Filled with quality courses, Andalucia is Europe's new golf capital
By David Brice, Golf International, Inc.
When Delta Airlines starts flying directly from New York's JFK Airport to sunny Southern Spain and the Mediterranean port city of Malaga in June, the door will open to what most agree, is the most intriguing region of the country -- Andalucia.
Spain is and always has been, a favorite European vacation spot for American travelers and perhaps no other country has quite as much to offer visitors. From its rich history and culture to the best food and wines in Europe, to shopping, and exploring fascinating cities and enthralling villages, untouched by time.
Spain has something for everyone, including golfers, with the most impressive collection of world-class golf courses to be found anywhere in Continental Europe.
Nowhere are Spain's many glories as much in evidence as in Andalucia, the heart and soul of the country. This is the birthplace of flamenco, home of sherry, tapas and scene of some of the most spectacular festivals in a country renowned for such things.
It's the land of white horses, black bulls and fascinating ancient cities dating back to the beginnings of time -- Seville, Granada and Cordoba are only the beginning of the wealth of cities, towns and villages steeped in history, all calling out to be explored.
Discover the fabled mountain fortress villages, unique to Andalucia, where Arcos de la Frontera and Ronda are two of the most remarkable Pueblos Blancos (White Villages) that have stood here for centuries.
Go sherry tasting in the sherry capital of Jerez de la Frontera and while you're here, don't miss the amazing display of horsemanship at the Royal Andalucian School of Equestrian Art -- horse lover or not, this astounding exhibition of teamwork between horse and rider, never fails to impress.
But this is only the beginning of the Andalucia story, this enchanting region, blessed with an idyllic year round climate, is also Europe's golfing Mecca and home to Spain's heaviest concentration of quality golf courses. There are over 100 layouts in all, but more important than the quantity, it's the consistently high caliber of Andalucian golf that sets it apart from the rest of the Continent.
Since seeing the first signs of golf success some 40 years ago, the most highly regarded golf architects from Spain, Europe and around the globe have been drawn to Andalucia, all eager to leave their own mark on what was clearly destined to become one of the world's most outstanding golf centers.
Only wishing to leave the most positive signature, they have produced some of their very best work - magnificent designs that include many ranked among Europe's top courses.
Led by Valderrama, host to the 1997 Ryder Cup, permanent home to the Volvo Masters and ranked Europe's # 1 course for each of the past dozen years, the standard set by this remarkable Robert Trent Jones Sr. design has been Andalucia's inspiration. For more than a quarter century the bar has been raised to a level that demanded existing courses be improved and brought up to a similar quality and any new golf development could only be the very best - Andalucia has delivered in grand style.
From the profusion of championship courses along Andalucia's Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines to the cities of Seville, Granada, Malaga, Jerez, even the fortress village of Arcos de la Frontera, golf is never far away. The opportunity to combine golf with fascinating sightseeing, shopping, museum visits, beaches and a myriad of other off-course activities, couldn't be more convenient. And for the gourmet lurking inside all of us - everywhere a wealth of restaurants ranging from haute cuisine to far simpler establishments specialized in regional dishes, the dining choices are endless.
Spend at least a few nights on the Costa del Sol (the Mediterranean coastline that runs from the British outpost of Gibraltar, eastward some 80 miles to the city of Malaga) and you will have your pick of more than 50 golf courses that surround you. Often called the Costa del Golf, this is where you will find some of Andalucia's finest layouts, including Valderrama, Sotogrande, San Roque, Finca de Cortesin, Santana and La Cala.
There is no more convenient location than the chic resort town of Marbella, with its impressive selection of hotels, restaurants, shopping and a vibrant nightlife, including a casino. Most of the courses will be within a half hour drive and it's very convenient for a day excursion to the ancient mountain town of Ronda, or a half-day visit to Malaga or charming Old Marbella. Granada can be visited in a long, full day trip and Gibraltar in half a day.
You could spend a month in Marbella and still not have enough time to play all the courses that call out to be played nor see all the sights that should be seen, but other parts of Andalucia are calling. None calls louder than Seville, which combines well with Marbella as part of a two-stop vacation. The drive to Seville can be accomplished in less than three hours, but there are some intriguing diversions along the way that shouldn't be missed, so plan on making this a full day of sightseeing and transfer.
Jerez de la Frontera is a must see stopover en route and tasting visits to a few of the sherry and brandy bodegas in town is a mandatory. The old town is a fascinating place to explore and if time permits, stop by at the Real Escuela Andaluza de Arte Ecuestre, for a horse show like no other. Spend a night or two in Jerez and you could squeeze a round of golf in. Sherry Golf Jerez is the most close to town and great fun, but if you are looking for a real challenge, past Volvo Masters venue, Montecastillo is a tough Jack Nicklaus layout that sits just a few miles from Jerez.
Continuing on to Seville, take the chance to visit one of the prettiest of the Pueblos Blancos, Arcos de la Frontera. The drive along narrow cobblestone streets to reach the town center is a little harrowing, but well worth it when you reach the top and experience the breath-taking views. And if golf is still on your mind, the stunning new layout at Arcos Gardens is only 10 minutes away. Otherwise enjoy a delectable lunch on the terrace of the Parador here taking in the panorama, then explore and this centuries old town on foot before continuing on to Seville.
Andalucia's capital of Seville manages to capture the hearts of all who visit and quickly becomes everyone's favorite city. It's a magical place, overflowing with history that predates its occupation by the Romans. One of the world's most pleasurable of cities there will be a future column devoted exclusively to the effort of doing justice to this very special place and its many attractions. Inevitably Seville's small but very worthy collection of excellent golf courses will be included. In the meantime to learn more about the many wonders of Andalucia and her golf, all brought closer by Delta Airlines new non-stop flights from New York to Malaga and the heart of Spain's best golf country, click here.
©2008 David Brice / Golf International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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