Southern Spain is a popular tourist destination for many reasons, including the sights and the weather. Still, golf is top-rated in this region and attracts many visitors throughout the year.
One of the best golf courses in southern Spain's Costa del sol area is San Roque Old Course. Enviously situated at the foothills of the Sierra Bermeja Mountains, it competes with Valderrama and Sotogrande for the title of the best golf course in the south of Spain.
Designed by David Thomas and Tony Jacklin, the former known for his work at the Belfry. The Course opened for play in 1990, and since then, the only changes made are to the bunkers, which the legendary Seve Ballesteros completed.
The San Roque Old Course is a par 72 known for being a true test of golf and plays to just over 7,100 yards. Being used for many professional tournaments and is a regular on the European PGA Tour School.
You will notice when playing the Course the number of undulations throughout. While the Course cannot be described as hilly, these undulations are severe enough at times to make you think hard about your club selection before playing a shot, even from the fairway.
Cork Oak trees line the fairways on the nine outward holes and make them seem narrow. While most fairways are not mainly narrow, the illusion created by the trees can be off-putting, and driving accuracy is a must because if you hit your ball into the trees, they are punishing.
The trees also add drama to the dogleg holes, and a good strategy is required to score low.
The new bunkers and water hazards only make good ball striking a necessity on this golf course. You must be confident in your approach to playing San Roque Old Course because any indecision, especially on the front nine holes, will be punished.
In contrast to the front nine, the back holes have a more open feel, and the trees disappear. However, thoughtfully placed hazards and deep ravines mean you must keep your concentration, especially on the fast, contoured greens.
The greens are a real highlight on this Course, and some of them are very large. So even if you find the green in regulation or better, you may be left with a very long putt.
The excellent practice facilities and Seve Ballesteros Academy combine with the Course to make for a superb golfing experience. It is easy to see why this golf course is rated among the finest in Spain and Europe.
If you want a strong test of your golfing ability on a well-kept, thought Course in tremendous surroundings, you owe it to yourself to try San Roque Old Golf Course.
The excellent practice facilities and Seve Ballesteros Academy combine with the Course to make for a superb golfing experience. It is easy to see why this golf course is rated among the finest in Spain and Europe.
If you want a strong test of your golfing ability on a well-kept, thought Course in tremendous surroundings, you owe it to yourself to try San Roque Old Golf Course.
