Spanish Life - Golf on the Costa Blanca

Here are a few reasons why Alicante Province is the number one choice for golfers…..

La Sella is said to be a very challenging yet rewarding course to play. Located within the Natural Park of Montgó, the course was designed and built in 1991 by the two-time masters champion,  Jose Maria Olazabal, and is a popular spot for many top names in European golf. There are three nine-hole courses to choose from, or true fanatics are free to knock themselves out with the full 27- hole round! The different courses are distinguished by their varying colours and local winds: Llebeig is the yellow zone covering the first nine holes with a southern orientation, and takes its name from the winds of the warm Sahara Desert; Gregal is red with holes in this area facing eastwards, and was christened after the wind that used to carry ships safely across to Greece; And finally Mestral is the green zone, a tricky part of the course named after the piercing northerly winds that bring cold weather.

IFACH GOLF COURSE, MORAIRA.

This course is famous for its beautiful backdrop, which features incredible views of the Ifach rock in Calpe. The course was reformed in 2011, returning to its original design, which had been developed by respected Spanish golf course designer, Javier Arana. It is marked out over nine holes- six par threes and three par fours, and takes approximately an hour and a half to finish, or three hours for those completing eighteen holes. The course is designed in such a way that players can enjoy it at their leisure, absorbing the scenery and taking advantage of the cooling sea breezes during the summer. Experts say that it is a demanding course for low handicappers, but with its six par three’s is a great choice for those with high handicap who can expect to go home with some very satisfying scores under their belts!

REAL DE FAULA GOLF COURSE, BENIDORM.

These two US style, eighteen-hole courses were designed by retired American ex-pro Jack Nicklaus, and reported to be suitable for players of all abilities. The Championship North course offers a par of 72, and Executive South Course a par of 62. Their location, within more than 80 hectares of pine filled valley, gives stunning views to both the Mediterranean Sea and mountains, with the layout of trees and bunkers adding to the challenge and diversity on offer. Being perfectly situated in the heart of Benidorm, players who choose Real de Faula also have their pick of some top hotels, restaurants and excellent nightlife!

BONALBA GOLF COURSE, ALICANTE.

This is an expertly planned and balanced golf course, situated close to the popular beaches of San Juan. Its fairways are wide and perfectly placed around five large lakes and various bunkers, giving players the perfect opportunity to put their strategic play into practice! The first round holes, one to nine, are considered to require a more technical approach, whilst the driver is instrumental when tackling the second round holes, twelve to eighteen.

ALICANTE GOLF COURSE, ALICANTE.

This is a tricky, yet enjoyable 72-par golf course, which was designed by the late Seve Ballesteros. The course is a green haven nestled close to San Juan Beach, and only 5 minutes from the city centre. It features wide, long fairways which are lined with thousands of trees, and five large lakes affecting 12 of the 18 holes, resulting in a challenging course for players of all abilities. Alicante Golf is regarded as one of the best designed and maintained courses in the whole of Spain, with its glowing reputation being consolidated following a large scale 5-year long refurbishment which commenced in 2004.

Situated on farmland at the foot of the Sierra de las Aguilas mountains, the Alenda Golf Club was expertly designed and opened by Roland Favrat in 1999. It features 18-holes, giving a par of 72, with short distances between the tee and the green to provide a very quick round.  The first nine holes are of moderate length, requiring a good eye and precision rather than a strong arm. Much concentration is required to tackle the next nine holes, with holes 16 and 18 said to be particularly challenging!

EL PANTIO GOLF COURSE, ALICANTE.

This is a golf course for all the family to enjoy, offering players a choice of the short nine hole, par 27 course, or the full eighteen hole, par 72 championship course. Covering 750000 m2 in length; incorporating 45 000 mature native trees (palm trees, olive trees and carobs), and 15 000 bushes and plants in full bloom; El Pantio is a real delight to play. It was the first course in the country to introduce a new irrigation method, which uses sewage, and is in perfect harmony with the natural environment. Its services include: a golf practice area, two approach areas, putting-green, clubhouse, restaurant, dressing rooms, pro-shop, rental service and a golf school.

LA FINCA GOLF COURSE, ALGORFA.

This popular course is located at the foot of Mount Escotera and was inaugurated in 2002. Its unique design was the brainchild of top amateur golfer, Pepe Gancedo, and features generous fairways, giving a wide margin of forgiveness to those with a higher handicap. It has since played host to a number of international tournaments, which include the Junior European Championship, Championship of Spain Junior, Finals of Audi Class and Audi Quattro Circuits at Amateur level; along with tests for the EPD Circuit Tour and Professional Circuit of Valencia Community at professional level.

LAS COLINAS GOLF COURSE, CAMPOAMOR.

This carefully planned course is designed to suit players of all handicaps. Ideally located within beautiful woodland valley, it also hosts stunning views across the Mediterranean Sea and Mar Menor. The course was created by respected course designer, Cabill B Robinson, who is also responsible for other acclaimed courses such as La Reserva, in Soto Grande, and Finca Cortesin on the Costa del Sol. Las Colinas was commended by Bradley Dredge of the PGA Tour, who commented that it offered an “excellent challenge” to golfers of all abilities.

VILLAMARTIN GOLF COURSE, ORIHUELA COSTA.

Designed by Paul Putman in 1972, Villamartin Golf Course has become a reference for avid Golfers and helped to put the Valencia Community on the golfing map. With more than forty years history it is a mature course, surrounded by many trees, ravines and gentle slopes to test the player’s skills; whilst also offering wonderful views of the Mediterranean. In 1994 it hosted the Mediterranean Open of the European Tour, and has been highly honoured to receive guests including Severiano Ballesteros, Ian Woosnan, Vijay Singh or Bernhard Langer.