Southern Spain is a popular tourist destination for many reasons including the sights and the weather but golf is very popular in this region and attracts many visitors throughout the year.
One of the best golf courses in the Costa del sol area of southern Spain is San Roque Old Course. Enviously situated at the foothills of the Sierra Bermeja Mountains, it competes with the likes of Valderrama and Sotogrande for the title of a 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 which have been made are to the bunkers, which was completed by the legendary Seve Ballesteros.
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.
One thing you will notice when playing the Course is 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 outward nine holes and can make them seem narrow. While most of the fairways are not particularly 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 serve to 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 nine holes have a more open feel and the trees begin to 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. 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, not only in Spain but in Europe.
If you want a strong test of your golfing ability on a well-kept, thought course which is 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, not only in Spain but in Europe.
If you want a strong test of your golfing ability on a well-kept, thought out the course which is in tremendous surroundings, you owe it to yourself to try San Roque Old Golf Course.
