Golf in Spain

The Best Five Golf Courses in Andalucia

Take advantage of the cheap car hire and low cost all inclusive rental car prices offered by Argus Car Hire, and explore the best golf courses that Andalucia, Spain has to offer.

The Andalucia region of Spain is well known for its tourist resorts, its glorious weather and its fabulous stretches of sandy coastline. The coastal resorts of the Andalucia have long been holiday hot spots for sun seekers, and have been purpose-developed to cater to a large volume of package holiday tourists from all over Europe in search of lazy days on the beach and crazy nights in the clubs.

Andalucia also caters to a different species of holidaymaker however - the golfer. The region is home to a bounty of golf courses that are as beautiful as they are challenging - courses with reputations that keep golfers traveling to Andalucia in their droves to play a round in the sun. A golf holiday in Andalucia is truly a dream break for those more interested in bunkers than beaches - although the unlucky few may spend just as much time in the sand.

There are over sixty courses in the area, varying in difficulty and style. Most are within easy reach of each other, particularly with a low cost rental car from Argus Car Hire. The following five (all located in the Cadiz region of Andalucia) are five of the best;

1. Club de Golf Valderrama, Sotogrande, Cadiz.

Not only is this superb course considered the best in Spain, but the 'Augusta of Andalucia' consistently tops lists as the best golf course in Europe. The course is 6356 metres and par 71 with 18 championship-quality holes to challenge even the most seasoned golfers, although it was designed (by revered golf course architect Robert Trent Jones) to cater to all handicaps. It's not cheap. But it's big and it's very, very clever, and if you're gaga for golf it shouldn't fail to disappoint.� You will pay less to play during the week than at weekends, but not a whole lot. Go on, splash out, you deserve it�

2. The Old Course - San Roque Club, San Roque, Cadiz.

A demanding 6494 metre, par 72 course, the original course at San Roque sits snug at the foothills of Andalucia's Sierra Bermeja Mountains. Set on a 340-acre estate, the course is part of a superb luxury resort with a hotel, spa, tennis, horse riding, swimming and more - plenty to occupy those who view golf as a god walk spoiled! The course is not obviously hilly, but undulates enough to present a challenge to even the best golfers out there. You will pay less for your game of golf here than at the spectacular Valderrama, and in low season greens fees are that bit cheaper again. There are special rates available for residents at the hotel.

3.� The New Course - San Roque Club, San Roque, Cadiz.

The New Course was completed in 2005 and is longer than the old at 6626 metres from the championship tees. Five tee positions on every hole cater to players of all standards, however the course is by no means mickey-mouse - expect a tough but ultimately rewarding game. Strategically placed bunkers guard the greens, accompanied in some cases by water hazards, in fact there are plenty of ways to get into trouble throughout the 18 holes! But if your game is on, you can expect to be duly rewarded for well-placed drives. A few days in the hotel offers cheaper green fees, and is a wonderful way to experience two of Andalucia's finest courses. Again, the non-golfing activities and amenities offered on the resort will entertain anyone you may be traveling with who doesn't intend to so much as swing a club during their holiday. But then, why would you travel with such a philistine�

4. Monte Castillo Resort, Jerez de la Frontera, C�diz.

Opened in 1991 and designed by Jack Nicklaus, this 6424 metre (from championship tees), par 72 championship course features a hilly terrain, cloverleaf bunkers, elevated tees and fairways as well as water hazards on five holes. The course is immaculately kept and is universally thought of as a joy to play - when your game is good. The 5-star resort that houses the golf course incorporates a hotel, business centre, spa, gym, steam room and sauna, paddleball courts and soccer fields.A game of golf here will cost you �100 in high season, with a reduced price of �80 at other times.��

5. Real Club de Golf, Sotogrande, Cadiz.

This club is the granddaddy of Andalucian golf courses. Opened in 1964, it still more-than competes, and easily holds its own among the newer clubs in the area that have had the advantage of modern design and big money. The 72-par course which is positioned to offer gorgeous sea views features wide fairways, strategic water hazards and tricky greens - a demanding and enjoyable 18 holes. The 7th and the 12th are particularly good holes, so keep your wits about you and make sure you've had your weetabix.The green fee here is �160, but there is a discount when booked through certain agencies and tour operators, so this option might be helpful to anyone on a budget.