The Best Time to Visit Spain to Play Golf
During the past 30 years Spain has become a tourism den for golfers from all parts of Europe, Asia and the United States. Spain has superb flight access from the United Kingdom and other European destinations. It is only a short haul flight, therefore it makes it an ideal getaway, especially if you are only going for a 2 or 3-day vacation.
Anytime is a good time to visit and play golf. Due to the Spanish mild climate, the golf season typically starts from mid February and ends in early July. In July and August the thermometer can reach 40 degrees Celsius and above. The majority of golfers find this temperature far too uncomfortable to play in, and therefore, this particular part of the season tends to be quieter, on the courses.
Additionally, a lot of European children are on summer vacation during July and August. Families tend to take their vacations on or near the coastal resorts, to experience a slight coastal breeze, and relax on the superb beaches that the country has to offer.
From September the golfing season re-starts and goes on until late November or when the milder weather starts to decline. However, in some resorts such as the Costa del Sol, where the weather is generally milder, golfing continues throughout the winter season. The Costa del Sol is a golfers paradise.
Also the weather permits good visibility, there are normally only gentle winds blowing across the majority of fairways resulting in a very pleasant golfing climate.
The Andalucia region in southern Spain is also very mild permitting all round year golf. There are over 90 golf courses near the southern coast, with over 60 of these courses actually located on this famous stretch of coastline.
Four of these golf courses are ranked within the Top 10 golf courses in Europe. They courses are: Valderrama Golf Club, the San Roque Golf Club, La Reserve and Rio Real Golf Club. Of course, in addition to these fairways there are golf courses suitable for all levels of golfer and abilities.
Playing Golf in Spain
Spain is the top European golf tourism destination. Thousands of keen golfers choose to play golf within this gorgeous country. It doesn’t matter what level of golfer you are, or if you have a handicap, there are fairways to suit all tastes and abilities.
According to the Royal Spanish Golf Federation there are over 500 golf courses in Spain. They are near mountains, the coastline and in major cities.
The Spanish pride themselves on the quality of their golf courses, and the care and maintenance they take, which is evident from the well kept greens. There are difficult, tricky, and very challenging layouts with plenty of lakes, trees, bunkers and hills to make your way around.
Additionally however there are also courses suitable for you, the average golfer, who doesn’t require continuously challenging obstacles to get around. Finally, if you are feel like a nice flat course, then there are plenty of these too, with much easier greens to play, depending on your personal choice and level of ability.
However, whatever type of course you choose, you will notice that the landscape is varied and lush. There is a wealth of contrasts, with mountains, coastline’s and superb views of the Mediterranean, in the various backgrounds.
The prices of green fees are very competitive and vary considerably depending on the course you want to play on. Many golf courses are contained with hotel complex resorts and have the luxury of a wide choice of facilities available, not just for the keen golfer, but also for the entire family.
Therefore you can take the whole family along with the reassurance that they will have plenty to occupy them during your golfing time. There are courses with children’s playgrounds, restaurants, bars, buggy hire, golf coaches, spa’s, wellness centers, tennis, paddle tennis, various water sports, combined with beautiful scenery and settings for them to sit back and relax.
There is an abundance of quality accommodation available from first class hotels, houses and apartments to price sensitive hotels and golf resorts and complexes available.
You will find that there are a range of services, theme parks, nightlife, outdoor bars, restaurants, cafes, shopping centers, and cultural activities such as historic buildings and museums to visit in nearby cities. Therefore there is something for everyone if they are not a golfer.
When you find your favorite course you can become a member, lots of the courses offer full and also restricted membership. The Los Arqueros Golf and Country Club in Malaga costs €1273 for full membership and €636 for restricted membership.
Many of the clubs hold Golf Tournaments. At Los Arqueros they hold the Cajasur Tournament, which accommodates up to 70 players. It is played under the Stableford Individual Handicap format and there are 3 categories for men and 1 for ladies.
Everyone receives a Welcome Pack and they acknowledge Scratch, 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners, with the longest drive and nearest to pin winner. This year it was Ernesto Galan Tineo who won this latter category and had the best scorecard of the day. The Tournament was sponsored by a number of companies and the Cajasur Bank.
La Cala Golf Hotel & Spa in Mijas for the past 21 years have held the Cudeca Cancer Care Tournament for their hospice, which is a not-for-profit organisation. The cost to enter the Tournament is €60 per person.
The money helps to provide funds for palliative care, for patients with advanced cancer, and supports their families. This helps a worthwhile cause, and you can also have fun, whilst raising the money too.
Before you travel ensure that you check out the dress code of the golf club that you are attending. The majority of clubs do have very strict dress codes that you must adhere to.
In some clubs you can wear shorts but they must be tailored Bermuda shorts and they must not be more than 10 centimeters below or above the knee. Short shorts, athletic shorts, rugby tops and football shirts, as a rule cannot be worn. If you do not comply, with the golf clubs strict dress code of conduct, you will be told to leave the course.
Why not purchase a gift voucher for a family member of friend as a Christmas or Birthday present? There are lots of clubs that offer coaching and lessons for beginners and experienced players. They could learn or improve their game.
Lots of golf clubs also allow you to book a weekly pass. La Cala Golf Club at Mijas offers you a Season Ticket to purchase. You pay €250 and play as many times as you like for 7 consecutive days. Bliss for you, if you want to play for the whole week.
Golfing Holidays
There are various destinations within Spain where you can play golf and stay in a beautiful resort at a cost effective price.
The Albayt Golf Resort
The Albayt Golf Resort located between Puerto Banus and Sotogrande is only an hour drive from Malaga airport. A 3 night break based on 4 people sharing a 2 bedroom luxury apartment starts at €189 per person, per night. For 7 nights with the same terms and conditions you will find the price starts at €329.
The resort has lots of facilities: wireless internet, fitness center, paddle tennis, children’s play area and pool, sauna, hot tubs, and an outdoor swimming pool. This can be booked through golfbreaksinspain.com.
La Cala Golf Hotel
Stay and Play holidays offer 3, 4, 5 and 7 night stays at La Cala Golf Hotel and Spa in Mijas from €172 per person per night, inclusive of a Double Room and a Breakfast Buffet. The complex has lots of facilities to keep you and your family occupied.
Barcelo Montecastillo Golf Hotel Resort
Barcelo Montecastillo Golf Hotel Resort in Jerez Cadiz is an 18-hole golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus. It has unlimited green fees, tennis courts, paddle tennis, 2 FIFA football pitches, a pitch and putt, a multi-sport court and jogging track, a hydrotherapy circuit, a spa, saunas, and a gym.
It has local Mediterranean and international healthy food and low calorie and high in antioxidant elements, vitamins and minerals.
A 3 night Bed and Breakfast stay with unlimited golf between February and March will cost from €192 per person, per night and in April the same deal with cost from €183. The views of the golf course from the rooms are brilliant. Should you decide to book a luxurious suite, junior suite or villa they all have private gardens and you can even take your dog. If that’s not enough all rooms have free WI-FI.
La Manga, in Las Lomas Village
La Manga, in Las Lomas Village, south of Murcia offers 3 night, 2 rounds, Bed and Breakfast starting from €215 per person per night and for 4 nights and 3 rounds the prices start from €300. The resort is at the base of the beautiful mountainside of La Manage. It has a Piano Bar, an Irish Pub called Mulligans, fitness centers and all the facilities you could possibly want.
The Top 10 Spanish Golf Courses
There are so many golf courses to choose from in Spain. Whatever and wherever you choose to stay and play you will not be disappointed with the facilities or the course. The Spanish take a great deal of pride in their golf and resorts and you will find superbly kept greens and clean and very comfortable hotels.
1 La Manga Club is an 18 hole, par 73, and 1400-acre course. It is one of the best golf practice centers in Europe, and is an award winning luxury sports and leisure resort. The clubs has 3 courses, south, west and north all offering a stunning setting in which to play a great round of golf. They offer bespoke packages that are available on request.
The Club is situated in Caragena, Murcia on the sunny eastern costa Calida. The nearby airports are Alicante and Murcia San Javier.
2 The Las Colina Golf and Country Club just outside Murcia again is an 18 hole and par 371 course. The course is 6377 meters and is a Championship fairway that is used and suitable for professional competitions. The green fees start at €71.
3 La Reseva de Sotogrande is situated in San Roque La Reserve de Sotograne, San Roque Cadiz. It is an 18 hole, par 72 course, spread over 6721 meters. The green fees are €178. The view of the sea is breathtaking and it also has the luxury of magnificent mountains, with a majestic impressive clubhouse, that has a wealth of facilities with an attractive delicious menu.
4 The Precise Resort El Rompido has two, 18 hole courses that are both par 72. The first course is 6148 meters and the second course is 6095 meters.
The resort is located near to Faro and Seville airports in the south west of Spain ear Cartaya Huelva on the western side of Andalusia. The courses are of a very high standard and exceedingly well kept. The green fees are approximately €120.
5 La Cala Golf on the Costa del Sol in Mijas is only 30 minutes drive from Malaga airport with Jerez airport just over 2 hours away and Seville airport a little further at two and a half hours drive.
This resort has the luxury of 3 golf courses, two of which are par 72 and the final one a par 71 course. They are spread over 6009 meters, 5925 meters and the par 71 course at 6014 meters. It is a Championship course that is renowned for being the finest golf course in Andalucia. You can purchase a 3 course pass for €219 for the Asia, Europe and American courses. You won’t be disappointed when you play on these magnificent courses they really are quite an experience.
6 The Club de Golf Alcanada is an 18 hole, par 72 course that is located 60 kilometers north of Palma in Peurto de Alcudia. It is 6152 meters and was tremendous views of the island of Alcanada and the mountains of Sierra de Levante. The green fees are €130.
7 The PGA is a two, 18 hole, par 72 course that is 6226 meters. This resort is located in Girona in Northern Spain and hosts a wealth of facilities from a driving range, a pro shop, bar and restaurant.
If you require a challenging course then this is it, with plenty of lakes in awkward places. The course naturally hosts professional competitions however you can play for €152 during the weekend and €110 during the weekdays.
8 The Finca Cortesin Golf Club is an 18 hole, par 72 course in Andalusia that expands almost 7000 meters. It is known for being one of the longest European courses. It has breath-taking views of both the Mediterranean and the mountains.
The Golf Digest Magazine ranks the course as one of Spain’s best as it is suitable for all round playing. The green fees are €265 for both a weekday and the weekend.
9 The Golf San Gual in the east of Palm in Mallorca is an 18 hole, par 72 course that is 7241 yards. The course has one of the finest collections of par three’s to be found anywhere in the world. Ian Woosnam, the former Masters’ Champion, has compared the course to Augusta National.
10 The Real Club Valderrama has two, 18 hole par 71 golf courses. The course is 6356 meters from the professional tees. It is suitable for all year round golf. Leading golf professionals and writers have said the course is one of the best fairways in Europe and possibly the world.
Whatever course you choose, in whatever location across Spain you will be guaranteed to have the most enjoyable golfing experience of your life. In fact, once you have tried golf in Spain you probably will not enjoy playing quite so much in your own hometown. It really is a fabulous country with brilliant golf fairways. However, don’t take my word for it – try it yourself. Bon Voyage.
The post Playing Golf In Spain appeared first on Alliance of small island states.