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hunched over a seven iron with its rain-sodden
leather grip, your face pointing away to
protect it from the rain while ankle deep
in mud, is a very British way of spending
a few leisurely hours. But this is the game
of golf - well, British golf anyway.
However, it needn’t be like this
any more. With the Costa de Almeria being
classified as the only desert in Europe,
a superb climate is always guaranteed. Couple
this with the fact that the region receives
less than 25% of rainfall than on the Costa
del Sol, this region has become the preferred
haven for golfers. The four outstanding
courses listed below can all be found within
a ten minute drive from Mojacar. |
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Desert Springs Golf Resort |
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The
Desert Springs Golf Resort is Europe’s first
and only Arizona style desert course. The
course itself was designed to USPGA standards
by ex-Walker Cup Captain and Amateur Champion,
Peter McEvoy.
Situated on a plateau overlooking the Almanzora
valley on the south east coast of Spain,
the resort has become Spain’s new golfing
sensation. The contrast between the beautifully
prepared and manicured playing areas, and
the arid yet vividly coloured desert makes
it a truly unique golfing experience. Each
platformed tee is surrounded by cactus,
rocks and flowering plantations and each
hole has features that can be brought into
play - the springs, watercourses, dry river
beds, rock and cactus areas and bunkers
are strategically located to examine the
skills of golfers of all standards. Whilst
playing, golfers can absorb the awesome
landscape and spectacular views that encompass
the Indiana, benefiting from light sea breezes
that temper the summer heat.
Confirmation of both the World Class quality
of the Indiana Course, its Golf Academy
and practice facilities has been proven
through its selection by the English Golf
Union as its ‘Overseas Home’, for which
it provides practice facilities for its
National squad members. The Royal Spanish
Golf Federation also selected Desert Springs
to host the Spanish Amateur Open back in
March 2004.
Desert Springs
Golf Club
Calle Desert
Cuevas del Almanzora
Almeria, 04618
Tel; +34 950 467 411
Fax: +34 950 467 428
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Valle del Este Golf Resort |
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Since
opening in July 2002, Valle del Este Golf
Resort has already hosted a number of large
tournaments. Its reputation is such that
it hosted the most prestigious tournament
on the Spanish amateur calendar, the final
of the Audi Class in September 2004.
 Desert
surroundings with the occasional view of
the Mediterranean, rolling hills and steep
cliffs make it visually one of the most
spectacular courses in Spain to play. The
fairways wind their way through a landscape
that rivals some of Arizona’s best desert
style courses. Cacti, large boulders and
the occasional water-hazard only punish
the severest of misses. The greens are both
very fast and true and due to their size
they offer a large variety of pin-placements
- on some holes up to a 4 club difference.
At par 71, the three par 5’s are all reachable
with two good hits by tour-pro’s, but when
you gamble and miss, you will pay the price.
For the beginner, spectacular as they may
look, they can be managed without difficulty
by 3 or 4 more conservative shots.
Valle del Este’s renowned signature hole
12 is not for the faint hearted. Certainly
length is not a problem at only 174 yards
off the back-tees. The dried riverbed of
the river Nuńo is the challenge. Many a
golfer will wish to return to the driving-range
before teeing off on this hole to get another
50 practice shots in. Short means reload,
go long and two small bunkers await. This
hole is quite simply one of the best par
3’s in Spain.
Valle del Este
Golf Resort
Vera, Almeria, 04620
Tel; +34 950 398 743
Fax: +34 950 398 743 |
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| Cortijo Grande |
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The
valley in which the Cortijo Grande course
lies is flanked by mountains that rise to
2,500m above sea level. In a province claiming
the only desert in Europe, El Cortijo Grande
has been famous over the centuries for its
verdant valleys & vegetation.
 Today,
this vegetation of orange, lemon, almond
and olive trees decorate and frame the fairways
& greens. Complementing the citrus groves
are mountain gullies and terraced hillsides
to keep even the most proficient golfer
focused. The undulating nature of the valley
itself means that the natural terrain &
design make for an interesting & challenging
round of golf. The water is sourced from
an underground volcanic lake and the spring
melts off the Sierra Nevada on the western
horizon.
A team of world-class professional golf
course designers are currently redesigning
the Cortijo Grande course, which is soon
to become one of the finest golf courses
in Almeria.
Cortijo Grande
Golf
Turre, Almeria, 04639
Tel; +34 950 479 176
Fax: +34 950 479 164 |
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| Marina
Golf |
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| Marina
Golf opened in 2000 and was designed by
Ramon Espinsa. This stunning course offers
9 holes located next to the beach with amazing
Mediterranean views. The remaining 9 holes
meander up and down the side of a small
hill, resulting in challenging & varied
shot-making and breathtaking scenery.
 Three
strategically situated lakes ensure that
this is definitely a brain over brawn
course. The spectacular hole 3 will
test any golfer with a par 5, with the tee
positioned 65 meters above and 483 meters
from the green. This is one of those courses
where you will want to return, if not to
alter your original club selection but also
to savour the relaxed golfing experience.
Marina de la
Torre,
Avda. Del Mar,
Mojacar,
Almeria, 04638
Tel.: (+34) 950 133 235
Fax.: (+34) 950 133 230 |
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