Spain boasts some of the finest golf courses in the world and many top championships are hosted here. Spain’s golf courses range from historic classics to modern masterpieces. Here is our suggestion for the 5 golf courses in Spain that you must play if you have the opportunity:

Real Club de la Puerta de Hierro, Madrid

Located in a gorgeous oak forest on the outskirts of Madrid, this is one of the oldest golf courses in Spain and definitely the most exclusive. The Abajo Course is very popular on the weekends. It was established in 1895 and includes two courses: the old eighteen hole Arriba Course and the new eighteen hole Abaja Course. Both are challenging. There are many bunkers amongst the tree lined fairways and well maintained greens. Pitching and putting greens are available for practise. Other facilities include a pro shop, golf tuition, swimming pool, tennis courts, horse riding and a clubhouse with bar, restaurant, and sauna.

Alicante, Costa Blanca

Situated among a number of residential developments, this 18-hole, Par 72 course was designed by Seve Ballesteros, and it features contoured greens, lengthy fairways and strategically placed bunkers. The picturesque ruins of a Roman Villa can be found near the 15th green. Located next to the beach, this course has numerous holes with strategically located bunkers and water hazards. On the last hole a tee-off over water and a number of bunkers is required. More lake hopping is involved in making the green. A buggy is needed to play the Alicante course and is provided as part of the playing fee. Also available are practice greens, a cafe/restaurant and adequately supplied pro shop.

Desert Springs, Almeria

With a design based on courses found in California and Arizona, Desert Springs in Almeria is the first desert course in Europe. This challenging and prestigious 18-hole course opened in 2002 and the mild local climate allows for play all year round. You can also take classes or private lessons at the high-tech golf academy which features computer video analysis.

The course setting is dramatic with dry riverbeds, water channels, rocks and various xerophytic plants set against a backdrop of surrounding mountains. The desert terrain is a remarkable contrast to the usual coastal setting of Spanish golf courses. Desert Springs also features pitching and putting greens, plus driving range.

Club de Golf Valderrama

Valderrama, located on the Costa del Sol, is thought by many to be the best golf course in Spain. It features long Par 5’s with a number of water hazards and greens that are protected by bunkers. This course deserves its sterling reputation thanks to its neat elevated greens, gorgeous, tree-lined fairways, and expansive views of Gibraltar and the coastline of North Africa. A perfect shot over water is needed to make the green on Valderrama’s renowned, difficult 17th hole, a place where a number of dramatic world championship matches have taken place. Reservations are required months in advance to play golf here, so don’t expect to turn up and play.

Montecastillo, Cadiz

The wonderful golf course at Montecastillo, Cadiz was designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus. It has 18 holes and is 160 hectares in size. It’s located in the Montecastillo resort complex along with a health centre, pool, restaurants and hotels. The fairways and greens are nicely maintained, and there is a whole array of practice facilities, like the driving range with 75 protected bays, turf practice tees, and putting and chipping greens. The course is moderately flat, with rippling fairways, broad lakes, several bunkers and first-rate greens. You can see awesome vistas of Jerez from the 18th hole of the golf course.

There are fantastic courses all around Spain so wherever you go you will be able to play some great golf. However, if you are planning a golf holiday in Spain it’s essential to book your tee times well in advance to ensure you get to play the courses you want to.

Author Bio: Mark Scriven is a marketing professional and has written many articles on business, travel and the internet. Book Your Golf offer discount Spain tee times and allows you to quickly and easily book your golf in Spain.

Category: Sports
Keywords: spanish golf courses,desert springs,spain golf,golf courses in Spain