THE BEST VALENCIA GOLF COURSES
Our recommended courses for golf holidays in Valencia & El Saler.
El Saler Architect: J. Arana (1968). 18 holes: 6,355m: par 72.
The only real links course in Spain with blind shots, pot bunkers, a couple of big dunes, sea breezes (warm ones admittedly) et al on the sandy soils bordering the Albufera lagoon. The course has an inland section too with holes that run through low-growing forest and add a nice contrast to the exposed (sun and wind) holes along the coastline. Great fun and a great test. Clubhouse is part of the El Saler Parador hotel that overlooks the course - so all very lux!
El Bosque Architect: R. Trent Jones (1975). 18 holes: 6,249m: par 72.
Not far west of Valencia a fine course, albeit quite hilly, through thick woodland in places plus some water and plenty of Trent Jones sand to negotiate. After a steady start, the drama builds as the round progresses... El Bosque is one of Valencia's private Golf Clubs but welcomes visitors most days, engendering an exclusive feel in the glass-fronted Clubhouse and around the course.
N.B. 2020 sees major renovation of 9-holes, these will be closed until October!
Escorpion Architect: R. Kirby (1975). 18 (+9) holes: 6,081m: par 71.
An old orange grove that has been spruced-up by Mr. Kirby with the addition of big lakes, plenty of dog-legs and a few specimen palm trees creating an easy-going, rather pretty golf course around the large, white ex-hacienda Clubhouse. Predominantly flat land, with just a gentle rise here and there, so very easy walking. New 9-holes now in operation too. Escorpion is a rather exclusive Club where access at weekends is restricted; also there are no Tee-sheets so your allocated time may vary as you will need to merge in with any Members on the Tee. But please don't think it is an unfriendly Club - you will be made most welcome and looked after very well in the fine Clubhouse.
La Galiana Architect: F. Rodriguez (2012). 18 holes: 6,201m: par 72.
A breathtaking, mountain course amidst stunning scenery with holes that you will not find anywhere else! La Galiana is no novelty course however, maintained in immaculate condition it provides a stern test of golf: expect the unexpected... We suggest you take a buggy and enjoy it for what it is - a totally unique round of golf! (Worth taking your camera too).
Foressos Architect: J. Gancedo (2007). 18 holes: 6,364m: par 72.
A well thought out and nicely designed course on flat land with palm-lined Fairways and big water hazards, however there is normally an escape route to bogey. Sadly suffers slightly from its location (next to the main road and prison), which is unfortunate as taken in isolation it is a very good golf course that strikes a happy balance between easy and demanding.
And two resorts heading further south towards Dénia
Oliva Nova
Architect: S. Ballesteros (1997). 18 holes: 6,270m: par 72.
A resort course that winds its way around the big hotel and apartment complex. The course is flat with lines of palms planted to separate curving Fairways and ring the looming blue lagoons that encroach frequently on your play.
La Sella
Architect: J. de la Cuadra (1991). 18 (+9) holes: 6,289m: par 72.
A hilly stretch of woodland (particularly the holes across the road) makes for a testing course around the luxurious hotel on-site with narrow Fairways and some diminutive Greens. The new 9-holes are more open - at the moment...
And one course on the road north towards the (Ryan)airport at Castillon de la Plana
Meditteraneo Architect: R. Espinosa (1978). 18 holes: 6,384m: par 72.
The home of Sergio Garcia, whose father and family run this very impressive, if somewhat isolated, golf and Tennis Club. A splendid parkland course, beautifully maintained with some spectacular holes that ride around the hillsides of Castillon: well worth the effort to get here. Also very convenient should you be flying in or out of Castillon de la Plana airport?