Best five golf courses in Spain

Spain has been a popular golfing location for several years now, with an estimated 398 golf courses to choose from – all of which present different challenges, styles and scenery.

Although the best time to visit Spain is during Spring and Summer, the Canary Islands benefit from warm temperatures all year round, meaning golfers can get in the swing under the sun for 12 months a year.

Here are five of the best Spanish golf courses to add to your travel wish list...

1. Real Club Valderrama

Opened in 1974, the Real Club Valderrama is located in the Sotogrande resort, in the Sotogrande area of the Andalusia region of Southern Spain and has both a single 18-hole course and a 9-hole par 3 course.

The club has impressive target greens on the practice ground (named the best in Europe by Sir Nick Faldo) and a tremendous main course with parkland-style holes.

Look out for the course’s signature hole – the 17th named La Cascada – a par 5 with a pond next to the two-tiered green.

Those who have experienced playing the course first-hand recommend ditching the buggy and walking the course to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

The course has also been consistently ranked among the best courses in the world, receiving several accolades since it was opened.

2. Real Club Seville

The challenging Real Club Seville course was designed by Jose Maria Olazabal and has hosted several major golfing tournaments, including the 2004 World Cup of Golf, 2008, 2010 and 2012 Spanish Opens and the 2009 Andalucian Open.

Loved by both professionals and amateurs alike, the Real Club Seville is a par 72 and has previously been rated the third best golf course in Spain.

A great course for nature lovers, the 61-hectare course has over 10,000 trees speckled in and amongst the scenery, as well as nine lakes and 90 dramatic bunkers.

Excellent for those who want to squeeze in some practice, the course also features an extensive driving range, with astroturf greens, putting greens and a chipping green.

3. Buenavista Golf Club

Located in the Canary Islands, Tenerife, the unique Buenavista Golf Club is accessible from both Tenerife’s North and South airports.

With average temperatures reaching 20 degrees and above, the climate is excellent for golfers who enjoy some sun while they play.

The course itself was designed by Spanish native golfing legend Seve Ballesteros, with six par 3 holes, six par 4’s and six par 5’s for true variation.

The golf course is set against the picturesque backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and incredible Teno mountain range. Golfers are in for a real challenge as they complete the second half of the 18-hole course, with notable holes at 9 and 18, which are connected by a waterfall.

4. PGA Catalunya Stadium Course

Chosen as the location for the Spanish Open three times, the PGA Catalunya Stadium Course was designed by Angel Gallardo and Neil Coles and was recently voted the No.1 golf course in Spain.

Located south of Girona and only an hour away from Barcelona, the course proves a real challenge for even the most competent golfers.

Immersed in nature, the PGA Catalunya Stadium Course boasts several challenging and memorable holes.

In particular, the dogleg sixth provides a real test and many holes feature strategically placed lakes and bunkers to keep your attention throughout play.

5. Real Club de Golf Las Palmas (Bandama)

Real Club de Golf Las Palmas is the oldest golf course in Spain, designed by Mackenzie Ross. Sat on the edge of the Bandama volcanic crater, with a unique teeing area set on the edge of a side crater.

The course design also features impressive tees, fairways, remarkable bunkers and elevated greens that climb and wind around the course.

This high-quality course is ideal for the more experienced golfer and offers outstanding views to enjoy while you make your way through each hole.

For more information, please visit golf holiday specialists, The Golf Travel People.