Destination Golf Travel (Autumn 2022) * | Page 14

DESTINATION GOLF 2022
It is also the highest European capital at almost 700 metres , its altitude and proximity to mountains giving it one of Europe ’ s most variable climates for a capital but also making it one of its sunniest cities .
The home of Spain ’ s royal family and seat of the country ’ s government , Madrid ’ s cultural treasures include two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the city centre added in July 2021 , augmenting four other existing sites in its environs .
Madrid also makes the perfect golf city break , as it is blessed with more golf courses within a 25km radius than any other European capital .
Getting there is easy , too . Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport is just 12km from Madrid and is served by direct flights from across Europe and many other parts of the world , while you can be in the city in 20 minutes by train , metro , taxi , express bus or rental car .
Madrid is the epicentre of Spain ’ s extensive road and highways network and has fast train connections with cities throughout the country as well as with neighbouring France and Portugal .
Once in Madrid , its excellent public transportation and roads make it easy to combine a few days of golf on top-notch layouts with exploring this beguiling city and experiencing some of the best it has to offer visitors .
At the end of your break you will leave with a huge smile on your face while wanting to return as soon as possible to do it all again .
MADRID GOLF COURSES
The Madrid Golf Courses Association ( Asociacion Campos de Golf de Madrid ) has almost 20 golf venue members , all close to the heart of the Spanish capital and all welcoming visiting golfers .
They include several top-drawer courses , with the likes of Robert von Hagge , Rees Jones , Jack Nicklaus and Spain ’ s Seve Ballesteros and Jose Maria Olazabal among designers to have left their mark on them .
Founded in 2014 , the non-profit association promotes Madrid as a golf destination nationally and internationally as well as promoting the golf courses in the Community of Madrid , its golf industry and the region ’ s tourist attractions .
Among member courses , Centro Nacional de Golf ( National Golf Centre ) was created by the Royal Spanish Golf Federation with input from golfing legend Seve Ballesteros to promote and facilitate the learning and playing of golf . It is regarded as the home of Spanish golf and is less than 15 minutes from the city centre with metro and bus stops right on its doorstep .
The 18-hole links-style course , designed by Dave Thomas and opened in 2005 , suits all abilities . It has hosted top tournaments
Las Rozas
14 El Encin The 18th at Palacio del Negralejo .