Costa Dorada on the up and up

There’s a new golf region that is on the up and up, and if you’re looking for an alternative to the Algarve and the Costa del Sol, we suggest you try the Costa Dorada.

So where exactly is the Costa Dorada? Well, this beautiful stretch of coastline can be found just south of Barcelona, which is the gateway to the region.

And if you’ve never been to Barcelona, this could be a great way of combining some sight–seeing and amazing food with golf.

The Costa Dorada effectively sits between the Costa Brava and the Costa Blanca, and is just a one-hour drive from Barcelona’s rather unfortunately named ‘El Prat’ international airport.

There are seven courses to choose from on the Costa Dorada, which are supported by a wide range of quality accommodation, great weather and some very competitive prices.

The best known course has to be Lumine, which offers a 170–hectare feast of golf, with three courses in total, two club–houses, and 45 of the newest holes in Spain.

The Greg Norman designed Lakes course is routed around the Sequia wetlands, and there is plenty of water to keep you on your toes. Seven holes on the front nine, and six on the back nine have water features.

You can then have a crack at the 18-hole Hills course, where you play in pine groves, with views of the sea and several holes set against the backdrop of old quarries.

Once you have these two courses under your belt, it is time to take on the nine holes of the Ruins Course, which as the name suggests is set amongst ancient Roman archaeological ruins.

The courses have all won the Audubon International Gold Signature Sanctuary Certificate, which recognises environmentally sustainability and responsible management of water, which is increasingly important in Spain.

Next on our play list is the Robert Trent Jones Junior designed Bonmont, which opened in 1990.

We played the course a few years back, and thoroughly enjoyed the challenge that it offers. 

Bonmont has hosted the twice hosted the European Tour with the Catalna Open, won by Pual Lawrie and Jose Maria Olazabal.

It's very much a 'thinking man's' as the clever design gives you options on every hole. It's very much a risk and reward course.

It’s a classic Robert Jones Junior track, with 70 bunkers to avoid, some great elevation changes to enjoy, and even a couple of ravines thrown in for good measure.

The final course on our itinerary is the Golf Club Costa Dorada Tarragona, near the ancient Roman city of Tarraco, whose Roman ruins were designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000. The course opened in 1983, making it the first course in the region. It’s set in beautiful pines forests, which can be quite tight, so drive with care.

The clubhouse is a traditional Catalan country house, and its restaurant specializes in Catalan cuisine, so it’s a great place for a post round chill out and the opportunity to sample the local cuisine.

If you want to experience some high quality golf and explore a beautiful region of Spain, which is just a two hour flight from the UK, then get on down to the Costa Dorada. It’s doesn’t do disappointment, that’s for sure.

For more information about playing golf in Costa Dorada, contact Glencor Golf Holidays here: https://www.glencorgolf.com/spain-golf-holidays/costa-dorada

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