More Americans discovering golf in Spain and Portugal can't be beaten
By David Brice, Golf International, Inc.
Portugal and Spain both experienced double digit increases in US visitors last year, a trend that is continuing in 2008. This is an unheard of occurrence among European countries where an increase of 3 or 4% in American visitors is considered very good and 6 or 7%, a significant accomplishment. So when these two neighboring countries of the Iberian Peninsula each report one-year growth of over 20% in US tourism, something very special must be happening.
The truth of the matter is that nothing has changed in either country, with two important exceptions. Not only are Americans becoming increasingly aware that the Iberian Peninsula is filled with everything they are looking for in a destination (including world-class golf) but also, this is where we get the biggest bang for our buck. The dollar simply goes much further in Spain and Portugal than in other European countries. First class and luxury hotels remain affordable, car rentals and restaurants are no different. Even green fees at the very top ranked golf courses are excellent value, as are all of those other pleasures that make a vacation the special occasion it's supposed to be.
In an increasingly value conscious world, most of us are prepared to make some compromises in reducing our daily living expenses by perhaps eliminating an extravagance or two. But vacation-time is something else entirely - this is sacred ground and not to be touched. For two weeks or so each year, we are entitled to spoil ourselves just a little, after all we have earned it. A vacation is neither the time nor the place to make compromises and in Spain and Portugal, it won't be necessary.
Making a good thing even better, the Iberian Peninsula offers so much to see and do, this is an opportunity to take the entire family along, knowing everyone will have an enjoyable time, whether golf is a part of the plan or not. If you are one of the many golfers who has never experienced world class golf away from American shores and perhaps have been a little fearful of even broaching the subject to non-golfing family members, Spain and Portugal gives you a golden opportunity. You are far more likely to get enthusiastic support from your family for such a brilliant idea than you are to be criticized.
Northern European sun-worshippers flock to the beaches of the Iberian Peninsula's Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines during July and August to soak up the sun. For the rest of us, no matter how enticing the beaches and glorious climate might be, it's the rich history and culture, the delectable food and wines, the fascinating sightseeing, the values and of course, the golf that are the main attractions. But be forewarned, Spain and Portugal, two of Europe's oldest nations, are addictive and once tasted, you may not want to vacation anywhere else.
Only adding icing to the cake, the climate, especially in the southern parts of this sun-blessed peninsula, is perfect year round. From the coolest days of winter, when temperatures seldom drop below the mid-60's, to the warmest days of summer with temperatures hovering in the mid-80's, anytime of year is the right time to vacation here.
Surprising to many golfers, still unfamiliar with golf in these parts, Spain and Portugal contain 27 of Continental Europe's "Top 100 Golf Courses", the best of all, conveniently clustered together, minimizing the amount of travel required to play them. Thoughtfully, the Golf Gods have also placed these golf clusters close to some of each country's most fascinating cultural and historic attractions.
In Portugal, 60 of this tiny country's more than 80 courses are shared between two thoroughly intriguing, though totally contrasting regions, which are in turn separated by little more than a two hour drive.
The charming city of Lisbon is one of Europe's most historic, though sadly, under-rated capitals. You could spend a full week here and still not have enough time to see and experience all the city has to offer and there's even more just outside of the city limits. Within a 30-minute drive either side of the center of town is The Lisbon Coast, a region of spectacular beaches, picturesque mountains and a golfing paradise of 25 courses. Included are some not only ranked among the best in Portugal, but the best in Europe -- Oitavos, Penha Longa, Troia and Quinta do Peru is only the beginning of the list of world-class layouts that regularly host or have hosted European Tour events, along with other important international tournaments.
Drive a further half hour north of Lisbon and discover another gem of a course, Praia d'El Rey. Fronted by two miles of gorgeously pristine Atlantic beaches, this top ranked links is far too tempting a challenge to resist. Make a full day excursion out of this one and take a few hours to leisurely explore the nearby medieval town of Obidos, one of the best-preserved in all of Portugal.
The enchanting town of Sintra is another slice of history, not to be missed. Once the summer retreat of Portuguese Kings and nobility, their impressive palaces and mansion houses lie tucked among the lush vegetation of the mountains, less than a half hour from the very heart of Lisbon. The chic beach resorts of Estoril and Cascais have a character entirely of their own, with boutiques and galleries, numerous restaurants, nightclubs, bars and for those who are feeling lucky, The Estoril Casino, Europe's largest - and Lisbon is still only a half hour away.
It will take little more than 2 hours on the motorway leading south of Lisbon to reach The Algarve, Portugal's southernmost region, where golf reigns as the undisputed King. More than 30 golf courses lie scattered along 90 miles of picture postcard, Atlantic Coastline, interspersed with bustling beach resorts, charming fishing villages and ancient towns that have stood here for centuries. The atmosphere is relaxed and laid back -- time here has no real meaning and the important thing is simply to take life easy and enjoy, but with the banquet of golf that awaits, golfers will have difficulty slowing to the pace. You could stay for a couple of weeks on this sun-blessed coast and even at a rate of 36 holes a day, there would still not be time enough to play every course that demands to be played.
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Not to be missed are the two tracks at Vale do Lobo and another pair of champions at neighboring Quinta do Lago. San Lorenzo should also be on the list and at least two of Vilamoura's five layouts, together with the well-respected Penina Course laid out by Henry Cotton 40 years ago. No less worthy of attention are some stunning designs of more recent vintage from Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo and Jack Nicklaus and this is still less than half of The Algarve's golfing menu.
If Portugal's inventory of top-flight golf courses impresses, Spain's collection of over 300 will blow you away. The great wealth of Spain's golf riches extend from the southern Portugal/Spain border, along the Atlantic, into the Mediterranean, all the way to Barcelona and the Costa Brava. It's a 750-mile journey of glorious golf and some of the best layouts in all of Europe.
The heart and soul of Spanish golf however is the colorful, southwesterly region of Andalucia and the Costa del Sol, better known these days as the Costa del Golf. From Gibraltar in the west to Malaga in the east, it's a golfing wonderland of over 60 top-notch courses, including Valderrama of 1997 Ryder Cup fame, the top ranked layout on Continental Europe for each of past 12 years. Now considered the spiritual home of European golf, this is a course every golfer dreams of playing, despite the limited availability to visitors.
Valderrama's golf neighbors, and there are many, may lack the same name recognition, but they share an almost equal level of prestige and are certainly ranked among Spain's best. Sotogrande, San Roque, Almenara and La Reserva, are all top quality layouts and tough enough to challenge even the most accomplished golfer.
Spend a few days away from the coast in the beautiful Andalucian capital of Seville, soaking up the rich culture of this historic city that finds its way into every visitor's heart. This is the home of flamenco and the birthplace of tapas; it's renowned for outstanding architecture and has become one of Spain's main centers of gastronomy, now accepted by foodies as Europe's best. Seville is also where you will find the Royal Seville Golf Club, yet another excellent golf course that shouldn't be passed by. Designed by Jose Marie Olazabal, Royal Seville hosted the European Tour's Spanish Open just a few weeks ago
Heading back toward the coast, it takes less than an hour to reach the sherry capital of Jerez de la Frontera with more temptations for golfers and non-golfers alike. Visiting a sherry bodega or two is almost mandatory and as the region also produces superb brandies, why not a brandy house as well? Jerez de la Frontera has another important institution headquartered here, The Royal School of Equestrian Arts. Horse lover or not, be sure to take in the amazing daily performances of horsemanship.
For the golfers, Montecastillo Golf Club is located just a couple of miles outside of town and as a past host to one of the most prestigious events on the European Tour, The Volvo Masters, one more opportunity to test your golfing skills against an exceptional Spanish layout. This time our own Jack Nicklaus gets credit for the design work.
It's less than a 20-mile drive from Jerez to Arcos de la Frontera, one of the most spectacular Pueblos Blancos (White Towns) in Andalucia. These fortified, hilltop towns and villages were originally built to defend the occupants from marauders more than 1,000 years ago and Arcos is one of the most dramatic. If time permits, play the relatively new but superb golf course at Arcos Gardens, situated just a few minutes outside of town. This is a fast rising star on the Andalucian golf scene, offering a very testing challenge and some glorious views of Arcos de la Frontera and the surrounding countryside.
There may be no better place to end a golf trip to Spain than in the fashionable resort of Marbella, an ideal base from which to play even more of the Costa del Sol's endless selection of true championship courses. Finca Cortesin, Santana, La Cala and the Marbella Club are just a few of the best, located literally minutes from your hotel. There is an equally impressive menu of off-course activities to delight even the most confirmed, non-golfer.
With new direct air service on Delta Airlines, flying from New York to Malaga this summer, Andalucia and her many attractions has never been closer. Come to Spain and Portugal for the magnificent golf, but miss out on the never ending array of experiences away from the golf courses and you will have missed an important part of the magic and intrigue that is the essence of The Iberian Peninsula. And remember, you won't find a better value in all of Europe. For more suggestions on how to get the most out of your Iberian golf trip, click here.
©2008 David Brice / Golf International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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