Destination Golf Spain 2022 * | Page 69

DESTINATIONGOLF . TRAVEL
VALENCIA REGION - VALENCIA
Oliva Nova
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 .
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 .
El Bosque
Designed by architect Robert Trent Jones Sr , this prestigious course design has cleverly taken advantage of the natural topography at the foothills of a mountain to provide a mix of exciting hole layouts and unique Mediterranean surroundings at the foothills of a mountain . This par-72 course plays to 6249 metres from the back tees and golfers regularly comment on its top quality greens and high quality maintenance . From 2019 to 2022 , the course had an investment of 3.5 million euros to enhance the structural elements of the course ; the irrigation system , the drainage network , pathways , bunkers and all the grass areas of the course .
Escorpion
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 .
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