 2000 and the Volvo Masters: 1988-1996; 2002-2010.

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The stunning views of the hinterland provide the backdrop to a stunning course that features many rocky gardens, rolling hills, rivers, lakes and bunkers.

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Arcos Gardens Golf & Country Club Arcos Gardens was designed by Landmark Land, who have a worldwide portfolio including the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island. It is loacted in the beautiful setting of Arcos de la Frontera village. There are five different tee off points on this par-72 championship course, the making the course reach up to 6,574 metres in lenght. The stunning views of the hinterland provide the backdrop to a stunning course that features many rocky gardens, rolling hills, rivers, lakes and bunkers. Don’t be surprised if you see some local wildlife watching you play. Other facilities on this course are an impressive practise range that includes various tee off points, a target fairway, greens and a large bunker.

andalucia >> cadiz

Real Club de Golf Sotogrande

Vista Hermosa Golf

An old master among clubs on the coast, Royal Sotogrande, opened in 1964, is still one of Europe´s top ten courses. Known as Sotogrande ‘Old’ to differentiate it from its youngest neighbour Valderrama, the Robert Trent course is a private club which welcomes green fee paying visitors although they are advised to book in advance. As recognition during its thirtieth year Sotogrande was awarded the ‘Royal’ prefix. The layout has wellestablished vegetation with pine, cork oaks, eucalyptus and palm trees, and water hazards play an important role, affecting holes 12, 13 and 14, and 16 and 17. They seem to make the course longer than its 6,244 metres. The great consolidation is the total lack of rough on the immaculately groomed fairways. There is also a short par 3 course. The club hosts the annual Sherry Cup-European Amateur Golf Masters.

Vista Hermosa opened in 1975 and is situated in the Bay of Cádiz, just past El Puerto de Santa María. Fairways are narrow and the greens are well guarded by sand traps. The main difficulty, however, is presented by the easterly Levante wind. The club is very active and there are regular competitions to keep members and visitors well entertained. Although the 9-hole course at Vista Hermosa is primarily a members course, visitors are always welcome.

Sanlúcar Club de Campo Villanueva Golf Resort

Sanlúcar Club de Campo

Villanueva Golf Resort

Located opposite the Doñana nature park, near where the Guadalquivir river enters the Atlantic, this course has 18 holes nine of which are links-style. These holes extend along the sea and are affected by the Atlantic winds. The other nine (open in October 2004) are American style, with seven holes affected by water hazards. The course is flat, and extends over 6.527 metres for professionals. The greens are wide. The complex includes a putting green and pitching green.

You will enjoy in the heart of the Bay of Cadiz 18 holes of quality golf, a versatile and complete course, adaptable to different levels and handicaps; optimal for both expert players to perfect their style, and for beginners who want to learn to enjoy this sport. Over 50 acres of excitement all surrounded by pine, olive and palms trees, which come together with a comprehensive range of services for a real luxury game of golf. Villanueva Golf Resort makes for new standards in Golf Courses. The very special environment and landscapes is also complimented by the beach, which is just two miles away.

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Club De Golf Campano The nine holes of Campano are regarded as a fine test of golf by many who have graced the narrow, flat fairways, which wander through the private estate of San AndrĂŠs. There is little rough but an abundance of pine and olive trees provide shade and natural hazard. The other being the Levante wind. The long 2nd hole demands accuracy in the face of this difficulty as one must cross a stream and negotiate a right - hand dogleg. The club also has an excellent driving range.

San Roque Golf & Country Club - Old Course Opened in 1990, The San Roque Club has been host venue to the PGA European Tour Qualifying School and the Spanish Open in 2005. The complex is the result of combined efforts of designer Dave Thomas and Japanese owners Asahi Kanko. The philosophy behind the design was to provide a challenge acceptable for golfers of all ability and to construct a stadium course in anticipation of hosting major European championship events.

The tricky 8th hole is often the cause of many lost shots while the 18th presents an exciting finish requiring a drive to the right avoiding water on the left then a long iron shot over a stream to the green, avoiding a lake on the right.

Almenara Golf

San Roque Golf & Country Club - Old Course

Almenara Golf

Rota Club De Golf

Inagurated in 1998 as part of the Sotogrande group, Almenara is surrounded by extensive pine trees and cork trees and two lakes that have been masterfully integrated as part of the course

by Dave Thomas. They emphasize its breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and the mountains surrounding the entire complex. Twenty-seven Pay & Play holes, lets you enjoy up to three different 18-hole combinations, all of them par 72, so that each layout is a new challenge for the player.

The Rota Club de Golf initiative was started by a group of friends in 2006, who wanted to have a non-profit club to practise and enjoy the game they love. It’s a friendly club that runs small member and social events in accordance with the rules of the Royal Spanish Golf Federation. Located in Rota Naval Base, this unique golf course is one of the oldest and most authentic in Cadiz. Its 18 holes is known for having an abrupt terrain, with slow greens and firm fairways.

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San Roque Golf & Country Club New Course It is, without doubt, far superior to many courses built in Spain and, indeed, in Europe.

Opened in 2003, the second 18-hole course at San Roque Club, designed by Perry Dye and Severiano Ballesteros, has all the hallmarks to be immediately included in the elite of Europe´s golf facilities for its high quality and its impeccable finish and landscaping. It is, without doubt, far superior to many courses built in Spain and, indeed, in Europe. With this new addition to the resort, which already includes a magnificent, universally renowned course and a five-star hotel has become one of the premier golf centres in southern Europe. The company that owns the complex, Asahi Kanko, run by Japanese Shun Tezuka, has always maintained high standards, and taken special care in all its work and, in particular, with the natural surroundings. The New Course will have no homes in its immediate surroundings, so no building will interfere with play.

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MAIN – Inside the Mezquita (the Great Mosque), of Cordoba 1 – Mauritanian garden in Cordoba 2 – Illuminated Cathedral-Mosque of Cordoba at the blue hour 3 – Town wall of ancient Cordob

andalucia >> cordoba

CORDOBA

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cordoba The province of Cordoba, which still bears traces of its Iberian, Roman and Muslim past, is rich in traditions; it has an outstanding architectural heritage, and its gastronomy has undergone a considerable resurgence with the revival of a range of dishes from the traditional cooking of the region.

Cordoba, is the main city in a territory located in the centre of Andalusia.

The Guadalquivir river, at its wider middle course, crosses this province from east to west and provides irrigation for a wide plain where cereals, grapevines and olive trees grow.

Towards the north, the landscape becomes progressively wilder until it reaches the summits of the Sierra Morena, with dense forests and abundant wild game for hunting. In the south, the land with their limestone soils feature a spreading of olive groves, white villages and noble towns with well-conserved Baroque architecture.

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Club de Campo de Córdoba

Club de Golf Pozoblanco

One of Andalucía’s best kept secrets, the Club de Campo de Córdoba is located in the hills of the Serranía de Córdoba, eight kilometres north of the city. This is the only 18 hole course in the province. Natural is the key-word here and as a nature park the area is teeming with wildlife and a huge variety of birds, local rules take care of any animal interlopers! Winding between well stabilised trees the undulating course has no less than eleven doglegs. Holes 4, 6, 11 and 16 are regarded as the most attractive, their greens bordered by a lake. The 4th is specially difficult, you want to be on the green in three but beware of the water. There have been no great earthworks at the club and there is plenty of rough so be prepared to hike and take plenty of provisions. Don’t be put off though as the air one breathes up here goes straight to the head.

Pozoblanco is a tribute to the people of the area. After years of playing monthly golf tournaments on a rustic, grassless layout they convinced the town and regional authorities to finance the construction of Spain´s first municipal golf course. Carlos Luca de Tena designed the course which is mainly flat although it follows the contours of the Cabezoliva nature reserve within which it is located. The two types of fairway grasses are indigenous and the sprinkler system ensures they are well maintained.

Club de Campo de Córdoba

Natural is the key-word here and as a nature park the area is teeming with wildlife and a huge variety of birds, local rules take care of any animal interlopers!

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Club de Golf Pozoblanco

The two types of fairway grasses are indigenous and the sprinkler system ensures they are well maintained.

MAIN – The Alhambra, in Granada Spain, is an UNESCO World Heritage site 1 – Scenic countryside in Granada 2 – Panorama of the moorish Albaicin quarter, Granada 3 – Alhambra in the sunset

andalucia >> granada

GRANADA

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granada Granada reaches to the skies from the summits of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It boasts cities with breaktaking architecture, white villages scattered across hilltops and stunning beaches along the Costa Tropical.

Granada is a province of music, poetry, monuments, art and ancient culture.

The province of Granada, tourist destination par excellence, offers travellers the chance to ski in the Sierra Nevada

mountains, discover hidden villages in the Alpujarra region, explore the last frontier of the Al-Andalus empire in eastern Granada or stay in caves and experience a troglodyte’s lifestyle.

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Medina Elvira Club De Golf The greens are spacious, always exceeding 450 m 2 and some with gentle slopes that require use of the good putting.

Medina Elvira Golf is a modern golf 18 holes, par 72, only 6km from Granada, beside the reservoir of Cubillas. Golf ecological character, with a very high aesthetic quality, is integrated in nature and respects the natural topography of land planted with oak, elm, pine, ash, and poplar trees of great size. The club makes available to the player model installations, with a clubhouse of over 1,000 m2, restaurant, boutique, dressing rooms and a nice bar buggy that runs the course to serve refreshments to the golfers when they most need.

Members of Medina Elvira Golf Club not only play in conditions very advantageous to the Club, but also become part of Aymerich Golf Club, and with it the largest network of golf courses in Europe (more than 30 courses in Spain and numerous conventions in Europe and the world) with unrivaled benefits in all areas of the network.

The course, designed by Aymerich Golf, is nice for the average player with different levels of tees, and a challenge for expert level players.

The greens are spacious, always exceeding 450 m2 and some with gentle slopes that require use of the good putting.

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Los Moriscos Club de Golf

Santa Clara Granada

Los Moriscos is an all-round sports and leisure complex sited next to the sea yet within easy reach of the Sierra Nevada ski resort.

Designed by Ibergolf and Manuel Piñero the course opened in 1974 and is mainly flat. However, the large greens, two lakes, palm trees, sugar cane and an abundance of exotic fruit plantations, including the papaya and mango, ensure that playing golf here is interesting, and with all these natural hazards challenging too.

The club is located in a golfers paradisein the heart of the Costa Tropical in Granada.

Opened in 2006, The golf course at Santa Clara Granada was designed by Enrique Canales Busquets. It has been created with respect for the natural environment of indigenous wildlife and vegetation, providing a fantastic meeting place for golf enthusiasts. Along its well maintained eighteen holes, a par 72 of 6.598 meters, you can find numerous obstacles, which offer a test to all golfers. Once you manouver around this obstacles, the greens at Santa Clara Granada provide another test – as quick undulating greens await. The course is located in the Oura region, on 10 minutes from Granada’s historic centre and less than 30 kilometres from the Sierra Nevada ski resort. The club also boasts fantastic facilites with a six hole pitch & putt course and a golf academy. The clubhouse comes complete with spa, indoor heated pool and restaurant.

Los Moriscos Club de Golf

Santa Clara Granada

Granada Club de Golf Located in the countryside eight kilometres from Granada, Granada Golf opened in 1986. It was designed by Ibergolf under the guidance of the engineers Ramón Espinosa and Emilio Mena and it was the first full length facility in the province. Mainly flat and 2,100 metres above sea level it is not an especially difficult or long course, just 6,037metres off the back tees. The 15th, 16th and 17th holes are bordered by three lakes which provide water to the automatic irrigation system. The central point of the course which is also the highest elevation will, in the near future, house a four star hotel and clubhouse. Granada Golf is a member´s club which welcomes visitors all year round and is accessed through the village of Las Gabias. Improved communications now put Granada Golf just ninety minutes away from the Costa del Sol.

It has been created with respect for the natural environment of indigenous wildlife and vegetation.

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MAIN – The traditional Columbus festival in Huelva 1 – Monastery de la Rabida, Huelva 2 – Anchored fishing boat 3 – Huelva sign writen in mosaic tiles

andalucia >> huelva

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huelva Huelva has an envious mountain climate; warm summer temperatures and mild winters.

Huelva is the most westerly Andalusian province. In former times it played an important commercial role with other ports in eastern Mediterranean, as it was the main hub for intensive trade.

From the westernmost foothills of Sierra Morena to the Atlantic Coast, travellers exploring the province of Huelva will enjoy bountiful and delicate natural landscapes beneath bright blue skies.

The temperate climate on the coast is perfect for enjoying the sun and the sea all year round, in a landscape dotted with inviting white villages, equipped with all modern amenities.

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Islantilla

Isla Canela Club de Golf

Designed by Enrique Canales and Luis Recasens the 27 hole course in Huelva opened in 1992. The complex extends over three hundred hectares and will eventually include an Olympic training village, equestrian centre, yacht harbour and casino. The four star hotel on site compliments the course. The parkland layout is protected by established trees, has wide fairways and large greens.

The magnificent Andalusian style clubhouse offers all the desired comforts and facilities. In 1995 it hosted the Turespana Masters won by Alex Cejka, plus various Challenge Tour tournaments, including the APG of Spain. This has given a great category and reputation to Islantilla, which in 2000 has been listed among the top 100 golf courses in Europe. 27 holes, three different layouts surrounded by lush vegetation and with stunning sea views. Its careful design, Pencross greens and lush fairways give the club a great quality and variety. The gentle slopes, the water features and its climate makes golf becomes a true pleasure for all golfers.

Located to the north west of Isla Canela, the club of the same name extends over a salt marsh crossed by small seawater streams. The layout has gentle slopes, formed by dunes, and a beautiful landscape dominated by broom brush, eucalyptus, olive and orange trees some of which require consideration when playing some fairways. Isla Canela is pleasant to walk with nothing more severe than a four metre climb. The club has had nine holes in play for a number of years and in November 1996 opened the second nine. Natural lakes border a number of holes, and the greens are generally large and well-protected by bunkers. The par five 7th is reachable in two but beware the river to the right of the green. The construction of strategically placed tees means Isla Canela is enjoyable for golfers of all abilities. The club also offers very good practice facilities.

Islantilla

Club de Golf El Rompido (South)

Club de Golf El Rompido

Bellavista Golf

(North & South) Huelva’s El Rompido North and South courses add to a list of quality courses in the region. El Rompido is surrounded by a beautiful natural area, Las Marismas del Rompido, and has magnificent sea views. The first nine holes require precision and technique - and absolute caution. The second nine feature open fairways, enabling golfers to take more risks. The greens are wide,and water play an important role in the layout. Comprising mostly of corks, olives and pines, the vegetation gives the course an especially attractive aspect. The practice facilities include every possible golf amenity, and the golf academy is run by prestigious British coach Peter Ballingall.

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The first half of Bellavista, the original layout designed by Luis Recasens and Mendez Quiepo de Llano, was built in 1976 and has narrow fairways bordered by Mediterranean pine trees.

There are numerous dogleg holes, the course covers gently undulating terrain, and the greens on the outward nine are small. For example, the par four 7th which requires a drive to an uphill lie then a second shot downhill to a small green which is surrounded by bunkers. By contrast, the second nine, opened in 1995, has larger greens and is more open. Of the province´s courses, Bellavista is the closest to the city of Huelva which is about six kilometres to the East. The club has recently introduced a more open policy and is keen to welcome visitors. Bellavista´s clubhouse and surroundings offer a wealth of facilities including tennis, swimming pool, and saunas.

andalucia >> huelva

Costa Esuri Golf Club (West & East)

Costa Esuri is a 36-hole golf complex which is part of the Ayermich Group. Opened in 2006 the West course is a 6,607 metre giant, designed by Jose Canales. The front nine holes has a links type terrain and wide fairways but the back nine is a lot tighter requiring precision shots. Costa Esuri prides itself on the lack of real estate developments around the 36 hole complex, thus provides seclusion and harmony for the golfer.

You are reminder just how close you are to Portugal as you see some fantastic views of its Spanish neighbour. The resort is only a short distance to the beach and enjoys all the comforts of a golfers paradise. Opened in 2007, the equally challenging 6,188 metre layout of the East course is equally suited to hosting golf championships. This course gently flows along the salt marshes and banks of the Guadiana River. The dog leg holes are a clever design here where the brave get rewarded.

Costa Esuri Golf Club (West)

La Monacilla Opened in 2007, the equally challenging 6,188 metre layout of the East course is equally suited to hosting golf championships.

This course gently flows along the salt marshes and banks of the Guadiana River. The dog leg holes are a clever design here where the brave get rewarded.

Golf Nuevo Portil

Club de Golf Corta Atalaya

Golf Nuevo Portil

This historic Club was founded in the 19th Century by engineers at the Rio Tinto copper mine. Always a rustic course with oiled sanded ‘greens’ Corta Atalaya’ was kept alive by successive mine employees. In 1990 the course was rebulit on a new site, also part of the mine, but now boasts seeded tees and greens. Fairways are bare earth so the Club provides carpets of artificial grass to facilitate play. The course is 2,300 metres long with one par-5, four par-4´s and four par-3´s.

Golf Nuevo Portil is an 18-hole par 71 golf course located at the Urbanizacion Nuevo Portil, in Cartaya, just 18 Km from Huelva, 91 from Sevilla. Over the course and its 18 holes you will enjoy the most beautiful sights of the coast of Huelva: never-ending dune beaches, the ocean, or woods of pines and century-old savins.

The exquisite design by Alfonso Vidaor, maintaining its initial flavour with wide fairways and pleasant greens, provides the course with a great quality and variety. It takes its name from the ¨Laguna del Portil¨, a coastal type of lagoon which is a bird sanctuary and a safe haven for chameleons, declared a Natural Reserve. The golf course is located in an area with natural vegetation, mainly populated with pine, running along the sea to the south. While the course’s technical design can be adapted for international championships, most golfers will enjoy a pleasant game in superb surroundings.

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MAIN – Linarejos waterfall in Cerrada de Utrero 1 – Church of the Salvador in Plaza de Vazquez Molina, Ubeda 2 – Town hall Palacio Vazquez de Molina, Ubeda 3 – Panorama of National Park Sierra Cazorla

andalucia >> jaen

JAEN

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jaen The varied geography of the province of JaĂŠn offers beautiful natural landscapes. In its villages you will find stunning Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture and monuments which keeps alive the memories of past splendours.

The only golf course in Jaen Region is called Club De Golf La Garza. This is a very playable 9-hole course with wide fairways.

Its difficulty lies in the woods, over three thousand trees with many types of variety.

Its natural setting provides silence and tranquility. Eight of the nine holes are tree

lined, four with water hazards and some trees come into play around the greens.

The Campo de Golf La Garza is part of a public sports complex, managed by the Public Enterprise Sports Andaluz, an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Sport of the Junta de AndalucĂ­a.

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MAIN – Plaza De Espana at night, Seville 1 – River Guadalquivir view with famous Golden Tower (Torre del Oro).

2 – Stunning architecture in Sevilla 3 – Famous Spanish symbol of a bull in Seville

andalucia >> sevilla

SEVILLA

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sevilla The ancient city of Seville is the capital of the Andalusia Region and is the most densely populated province. The towns and cities on the shores of the river are living testimony to its historic and cultural past.

The lively streets and squares in the historic quarter are full of traditional cultures, such as atmospheric tapas bars. Seville is packed with tourist attractions: Museums and art centres, theme parks, cinemas, theatres, clubs and tapas bars are some of the many leisure options that a great city like Seville boasts.

A walk around Seville takes in World Heritage Listed Buildings and you can even visit the tomb of Christopher Columbus, which lies in the Seville Cathedral.

Seville, the emblematic city of universal recognition, also has a large Port that has served as a point for trade with the West Indies. Its art and folklore make this an exceptional tourist destination. The Guadalquivir river flows between the foothills of the Sierra Morena to the north and the Sierra Sur mountains in the south, irrigating a rich and fertile valley.

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Club Zaudín Golf

Real Club De Pineda De Sevilla

Zaudín Golf, three kilometres south of Seville is Gary Player´s first design in Spain for twenty years. The parkland style layout traces its course through groves of orange, palm and olive trees. Fairways are wide and two lakes bring water into play on a number of holes, for example the par four 17th, which doglegs right towards a green almost surrounded by water. Player considers this is one of the most beautiful holes he has created. Who are we to argue? The 3rd hole is difficult while the 4th at 492 metres is the longest on the course and bunkers wait to collect stray tee shots.

Similarly, at the par five 12th the right the green is guarded by four bunkers. Greens are large but are well protected by bunkers of which there are seventy, plus a wide variety of vegetation.

The well equipped clubhouse is a Seville style hacienda.

There is a member only policy at Real Club de Golf Pineda.

Visitors can play if accompanied by a member. Located three kilometres from Seville, Pineda is a Rodrigo and Felipe Benjumea design. On opening in 1939 it made history as the first club in the province but it was also the last until 1991 when the Real Club de Golf de Sevilla opened its gates. Pineda is mainly flat but follows a slight incline towards the Guadiara river. The fairways are wide and are separated by an abundance of vegetation and trees, notably palm and pines. The greens are fairly small and due to well positioned water hazards access to them can be tricky. The par four 1st hole is rated as one of the most difficult with a dogleg to the right. A testing start but pass that one and it’s plain sailing!

Pineda has recently expanded to a full eighteen holes.

Club Zaudín Golf

Club De Golf Hato Verde

Las Minas Golf

Club De Golf Hato Verde

Las Minas Golf is a 9-hole course but has plans to expand to 27 holes and build a 5 star hotel on site. The current nine holes come from the pen of Antonio García Garrido, who designed La Quinta, and form part of a luxury residential development. The landscape is gently rolling and the orange and olives trees offer colour and welcome shade in the intense summer heat. Beware of the raised greens which are well protected by bunkers, and of the water hazards which come into play on six holes.

Opened in 2008, the Club de Golf Hato Verde is another golf course from Aymerich Golf Group. The course is an 18-hole par 71 layout which was designed by Manolo Pinero. The course can be difficult for beginner players as there many water features around the course, not least its six lakes. The terrain is also quite undulating and the narrow fairways demand precision off the tee.

The greens are quite generous but are well guarded by the 35 or so bunkers that are cleverly positioned to catch wayward shots.

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Real Club De Golf De Sevilla The design is flat, and therefore easy to walk, and over 12,000 trees and bushes help to protect both the players and the course from the otherwise unbearable summer heat.

The Real Club de Sevilla represents a new departure for the golf sport in the capital of Andalusia. It was opened in 1991 and comes from the drawing-board of José María Olazábal. At last the Sevillanos have somewhere to play. The course, at the moment is open to the public and is proving to be very popular. The design is flat, and therefore easy to walk, and over 12,000 trees and bushes help to protect both the players and the course from the otherwise unbearable summer heat. Holes 6 and 15, both par four’s, are regarded as the most difficult while the 3rd, a short par three, with its green surrounded by water, is spectacular. If you should get tired of golf the club offers plenty of other ways to keep patrons occupied, such as tennis, squash or swimming. The multi-facility clubhouse also includes stables for fifty horses, a must for equine-mad Andalucians.

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MAIN – Ripe lemons growing on a lemon tree, a big industry in Murcia 1 – Solar panels at an orange plantation 2 – A stunning seascape sunrise 3 – View of la Manga del Mar Menor, Murcia

>> murcia

MURCIA

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murcia Tourism in the Region of Murcia has been a major success story of the last few years.

The autonomous region of Murcia lies in the southeast of the Spanish mainland. It borders Castile-La Mancha in the north, the region of Valencia in the east, the Mediterranean sea in the south, and Andalusia in the west.

One of the major attractions of Murcia which includes the pristine beaches of the Costa Calida coastline, gentle coves, dunes, salt flats, wetlands, Natural Reserve and

mountainous national parks. The region also has a rich history to boast of, which is depicted with highly representative buildings such as the Cathedral, the Roman Theatre in Cartagena, and the medieval castles of Lorca and Mula. The remains of fortresses are all over the area - evidence to the fact that the Murcia is a region of great contrasts, whilst keeping its natural charm and beauty.

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Hacienda del Álamo

Roda Golf Course

Hacienda del Álamo Golf Resort offers golfers one of the longest and widest courses in Europe: 6,724 metres where you can enjoy a thrilling round amid lakes and water features. A masterly, 18-hole, par 72 design by Dave Thomas, whose signature feature is length.

The Hacienda del Álamo Golf Club boasts a modern academy with an advanced Swing Analysis system, as well as a 36-bay driving range in a two-storey building, six par 3 and par 4 practice holes, two putting greens, bunkers. Hacienda del Álamo is a 550 hectare golf resort where you will also find facilities for paddle tennis, tennis, lawn bowls and a 5-star rugby and football pitch.

After your day’s play, head to the 2,000 m2 club house where you can enjoy the billiard room, TV lounge, games room, café, restaurant and golf shop.

The first resort to be developed by Calidona in the Region of Murcia is Roda Golf Course, an 18-hole par 72 course designed

by Dave Thomas covering 6,177 metres of undulating terrain with lovely views. Its ample greens and strategically located bunkers make it the ideal course for playing your favourite sport. The course features three strategically positioned lakes and superbly integrated plants and trees right across the course. The excellent course design means that the level of difficulty can be increased depending on the marker position on its immense tees.

Hacienda del Álamo

Roda Golf Course

Sensol Golf

Corvera Golf Club

When you play golf, you don’t always feel like tackling the same round or level of difficulty, which is why at resorts like Sensol Golf you can enjoy playing on an 18-hole course where the front nine has been designed with amateur players in mind, whilst the back nine is more demanding, for those who appreciate the challenges of its contoured greens. Covering 5,895 m from the white tees, 5,679 m from the yellow tees (par 72), 5,479 m from the blue tees and 5,270 m from the red tees (par 73), this course is sure to delight any golfer. The course is gentle, undulating and varied and located in a unique natural setting that helps make each hole a different experience. A challenge created with keen golfers in mind, where care for the environment is reflected in the facilities, which facilitate water conservation and the elimination of pollutants.

Subsequently, Calidona has gone on to create Corvera GolfClub.

Designed by José María Olazábal, this looks set to become one of the Region’s most emblematic courses. Covering 6,652 metres, its par 72 18-hole round with six teeing positions is clearly designed to meet the needs of players of all levels. The course adeptly combines the presence of features from the natural surroundings with strategically placed lakes that play an important role in the development of the round. Complementing the course is a superb driving range with excellent putting and chipping greens and a Fitting Room.

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La Manga Club – North Course

La Manga Club – South Course

La Manga Club North Course is an 18 hole, par 71 course that was designed by Robert Putman. Its undulating contours, including storm gullies, palm trees, lakes and ‘barrancas’ all create a unique element to the challenge on offer. Although this course is slightly shorter than the South course (5753 metres), its tight fairways demand precision rather than length. The large greens are all constructed to USGA standards, and provide a great test of putting. Danger on this course comes in the form of water hazards and ‘barrancas’ that snake their way through the course.

South course: The course was originally designed by Robert D. Putman in 1971 and subsequently remodelled by Arnold Palmer in 1992. At 6,449 meters off the white tees, the South is a top calibre championship course. The front nine are particularly tough, with two par 3’s over 200 metres and some daunting par 4’s which will demand accurate driving between lakes and bunkers, requiring long irons or fairway woods to the green. The back nine, although shorter, has a number of intriguing dog-leg holes. Located in the centre of the valley, it has wide, palmfringed fairways and water hazards on 15 out of its 18 holes. La Manga Club is a sports and leisure resort , which is home to three of Europe’s finest golf courses. It has been nominated as one of the five top sports resorts in the world. The resort features a 5-star colonial-style hotel, Las Lomas Village, and a 2,000 m2 Spa La Manga Club. A pioneer in Spain, La Manga Golf had Gary Player as its first director of golf back in 1972 and amongst its countless facilities, features a prestigious pitch & putt course designed by Severiano Ballesteros.

La Manga Club

La Manga Club

La Manga Club – West Course The West Course is a Dave Thomas designed course where golfers will feel that every facet of their game is being put to the test on each shot. Set amongst pine woodlands, the West Course’s design provides a distinctive character along the undulating land.

The changes in elevation often deceive golfers in their choice of club. The tight front nine demands accurate driving to avoid the gullies while the back nine, up amongst the hills, is more open but nonetheless challenging. The unique surroundings with amazing views makes this a very popular choice for golfers.

The front nine are particularly tough, with two par 3’s over 200 metres and some daunting par 4’s which will demand accurate driving between lakes and bunkers.

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Nicklaus Golf Trail La Torre Best

Nicklaus Golf Trail Hacienda Riquelme Best Golf

La Torre Best Golf is an 18-hole par-68 course. A desert-style course with few bunkers that can be played with low shots, undulating fairways and large greens. La Torre Best Golf is an 18-hole par 68 course with 4 different teeing positions. Its short layout and wide fairways are suitable for intermediate or high handicappers. The lakes, bunkers and palm trees that surround the course make for a spectacular round.

Hacienda Riquelme Best Golf is an 18-hole, par 72 course with 4 teeing positions in a Mediterranean setting surrounded by olive trees and 5 large lakes. A desert-style course demanding low shots, with fewer bunkers, wide undulating fairways and challenging greens.

La Torre Best

Hacienda Riquelme Best Golf

La Serena Golf

Sierra Golf

If you tend to get carried away playing golf, this is the place for you. La Serena Golf in Los AlcĂĄzares is conveniently located 7 minutes from San Javier airport and 15 minutes from Cartagena.

It is an eminently flat course, where you can enjoy a great variety of hole designs with water hazards, bunkers and desertlike areas. Covering an area of 60 hectares right on the shores of the Mar Menor, this 6,168 metre par 72 course designed by Manuel PiĂąero provides a beautiful setting for some great shots.

An exclusive Mediterranean-style resort with gardens, excellent communications, exquisite cuisine and unrivalled services. For your relaxation there is a choice of holiday apartments and a 4-star hotel where the highlights include the Asian-style spa and its exclusive suites, as well as an indoor pool, private jacuzzi, relaxation areas, sauna and Turkish bath.

Located in the Murcian district of Balsicas, Sierra Golf offers everyone the opportunity to put their golfing skills to the test.

With a 9-hole round covering over 3,300 metres from the white tees, Sierra Golf offers fairly fast, gently contoured greens and fairways bordered by lakes and bunkers. These sand traps are all the more important here because of their size and their high banks.

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>> murcia

La Peraleja

Ugr La Tercia

Play your favourite sport on a course designed by one of the best golfers of all times: Severiano Ballesteros. The exclusive La Peraleja resort has been designed, planned and managed so that you can practise your golf in the most professional style.

Covering a distance of 6,112 metres, this is an 18-hole, par 72 course with a gently undulating design and strategically located hazards that provide a testing challenge throughout the round.

The Club House has a restaurant, café, piano bar, changing rooms, physiotherapy, shop and club storage. Accommodation is available at the heart of La Peraleja golf club resort in fully equipped villas on 300-metre plots right next to the course.

When you play golf, every shot is different to the last. For a novel golf experience, visit UGR La Tercia, a 9+1 hole golf course (to be extended to 18+1 holes in the near future) created by renowned course designer Pepe Gancedo. Here you can enjoy the challenge of keeping your ball out of the water at the aquatic driving range, the only one of its kind in Spain. With its three par 3s, three par 4s and three par 5s, it is one of the Region of Murcia’s best designed courses. A golf course that is Scottish in spirit in a beautiful natural setting in the heart of the Murcian countryside, with reedfilled gullies, tamarinds and migratory birds. There is also a golf academy and a club house with café, changing rooms, physiotherapy and a crèche.

Mosa Trajectum

Altorreal Golf

Mosa Trajectum

Altorreal Golf

(Stone Course & Pine Course) For golfers looking for something different to add zest to their game, a visit Mosa Trajectum is a must. With a total of 27 holes, there are three different 18-hole rounds to choose from, depending on your interest and level of play. The Stone Course is ideal for technically skilled golfers who like a strategic game.

The Olive Course snakes between hundreds of olive trees in a typically Spanish landscape and offers a round for the lefthander. Here, the further you stray from the fairway, the longer the different varieties of grass. The Pine Course is bordered by 3,500 pine trees with treacherous water hazards posing a threat to victory. There is also the Challenge Course, a 9-hole,par 3 course built for Federation competitions. Completing the facilities there is a pitch and putt, practice facilities and a driving range with a sliding roof. Accommodation is available in apartments. And all close to the coast, where the waters of the Mar Menor and Mediterranean Seas meet.

Altorreal is located just 45 minutes from San Javier airport and one hour from Alicante. This magnificent 18-hole course designed

by Dave Thomas is one of the oldest in the Region. Featuring 6 lakes, the 18-hole, 6,220 metre par 72 course is characterised by its sloping greens. Another highlight is the ingenious use of water, which comes into play particularly on the 9th and 18th holes. The area has been reforested with more than 20,000 trees, creating a natural setting for golf unmatched elsewhere on the Costa Cálida, where Altorreal is currently the most played course and especially popular with local golfers. This magnificent design by Dave Thomas features an official 18-hole par-72 course, 6,239 metres long, with 6 lake areas and a practice area including putting green, bunker and green for practising approach shots.

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Alhama Signature Golf

Mar Menor Village Golf

Alhama Signature Golf is in the municipality of the town of Alhama. The course covers a large 96 hectares, and plays to a challenging 6,884 meters Par 72. The surrounding landscape was retained throughout the design, so the native woodland and flora such as pine trees, esparto, rosemary, thyme and other species indigenous to the area are dotted around the surrounds.

Mar Menor Golf Village is located in the province of Murcia, near the town of Torre Pacheco. The wide space here is approximately 59 hectares in size and a the course plays at maximum length of 6,153 meters for a very demanding par 72, surrounded by a variety of plants indigenous to the area.

Signature Alhama Golf is a unique, long and spectacular golf course that was developed between five large Lakes, with unique circular tees, wide fairways and fast greens. 116 bunkers are well positioned and their white silica sand shines in the sun. It’s a great challenge for any player, both professional and amateur. It forces you to carefully choose each shot, before approaching the well guarded greens wrapped in strategic bunkers.

Located 5 km from Mar Menor, the course was designed by David Thomas and Jack Nicklaus. The front -nine holes are a testing Par 37, 3275 meters, which requires good shots to put the ball in the fairway. There is little rough but the greens are well protected by bunkers and the surrounding lake water. The back nine holes are Par 35, 2878 meters. In general, they have wide fairways. The main features are the clever positioning of bunkers and a spectacular lake, which is an obstacle that comes into play on a few holes.

Alhama Signature Golf Course

El Valle Best Golf

Saurines De La Torre Golf

Nicklaus Golf Trail El Valle Best Golf

Saurines de la Torre Golf is an 18-hole par 72 desert style course, reminiscent of other desert courses around the world. It is characterized by undulating fairways and greens between desert dunes. There isn’t too much bunkering but a 6 acre lake guards the 9th and 18th holes, which provides an exciting finish.

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El Valle Best Golf, is an 18-hole, par 71 course with 4 starting tees. A desert-style course with 2 lakes, waterfalls and clusters of bunkers in a setting marked by rocks and abundant native vegetation. A course that will reward accuracy and the astute golfer. Like all of the Polaris Resorts, it features an academy, driving range, a golf club storage service, changing rooms, buggy bar and Pro-shop, as well as a Club House for a refreshing drink, restaurants, bars, accommodation, sports facilities and health services. A world of possibilities for before and after your game.

>> murcia

AutoCares Y Taxis (Coaches and Taxis) The region of Murcia is washed by the waters of the Mediterranean, in south-eastern Spain. Its mild weather means you can play golf here almost all year round. What’s more this destination offers the chance to enjoy an enticing holiday combination of sports, health and beauty, either on your own or with friends or family. There are a variety of golf clubs for you to play your favourite sport, very close to the Region’s two main cities, Murcia and Cartagena. You’ll find excellent facilities, immaculately maintained and up to the highest standards. There’s guaranteed fun for everyone, with challenging courses requiring precision golfing at each stroke, or gentler layouts which are ideal for novices.

But how would you like a golf holiday to some of the best courses in Murica, without having to worry about renting a car?

If this sounds good to you, then talk to Autocares Y Taxis.

Autocares Y Taxis provide various forms of modern, Fully Licensed and Insured Vehicles including Taxi, Minibus, Microbus and Coach to transport clients in comfort and safety. Unlike many transport companies in the Costa Blanca, Autocares Y Taxis has a “Targeta de Transporte” license and are fully insured for hire and reward.

With transport services available from Alicante Airport or Murcia Airport, groups of golfers are perfectly accommodated.

Autocares Y Taxis (Coaches and Taxis) is a British Owned, Spanish Registered, Licensed Passenger Transport Company offering a reliable private airport transfer service to all destinations in The Costa Blanca. The drivers are licensed bus drivers who speak English, and enjoy interacting with the groups that they are transporting. Autocares Y Taxis is not a transfer booking agent, but the actual transport company itself, which takes away the necessity for a middleman (who takes commission for any bookings).

Autocares Y Taxis are members of IAGTO and a recommended transport service provider for golfers. There also is an instant on-line quote facility, providing the quickest and cheapest quote for your golfing holiday to the Costa Blanca. The Spanish sunshine is waiting for your visit. Log onto www.clydegrovegolf.com now and plan your 2012 golf trip in the sun.

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MAIN – A view of Benidorm from the beach 1 – Bridge San Jorge in the Costa Blanca 2 – Locally produced clementines on sale in a market at La Nucia 3 – Sunset with gulet anchored

comunitat valenciana >> alicante

ALICANTE

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alicante The region of Alicante, or Costa Blanca as tourists would more commonly call it brings to mind images of idyllic beaches and coves in the Region of Valencia.

However, the Costa Blanca also offers many other attractions that provide a careful blend of modernity and tradition.

Alicante, DĂŠnia, Altea, Calpe, XĂ bia and Torrevieja are all coastal destinations with an ideal climate for practising water sports and a special light in which to relax by the sea where you can enjoy a few

fun-packed days of leisure. Further inland, nestled among beautiful landscapes, towns such as Elche, Orihuela, Guadalest and Alcoi offer a rich artistic and cultural heritage. Discover the popular fiestas and celebrations, delicious Mediterranean cuisine, art, modernity and countless activities and events that will not fail to impress you.

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Alicante Golf

Club De Golf Alenda

Alicante Golf is located right along the shores of the Mediterranean and San Juan beach, only 5 minutes from Alicante City Centre. The wide tree lined fairways, all maintained with the greatest respect for environmental protection and use of water, are a breath of fresh air with residential area of La Condomina.

Designed by Seve Ballesteros, it has a unique configuration of six Par3’s, six Par 4’s and six Par 5’s. On each nine, there are no two consecutive holes with the same par and no blind shots, making play more interesting. There are five large lakes, which come into play on twelve of the eighteen holes. An interesting feature of Alicante Golf is the approach shot to the 14th hole, where you have to play over the runs of “Villa Ferrer”, a Roman country house from 1 BC that was discovered during course construction.

Opened in 1997, Alenda Golf plays at 6,257 off the white tees.

The first nine holes are medium length, more suited to accurate players than big hitters. The clever design of the course by Golden Fairways requires the use of every club in the bag. The holes are well linked together and the walks between green and tee are short – which isn’t common place in a lot of Spanish courses. The course is generally flat without too many slopes until you reach the greens, which provide a difficult and special character. Alenda Golf is considered a fun course for all levels of golfers.

Club De Golf Ifach

Club De Golf Alenda

Club De Golf Ifach

Club De Golf Don Cayo

Situated in a location with extraordinary views, this Par-60 course is short but difficult and its obstacles will be a surprise even to the most experienced players. The round will not demoralise beginners, nor will it exhaust tourists who play in the summer, but its fairways are narrow and are cleverly surrounded by pine and olive trees, which can be a challenge for all level of golfers. The views to the Ifach Rock and the brilliance of the Mediterranean Sea make it an ideal place to play.

The Don Cayo Golf Club was founded in 1974 by Don Luis Campomanes Asumendi as part of the “El Aramo” residential development project, situated at the foothills of the Sierra Bernia mountain range. It is located in the municipal limits of Altea, a Mediterranean village famous for the beauty of its historic quarter and the distinctive natural light. The course measures 3,078 metres from the white tees. Feature holes would be the 3rd with its stunning views of the Sea and the 7th from where you can make out the mountains surrounding the Marina Baixa.

In May 2006, the Club opened another 18 tee boxes, creating an extraordinary new design for the back nine, having two different rounds of 9 holes. This renovation brought the total meterage to 5,501 and made Don Cayo a unique 9 hole course that provided completely different rounds.

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comunitat valenciana >> alicante

Real Club De Golf Campoamor Campoamor Royal Golf Club has been built in a beautiful old estate surrounded by natural areas of great beauty and design to make the most of the unusual relief of the local landscape. Its 18 holes are distributed between two intercommunicating valleys and are surrounded by small, low flat ridges protecting it from the wind. This also provides a special micro climate where golf can be played all year round. As with most of the courses along Costa Blanca, the views of the intense blue Mediterranean Sea are quite spectacular.

Club De Golf Las Ramblas De Orihuela Golf Las Ramblas is an 18 hole course located in a scenic and mountainous areas, which makes the round exciting for players wanting to take risks. Due to the mountainous layout and large river beds, players are required to take on difficult shots. Its main features are the many trees weaving in and out of the round that are cleverly blended with the water obstacles. The river beds are present throughout the round, some of them quite difficult across the 5,770 metre layout.

Real Club De Golf Campoamor

Club De Golf Las Ramblas De Orihuela

Club De Golf Jávea

Campo De Golf Villamatín

A course with lots of charm. Set under the shelter of the Cape of San Antonio. The fairways are broad and trick players in to thinking that they are on a course that’s easy to play. But, there are 34 bunkers along the way, many of which are deliberately set to protect the greens. There are also gentle slopes that can be deceptive when the ball falls. Good use has been made of the Mediterranean vegetation, which is strategically located around the course to give things more interest. The design does allow players to gain splendid picturesque vistas. There is a plan to expand this course and give it an 18 hole layout. This should actually happen soon, as it has been on the books for quite some time now.

At 6,132 metres of the white tees, Villamartin is not excessively long but it has been adapted to the natural surroundings which can provide difficulties for wayward shots. Located in a river bed, the layout is quite varied without too many slopes. It has an abundance of Mediterranean vegetation and a thick grove, although these should rarely influence your game. The greens are quite large and once you avoid several obstacles like the natural cliffs and water hazards, Villamartin provides golfers with a good chance to beat their handicap.

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Las Colinas Golf and Country Club The more elite golfer can take on a challenge of the 6337 meters from the back tees, but with five different tee platforms on each hole, golfers of all skill levels will enjoy their game here.

In an exclusive private community, away from the hustle & bustle of the coastline, yet still within a few minutes of Campoamor beach, lies the Las Colinas 18 hole Championship course, which opened in the summer of 2010. The par-71 course 6,377 metre was created by the famous course designer Cabell B. Robinson and is managed

by Troon Golf.

Situated in 10,000 hectares of Mediterranean woodland, this resort lies in a secluded valley in the southern part of Alicante between the town of San Miguel de Salinas and the coast, with sea views of the Mediterranean and Mar Menor. You enter through a dramatic gorge, preserving the tranquillity and natural beauty of the valley revealed within. With low-density housing, it is an eco friendly development surrounded by hills as it blends naturally into the landscape - indeed a world apart.

The more elite golfer can take on a challenge of the 6337 meters from the back tees, but with five different tee platforms on each hole, golfers of all skill levels will enjoy their game here. The large greens are fast, undulating and sometimes intimidating, but unlike many new courses, Las Colinas can boast true putting surfaces, that are kept to impeccable standards. Other facilities include clubhouse with bar & restaurant, terraces, golf shop, and well appointed locker rooms, and other sports facilities such as tennis & paddle courts, and a gymnasium.

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comunitat valenciana >> alicante

Golf & Spa Bonalba

La Sella Golf

Bonalba Golf is a par 72 course that was designed by Ramon Espinosa and opened in 1993. This 18 hole course is located in Bonalba Mountains and very close to the sea. The variety of trees, lakes and the high number of bankers and large greens makes Bonalba Golf an interesting and attractive challenge for all golfers. Although the fairways are quite large, the amount of lakes on this course makes it anything but easy. A good water and purification system makes this course in excellent condition all year round.

Surrounded by an ecosystem of Mediterranean woods and mountains and located in the Montgo Natural Park, La Sella Golf is an 18 hole golf course, par 72 and length of 6289 metres, with an upcoming 9 hole extension. A varied and suggestive round, integrated into a protected environment where besides enjoying golf and experiencing nature, there are a complete array of services nearby, as it is located only 7km from Denia with its famous beaches. Due to its special orography, it offers a balanced design suitable for all levels of golfers. From all its fairways you can see beautiful views and a varied landscape with diverse species of trees. A well cared for and relaxed atmosphere, which together with the mild Mediterranean climate invites enjoyment.

Golf & Spa Bonalba

La Sella Golf

Lo Romero Golf The new course at Lo Romero Golf can be found in Pilar de la Horadada, a costal town, south of Alicante. Lo Romero is a traditional and very enjoyable golf course. It has a pleasant run through without many slopes but a great variety of holes. A Par 72 course, Lo Romero’s design provides many different tee options so all calibre of golfers are catered for. The fist nine holes are a gentle layout across the natural basin of a terrain once heavily cultivated. The second nine has a few more hills and runs through the pine land situated on some old agricultural terrain. The views are quite stunning as the green colour of the course is in bright contrast with the blue horizon where La Manga divides the Mar Mediterraneo del Mar Menor. Few courses can boast such a memorable final hole as Lo Romero, a par 5 of 487 metres. You tee off through a line if pine trees before finally making your approach across water to an island green.

From all its fairways you can see beautiful views and a varied landscape with diverse species of trees.

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Villaitana Golf (Levante & Poniente) With two 18-hole courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Levante and Poniente, the Villaitana Resort is a very popular option for golfers on the Costa Blanca. Both courses show Nicklaus’s unmistakable design and have the advantage of not being included in a real estate development. Over an area of more than 80 hectares, the US-style Championship Course, with wife fairways and exquisitely formed greens, and with a length of more than 6,6,12 metres, offers marvellous view of the Mediterranean and of the Finestrat mountains. The second 18-hole par 62 course, which is 3,858 metres in length, is located in a pleasant valley of Mediterranean pine, with sea and mountain views. The design of this course lets all kind of players enjoy a great golfing experience, whatever their handicap. Villaitana also has a clubhouse with sea-facing terraces, cafeteria, pro shop, driving range and golf school.

Villaitana Golf

La Finca Located south of Alicante City, La Finca is a par 72 course.

Its layout is unforgettable due to its incredible greens, its spectacular and unusual bunkers and the unique surroundings.

This magnificent course is located in the area belonging to Algorfa and is a short distance from the Mediterranean Sea. In the warms summer heat, the light sea breeze makes a round that bit more pleasurable. The views are a delight for nature lovers thanks to a wide array of trees, large lakes and birds of different species that have made refuge on La Finca. A great feature hole at La Finca is the par-3 16th, a 162 metre carry over water to an undulating green. Most would walk away very happy with par.

Font del Llop Golf Resort

El Plantio

Font del Llop Golf Resort

Opened in 1993, this Manuel Ferry Ruiz deigned course has an 18 hole par-72 layout. At a mere 3 kilometres away from the city of Alicante, this has a driving range with two floors of covered tees and international golf school, where you can perfect your golf swing. This course is suitable for all levels of golfer and is a pleasant game in a nice setting with plenty of vegetation.

The greens and fairways are kept to high standards of condition all year round.

Opened in 2010, Font del Llop Golf Resort is strategically situated in the heart of Alicante province. It is located only a few minutes away from the international airport of El Altet and is surrounded by an excellent road network. A luxurious resort, Font del Llop offers sport, a healthy life style, leisure and services, culture and gastronomy.

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Located in the heart of the Costa Blanca, Font del Llop golf course boasts an 18-hole par-72 layout that is integrated into the hills. Designed by Blake Stirling and Marco Martin, the course offers five different tees on each hole and eighteen completely different greens, each with their own personality. It is a true test for the better golfer from the back tees, while also very enjoyable for the society golfer off the front tees. It is a very enjoyable course that meanders through a valley, but beware of the river and lakes that come into play on some holes.

The slopes are smooth with alternating long and short holes surrounded by streams and lakes.

Golf & Country Club La Marquesa La Marquesa is a par 72 course located in a valley and surrounded by two mountains. The course is generally flat and is kept in good condition. It’s not a very difficult round and will please most players. The slopes are smooth with alternating long and short holes surrounded by streams and lakes. It is an attractive course with wonderful views.

The more experience player might find this course too easy, but all are guaranteed to find it a very enjoyable. Pines and palm trees are your companions while walking around La Marquesa.

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MAIN – Festival of lights in Valencia 1 – Skyline seen from famous Cathedral Tower in Valencia 2 – Valenciano mareny 3 – Hemisferic in The City of Arts and Sciences

comunitat valenciana >> valencia

VALENCIA

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valencia The Region of Valencia offers a fantastic destination for tourists all year round.

Here you can enjoy the Mediterranean nature of inland towns and villages; discover the charming coves and beaches of Alicante’s Costa Blanca; enjoy Benidorm’s intense day and night life; travel from tradition to modernity in Valencia Terra i Mar and dive into the best kept secrets of Castellón Costa Azahar. Wherever you go, the Region of Valencia will surprise you.

If you’re a golfing fanatic and you want

to put your skill to the test at a course surrounded by natural landscapes, search no more: the Region of Valencia is the place for you. With over twenty golf courses from top des igners dotted around the provinces of Valencia, Alicante and Castellón, the Region of Valencia offers you the chance to enjoy this sport in state-of-the-art facilities.

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Campo De Golf El Tejo

Club De Golf El Saler

Campo de Golf El Tejo is a 9-hole course with double teeing grounds, making it look like a regular 18-hole course. It is a difficult course, highly entertaining, thoroughly technical, and the irregularityof the terrain means that the ball makes unexpected bounces. The tees are in artificial grass, the fairways are in natural grass and the greens are in sand, except for the 8th and 17th holes, where the grass is artificial. The course is only watered with rainwater, making it look dry and the ball slide along the fairways at good speed, achieving better distances than those of a conventional grass course. All the vegetation here is native to the area. Since late 2008, a total of 800 new trees have been planted, and another 400 seedlings of pine and other species. Playing at this course enables players to appreciate the differences between this kind of game and conventional grass courses. It has so many attractions that most players will not even see the AVE high speed train rushing by, as it runs parallel to the practice range.

Opened in 1968, this is one of designer Javier Arana’s masterpieces.

The air is pure, with a sea breeze from the Mediterranean close by, meaning difficulty lies precisely in the wind and depends greatly on it. The result of one day can be completely different from the next, not only due to the placement of flags on the greens, but mainly to the wind - a factor to be taken into account at any course, but particularly at El Saler. There are 95 natural bunkers around the course, designed without any alterations by course designers. This is true Mediterranean vegetation, in an oasis-like, protected nature reserve. The course record is still held by the German professional Bernhard Langer, who in the 1984 Spanish Open shot 62 strokes on way to victory. El Saler has hosted important national and international golf competitions in different categories, in particular the Spanish Open in 1984 and 89, as well as the Seve Trophy is 2003.

Some of the finest players in Europe have competed here and Seve Ballesteros, is a firm admirer of El Saler golf course.

Club De Golf Escorpión

Club De Golf El Saler

Club De Golf Escorpión

Club De Golf Manises

This private club has good quality facilities with almost 2,000 members. Its 27 holes enable players to combine three different rounds, where technique and strength are the main features for success. The course is sheltered by a well-established and quiet forest and the presence of water at many of the holes is a special attraction to those who can’t resist a challenge. The nine traditional holes in the area around the Clubhouse are laid out on flat ground.

Two lakes that make a pretty beautiful feature come into play at holes 6, 8 and 9. All nine holes in the Los Lagos lake area present water hazards, which affects five holes. Water is in abundance at the par-3 8th hole, which is named ‘El demoni’, or translated as “the devil”. These lakes, however, hold more than a stray ball or two, as the picturesque surroundings attract migratory birds on their way up and down the coast. The last nine holes, recently incorporated into the course are simply called ‘Los Nuevos’ or the new ones.

There is no water in this part of the course, but the impressive views of the Sierra Calerona are the main attraction here.

This is the birthplace of golf in Valencia. It is a historic course with lots of attractive Mediterranean vegetation. In line with the original spirit of the course, designer Javeir Arana opened a new, remodelled course in 2008 following the expansion of Valencia International Airport. Manises is a jewel for both nature and golf lovers. It is a green lung for the population for Manises, but it has actually been in danger of been removed in different moments of its history. 10,000 trees, most of which are over 50 years old, protect the course from outside noise. Some 650 olive trees, 500 pine, 350 carob trees and 200 oaks are strategically placed among the Mediterranean shrubbery. Manises still has 9-holes with three par 3’s, three par 4’s and three par 5’s. In addition, it has another three par-3 holes, which at some point will become a second 9 holes. Manises has produced some outstanding players. Tour professional Jose Manuel Lara is one of Manises major symbols.

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comunitat valenciana >> valencia

El Bosque

Club De Golf Oliva Nova

Robert Trent Jones Snr. created this marvellous green island out of barren terrain in the mid -1970s to give shape to one of the finest golf courses in Europe. It is built on the slopes of a large undulating valley, where the lie of the land poses serious problems for players.

The design makes spectacular use of a privileged geographical location and the irregularity of the terrain. The gullies, lakes and the stream all come into play here. These water hazards provide the charm and often cause problems for golfers. Its 96 sand traps add to the difficulties from tee to green, as they are strategically placed to catch wayward drives along the fairway or bad approaches to the green. The 7th-hole, a par 5, presents a cluster of pine trees to the right, sucking in many a poor drive, whereas hole number 9 has a high green that can intimidate just about any player. El Bosque has hosted quite a few tournaments on the European circuit. Fairways and greens have been walked by international players of the likes of Jose Maria Canizares, Jose Maria Olazabal, and Vijay Singh.

A technical course with gentle slopes where walking is a pleasure, although balls on the fairway often have difficulty in stopping.

This is a traditional design with ten par 4’s, four par 5’s and four par 3’s – a manageable layout for all players, regardless of their handicap. There are quite a few holes where water enters into play which many a ball ends in these hazards Hole number six, a par, known as “Seve’s Revenge”, is the toughest on the whole course. It’s a hole with the unmistakable stamp of Seve Ballesteros. In general the fairways are pretty broad, but they do have spectacular curves, meaning that from your tee position you have to decide whether to risk a strong drive or play more conservatively. Spanish professional, Miguel Angel Jimenez, set the record for the course in 1999 with 63 strokes, 9 under par. In recent years, the Golf Oliva Nova course has been the venue for important Charity events, in which many famous singers, actors and international sports people have taken part.

El Bosque

Foressos Golf

Foressos Golf

La Galiana Golf

Foressos is an excellent course, designed in 2007 by Jose Gancedo. This course has undoubtedly some of the finest greens in the entire Region of Valencia. Some greens are actually shared between two holes and sometimes even three. Interestingly, the green at hole number 7, a par3 of 170 metres is the longest in Europe, measuring over 70 metres. To have a good score at Foressos, you have to come more than once. Golf professionals such as Sergio Garcia and Jose Manuel Lara use this course as their regular practice course. Water plays an important role here, and has to be reckoned with at all times. Fourteen interconnected lakes can be found here, whose mission is not just to look good, but rather then to collect and store the rain water for drought periods and Summer months. Foressos golf has a unique hole, number 19, a par 3 at 110 meters, was a gift from Jose Gancedo to the course owners. There are over 3,000 palm trees around the course and much wildlife from the nearby Albufera lagoon.

Have you ever fancied playing golf in the sun but been put off by courses being restricted to club members or only available at the most inconvenient times? Now there is a new championship course that promises golf for everyone, every day of the year: Opened in 2011, there will be no members at La Galiana. Instead, anyone can book green fees for the 18-hole, par 72 course.

La Galiana enjoys a spectacular setting in a valley surrounded by pine and orange groves, isolated from residential areas.

More than 5000 local species of plants and trees have been used for the landscaping, and water consumption will be minimised through a sophisticated rainwater collection and drainage system.

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MAIN – Aqueduct in Morella 1 – Gothic aqueduct in Morella 2 – Castellon Mosaic tile 3 – A view of Marina d’Or beach, in Valencia

comunitat valenciana >> castellón

CASTELLÓN

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castellón Castellón Costa Azahar is often described as the perfect union between the mountains and the sea.

Over 120 kilometres of coastline and some of the most fascinating beaches in the Region of Valencia can be found here. The crystal clear waters and a mild climate caress this stretch of coastline, peppered with lively towns that offer plenty of activity all year round.

Benicassim, Oropesa del Mar, Peñíscola and the capital of the Costa de Azahar, Castellón de la Plana, offer visitors a rich

historical and cultural heritage.

The diversity of Castellón Costa Azahar is also tucked away in the land and marine ecosystems of its eight natural parks.

Indescribably beautiful landscapes and trails that offer adventure and tranquillity and a broad selection of high quality rural tourism activities that reveal picturesque towns and villages and medieval jewels such as Morella.

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Club De Golf Costa Azahar

Panorรกmica Golf & Country Club

This is a simple golf course, but a charming one too. The fact that it is less than 50 metres from the sea in abundant clusters of pines means that it is a course for players who prefer to test their technique rather then their distance. The layout is lined with well-established pines that give a very picturesque image to this club. These idyllic surroundings are only 6 kilometres from the centre of Castellon de la Plana and 12 from the coastal resort of Benicassim. Players can enjoy a course that features more nature than man-made components. During a round you can enjoy both the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea and breathe in the pinefilled scent. When you reach the greens, it becomes obvious that they are not as large as they seem, so the approach has to be precise. This is a course than golfers can relax, take things slow, each step at a time.

German Professional Bernhard Langer won the Augusta Masters in 1985 and 1993. During this high point in his sporting career, he flew over the 80 hectares of terrain where he would later design the Panoramica golf course. 70 bunkers accompany players along the 18 holes from tee-ground to final green. The lakes are also combined with both wide and narrow fairways. It is a course designed for all types of players regardless of their handicap.

But, there are same demanding holes. For example, the 5th, a par 3 at 133 metres, with an island green where the water will frighten away the indecisive players and rewards the brave. Also of note is the 11th, a par 5 at 502 metres. Along the last 200 metres before the green, the entire left-hand is guarded by a lake. Panoramica Golf, like Foressos Golf in Picassent, Valencia, is one of the courses that belong to Aymerich Golf Management, a leading group in course management across Europe with over forty clubs throughout Spain.

Club De Campo Del Mediterrรกneo

Panorรกmica Golf & Country Club

During a round you can enjoy both the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea and breathe in the pine-filled scent.

The lakes are also combined with both wide and narrow fairways. It is a course designed for all types of players regardless of their handicap.

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Club De Campo Del Mediterráneo Amateurs visiting this course may even have the chance to coincide with one of Sergio Garcia’s training sessions, which is another attraction offered by this club.

This is a benchmark course in Valencian golf. It has achieved international fame as it is the place where Sergio Garcia, one of the finest players in the World began his training. Amateurs visiting this course may even have the chance to coincide with one of Sergio Garcia’s training sessions, which is another attraction offered by this club. In the professional category it has been chosen for the Castello Masters, the OKI Castellon Open de Espana Senior Tour, the Ladies European Tour and four Tours, which serves as the ‘final course’ for Spanish golf. It is a pleasant course to walk, with natural shady areas thanks to the thick Mediterranean trees here. Among its thousands of trees is an ancient carob tree known as ‘ La Mare de Deu’ (the Holy Virgin), which gives its name to hole number 4, a par 5 at 530 metres, in the middle of the fairway, making things tough for an approach to the green. The course was substantially remodelled to host the Castello Masters Costa Azahar 2008, a European Tour event by Sergio Garcia.

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MAIN – Mexican zone Pyramid Theme park Tarragona 1– Chinese architecture Port Aventura 2 – A view of the roman amphitheater of Tarragona 3 – A panoramic view of Tarragona beach

catalunya >> tarragona

TARRAGONA

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tarragona Tarragona is both a province and a town in the region of Catalonia, which unfolds around the Mediterranean Sea. The town is rich with historical splendours including medieval walls and the remains of a Roman aqueduct.

Tarragona boasts a superb coastline, the spectatuclar Costa Daurada. Here you are invited to golden sandy beaches, clear shallow waters and and oasis of calm.

Salou is one of the main holiday resorts in Tarragona. Amongst other things, it is also

home to one of the largest theme parks in Europe – Port Aventura. With direct flights into Reus Airport, Tarragona is the ideal holiday destination for both families and groups of golfers.

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This is the most technically difficult of the three courses: its Links design makes it a genuine challenge for any golfer.

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Lumine Lakes Formally known as PortAventura Golf, the 170 hectares devoted to three golf courses also has two club-houses. Each of these courses gives the player a different experience due to their unique design and different natural environments.

The Lakes course winds round the Sèquia Major wetlands area, classified as a space of Natural Interest. Mediterranean environment and landscape that are perfect for relaxing in. This is the most technically difficult of the three courses: its Links design makes it a genuine challenge for any golfer.

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Lumine Ruins

Lumine Hills

The Ruins Course is located between the North and South Course Club-houses, on the highest slope of the Lumine community.

It was previously a zone of olive and carob trees, which have been transplanted so as to conserve the original Mediterranean countryside. Probably, the greatest peculiarity of its 9 holes is that they are laid out on fairly flat ground among singular Roman archaeological remains dating from the second century BC. In short, a unique course, where we are not out to distract you, but to ensure that you enjoy each stroke to the utmost.

The Hills Course is the course that gives players the most spectacular views. The course, near Cape Salou, runs through leafy woods of white pine and extensive plantations of olive and carob trees that climax in incredible views over the sea. Respect and the integration of the course in the terrain have created an attractive, varied course, whose length complies with the regulations for high-level competition.

Lumine Hills

Lumine Ruines

It was previously a zone of olive and carob trees, which have been transplanted so as to conserve the original Mediterranean countryside.

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Each of these courses gives the player a different experience due to their unique design and different natural environments.

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Golf Bonmont Terre Noves

Costa Dorada Golf Club

Bonmont Golf Club is laid out around a magnificent 18-hole par 72 golf course, which creates a most attractive setting. The natural undulations of the land, the lakes and the community’s gardens and homes all blend seamlessly against this backdrop of green.

A private members’ course, the Costa Dorada Golf Club was built in 1983, this was the first golf club in the Tarragona region.

This golf course has numerous doglegs and hilltop tee shots offering magnificent views over the course and the sea. It’s very pretty, with pines, olive trees, willows and palm trees dotted all over. The Costa Dorada Golf course also offers variety and a challenge. The 13th is one of the longest holes in Spain, measuring 637 yards from the back tees. The Costa Dorada clubhouse is designed in traditional Catalan style and has recently been refurbished and expanded, now offering a modern area alongside the old rustic area.

The work of Robert Trent Jones Jr, one of the worlds leading experts has designed Bonmont golf course to captivate and challenge everyone that plays there. The Bonmont Golf course features numerous natural and man-made hazards. These include imposing gullies, six lakes carved out of the rock, bridges, copses, more than 90 bunkers and ample, beautifully manicured greens.

There is also a natural grass driving range.

Golf Bonmont Terre Noves

Reus Aiguesverds Golf Club

Reus Aiguesverds Golf Club

La Graiera Golf Club

Founded in 1989 the Reus Aiguesverds golf club is a rather flat course set in olive groves and holm oaks. However this is made up for with strategically placed greens and water hazards, one par 3 green being almost entirely surrounded by water.

La Graiera Golf Club is really a hidden gem, especially the new back nine with some superb golfing holes for players of all levels.

The course offers some beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and the nearby Mediterranean coastline.

The course boasts a beautiful masia (country house) that has been converted to form the club house. Reus Aiguesverds Golf being a flat course, is ideal for all and can be walked without problems.

The Mediterranean pine forests that surround La Graiera Golf course are further enhanced by three large lakes that offer the golfer a technical course that has been praised by many.

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MAIN – The Magic fountain show at night 1 – Famous Gaudi building of Casa Mila 2 – Terrace of the Casa Mila, with chimneys shaped anthropomorphic soldiers, created by Gaudi.

3 – The impressive Camp Nau, home to Barcelona Football Club

catalunya >> barcelona

BARCELONA

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barcelona Barcelona and the region of Catalunya has, in recent years become one of the most popular and desired destinations in Europe.

Due to its perfect location on the Mediterranean Sea, it’s fascinating Gaudi architecture, as well as Dali’s eccentric presence to the north on the Costa Brava, its superb cuisine, the huge variety of leisure activities or simply the football team.

Golfers have always been coming to Barcelona. But over the last few years there has been an increase in the numbers of travelling golfers to this fantastic Golf Destination, as word spreads about the fantastic golf courses and facilities on offer.

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Real Club de Golf el Prat The Real Club de Golf El Prat Golf course comprising of 45 holes and designed by Greg Norman is set in beautiful rolling countryside on the outskirts of Barcelona and is a test for any golfer. The North Course is 5933m Par-72 and the South Course is 6020m Par-72.

El Real Club de Golf El Prat is an exclusive and private club but arrangements can be made to play here. It is recommended to consult a golf tour operator like Barcelona Golf for for further information. Furthermore the Real Club de Golf El Prat has constructed a public school with its own 9-hole course which is bound to discover new talent for the future as well as improving an existing players game.

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Set in beautiful rolling countryside on the outskirts of Barcelona

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Club de Golf de Barcelona

St Cugat Golf Club

Club de Golf de Barcelona, formally known as Masia Bach Golf Course,’ was designed by Jose Maria Olazabal and founded in 1990. This is a very demanding and tight course even for the best of golfers and is sure to prove a test of character; the shorter 9-hole course however is less demanding and a pleasant playing experience. The course is beautifully maintained and has hosted numerous professional tournaments including the 2007 Catalonia Ladies Masters, part of the Ladies European Tour. Set on the border of the Penedes wine growing region, it commands some spectacular views of the Montserrat Mountain. It is advisable to use a buggy on this course as it is hilly and tiring for some. The course is complemented with the 4 star Hotel which overlooks the 1st and 18th holes. The hotel is an ideal base to play golf and also to visit Montserrat and the Penedes wine region.

St Cugat was founded in 1914 and is the oldest course in Catalonia.

It was built by English workers who were working the BarcelonaSt Cugat railway at that time. Each hole has its own name, falling in line with a British tradition. The beauty of this course is marked by the perfection of it’s greens, tees, fairways and bunkers. A tight course, it is ideal for beginners or the experienced player.

Club De Golf De Barcelona

St Cugat Golf Club

Vilalba Golf Club The Vilalba Golf Club was opened in 2006 and was designed

by Alfonso Vidaor and Magi Sarda who have incidentally also designed the South Course at Port Aventura Golf.

The Vilalba Golf Club consists of an 18-hole course, 3 short training holes, a driving range, short game practice facilities and over 6,000yds of great golf utilising the elements of the natural landscape (trees, streams, embankments) creating a pleasant, gently rolling route, which is accessible to inexperienced players and offers a wonderful challenge to experienced players.

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The beauty of this course is marked by the perfection of it’s greens, tees, fairways and bunkers.

Llavaneres Golf Club

Vallromanes Golf Club

Founded in 1945, Llavaneres Golf is the fourth oldest private golf club in Catalonia. Initially built only as a 9 hole course, it has been extended and new facilities were added to give it the characteristics of an established club. Its location allows for stunning views, overlooking the Mediterranean to the east, and the coastal mountain ranges to the west. El Maresme, the stretch of coastline just to the north of Barcelona has a very advantageous climate which gives golfers the opportunity to play most days of the year and also appreciate its magnificent, natural gardens as they walk around the course. Although only a short course, it provides a challenge to golfers of all abilities. The newly renovated Llavaneras clubhouse includes a bar-restaurant, pro shop, lounge and games room and the balcony provides a fantastic place to sit back and relax after a round of golf whilst looking out over the sea.

Vallromanes Golf Club has quickly become one of the most established golf clubs in Catalonia. Designed in 1972, by prestigious architect Mr F.W. Hawtree, the club has an exquisite “Masia� (traditional country house) style clubhouse. Although the Vallromanes Golf Club is a private club, arrangements can be made to play. The design of the course provides a constant challenge to the player, but with its stunning views of the mountains and valleys that surround it, it is an ideal place to relax, and combine a great round of golf with beautiful natural surroundings.

Llavaneres Golf Club

Caldes Golf Club Caldes Golf Club was designed by Ramon Espinosa and is situated near the town of Caldes de Montbui, in Barcelona Province.The area enjoys a microclimate which permits all year round golf closet to Barcelona. Caldes Golf Course can be divided into two distinct halves. The first nine holes offer wide fairways which are lined with a grand variety of different species of tree and inhabited by many forms of wildlife. This part of the course is also sprinkled with various water hazards which make things all the more interesting. The beauty of the course on this first nine holes is stunning to say the least. The second nine holes are set in narrower fairways which are flanked by Mediterranean pines and flora typical of the area. Caldes Golf Club also has 3 superb short practice holes which are ideal for golf clinics and instruction.

These together with an amazing clubhouse make an ideal setting for a corporate meeting or lunch.

Caldes Golf Club

Saint Vicenc de Montalt Golf Club One of the newest golf courses in the Barcelona area, and one of the best options price quality courses, Sant Vicenc de Montalt Golf Club comprises of 18 undulating and challenging holes.

Buggies are advisable on this course but it is suitable for golfers of all levels. The Sant Vicenc course is not particularly long but one will have the chance to use every club in the bag. Set in beautiful countryside with sea views of the Costa Maresme, this course is set to be one of the finest in the area. Facilities include clubhouse with bar and restaurant, driving range, buggy hire. The clubhouse terrace commands a spectacular view of the surrounding coast and is an ideal location to spend a while after an enjoyable game of golf.

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Sitges Terramar Golf Club The microclimate of Sitges permits golf to be played in perfect conditions at any time of the year with beautiful views out over the Mediterranean from many holes.

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The Sitges Terramar Golf Club is the second oldest in Catalonia, being founded in 1922 and designed

by FW Hawtree, Manuel Pi単ero and Jim Fazio. The microclimate of Sitges permits golf to be played in perfect conditions at any time of the year with beautiful views out over the Mediterranean from many holes. The course is not particularly difficult but greens strategically placed and water hazards on many holes tend to make life more difficult on this all-together pleasant course. The Sitges Terramar Golf Course has recently undergone some alteration work and counts on some superb putting surfaces. during 2009 the Golf Terramar Sitges has also extended its clubhouse and facilities underwent significant improvement.

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MAIN – The rocky coastline of Girona 1 – Aerial view of Cadaques, Costa Brava, 2 – View of the medieval bridge of Besalu, 3 – Houses over Onyar river in Girona

catalunya >> girona

GIRONA

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girona The province of Girona is located in north-eastern Spain. It’s coastline is known as Costa Brava, one of the most beautiful areas of Catalonia and probably the whole of Spain.

Its coast is lapped by the crystal waters of the Mediterranean and its interior overlooked by the spectacular and mighty Pyrenees.

This areas has been a mecca for tourists since its tourism boom in the 1950s.

This area benefits from a combination

of a very good summer climate, 60km of coastline, natural beauty and excellent beaches. Tourism has rapidly taken over from fishing as the principal business of Costa Brava and a visit here always springs up many a surprise.

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PGA Golf Catalunya (Tour Course)

PGA De Catalunya (Stadium Course)

October 2005 saw the opening of the new Tour Course at the PGA de Catalunya. The course has been planned and laid in the same meticulous way as the championship course but offers wider fairways and larger greens. The new course has given the PGA de Catalunya new impetus, offering golfers of all levels the chance to play on one of the best and most beautiful courses in Europe. The PGA Catalunya has now also opened its newly refurbished and extended clubhouse and offers all the services you would expect from such a prestigious course. One of their other advantages is that is has a 4 star superior hotel on site and thus offers PGA Catalunya Resort facilities.

The PGA de Catalunya golf course on Catalonia’s Costa Brava has been voted one of the ten best golf courses in Europe by Golf World magazine and one of its writers, Steve Carr, described it as the ‘jewel in the crown’. It truly is a stunning course with the Pyrenees as a backdrop, which only adds to the magic. PGA Catalunya Golf Course was designed by Neil Coles and Angel Gallardo and after only opening at the end of 1998, has already hosted the Sarazen World Open in 1999 and the Spanish Open in 2000, the only course to host two European Tour events within 10 months of opening. In November 2008 the finals of the European Tour Qualifying School were held on both the Stadium and Tour Courses and nine years later history was repeated when the PGA Catalunya once again held the Spanish Open (Open de España) in April 2009. This golf resort is located 50 minutes from Barcelona and 15 minutes from Girona.

PGA Golf Catalunya (Tour Course)

Peralada Costa Brava Golf Course

Platja de Pals Golf Club

Peralada Costa Brava Golf Course

Platja de Pals Golf Club Golf Club; founded in 1966 and designed

by FW Hawtree is situated in the heart of the Costa Brava.

It runs parallel with the beautiful white sands of Pals beach and is surrounded by dense green pine forests. With its close proximity to Serres de Pals club and Emporda Golf club, Pals is an ideal location in which to base any golf holiday.

Platja de Pals Golf course has a four star hotel located between the course itself and the sea and apartments are also available.

Peralada Golf course is one of the most beautiful and complete golf courses in Catalonia, boasting a five star hotel with wine spa and the casino/castle of Peralada. It is an extremely attractive and relaxing course for players of all levels. It consists of an 18 hole championship course, golf school and a 9 hole par 3 course.

Peralada Golf club also has a superb accommodating club house serving delightful meals on the outdoor terrace when the weather permits. This beautiful course forms part of the Peralada Golf Resort along with the 5 star luxury Hotel Golf Peralada.

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catalunya >> girona

Empordá (Links Course)

Empordá (Forest Course)

The Emporda Golf Resort, which is located in the most beautiful part of the Costa Brava, enjoys a privileged location just one and a half hours from Barcelona, thirty minutes from Girona and its airport, and fifteen minutes from the best beaches on the Costa Brava. Emporda boasts fantastic facilities with 36-holes of golf, a hotel, a spa and a golf school. Emporda Golf Club is actually a combination of four 9-hole courses, which have been cleverly constructed in such a way that they provide two distinct 18 forms of layout. The first 18 holes are of a links type with lakes that act like a magnet to any wayward shots. The natural contours and dunes provide many interesting lies, which can play havoc when the wind is blowing. The greens are large in size, but well guarded by extensive bunkers that surround the greens. This course also demands accuracy off the tee, and there’s no shortage of fairway bunkers.

Robert von Hagge, the world renowed articect of over 250 courses, including Doral in Miami, made his stamp at Empordà Golf. At this resort, he has managed to improve an already stellar setting by creating a technically perfect course that allows for a wide variety of swings and techniques. Emporda Golf Club is actually a combination of four, nine hole courses, which have been combined to form two distinct 18 holes. The first 18 holes are of a links type with lakes, dunes and extensive bunkers.

The second 18 are immersed in Mediterranean pines, typical of the area and the third nine are again protected by them, ideal protection for those days when the Tramontana decides to blow.

Considered one of the best courses in Catalonia, Emporda Golf is also one of the PGA European Tour Qualifying Schools. Emporda Golf has excellent training facilities and has on site a four star hotel giving it its status as Emporda Golf Resort.

Torremirona Resort and Golf Club Costa Brava

Torremirona Resort and Golf Club Costa Brava Torremirona Golf Club is an exclusive 18 hole, par 72 with a length of 6245 yards championship golf course, designed and immaculately maintained throughout the year, offering the golfer spectacular views whilst navigating the various lakes and undulating greens. Torremirona Golf also boasts a prestigious golf academy with three practice holes. Torremirona Golf & Spa Resort is situated a few kilometers from Figueres and a stone’s throw of the Costa Brava. It is tucked into a breathtaking natural setting with the Pyrenees as a backdrop. The course boasts a lovely golfers bar serving snacks and meals. The Torremirona Golf course combined with the Hotel Relais with its Health Spa form the Torremirona Golf & Spa Resort and is a superb venue for large groups and companies.

Empordá (Forest Course)

Girona Golf Club Girona Golf Club was founded in 1992 and designed by FG Hawtree, who described it as one of his finest creations.

Immaculately maintained, it is the only course in Spain sown with ‘Pencross Grass’ and relies on the topography and natural lie of the land to give it pleasing and elegant features, which in turn provide a challenge for golfers of all levels.

The Girona Golf course has a beautiful clubhouse built of natural stone, which makes it blend in perfectly with its surroundings.

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Costa Brava Golf Course

Club de Golf D’Aro - Mas Nou

The 18-hole Costa Brava Golf course inaugurated in 1968 was designed by Hamilton Stutt & Co. It combines a very technical course in the first round with a more relaxed one in the second.

The first nine holes, surrounded by pine and cork oak forests, differ from the other nine located on the flat with very wide fairways, leading to the 18th hole, The Costa Brava Golf course boasts a magnificent ‘masia’ (country house) built in 1841, which serves as the clubhouse.

The Costa Brava Golf Club lies only 4 Km. from the well-known beaches of Platja d’Aro and St. Feliu de Guixols, first-class tourist places, where you can find all kind of facilities, as well as a great variety of hotels and restaurants.

Club de Golf d’Aro or Mas Nou Golf Club is built high above the resort of ‘Platja d’Aro’ at the southern end of the Costa Brava in a spectacular setting with panoramic views of the surrounding coast and landscape. It is an undulating course with water hazards and stategically placed bunkers making it challenging but interesting, an opportunity to use every club in your bag.

It would be advisable to bring the camera as the views are worth preserving. The Club Golf D’Aro - Mas Nou was designed by architect Ramón Espinosa. It features a par 72, 18-hole championship course and a 9-hole (Pitch & Putt) course, both of them in the heart of nature and with spectacular views of the Costa Brava, Les Gavarres, Montseny and the Valle de La Selva.

Serres de Pals Golf Club

Golf D’Aro

Serres de Pals Golf Club Serres de Pals Golf Club is a championship golf course founded in the year 2000 and designed by Ramón Espinosa. It is set in rambling agricultural land and boasts beautiful views over the Emporda region of the Costa Brava.

Along with Playa de Pals golf club and Emporda Golf Club, Serres de Pals Golf Club forms the Golden Triangle of golf courses in the area. The course is composed of three distinct areas with smooth hilltops, pine tree forests and fairways between lakes, giving a challenge to golfers of all levels.

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It is an undulating course with water hazards and stategically placed bunkers making it challenging but interesting, an opportunity to use every club in your bag.

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THE SHOE THAT STARTED THE REVOLUTION ECCO GOLF STREET -THE ORIGINAL-

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