Destination Golf Spain 2018 * | Page 54

Montecastillo Cadiz » San Roque (New) Opened in 2003, the second 18-hole course at San Roque Club, designed by Perry Dye and Severiano Ballesteros, has all the hallmarks to be immediately included in the elite of Europe´s golf facilities for its high quality and its impeccable finish and landscaping. It is, without doubt, far superior to many courses built in Spain and, indeed, in Europe. With this new addition to the resort, which already includes a magnificent, universally renowned course and a five-star hotel has become one of the premier golf centres in southern Europe. The company that owns the complex, Asahi Kanko, run by Japanese Shun Tezuka, has always maintained high standards, and taken special care in all its work and, in particular, with the natural surroundings. The New Course will have no homes in its immediate surroundings, so no building will interfere with play. Cadiz » Valle Romano The Rota Club de Golf initiative was started by a group of friends in 2006, who wanted to have a non-profit club to practise and enjoy the game they love. It’s a friendly club that runs small member and social events in accordance with the rules of the Royal Spanish Golf Federation. Located in Rota Naval Base, this unique golf course is one of the oldest and most authentic in Cadiz. Its 18 holes is known for having an abrupt terrain, with slow greens and firm fairways. 52 Cadiz » San Roque (Old) Opened in 1990, The San Roque Club has been host venue to the PGA European Tour Qualifying School and the Spanish Open in 2005. The complex is the result of combined efforts of designer Dave Thomas and Japanese owners Asahi Kanko. The philosophy behind the design was to provide a challenge acceptable for golfers of all ability and to construct a stadium course in anticipation of hosting major European championship events. The tricky 8th hole is often the cause of many lost shots while the 18th presents an exciting finish requiring a drive to the right avoiding water on the left then a long iron shot over a stream to the green, avoiding a lake on the right. Cadiz » Montecastillo Located next to the Grand Prix circuit near Jerez, Montecastillo opened in 1992. The official inauguration took place during the 1994 Turespaña Masters Open de Andalucía in which course designer Jack Nicklaus competed together with his sons Jackie and Gary. Following the Golden Bears preferences (‘I hate uphill lies’) Montecastillo is mostly flat. But where the terrain takes control a downhill course has been engineered. ‘I like to see what I´m getting’ is Nicklaus´ explanation. The 18th is one hole which proves the design philosophy.