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| ARCOS GARDENS |
| Although its only been open for two years already this is one of the most talked about courses in Spain. Simply its a gem and in a few years will be talked about in the same breath as Sotogrande and Valderrama but at the moment it is remarkable value for money . Its already been the host of the PGA qualifying school and with excellent practice facilities and a great design thats not surprising. Designed by the same architects who built PGA West and Kiawah Island they have skilfully built a course that appeals to all levels of golfer as there are 5 or 6 different tees on each hole . The course is well bunkered and the clever use of water make this a great championship course in the making . Go play it while you can . |
| BENALUP |
| An interesting 18 hole par 73 course which gets better as the round goes on . Water features on several holes and the par 13th is one of the best holes you will play . A good drive sets you up to take on the challenge of going across the water to reach the green in two . You need to make a day of it here as the green fee includes your food and drink . Take the opportunity to look at the 5 star Fairplay Hotel adjoining the course as it is one of the best appointed hotels I have ever seen . The enthusiastic owners deserve every success for the effort and money they have invested. |
| CAMPANO |
| An interesting 9 hole course ideal for a quick round situated near the resort of Chiclana. The wide fairways are tree lined and the greens are fairly flat and invariably in good condition |
| COSTA BALLENA |
| This 27 hole complex designed by Jose - Maria Olazabal is in truly exceptional condition and well worth a visit . I didn't see a divot or pitch mark anywhere and the layout of the course is very good. The fairways look wide and inviting but beware as there are several strategically placed trees to catch you out. This is an ideal location to visit as it has one of the biggest practice grounds in Europe and is regularly used by Professional Federations from all over the Continent . The 16th is the signature hole featuring an Island green virtually surrounded by water . |
| EL PUERTO |
| The 18 hole El Puerto Golf has been designed by Manuel Pinero to be user friendly and to take advantage of the natural terrain. Water features on several holes and a river guards some of the greens. A fair test of golf regardles of which tees you play from. |
| MONTECASTILLO |
| Venue for several Volvo Masters tournaments and not hard to see why . The course winds around several valleys and a buggy is definitely recommended here. This Jack Nicklaus designed course is a must visit for those staying in the area with several magnificent holes where water comes into play. The spectacular eighteenth hole is one you wont forget. |
| MONTENMEDIO |
| A superb 18 hole course with magnificent club house and hotel set in completely unspoilt countryside. Always in spectacular condition the wide fairways follow the natural contours of the land . There is an excellant driving range and superb cuisine in any of the many restaurants on site.The outdoor pool makes this an ideal location to spend the whole day. |
| NOVO SANCTI PECTRI |
| The site of two very popular 18 hole courses designed by Seve Ballesteros which surprisingly for his designs are very playable. Largely undiscovered by the British but surely not for much longer the two courses offer a variety of styles with some drives extremely tight whilst others offer wide fairways to aim for.There are some spectacular holes many offering fine views of the sea. |
| SAN LUCAR |
| Opened in 2003 this is a welcome addition to the areas golf courses. The front nine are "links like " and the back nine are more American in style which provides a good test for all levels of golfer . Water features on nine of the eighteen holes and the greens are a real challenge as they are always in good condition but are very difficult to read with subtle slopes on the front nine and large platform greens on the back nine. |
| VILA NUEVA |
| Another new course that has settled down really well . The par 72 course is not as long as some at 6200 metres but whatever tees you play from it offers a very interesting challenge. Water comes into play on 7 of the holes none more so than the 18th where you take off as much as you can from the tee of this par 5 dog leg to give you a chance of reaching the green in two. A really good finishing hole |
| SHERRY GOLF |
| It is truly remarkable that this course only opened three years ago as it is in wonderful condition. .This is one of the best and longest courses in Southern Spain and still largely unknown but already it has hosted professional tournaments and will gradually become a must play course .Quite American in its design a buggy is recommended but not essential and there are some great holes especially on the back nine where water comes into play on 6 of them . The par 4 13th is quite simply one of the best in Spain with water coming into play on the left hand side for the drive and on the right for the second . Go and play there !! |
