The Rain in Spain Falls Mainly in . . .
I have been itching to looking into golfing in Spain since my brother visited it and was wowed by the beauty and hospitality of the country. Oddly enough it’s one of the few European countries I have never visited – and being an art buff, too is a major travesty.
And now doing some research, I have found, contrary to it’s reputation as an elite hangout for the rich, it’s actually very affordable. With rates on terrific courses from $41 on up to over $450 to play Valderama, it won’t require a cash advance unless you choose the high end courses. But bargains now abound so do your homework.
One of the top destination has to be Valdrama. Valderama was designed in 1974 by Robert Trent Jones, Sr,. Valderama also gained much notoriety in 2002 the Club hosted the 32nd Ryder Cup, won by Europe in a spectacular finish.
The fairways have been described by top pros and leading golf writers as the best in Europe, if not the world. It is not an easy course – nor was it intended to be. It is designed so as to call forth thought and precision for every shot. If you can, it’s a must play.
One of the best places in Spain for golf is the Costa del Sol, which has become known to fans of the game as the Costa del Golf, or the Golf Coast is now home to over 130 golf courses.
The climate on the Costa del Sol is ideal golfing weather, as it lies in southern Spain (on the Mediterranean coast) where the climate is sunny and mild during the season.
One course that deserves a visit is the San Roque Club – in the Andalucia region of Spain. Designed by Dave Thomas with bunkers redesigned by Seve Ballesteros, The Old Course is rated amongst the finest in Europe. The center piece is a magnificent mansion, formerly the home of the Domecq sherry dynasty.
The Old Course is a beautiful walk amid the foothills, where many green locations show off the Sierra Bermeja mountains and overlook the Mediterranean.
In Andalucia you find the essence of Spain. Bullfighting began here (at Ronda), tapas (hint: tapas bars don’t get lively until after 9 pm or so) was invented in Seville; Jerez produces the crisp, clean taste of fino sherry – the region’s favorite drink – sounds good to me!
One of the newest and hottest areas of golf is the Costa Brava area – underlining that Spanish golf is not necessarily focused on the south.
There are two reasons why the Costa Brava is among Europe’s fastest growing destinations: the region’s micro-climate ensures that it remains dry and warm for much of the year; secondly, the Costa Brava boasts four courses ranked inside the continent’s top 50, and a further 3 that have been chosen to host European Tour events.
These include PGA Golf de Catalunya and Emporda – both who are featured as one of the top 10 courses in Spain.
Golf in Spain is truly a destination that now has me licking my chops after reviewing some of these courses. not sure when exactly I’ll get there, but I know one thing – it’s got everything I want and need for a truly memorable golf holiday – some stunning golf courses, superb weather, some of the best food in the world and great art.
PS: You might also want to check out these fabulous Barcelona Hotels while in Spain.
Related posts:
- La Manga: Golfing Heaven in Southern Spain
- Golf in Portugal
- 10 Worthwhile Things to Do During the US Open Rain Delay
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