Oliva Nova
Valencia » Oliva Nova
Oliva Nova was designed by Seve Ballesteros and developed on
smooth and level ground, 200 meters away from the sea shore. At
6.300 meters it is a long course there are many tee options. Fairways
are wide and generous, but water comes into play on 15 holes
which provide a challenge as players approach the greens. “Seve’s
revenge”, the par-3 6th is one of the toughest on the whole course.
The Ballesteros designed course also has its own Amen Corner,
comprising holes 13, 14 and 15, where strategies and wind directions
are the determining factors in the choice of club to be used. Another
Spanish golf wizard, Miguel Ángel Jiménez, set the record for the
course in 1999 with a scorecard of 63 strokes, 9 under par.
Valencia » El Saler
Opened in 1968, this is one of designer Javier Arana’s masterpieces.
Each day brings a new course, not only meaning difficulty lies
precisely in the wind and depends greatly on it. There are 95 natural
bunkers around the course, designed without any alterations by
course designers. This is true Mediterranean vegetation, in an oasis-
like, protected nature reserve. The course record is still held by the
German professional Bernhard Langer, who in the 1984 Spanish Open
shot 62 strokes on way to victory. El Saler has hosted important
national and international golf competitions in different categories,
in particular the Spanish Open in 1984, 1989, 2001 and 2013, as well as
the Seve Trophy in 2003.
Valencia » El Bosque
Robert Trent Jones Snr. created this marvellous green island out of
barren terrain in the mid -1970s to give shape to one of the finest golf
courses in Europe. It is built on the slopes of a large undulating valley,
where the lie of the land poses serious problems for players. The
design makes spectacular use of a privileged geographical location
and the irregularity of the terrain. The gullies, lakes and the stream
all come into play here. These water hazards provide the charm
and often cause problems for golfers. Its 96 sand traps add to the
difficulties from tee to green, as they are strategically placed to catch
wayward drives along the fairway or bad approaches to the green. El
Bosque has hosted quite a few tournaments on the European circuit.
Valencia » Escorpión
Its 27 holes enable players to combine three different rounds,
where technique and strength are the main features for success.
The course is sheltered by a well-established and quiet forest and
the presence of water at many of the holes is a special attraction to
those who can’t resist a challenge. The nine traditional holes in the
area around the Clubhouse are laid out on flat ground. Two lakes
that make a pretty beautiful feature come into play at holes 6, 8
and 9. There is no water in this part of the course, but
the impressive views of the Sierra Calerona are the main
attraction here.
91