| lor: #ffffff;" /> | | | | can also take classes or private lessons at the |
| Spain boasts some of the finest golf courses in the | | | | high-tech golf academy which features computer |
| world and many top championships are hosted here. | | | | video analysis. |
| Spain’s golf courses range from historic | | | | The course setting is dramatic with dry riverbeds, |
| classics to modern masterpieces. Here is our | | | | water channels, rocks and various xerophytic plants |
| suggestion for the 5 golf courses in Spain that you | | | | set against a backdrop of surrounding mountains. The |
| must play if you have the opportunity: | | | | desert terrain is a remarkable contrast to the usual |
| Real Club de la Puerta de Hierro, Madrid | | | | coastal setting of Spanish golf courses. Desert |
| Located in a gorgeous oak forest on the outskirts of | | | | Springs also features pitching and putting greens, plus |
| Madrid, this is one of the oldest golf courses in Spain | | | | driving range. |
| and definitely the most exclusive. The Abajo Course | | | | Club de Golf Valderrama |
| is very popular on the weekends. It was established | | | | Valderrama, located on the Costa del Sol, is thought |
| in 1895 and includes two courses: the old eighteen | | | | by many to be the best golf course in Spain. It |
| hole Arriba Course and the new eighteen hole Abaja | | | | features long Par 5’s with a number of water |
| Course. Both are challenging. There are many bunkers | | | | hazards and greens that are protected by bunkers. |
| amongst the tree lined fairways and well maintained | | | | This course deserves its sterling reputation thanks to |
| greens. Pitching and putting greens are available for | | | | its neat elevated greens, gorgeous, tree-lined |
| practise. Other facilities include a pro shop, golf tuition, | | | | fairways, and expansive views of Gibraltar and the |
| swimming pool, tennis courts, horse riding and a | | | | coastline of North Africa. A perfect shot over water |
| clubhouse with bar, restaurant, and sauna. | | | | is needed to make the green on Valderrama's |
| Alicante, Costa Blanca | | | | renowned, difficult 17th hole, a place where a number |
| Situated among a number of residential | | | | of dramatic world championship matches have taken |
| developments, this 18-hole, Par 72 course was | | | | place. Reservations are required months in advance |
| designed by Seve Ballesteros, and it features | | | | to play golf here, so don’t expect to turn up |
| contoured greens, lengthy fairways and strategically | | | | and play. |
| placed bunkers. The picturesque ruins of a Roman | | | | Montecastillo, Cadiz |
| Villa can be found near the 15th green. Located next | | | | The wonderful golf course at Montecastillo, Cadiz |
| to the beach, this course has numerous holes with | | | | was designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus. It has |
| strategically located bunkers and water hazards. On | | | | 18 holes and is 160 hectares in size. It’s |
| the last hole a tee-off over water and a number of | | | | located in the Montecastillo resort complex along with |
| bunkers is required. More lake hopping is involved in | | | | a health centre, pool, restaurants and hotels. The |
| making the green. A buggy is needed to play the | | | | fairways and greens are nicely maintained, and there |
| Alicante course and is provided as part of the playing | | | | is a whole array of practice facilities, like the driving |
| fee. Also available are practice greens, a café | | | | range with 75 protected bays, turf practice tees, and |
| restaurant and adequately supplied pro shop. | | | | putting and chipping greens. The course is moderately |
| Desert Springs, Almeria | | | | flat, with rippling fairways, broad lakes, several |
| With a design based on courses found in California | | | | bunkers and first-rate greens. You can see awesome |
| and Arizona, Desert Springs in Almeria is the first | | | | vistas of Jerez from the 18th hole of the golf course. |
| desert course in Europe. This challenging and | | | | There are fantastic courses all around Spain so |
| prestigious 18-hole course opened in 2002 and the | | | | wherever you go you will be able to play some great |
| mild local climate allows for play all year round. You | | | | golf. |