Top 5 Golf Courses in Spain

Spain is a much loved holiday destination offering a variety of activities as well as its warm, sunny climate. In addition to sun, sea and sangria, some of the other popular pastimes enjoyed by holiday makers include a variety of sporting pursuits, such as walking, water sports and of course golf in Spain remains ever popular.

In excess of 50 million people visit Spain each year and it is still considered to be the prime destination for golfers. Spain is regarded as the inventor of the golfing package holiday. Golf in Spain will not be disappointing for the enthusiast. There are an abundance of golf courses to sample whilst basking in the glorious sunshine throughout the region. From the Costa de la Luz to the Costa Brava, the Spanish coast line is littered with golf courses to suit anyone from the golfing beginner right up to the budding Tiger Woods.

With over three hundred well manicured fairways to choose from within Spain and many more continually being built on the mainland and on the Canary and Balearic Islands, it is very difficult to give a definitive list of those considered to be the top courses. These golf courses cater for visitors to Spain as well as the 300,000 plus golf club members living here. We will look at five of the top courses to play golf in Spain based on popularity as rated by those visiting them year on year.

Valderrama Golf Club

In the heart of the Andalucian village of Sotogrande can be found Valderrama Golf Club. Valderrama is considered by many to be one of the best golf courses in the world and it is often ranked as number one in Europe. A prestigious place in which to play golf in Spain, it was originally designed in 1975 by Robert Trent Jones (and named Los Aves or ‘The Birds’).It was remodelled by billionaire Jaime Ortiz-Patino in 1985 under the watchful eye of the original designer. Golfers worldwide will be familiar with Valderrama as it has played host to many prominent championship events including the

1997 Ryder Cup, the Volvo Masters (which usually closes the European Tour

Season) and WGC Amex World Stroke Play championships. It is a difficult course; however there are tees to suit various levels of ability. The maximum permitted handicap is 24 for men and 32 for women; proof of handicap will be required. Booking is also compulsory.

San Roque Old Club

The San Roque Old Club is an interesting old course. With water hazards and undulating course, San Roque is situated at the foot of the Sierra Bermaja Mountains in Cadiz. The Club opened its doors in 1989 and not only caters for the golfer, but also integrates other sports facilities including tennis, swimming and horse riding plus a luxury hotel and spa. Designed by Dave Thomas and Tony Jacklin, each hole cost an alleged $1 million to build.

The San Roque Old Club is considered to be one of the best places to play golf in Spain. It’s suitable for most handicaps and is highly recommended to try if you can afford it. There are views overlooking the practice area from the clubhouse which is shared with the San Roque New Club.

San Roque New Club.

The New Club was designed by Perry Dye And opened in 2003. The new addition has a 36 hole course, incorporating a cork wood forest and is also highly regarded.

Real Club de Golf Sotogrande

Another highly regarded course designed by Robert Trent Jones is the Real Club de Golf Sotogrande. Opened in 1964, the course is still said to challenge the most accomplished who play golf in Spain. Most of the fairways are raised with subtle slopes in the greens, so choose your club carefully.

Sotogrande is a private members club with an air of reserved sophistication, but visitors are always welcomed. The Sotogrande has had royal status bestowed upon it and was used for the European Tour Qualifying Finals from

1998 to 2001 due to its prestigious reputation.

Abama Golf Course

A well maintained and rather dramatic course is Abama Golf Course which opened in 2005 on the Canary Island of Tenerife. Designed by architectural genius, Dave Thomas, the Abama boasts a five star hotel and heart stopping views across the Atlantic Ocean. It offers a superior golfing experience which is apparent in the green fee which is double that of any other golf course in Tenerife. It is a definite stop to make for the more discerning wishing to play Golf in Spain. There a huge changes in the terrain throughout, so a golfing buggy is a must.