A paradise for golfers

The area between the north of the province of Alicante (Costa Blanca) to the south of Almeria offers golf lovers 36 golf courses, most designed by internationally renowned golfers such as Jack Nicklaus or Severiano Ballesteros.

With over 300 days of sunshine a year and average temperatures of 18ºC, the exceptional Mediterranean climate has made the south-east of Spain an international reference for golfers. Most of the golf courses in this area are located near the coast, which means that in addition to the golfing facilities there is also a wide range of leisure alternatives for tourist, making the Spanish Mediterranean coast an ideal place for golfers to enjoy their game in the company of family and friends.

Another advantage is the proximity between the various golf courses and ease of access from the international airports of Alicante or Almeria, from which all the courses are less than 45 minutes by motorway. This enables visitors to play on a number of courses, something golf lovers value greatly when planning their trips.

All the courses are usually set within a real estate development, all of which offer a wide range of properties at extremely interesting prices, representing a highly attractive investment, bearing in mind the rental possibilities to meet the increasing worldwide popularity of golf.

One exception is in Benidorm at the Villaitana Wellness Golf & Business Sun Resort (previously known as the Real de Faula Golf Club), as this golf course is not set within a real estate development, allowing golfers to enjoy a game within totally natural surroundings with permanent panoramic views over the sea and mountain. This complex consists of two 18-hole golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and two luxury hotels.

Further to the south is La Finca which since it opened six years ago has become one of the Costa Blanca golf courses offering the widest range of facilities. With a 3,000 m2 club house and a 5 star hotel due to open at the end of 2009, La Finca Golf Resort stands out, in addition to the excellent installations, for the real estate offer, in particular its beautiful front line villas.

Murcia is one of the regions of Spain with the greatest number of golf courses. There are a total of 14, although the most notable and well-known course is La Manga Club, one of the ten best courses in the whole of Spain and a world renowned sporting and holiday resort. It has three 18-hole golf courses and a full range of tennis facilities. The variety and quality of its service has led La Manga Club to become the destination of choice for a number of professional and amateur sports teams from all over Europe to play not only golf or tennis, but also cricket, rugby or football.

This brief look at the top golf courses on the Spanish Mediterranean coast would not be complete without mentioning the Desert Springs Golf Club in Almeria. This is the first Arizona style desert course in Europe, offering players a different setting surrounded by cactuses, rocks and dry river beds. Despite its unusual design it is also one of the select members of the club of the “ten best golf courses in Spain”.

With regards to the average price of green fees, Spain’s golf courses are considered among the most economical in Europe. The average price is around €60, a far cry from the €200-350 of countries like Denmark.

This article is just a small taste of what golf lovers can find on Spain’s southern Mediterranean coast, but there are clearly many more attractions than those described here. For more complete information we propose you visit one of the suggested links, which will undoubtedly be of great help.