Golf in Spain - Golf Property in Spain
Spain is the ideal country enjoy golf to its full extent; glorious temperate climes (over 340 days of sunshine per year), stunning scenery, wonderful fresh mediterranean air and world class golf courses.
The winter months are also popular for golf. As the weather around most of Europe becomes colder and wetter, the golfer migrates to Spain to enjoy the sport in the sun.
In recent years more airlines have opened routes to Spain, increasing flexibility with flight times and days, as well as offering excellent value for money flights: you can be in the UK in the morning and on the tee in sunny Spain in the afternoon.
Most of the courses in Spain will require to see your handicap certificate when you book. This is to prove that you are already a member of a club and know the etiquette and rules of the game.
Golf is played around the world to the rules of the R & A (Royal and Ancient, the governing body of golf) so the rules in Spain are exactly the same as you are used to in the UK except for the sock rule: in the UK when wearing tailored shorts you must wear knee-length socks, in Spain socks of any length are acceptable.
One point to be aware of when playing golf in Spain is to remember some basic rules of etiquette on the greens to keep the game moving and avoiding tailbacks. Remember when it is your turn to play a shot, be ready. Pick up your ball when you can no longer score. Wait until the next tee to mark your cards, don't mark them on the green of the hole you have just finished. If your ball is lost off the fairway call the following group through while you look for it. Remember, you should always be just behind the game in front, not just in front of the game behind. Park your buggy, or leave your bag, on the side of the green closest to the path for the next tee. Tap in the 'gimmees' instead of marking the ball on short putts. If keep to these guidelines and you will save up to three minutes on each hole - one hour over the round. You will also have more time for recounting your best shots, telling jokes etc. at the 19th hole. More importantly, you will allow those behind you to enjoy their rounds, after all, they're on holiday as well.
Some courses have handicap limits of 28 for men and 36 for ladies, so make sure you are fully aware if this when you book your round.
Many of the the courses are fully booked during the peak season, so make sure you book early or check before arriving at the golf club on spec.
The peak seasons offer fabulous playing but not excessively hot weather, which means that the green fees will be higher. These are February to the end of May and October to the end of November. The quieter months of December and January plus the hot months of June till the end of September are the off-peak season. There are fewer players around during these times and many courses offer special deals during these periods.
There are a few nine-hole par 3 courses along the coast where you can practice or play without needing a handicap certificate.
If you are a complete beginner and wish to learn how to play, you could take a week's tuition course at many of the courses. The best type of course for a beginner, to either learn on or to practise, would be one that is not too long and offers plenty of room to make off line shots.
There is a great diversity of courses on offer: hilly, flat, long, short, tight and so on. Something to suit all players, intermediate or professional, offering an easy game or more of a challenge. All the courses have 18 holes, bunkers, water and all the hazards you would expect in the UK.
When you start to play golf in Spain the greens will seem to be faster that the UK, however you will get used to the difference surprisingly quickly.
In Spain, to join a golf club you have to buy a share. Prices vary from club to club depending on amenities on offer and the quality of the course. Not all clubs have a membership facility, some are pay and play.
Most of the courses in Spain offer rental clubs. It is advisable to check the make and model of the hire clubs available prior to booking as quality and availability of clubs vary from place to place and depending on demand. There are also a few companies that have set up recently who rent out golf club sets to hire for the day or week. They all have the top brands available.
Many of the courses have stunning Mediterranean sea views, palm trees and wonderful Spanish flora.
Some of the Club houses offer health spas and fabulous restaurants where the whole family can enjoy the Spanish Golf experience.
Our website offers details of 120 golf courses and over 100 styles of properties for sale throughout Spain located in golf course complexes or within easy reach of the courses. These include new build/off plan and resale properties; apartments, duplexes, villas and fincas; compact and expansive. Something for everyone!