A golfer’s dream
Compared to Scotland, England and mainland countries such as France, golf developed quite late in Spain, but the climate, setting and playing conditions in Spain, in particular, have seen it catch up quickly and become one of the leading centres in the world—a veritable golfing haven. Apart from the obvious attractions offered by sun and sea, golf remains one of the most popular activities along the costas, and one of its main drawing cards, with a wide choice of courses in many different settings offering a diversity of options.
It is, however, the quality of the golf clubs and courses, rather than their number, that allows this part of the world to challenge the traditional hegemony of Britain as the centre of golf in Europe. The many fine courses offer players every conceivable style and level of play. They lay down their challenge to golfers amid a great variety of settings, ranging from flat parkland fairways to more arduous mountain courses, and from scenic inland locations, where the course follows the contours of valleys, to seaside links that offer an occasional wind factor to add to your handicap. Lit by the strong, sunny light of Spain, they offer an environment of awe-inspiring beauty and magnificent views in which to play—no wonder the demand is so great.
The living and playing conditions attract enthusiasts and professionals alike, so the country has become the preferred home of European Tour professionals such as Miles Tunnicliff, Per Ulrich Johanssen and Miguel Angel Jimenez. It is not surprising, then, that Spain plays host to a full season of tournaments, ranging from amateur charity events to major international competitions such as the Ryder Cup, the American Express World Golf Championships and the Volvo Masters Andalucía. There are, however, plenty of other occasions to watch the greats at work, be it at a private coaching clinic of Seve Ballesteros, a training session of Sergio Garcia at Valderrama or the unveiling of a new course designed by Gary Player or Robert Trent Jones. For most golfers, both visiting and resident, Spain is, above all, a place where golf and good living come together.
