Great Value Golf Courses In Spain

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La CaLa resort, Mijas

Spain’s largest golf resort retains the hallmarks of a true retreat Thirty minutes from Malaga and perched up in the Mijas Hills, the resort comprises a luxury hotel, the impressive Caracala Spa, three stunning 18-hole courses, a six-hole, par-3 executive course and Spain’s only Leadbetter Academy.

The established Campo America and Asia ensure thrilling golf up and down the Sierra foothills, with elusive greens and plenty of barrancas to snare your ball; Campo Europa, opened in 2005, makes great use of the River Ojen and is arguably a little fairer, but it was Campo

Asia, formerly the South course, which recently staged a EuroPro Tour event.

The traditional Andalusian hotel is authentically five star. The spa, named after a Roman emperor who built luxury baths in Rome, is a work of art, offering great views as well as great treatments.

What’s the deal? 3 nights B&B, 1 round, car hire and resort representation.

When’s it valid? Nov-Feb 28, 2009 What’s the cost? From £199 based on

two sharing a twin room.

Who do I contact? Bill Goff Tours Web: www.billgoff.com Tel: 0870 401 2020 What’s the deal? 7 nights B&B, 2 free rounds.

When’s it valid? Nov-Feb 28, 2009 What’s the cost? From £290 based on two sharing a twin room.

Who do I contact? 4golf.com Web: www.4golf.com Tel: 0191 493 1475

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COSTA DEL SOL WEST SOUTH-EAST ISLANDS Great value breaks spain

Hotel laS piRamideS, fuenGiRola A stroll from Fuengirola’s lively promenade, four-star Piramides has a pool, gym and cocktail bar, plus good convention facilities.

Golf is at Seve’s spectacular 6,800-yard creation at Alhaurin. There is also the option of the friendlier Cabapino, which affords great coastal views, and Calanova.

What’s the deal? 3 nights B&B, 3 rounds, plus car hire.

When’s it valid? Dec 1, 2008-Jan 31, 2009 What’s the cost? £199 based on eight sharing four twin rooms.

Who do I contact? 4golf.com Web: www.4golf.com Tel: 0191 493 1475

Hotel Guadalmina Spa & Golf ReSoRt, maRbella

LA CALA RESoRT

Right on the beach, four-star Guadalmina has two 18-hole courses on site plus a wellequipped spa. Founded in 1959, the South Course features generous fairways and raised greens which reach towards the beach. The North, which was added in 1975, is hillier and has more water on it – certainly enough to ruin a scorecard!

What’s the deal? 7 nights B&B, free golf, spa.

When’s it valid? Nov-Mar 31, 2009 What’s the cost? £293 based on two sharing a twin room.

Who do I contact? Premier Iberian Web: www.premieriberian.com Tel: 0845 600 3391

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Costa del Sol Golf Deals La Cala

5� La Cala Resort Unbeatable prices for this very popular golf resort with 3 championship courses.

£199pp 7 nights, B&B from £420pp

3 nights, B&B

from

Puerto Banus 4� PYR Marbella Close to the nightlife & the golden triangle of golf.

£199pp 7 nights, B&B from £415pp

3 nights, B&B

from

Fuengirola 4� Las Palmeras

AtAlAyA PArk Golf Hotel & resort, MArbellA This extensive 475-room four-star, 36-hole resort is close to lively Puerto Banus. The 6,700-yard Old Course is an established parkland track winding through eucalyptus, olive and pine, while raised greens add to the challenge. The New is a little under 6,000 yards with views towards the mountains.

Atalaya is the HQ of the PGAs of Europe, and has its own coaching academy. There is a driving range and a practice green within the hotel grounds with free use for hotel guests.

What’s the deal? 3 nights B&B, 3 rounds.

When’s it valid? Jan 7-18, 2009 What’s the cost? From £230pp Who do I contact? Golfbreaks.com Web: www.golfbreaks.com Tel: 0800 279 7988 What’s the deal? 3 nights Half Brd, 2 rounds.

When’s it valid? Jan-Feb 2009 What’s the cost? From £199pp.

Who do I contact? 4golf.com Web: www.4golf.com Tel: 0191 493 1475

Golf on Mijas & Torrequebrada & the best bars on the coast.

3 nights, B&B

from

7 nights, B&B

from

£219pp £380pp

San Roque

4� Almenara Resort Great golf resort with FREE golf on site.

3 nights, B&B

from

7 nights, B&B

from

£235pp £340pp

Price includes: Car hire or return transfers 3 nights min 3 rounds 7 nights min 5 rounds

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sAn roque, sotoGrAnde San Roque has two championship courses; the Old, designed by Dave Thomas, and the New by Perry Dye and Seve Ballesteros. The Old is a tight, testing course among mature trees and water, while the New enjoys wider fairways but more demanding greens. Oncourse villas, sleeping up to eight and with their own pools, can be rented.

What’s the deal? 2 weeks for the price of 1.

When’s it valid? Nov-Jan 31, 2009 What’s the cost? £218.75pp based on eight sharing the four-bed villa.

Who do I contact? Eagle Eye rentals Web: www.eagleyerentals.com Tel: 023 8087 3007

Hotel sotoGrAnde, estePonA Four-star Hotel Sotogrande’s 106 rooms are decorated in a retro American 1960s style.

Residency gives access to the 6,800-yard Real Sotogrande, Robert Trent Jones’ first European course, Almenara and the Cabell Robinson-designed La Reserva – which can stretch to 7,400 yards off the back tees.

What’s the deal? 3 nights B&B and 3 rounds on Sotogrande courses.

When’s it valid? Jan 1-Dec 31, 2009 What’s the cost? From £265 per person.

Who do I contact? Golfbreaks.com Web: www.golfbreaks.com Tel: 0800 279 7988

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COSTA DEL SOL WEST, SOUTH-EAST ISLANDS Great VaLUe BreaKS SPaIN

AlmenArA resort, sotogrAnde

This hotel sits in a 27-hole, Dave Thomas-designed complex Almenara’s three nines – named Corks, Pines and Lakes – boast their own individual characters and mean you can play three different 18-hole rounds.

The golf unravels over hilly terrain and features narrow fairways and penal fairway bunkers. Cork oaks, pines, streams and a natural lake all add to the visual feast.

The hotel décor uses natural materials to provide a local colour. Of the two restaurants, Gaia features international cuisine while VeinTeeOcho (the Golf Bar)

is more informal. The Elysium Spa includes a weight room, an aerobics room and a separate water zone.

What’s the deal? 7 nights B&B, plus 4 free rounds.

When’s it valid? Nov-Mar 2009 What’s the cost? From £299pp based on two sharing standard twin rooms.

Who do I contact? 4golf.com Website: www.4golf.com Tel: 0191 493 1475

What’s the deal? 3 nights B&B, 3 rounds When’s it valid? Dec 1, 2008-Jan 29, 2009 What’s the cost? From £225pp Who do I contact? Golfbreaks.com Web: www.golfbreaks.com Tel: 0800 279 7988 What’s the deal? 3 nights B&B, 2 rounds When’s it valid? Nov-Mar 29, 2009 What’s the cost? From £165pp Who do I contact? Your Golf Travel Web: www.yourgolftravel.com Tel: 0800 043 6644

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Hotel SuiteS DuqueSa Golf, eStepona Quality golf at a five-star resort in the western Costa del Sol Designed by Valderrama creator Robert Trent Jones and opened in 1985, La Duquesa is a par-72 layout of some 6,700 yards. The course, one of the more established in the region, unfolds across the prominent El Hacho peak, affording some terrific vistas of Gibraltar and across to Africa. Inland views are to the Manilva vineyards that characterise this western extreme of the Costa del Sol. The 17th hole, a short par 3 with a 30-yard drop, earns many of the plaudits, but this course – which is characterised by tight fairways – is set out in two loops

of nine and has plenty of other holes to recommend it. The five-star Duquesa Suites Hotel recently received a £1m-plus renovation and the 94 suites are impressively decked out in marble and stucco. The Tee Ten restaurant offers traditional cuisine, while facilities include a gym, snooker room, sauna, jacuzzi, tennis and squash courts.

What’s the deal? 3 nights B&B, 2 rounds, car hire, one free spa entrance and resort rep.

When’s it valid? Nov-Dec 31, 2009 What’s the cost? From £199 per person, based on two sharing a suite.

Who do I contact? Golf Amigos Website: www.golfamigos.co.uk Tel: 0845 230 3100 What’s the deal? 3 nights B&B, plus 2 rounds.

When’s it valid? Nov-Dec 31, 2009 What’s the cost? From £169pp.

Who do I contact? Your Golf Travel Website: www.yourgolftravel.com Tel: 0800 043 6644

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COSTA DEL SOL WEST SOUTH-EAST ISLANDS Great VaLUe BreaKS Spain

Westin la Quinta resort, Marbella

Hotel Vila Padierna, Marbella

At the top of the ‘golf valley’, this resort is surrounded by courses; Monte Mayor, Brisas and Los Arqueros are within six miles. La Quinta also has its own course, designed by Manuel Pinero. With views to the ocean on one side and the Sierra Blancas on the other, it is picturesque and challenging. Nine holes have just been added.

This Ritz Carlton hotel features 118 luxurious rooms; its La Veranda restaurant is headed by a three Michelin-starred chef. The hotel offers guests the chance to play at some of the better local courses. For thrills and spills try the vertiginous Monte Mayor, but a more orthodox test comes at 6,500-yard Flamingos, on the shores of the Med.

What’s the deal? 4 nights B&B and 3 rounds of golf.

When’s it valid? From now What’s the cost? From £308pp.

Who do I contact? 4golf.com Web: www.4golf.com Tel: 0191 493 1475

What’s the deal? 1 nights B&B and 2 rounds.

When’s it valid? Now-Dec 31, 2009 What’s the cost? £192 for double occupancy, per night.

Who do I contact? Hotel Vila Padierna Web: www.hotelvilalpadierna.com Tel: 0034 952 889 150

Hotel torreQuebrada, benalMadena

Grand Hotel elba, estePona

This five-star hotel’s twin attractions are the stunning marble floor that decks the ground level and the popular casino it hosts. Among the local courses is the Costa’s oldest, the Parador, opened by the Spanish royal family in 1925. It’s part links – thanks to lagoons – and part parkland, with tree-lined fairways.

On the sandy Arena beach, this five-star resort’s 204 rooms have sea views and three themed restaurants, while the Thalasso Spa offers a skin-trembling 60 treatments. Golf is at the marble-sanded Finca Cortesín – at just under 7,500 yards is the Costa’s longest course of the tips – and Estepona, a parkland full of watery carries and risk-reward tests.

What’s the deal? 3 nights B&B and 3 rounds of golf.

When’s it valid? From now What’s the cost? From £265pp.

Who do I contact? Golfbreaks.com Web: www.golfbreaks.com Tel: 0800 279 7988

What’s the deal? 3 nights B&B and 2 rounds plus one free entrance to the Club Thalasso.

When’s it valid? Nov-Apr 8, Apr 13-30, 2009 What’s the cost? From £315pp.

Who do I contact? Golfbreaks.com Web: www.golfbreaks.com Tel: 0800 279 7988

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Arcos GArdens, Jerez

A playable challenge with great facilities in Spain’s sherry country Just two years old, Arcos Gardens has already been chosen as a European Tour Qualifying Course, hosting the second stage in November.

The elevated layout, covered in stately olive trees, enjoys views across open countryside to the traditional clifftop Los Pueblos Blancos village of Arcos de la Frontera. It was designed by Landmark, a company with an impressive pedigree which includes Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course and PGA West.

A good range of tees stretch the course from 5,200 yards to 6,800. Wide, forgiving fairways, allied to strategically-

located bunkers and lakes make the course playable and enjoyable for all standards.

Practice facilities have been chosen by the Swedish, English, French and Finnish Golf Federations as their winter training base. A shortish drive from Jerez airport, Arcos Gardens has its own elegant and intimate hotel, Cortijo Fain, but luxury properties have also now been made available for visiting golfers.

What’s the deal? Two nights stay in a new luxury on-course property and

unlimited golf, with buggy.

When’s it valid? Nov-May 31, 2009 What’s the cost? £248pp Who do I contact? Pure Destinations Web: www.puredest.com Tel: 020 3326 0530 What’s the deal? Four nights staying in a Fairway Garden Hotel Suite, unlimited golf and buggy for four days.

When’s it valid? Nov-Apr 30, 2009 What’s the cost? £390pp Who do I contact? Arcos Gardens Web: www.arcosgardens.com Tel: 0034 956 704 201

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COSTA DEL SOL WEST SOUTH-EAST ISLANDS Great VaLUe BreaKS Spain

Seville, HeSperia Hotel Four-star Hesperia is five minutes from the city’s Old Town. Facilities include heated pool, solarium and jacuzzi. The hotel is well placed to play at this year’s Spanish Open venue Real Club de Golf, a well-crafted and heavily-wooded par 72 of more than 7,000 yards, as well as Zaudin Golf – whose holes wind through olive and orange groves.

What’s the deal? 5 nights B&B, 1 round at Real Club de Golf, two at Zaudin.

When’s it valid? Dec 1, 2008-Mar 7, 2009 What’s the cost? £350pp Who do I contact? Golf de la Luz Web: www.golfdelaluz.com/tg.htm Tel: 0800 011 2520

vincci coSta Golf reSort, coSta de la luz This four-star resort, 30 minutes from Jerez airport, is on the Seve Ballesteros-designed 54-hole Novo Sancti Petri complex, though many packages will base their golf at the Villa Nueva golf resort, a free 15-minute shuttle ride away. Villa Nueva opened in 2006 and is a fine example of target golf, complete with 90 traps and five lakes, two of which set up a grand finale at the par-3, par-5 finish.

What’s the deal? 7 nights B&B and 5 rounds.

When’s it valid? Valid Jan 1-Dec 31, 2009 What’s the cost? From £365pp Who do I contact? Golfbreaks.com Web: www.golfbreaks.com Tel: 0800 279 7988

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Green

Fees Algarve

Quinta do Lago from £59 Vale do Lobo from £73 Vila Sol from £55 Oceanico Pinhal from £49 Oceanico Old from £73 Oceanico Faldo from £93 Oceanico Victoria from £85 Palmares from £38 Monte Rei from £123 Quinta de Cima from £61

Costa del Sol

Torrequebrada from £76 Mijas from £52 Santa Maria from £40 Rio Real from £69 Santana from £69 Valderrama from £245 Santa Clara from £60 La Cala from £41

IslantIlla resort, Costa de la luz Islantilla is a four-star resort, opened in 1992, less than an hour’s drive east from Faro airport. Its well-equipped hotel, 800 metres from Islantilla’s sandy beach, is based at the heart of the resort’s three nines – yellow, green and blue. Pines, sand and lakes take it in turn to challenge the golfer on all three loops at a venue which has hosted both European Tour and Challenge Tour events. Severe elevation changes add to the challenge.

A beach train runs guests down the hill to the resort’s beach club.

What’s the deal? 4 nights Half Brd, 3 rounds, group B car hire & resort representation.

When’s it valid? Apr 13–Jun, 2009 What’s the cost? From £345pp based on two sharing a standard twin room.

Who do I contact? Bill Goff golf tours Web: www.billgoff.com. Tel: 0870 401 2020 What’s the deal? 7 nights, 5 rounds.

When’s it valid? Dec 1– Apr 5, 2009 What’s the cost? £342 Who do I contact? Golf de la Luz Web: www.golfdelaluz.com/tg.htm Tel: 0800 011 2520

Costa Blanca Villamartin from £48 El Bosque from £64 La Finca from £57 La Sella from £57

Majorca

Son Vida from £64 Santa Ponsa from £66 Poniente from £66 Bendinat from £66 Son Antem from £46

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rIu atlantICo, Costa de la luz

BarCelo Costa Ballena resort, Costa de la luz

This four-star resort sits on the beach at Isla Canela and overlooks the seafront promenade. Golf is at local resort course Isla Canela (above) or 30km away at Islantilla, a venue good enough to host the Turespana Masters back in 1996. Its elevated holes offer great views over the Huelva coast.

The José Maria Olazábal-designed Costa Ballena is rated good enough to host latter stages of European Tour Q School.

Not long opened, this four-star resort near Cadiz has 228 rooms which overlook the course, some with Atlantic views. It features two pools and a huge wellness area.

What’s the deal? 7 nights Half Brd, 5 rounds at Isla Canela, car hire, resort representation.

When’s it valid? Nov–Jan 2009 What’s the cost? From £275pp Who do I contact? Bill Goff Tours Web: www.billgoff.com Tel: 0870 401 2020

What’s the deal? 7 nights Half Brd, 5 rounds.

When’s it valid? Dec 9, 2008–Jan 18, 2009 What’s the cost? £364 based on two sharing a twin room.

Who do I contact? Golf de la Luz Web: www.golfdelaluz.com/tg.htm Tel: 0800 011 2520

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COSTA DEL SOL WEST SOUTH-EAST ISLANDS Great VaLUe GOLF SPaIN

El Rompido Golf & BEach REsoRt, costa dE la luz

A 36-hole cocktail of parkland, marsh and lagoon One hour east of Faro, El Rompido has two solid 18-hole tests set around the tidal lagoon on which the resort sits.

The South Course opened in 2003, promptly hosting the Daily Mail foursomes for a couple of years.

Darting across parkland and marshland, the course offers a sequence of fine views of the spectacular Las Marismas lagoon, while the route from the 8th green to the 9th tee is via a 650ft pontoon across protected marshland full of freshwater crabs and bird life.

The slightly newer and easier North Course stretches to 6,600 yards off the tips and is a test of course management winding through salt marsh.

The resort itself is five star, with excellent eating options and a full spa.

It has 196 tastefully-decorated rooms, many of which overlook the South Course.

There are indoor and outdoor pools while the sandy beach is just a short walk away.

What’s the deal? 4 nights B&B, 3 rounds at El Rompido North and South.

When’s it valid? Feb 21–May 6, 2009 What’s the cost? From £280pp based on two sharing standard twin rooms.

Who do I contact? 4golf.com Web: www.4golf.com Tel: 0191 493 1475 What’s the deal? Six nights with unlimited golf at El Rompido North and South.

When’s it valid? Dec 10, 2008–Jan 23, 2009 What’s the cost? £384pp Who do I contact? Golf de la Luz Web: www.golfdelaluz.com/tg.htm Tel: 0800 011 2520

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COSTA DEL SOL WEST SOUTH-EAST ISLANDS Great VaLUe BreaKS Spain

Monasterio san Miguel, Jerez The perfect base to explore the region’s top tracks Conveniently located for both Cadiz (20 minutes) and Jerez (15 minutes) and just over a mile from the beach, the four-star Monasterio San Miguel is an impressive Baroque-style hotel renovated from an 18th Century monastery. The hotel was awarded ‘Best Convention Hotel in Spain’ in both 1998 and 1999. The Baroque features come out most strongly in the fine-dining Las Bovedas restaurant, though there are also plenty of quality tapas bars to be found in nearby El Puerto de Santa Maria.

Premier Iberian have put together a week-long deal based at this fascinating hotel which includes a four-course golf itinerary of the top local tracks, including the Nicklaus-designed Montecastillo – which has frequently hosted the Volvo Masters. Of the supporting cast, El Puerto is a new and flattish Manuel Pinero-design featuring plenty of water;

Sherry Golf, a European Tour Q School qualifying venue, measures more than 7,000 yards off the back tees and is a well-conditioned tough test offering wide landscapes of sherry-growing vineyards; and José-Maria Olazábal’s Costa Ballena (pictured) stretches spaciously over 27 holes between the Atlantic and the plains of the interior.

What’s the deal? 7 nights, 4 rounds (Costa Ballena, El Puerto, Montecastillo, Sherry Golf).

When’s it valid? Nov-Jun 30, 2009 What’s the cost? From £254-£356pp based on sharing a twin room B&B (Christmas/New Year supplements may apply).

Who do I contact? Premier Iberian Web: www.premieriberian.com Tel: 0845 600 3391

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7/11/08

Golf Resorts

great golf A selection of REE GOLF! resorts with F

Flights

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Hotels & ts Apartmen

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THE UKs LARGEST GOLF OPERATOR TO PORTUGAL & SPAIN

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Hyatt Regency La Manga cLUB, MURcia

54 holes of trees, lakes and barrancas at Spain’s best-known resort

Arguably the Med’s most famous golf retreat, La Manga is preparing to greet its five millionth customer – reckoned to happen in the next couple of months – and will commemorate it by offering him or her free La Manga golf for life.

The resort possesses three championship-standard golf courses, plus a five-star hotel. The recently remodelled South Course, which has hosted several Spanish Opens, runs through a valley and features water on 15 holes. The tight, tree-lined West, all tight fairways and quick elevation changes is reckoned to be most suited to mid-to-low handicap players. Meanwhile, the North

is characterised by the indigenous barranca – effectively a dry ditch – that comes into play on many holes. Water also plays its part in the challenge, though the North’s more modest length – 6,000 yards off the tips – makes it playable for all.

The Andalucian-styled Hyatt Regency hotel is in the heart of a resort which has more than 20 restaurants and bars. An excellent spa and fitness centre gives you the opportunity to burn some of the calories enjoyed in them.

What’s the deal? Three nights B&B and three-round golf pass.

When’s it valid? Jan 1-Dec 31, 2009 What’s the cost? From £329pp Who do I contact? Golfbreaks.com Web: www.golfbreaks.com Tel: 0800 279 7988 What’s the deal? Three nights selfcatering accommodation at the Hyatt Las Lomas Village Apartments, plus two rounds of golf.

When’s it valid? Dec 2008–Jan 2009 What’s the cost? From £177pp based on two sharing a studio apartment.

Who do I contact? 4golf.com Web: www.4golf.com Tel: 0191 493 1475

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COSTA DEL SOL WEST SOUTH-EAST ISLANDS Great VaLUe BreaKS Spain

La Torre GoLf resorT, Murcia Opened in 2006, La Torre is the second Polaris World resort. The golf unfolds on the La Torre leg of the Nicklaus trail, a par-68 course built around three lakes. This course has four sets of tees, ensuring playability for all standards.

What’s the deal? 3 nights Self Catering, 3 rounds of golf.

When’s it valid? Nov 1, 2008–Feb 28, 2009 What’s the cost? From £159 pp, based on four sharing a two-bedroom apartment.

Who do I contact? Golfbreaks.com Web: www.golfbreaks.com Tel: 0800 279 7988

roda GoLf and Beach resorT, Murcia The four-star Roda Golf Resort’s course was designed by Belfry crafter Dave Thomas; his par-72, 6,700-yard layout opened in 2006.

Thomas moved earth to add interest to a flat piece of land, while traps and lakes complete an enjoyable if relatively friendly test among indigenous Mediterranean flora.

What’s the deal? 3 nights Self Catering, plus 3 rounds of golf.

When’s it valid? Jan 6–March 17, 2008 What’s the cost? From £189pp based on four sharing a two-bed apartment.

Who do I contact? Your Golf Travel Web: www.yourgolftravel.com Tel: 0800 043 6644

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Golf Deals for

the Spanish

East Coast Almeria 4� Hotel Almerimar Daily free golf on the resort course. Free upgrade to superior room.

3 nights, B&B

from

7 nights, B&B

from

£185pp £397pp

Murcia La Manga Las Lomas These apartments offer all the La Manga facilities without the price tag.

3 nights, B&B

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7 nights, B&B

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£219pp £385pp

5� InterContinental La Torre Resort Your chance to play on the new Jack Nicklaus Signature courses.

3 nights, B&B

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7 nights, B&B

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La Envia GoLf, aLmEria La Envia is a shortish but challenging 18-hole layout, stretching up and down the slopes of the Sierra of Gador. Palm trees, mimosas and agaves, not to mention the Almerian mountain ranges, give the fairways good protection from the winds that gust round these parts.

Lakes and traps are the main obstacles. The resort’s hotel is five-star and includes a luxurious spa which has a thermal circuit with pools, sauna and hydrotherapy. And it’s only 20 minutes from Almeria airport.

What’s the deal? 3 nights B&B, 2 rounds.

When’s it valid? Jan-Jun 30, 2009 What’s the cost? £179pp (two sharing) Who do I contact? Premier Iberian Web: www.premieriberian.com Tel: 0845 600 3391 What’s the deal? 3 nights B&B, 1 round, car hire.

When’s it valid? Dec 2008-Mar 2009 What’s the cost? From £179pp Who do I contact? Bill Goff Tours Web: www.billgoff.com Tel: 0870 401 2020

£199pp £399pp

Costa Brava 4� Silken Parc Hotel Daily free golf on 3 championship courses.

3 nights, B&B

from

7 nights, B&B

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£225pp £499pp

Price includes: Car hire or return transfers 3 nights min 3 rounds 7 nights min 5 rounds

rything Book eve click! with one

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vaLLE dEL EstE GoLf rEsort, aLmEria

aLmErimar rEsort, aLmEria

Shortish, with generous fairways and large greens, Valle del Este would appear to be a pushover. Yet lakes, traps and encroaching desert make the course sneakily tough. The superior four-star hotel is modern, has a spa and pools, and even its own beach club complete with pool and pizzeria.

Opened in the 70s and part-designed by Gary Player, Almerimar’s layout sprawls across a landscape of palms and lakes. Nine holes were added in 2005 and over the past couple of years holes have been lengthened and toughened to bring them into line with modern technology. The four-star hotel has pools, spa and a buffet-style restaurant.

What’s the deal? 3 nights Half Brd, 2 rounds.

When’s it valid? March 2009 What’s the cost? From £195 based on three sharing standard twin rooms.

Who do I contact? 4golf.com Web: www.4golf.com Tel: 0191 493 1475

What’s the deal? 3 nights, 2 free rounds.

When’s it valid? Jan–Feb 2009 What’s the cost? £169pp based on two sharing standard twin rooms.

Who do I contact? 4golf.com Web: www.4golf.com Tel: 0191 493 1475

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COSTA DEL SOL WEST SOUTH-EAST ISLANDS Great VaLUe BreaKS SPaIN

Desert springs, AlmeriA Ultimate target golf in Europe’s driest zone Believed to be Europe’s driest region, Almeria is the logical choice to house a desert-style golf course in Europe.

Peter McEvoy took on the challenge of building the course and in 2000 The Indiana course opened. While some questioned its position as an authentic desert course – pointing to imported cacti and compacted hard core off the fairway – the course has all the important credentials of an Arizona test. Emerald islands contrast with the wasteland, dry riverbeds add to the challenge and the whole game is played out against the backdrop of the rugged Almeria sierras.

For those fearing the target test, relax; McEvoy’s design has at least one eye on the average player, so the course measures only around 6,500 yards and the fairways are wide enough.

Desert Springs is a little removed from other courses, but the course, practice facilities and accommodation – the resort has a variety of apartments, villas and meeting spots, including the fantastic Cave Bar – mean you don’t need to go far.

The Crocodile Club, complete with a pool that plays underwater music, is a great place to hang out.

What’s the deal? 3 nights B&B, 2 rounds, shared buggy and range balls.

When’s it valid? Nov-Mar 31, 2009 What’s the cost? From £167pp based on two people sharing a one-bedroom apartment.

Who do I contact? Desert Springs Web: www.almanzora.com Tel: 01242 680299

TRAVEL SPECIAL Today’s Golfer 19

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21596 4golf strip ads:Layout 1

Island Golf Deals Madeira

5� Casa Velha Hotel Exclusive 7 day unlimited golf on the Palheiro course.

7 nights, B&B

from

£645pp

Tenerife

4� Aguamarina Golf Hotel Looking for golf & sun at affordable prices, try this offer.

7 nights, B&B

from

£479pp

Majorca

4� Marina Portals Close to the nightlife of Santa Ponsa.

3 nights, B&B

from

7 nights, B&B

from

£285pp £495pp

AguAmArinA Hotel, tenerife

Volcanic golf with an Atlantic backdrop Only five miles from the island’s southern airport, this four-star hotel is ideally positioned for golf. On one side is the coastal Golf del Sur (pictured), a 27-hole complex recently redesigned by Manuel Pinero. Each nine measures around 3,400 yards and features impressive ravines plus dramatic black-sanded traps which contrast impressively with the ocean and the course’s many water hazards. The course has hosted several Tenerife Opens on the European Tour, and staged last year’s Tenerife Ladies’ Open.

Golf del Sur even has a long driving heritage; Britain’s Karl Woodward set two driving distance records here, including a lusty blow of 408 yards!

On the other side of the resort is Donald Steel’s Amarilla, a course opened in 1989 which falls down to the coast

before climbing back up, and has its share of scary shots over rocky inlets.

This course has also hosted the Tenerife Open.

The hotel itself has a fine location on the Atlantic coast and offers plenty of dining options including the Canarian restaurant serving local specialities and a Barbeque restaurant, specialising in gorgeous meat and fish.

What’s the deal? Five nights B&B plus three rounds of golf.

When’s it valid? Jan 2009 What’s the cost? From £345 based on two sharing a standard twin room.

Who do I contact? 4golf.com Web: www.4golf.com Tel: 0191 493 1475

Costa de la Luz Try this part of Spain if you are looking for a great deal.

5� Islantilla Golf Resort Half board special offer.

7 nights, B&B

from

£359pp

5� El Rompido Golf resort with 2 championship courses.

3 nights, B&B

from

7 nights, B&B

from

£225pp £449pp

Price includes: Car hire or return transfers 3 nights min 3 rounds 7 nights min 5 rounds

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0191 493 1475

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COSTA DEL SOL WEST SOUTH-EAST ISLANDS Great VaLUe BreaKS Spain

Hotel Dali, Majorca This three-star hotel, a 20-minute drive from the airport, has a central location in the capital Palma, and is just 600 metres from the beach. The Nicklaus-designed parkland Golf Park Puntiro and the new parkland Son Muntaner are within a 20-minute drive, as is Son Vida, a Fred Hawtree design offfering great views of the bay and Sierra de Tramontana.

What’s the deal? 3 nights B&B, 3 rounds.

When’s it valid? Nov 1, 2008–Feb 28, 2009 What’s the cost? From £275pp Who do I contact? Golfbreaks.com Web: www.golfbreaks.com Tel: 0800 279 7988

H10 Playa Meloneras Palace, Gran canaria This five-star half-board hotel offers a variety of food from its buffet and fusionstyle restaurants. Local golf is at Meloneras, complete with waterfall-fed lakes, the sand dune-flanked Maspalomas, and Salbore, which offers the Gran Canaria staples of ravines and desert-like volcanic landscapes.

What’s the deal? 3 nights Half Brd, 2 rounds, group B car hire.

When’s it valid? Feb-Apr 2009 What’s the cost? From £399 based on two sharing a twin room.

Who do I contact? Bill Goff Tours Web: www.billgoff.com Tel: 0870 401 2020

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