Costa del Sol

Alcaidesa
With sand dunes, gorse and heather, this is as close to a Scottish links course as can be found this far south. But with sunshine and the Rock of Gibraltar as a backdrop, you know it's Spain.

Las Brisas
A daunting challenge and one of Europe's finest courses has hosted the prestigious World Cup championship, the Spanish Open, and the Mediterranean Open. Water is the predominant hazard and must be confronted on no less than 12 holes.

La Cala
This new course has taken Spain by storm! With often times hilly terrain and some of the most spectacularly beautiful holes in Southern Spain, those who play La Cala will be more than rewarded for the effort.

Los Naranjos
Robert Trent Jones Sr. came up with a masterpiece here with water hazards, raised greens and a few other little surprises to keep you on your toes. Tricky more than deceiving, it remains a course well worth playing and is one to be enjoyed.

Monte Mayor
This unique course runs from hilltop to hilltop amid the wild mountains of Ronda. Golf carts provide the mountain goat-like agility needed to maneuver around the course to enjoy not only the exceptional golf, but the spectacular scenery and unforgettable views of the Mediterranean. A very special experience.

San Roque
A piece of brilliant inspiration from Tony Jacklin, this is a long and testing woodland course with a stadium approach, making it a likely future host for major European championships.

Sotogrande Old
Voted as one of Europe's top 10 courses, Sotogrande has matured into an elegant 30 year old and tough enough to be a frequent venue for Spain's top professional and amateur toumaments.

Torrequebrada
This is one of Spain's very special hidden gems, with fabulous panoramic sea views and equally spectacular mountains forming a splendid backdrop. The golf is nothing less. It's a windy, up and down course with enough hazards to humble the most skilled. A host to the Spanish Open.

Valderrama
Home of the Volvo Masters and host to the 1997 Ryder Cup, Valderrama enjoys a golfing reputation which is second to none. Not for the faint of heart, tree hazards abound and the well bunkered, raised greens are among Europe's fastest. Ballesteros considers this the jewel in Spain's golfing crown.

Other Areas

El Saler, Valencia
A most attractive course, consistently listed in the world's top 50, El Saler presents serious golfers with a challenge second to none. From a woodland start, to Scottish type links, then back to woods again, variety is the strategy used to frustrate the player.

Montecastillo, Jerez
This is one of Spain's true gems, located an easy drive north of Costa del Sol, in the sherry capital of Jerez. A prior host to the Volvo Masters, this is one that will test, tease and give you more than a few memories of golf in Spain.

Pedrena, Santander
This course is where Ballesteros started as a caddie and practiced his first golf swings. Considered a masterpiece of Spanish golf courses and a true championship challenge; it is well worth playing.


Small though this engaging country is, its year round golfing is varied and of the highest caliber. But Portugal is also warm, friendly people, delectable food and wines, fascinating sightseeing, culture, history, wonderful shopping and Europe's best value for money.

Costa de Lisboa

Belas Golf Club
This is one of the most exciting new courses to come on stream in recent years and a masterpiece from the renowned designer, Rocky Roquemore. Challenging from start to finish, each hole seems better than the last and has spectacular vistas of the Sintra Mountain Range. A course not to be missed.

Penha Longa
Situated in an area of historic and cultural import, Penha Longa has evolved into one of Portugal's superior challenges, with a little design assistance from Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Dramatic views to Cascais and the Atlantic are a joy for all.

Estoril Palacio
Mackenzie Ross, creator of Scotland's Turnberry, produced no less a masterpiece here. Strategy means everything on the course which offers infinite variety while twisting its way through pine, eucalyptus and mimosa. Noted for the consistently superb condition of its greens.

Quinta da Marinha
This unusual R.T. Jones design has five par 5s and six par 3s, double dog-legs, water hazards and Mr. Jones' usual complement of bunkers and undulating greens. The ever changing breeze off the Atlantic just adds to the fun. Host to the Professional Ladies Masters Championship.

Algarve

Quinta do Lago
Host to six recent Portuguese Opens, on the Volvo P.G.A. European Tour, as well as other pro-am and amateur events, Quinta do Lago is rated as one of the world's top 50 courses. 36 holes of unrelenting challenge are a must play for every serious golfer.

San Lorenzo
Another of Portugal's top rated courses is not only extremely demanding but located in an uncommonly beautiful site with an abundance of wild life. A premium course in every way.

Vale do Lobo
Lingering memories of Portugal will be playing along the red sandstone cliff tops; tee shots requiring a 250 yard carry over two ravines; variable breezes and ravenous bunkers protecting shallow greens; truly spectacular views where par was a definite achievement. Vale do Lobo is a course to separate the men from the boys.

Vila Sol
There are those who say this is the best work of British designer Donald Steel, whose sympathetic eye for the natural charm of this location has developed a course of beauty as well as challenge. Accuracy is called for throughout.

Vilamoura Old Course
Inarguably the best of the 3 Vilamoura courses, this Frank Pennink design is cut through tall ranks of pine with fairways rising and plunging along a roller-coaster ride of top championship golf. Host to the World Ladies Championship, the Portuguese and Algarve Opens.

Penina
Highly rated by the experts since opening in 1966, this is the grand-daddy of the Algarve's quality golf and a lasting tribute to designer, 3-time British Open champion, Henry Cotton. More than 360,000 trees and an abundance of water make this deceivingly flat champion a true test. Regular host to the Portuguese Open.