Golf in Spain

This country profile highlights some of the key aspects of golfing in Spain.

---

About the Country
How to summarise Spain in a few words !? A country of many contrasts, many peoples and tremendous economic growth in the last thirty years. Occupying the largest share of the hot and (usually) sunny Iberian penisula, this historic and often beautiful country plays host to millions of Europe's holidaymakers - all-year round. Fabulous flamenco, deep-red rioja, barbaric bullfighting and old moorish castles may come to mind when trying to picture this large and spectacular European country.

About the Golf
With a few exceptions, golf course building really got underway from the 1960's, but not just as a game for visiting foreign golfers - the Spanish themselves have long been accomplished golfers. It was not however, until a young Seve Ballesteros came along that the world at large really appreciated this. The Costa de Sol on the south coast is often referred to as the Costa del Golf, with the biggest concentration of sunshine and top-quality golf anywhere in Europe. Spain's east coast from top to toe is also excellent, though the courses are much more spread out - from Peralada in the north-east to La Manga in the south-east. The courses around Madrid, though good quality, are too often exclusively for members only - and so get little attention in our guide.

Golf Good Points
Usually good weather for year-round golf.

Less Good Points
There is a lot of pressure on the courses with large numbers of foreign visitors wanting to play - booking by fax is essential and slow rounds are all too common. Quite a few clubs, especially around Madrid, are for the exclusive use of their members.

Golf - Booking
You will need to phone ahead to check for tee-time availability - Spanish courses are often very busy and booked well in advance. Always follow up your initial contact with a confirmation fax or e-mail - your phone call is no gaurantee of appearing on the starter's list ! Many clubs will expect payment in advance to secure the booking; this can be done by credit card.

Weather
With a mediterranean climate Spain provides ideal golfing conditions for much of the year, with one of the best sunshine records in Europe. Summer lasts longer and is drier and hotter the further south you go. The gentle sea breezes on the east and south coasts can take some of the edge off the intense heat in the middle of summer (July - August). Snow is limited to the more mountainous areas, and rain can occur, most especially in the winter months (Nov - March).

Getting around
A good motorway system ensures little difficulty in getting around Spain. With too many would-be Michael Schumakers on the road, be very careful and take extra care at junctions.

Accomodation
Situated in buildings of historical interest and wonderfully natural settings are the Paradors of Spain - prestigious hotels of high quality and usually immense character. .

Currency
Euro

Language
Spanish. English is spoken quite widely, but not everywhere nor by everyone.

Visit our Spain Golf Course Guide for ratings, reviews and contact information for Spain?s main golf courses.

Useful Links

Accommodation
Spanish Paradors On-line accommodation guide to Spain's historic paradors.