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David Brice, Golf International, Inc.

Spain and Portugal share between them almost 400 golf courses -- that's more than on the entire island of Ireland and only 20 percent less than are to be found in Scotland, the historic home of golf. As surprising as the number of courses contained on the Iberian Peninsula might be, it's not so much the quantity of golf that impresses the first time visitor, as it is the consistently high caliber of these courses.

Islantilla Golf Club is listed among the Top 100 Courses in Europe.

From the very top-ranked layouts such as Spain's Valderrama and Portugal's Praia d'El Rey and Vilamoura, to names neither Spanish nor Portuguese golfers are familiar with; the likelihood of being disappointed by a golf course in these parts is remote, to say the very least.

Unlike more traditional golfing destinations, where most visitors insist on limiting their play to the dozen or so long-established, top-ranked "Trophy Courses," Spain and Portugal encourage visitors to play even the unknown layouts, an experience that is often more than rewarding. Few countries can make such a claim but here the offer is made with total confidence.

Taking advantage of this unique situation, I offer a pair of gems as our "Courses" of the Week, one in Portugal and the other in Spain. Neither will be a familiar name on this side of the Atlantic Ocean, yet both offer more than enough virtues and qualities to impress even the most jaded golf traveler.

Islantilla Golf Club, located on the westernmost reaches of Spain's Costa de la Luz (Coast of Light) sitting only 15 miles from the Spanish/Portuguese border, almost qualifies for dual nationality. Enjoying an idyllic, Atlantic beachfront site, it is situated just off the main coastal highway linking Portugal's Algarve Coast with Seville, the picturesque, Pueblos Blancos and only a couple of hours further, the golf rich, Costa del Sol.

This would be an ideal stopover on any trip combining Portugal and Spain, even if there were no golf, but with the 27 glorious holes of Islantilla Golf Club, the option becomes almost obligatory. Listed among the Top 100 Courses in Europe and invited by The PGA's European Tour to host the Turespana Masters in 1995, there is a pedigree here that belies Islantilla's low profile.

Spanish designer Enrique Canales has done a superb job of melding pine forest, parkland and seaside into a seamlessly natural flowing track that is a pure pleasure to play and a delight to the eye. If you're looking for the more challenging combination of the three nine-hole loops, play the Blue and Green Courses and you will have more than enough on your plate. For high handicappers and those wanting a less-stressful round, replace the Blue Course with the Yellow. All in all, an excellent round of golf is assured for everyone.

Take the opportunity of visiting this area to explore the American connection. The 15th century, Monasterio de la Rabida in nearby Huelva, gave refuge to Christopher Columbus in 1491, after his plans to sail west to find the East Indies had been rejected by the catholic monarchy. It was the prior of the monastery, who used his considerable influence as Queen Isabella's confessor, to reverse the royal decision. Inside, frescoes by Daniel Vasquez Diaz, painted in 1930, depict the explorer's life and discoveries.

Monasterio de la Rabida in Huelva is a must-see.

A short distance away is the small port of Palos de la Frontera, from which Columbus set sail in August of 1492 aboard the caravel, Santa Maria, on his great voyage of discovery to The Americas. History lessons on a golf trip should qualify for some kind of a college credit!

In Portugal, our gem of a course is Clube de Golfe de Belas, a rigorous examination of golfing skills located only 20 minutes from Lisbon's city center, nestled in the Carregueira Mountains and very close to the elegant, Royal Palace of Queluz.

Measuring just shy of a hefty 7,000 yards from the tips, Belas is a layout specifically designed to host major championships and American designer, Rocky Roquemore has assembled an 18-hole layout that will certainly put the professional players through their paces, with enough wiliness to trip more than a few along the way. Others will be seduced by the Belas's handsome good looks and views across the Sintra Mountains reaching as far as Sintra's Pena Palace in one direction and the River Tagus to the other.

Focus on your game, don't be too distracted by the scenery and avoid trying to show off your macho side from the back tees, there is no shame in playing from the forward positions if that suits your abilities. On this course, the back tees are territory for the really accomplished players and those macho guys who evidently don't mind embarrassing themselves.

Roquemore, a creative designer, has built a solid reputation for some of his other Portuguese accomplishments, including highly regarded San Lorenzo and his involvement in Quinta do Lago's North Course. His reputation has only been strengthened at Belas, where he has come through with flying colors as witnessed by the two signature holes.

The Royal Palace in Queluz is an exquisite example of how Portuguese Royalty lived a couple of centuries ago.

The par-5 second, named Augusta, is a beauty and Roquemore's homage to the 13th hole at the world-famous Masters Course. The closing hole, a glorious grand finale of a finisher, has been christened "The Big Hole" because of the very challenging approach shot required to make the green, well protected by an intimidating if not ominous looking lake. It's a true death or glory hole, giving every player the opportunity to finish with the flair and pizzazz we all dream of -- a fitting end to a round that will be remembered for years to come, regardless of what your scorecard might say. Before scurrying back to your hotel, take the time to stop back at Queluz and take a tour of the 18th century Royal Palace and formal gardens. This was used as an escape from the heat of Lisbon's summers by the Royal Court and is an exquisite example of how Portuguese Royalty lived a couple of centuries ago. It's an impressive, though smaller version of Paris' Versailles and well worth visiting.

The Iberian Peninsula offers so much for any visitor, but for the golfer this wonderful corner of Europe is a true paradise It creates an opportunity for those with family not so smitten by the Royal and Ancient game, to enjoy a proper family vacation together, where golf for dad is an option that doesn't disturb the enjoyment of the others. Just don't tell them it's a golf trip and they'll never know.

For a few ideas on how to get the most out of your trip to Spain and Portugal, click here.

© 2007 David Brice / Golf International Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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