The European Golf Guide

QUALITY GOLFING

A perfect year-round climate and stunning natural scenery make the island of Gran Canaria the ideal place for outdoor sports, and above all golf

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With an average annual temperature between 20º and 24ºC, Gran Canaria’s climate makes it the ideal destination for a golf holiday. Within a radius of less than 50km, visitors will find 10 different outstanding courses.

There are three separate courses in and around Las Palmas city, the most famous of which is Spain’s oldest golf club, the Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas, founded in 1891 in Bandama, alongside an extinct volcanic crater. The course enjoys spectacular views of both the crater and the sea.

El Cortijo Club de Campo was the venue for the 2002 Spanish Open and is one of the longest courses in Spain, with up to six tee-offs per hole. The course has six lakes, more than 600 palm trees and spectacular views of the sea.

Next door is Oasis Golf, considered one of the best courses in the world. A small-scale replica of a typical North American course, it has all the usual hazards, including lakes, bunkers, palm trees and other obstacles, as well as floodlighting, enabling golfers to enjoy the balmy evening temperatures in Gran Canaria.

The rest of the courses are in the sunny south of the island. There’s the breathtaking Maspalomas Golf, surrounded by a 400ha nature park and next to the major tourist resort of the island, where there are a full range of hotels, from luxury five-stars to apartments and bungalows.

Nearby, the new Meloneras Golf was designed as a technically challenging course fit to host international tournaments. The course has four tee-offs per hole, which makes it interesting for amateurs as well as professionals.

Just a few minutes from Maspalomas, in an area of outstanding natural beauty, is the Salobre Golf & Resort, a tranquil oasis with two excellent courses. The South Course blends in with the striking topography of the area, while the North Course reflects the influence of North America, offering a challenge to players who enjoy top quality golf amid impressive scenery.

The recently inaugurated Anfi Tauro Golf affords incredible views of the spectacular Valle de Tauro mountains. The Arizona-style course is located in an area of lush green vegetation, with lakes and waterfalls, set against a dramatic volcanic mountain backdrop. Right next door is the Anfi Tauro (Pitch & Putt) – a nine-hole course of par threes, opened in 2001.

Gran Canaria cemented its reputation as a place of golfing excellence by hosting the International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) in 2005 and the Spanish PGA Championship from 2006 to 2008, and was named official holiday destination of the PGA for this period.

Gran Canaria Golf Association, CPedro de Vera 36, 3ºD, 35003 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Sp ain, Tel: +34 928 384 670; Fax: +34 928 369 300, E-mail: info@canariasgolf.org, Web: www.grancanariagolf.com

Part 2: Portugal is a veritable golfers’ paradise and with its temperate year-round climate, there’s never a wrong time to hit the fairways.

Welcome to the European Golf Guide, the second of an ongoing series, where the best golf courses across the Ryanair network will be highlighted so you can get a clear picture of the top places to play a few rounds. For all you keen golfers flying on Ryanair who want the best advice on where to play in Portugal, read on. And look out for our guides over the coming months on the best courses in nations from France to Germany, Scotland to Sweden.

Also if you want to read more and see a detailed feature of the top golf courses in Portugal and around the network then go online to www.ryanairmag.com/golf where all our European Golf Guides will appear. Here you’ll find constantly updated listings featuring top courses listed region by region with full contact details, costs, amenities, hotel resorts, nearby entertainment, shops and other vital information pertinent to any golfer planning their next trip.

SAN LORENZO

Why not escape to the Algarve and stay at the Dona Filipa & San Lorenzo Golf Resort? Superbly located 200 metres from the Vale do Lobo beach, this is an attractive resort offering a touch of glamour and true quality service. With enormously comfortable public areas, restaurants and bars and a highly attentive staff, guests will enjoy an unparalleled experience. But, of course, the true glamour resides in the two remarkable golf courses: San Lorenzo and Pinheiros Altos. Fly with Ryanair, and let Dona Filipa & San Lorenzo Golf Resort take you on a memorable journey!

DONA FILIPA & SAN LORENZO GOLF RESORT, DONAFILIPAHOTEL@JJWHOTELS.COM
TEL: +351 289 357 200, WWW.DONAFILIPAHOTEL.COM

THE BENAMOR EXPERIENCE

Benamor Golf Course, which opened in the spring of 2000, is situated just a few kilometres east of the historic city of Tavira on the Algarve coast in Portugal.

This impressive course was designed by Sir Henry Cotton and inspired by the beautiful old church next to the site of the clubhouse and by the spectacular location. The final result is a delightful par-71 course of 5,500 metres (6,100 yards), which offers a pleasant experience to players of all standards. The course is undulating, without being hilly, and offers stunning views of the mountains to the north and of the Atlantic Ocean to the south. The centuries-old indigenous olive, cork, carob, fig and almond trees all add to the course’s charm. Water hazards and sand bunkers are dotted around the course to test players’ strategy and striking ability.

There is also ample opportunity to practice one’s swing with a first-rate driving range, putting green and large putting course. The purpose-built clubhouse features a large terrace on which to enjoy the sunshine and views. The bag drop, reception/shop, locker rooms and elegant bar/ restaurant offer quality products and friendly, multi-lingual service to both golfers and non-golfers.

TEL: +351 281 320 880, FAX: 351 281 320 888, WWW.BENAMORGOLF.COM

CASTRO MARIM

Castro Marim Golfe and Country Club is a luxurious, spacious resort, beautifully situated in the southeast Algarve. The resort offers 53 semi-detached villas, each with three bedrooms, all with en suite bathroom and a private pool. The villas have a breathtaking view over the golf course and either the Atlantic Ocean or the Guadiana river. Castro Marim offers a fantastic 27-hole golf course designed by English golf architect Terry Murray.

According to the book 1001 Golf holes you must play before you die by Jeff Barr, Castro Marim is among the world’s best golf courses. “The hole that must be played” is the fourth – a challenging par-5.

Visit www.castromarimgolfe.com and book your holiday/golf trip now! Use the special code RA2010 for an extra 10% discount!

CASTRO MARIM GOLFE AND COUNTRY CLUB, TEL: +351 281 510330, INFO@CASTROMARIMGOLFE.COM

PESTANA FOUR TOP NOTCH COURSES

Silves Golf Course

Silves is a serene spot at the foot of the Monchique mountains, but it is anything other than “a walk in the park” – a drive at the opening hole has to flirt with water hazards on both flanks. This course is for players; low handicaps will find it a serious challenge to come in under par, but high handicaps (with a bit of concentration) will be able to enjoy their round.

Alto Golf Course

This legendary golf course was the last to be designed by architect Sir Henry Cottons. It features a 604-metre par-5 known as the “Sir Henry challenge”.

Pestana Alto is synonymous with design and play: in a world of modern, complex course design, Alto Golf course is all about challenge and playability for all handicap levels. Located in Alvor, the rolling fairways and elevated greens test all and reward anyone who enjoys thinking about their game.

Gramacho Golf Course

Ronald Fream teamed up with the former world number one Nick Price to create the unique design of Gramacho. With 18 holes and 27 greens, players are able to enjoy this challenging course, which has hosted the Portuguese Ladies Open on a number of occasions. Pestana Gramacho is recognized as a championship course suitable for those of all handicap levels.

As well as its fantastic golf design, the course has managed to incorporate a traditional landscape of natural stone outcrops, historical dry stone walling and ancient trees with some artfully sculpted lakes and bunkers.

Vale da Pinta Golf Course

Host of the European Seniors Tour Qualifying final for eight consecutive years, Vale de Pinta is rightly respected not just for its playability and challenging layout, but also for its outstanding levels of beauty and enjoyment. Designed by famous American golf course architect Ronald Fream and inaugurated in 1992, Vale de Pinta has earned its place as one of the best designed courses in Europe.

Imagine fairways of Bermuda grass, strategically placed sand bunkers, greens clad in Pen Cross Bent grass and ornamental lakes in a rolling terrain. This is Vale da Pinta.

TEL: +351 282 340 900, WWW.PESTANAGOLF.COM, INFO@PESTANAGOLF.COM

PARQUE DA FLORESTA

Tucked away in the folds of the western Algarve’s countryside is one of Europe’s most picturesque golf courses, Parque da Floresta – at the heart of the Vigia Group’s flagship golf and leisure resort. Golf-lovers will be enthralled by the challenging 18-hole par-71 course, imaginatively designed by Pepe Gancedo. Measuring 5,712 metres from the white tees, and with varying holes running along valleys, the course is flanked by olive, palm and pine trees. With no two holes remotely similar, its variety and appeal is endless. With several signature holes, the highlights are the par-5 12th hole, which has been completely redesigned and dog legs right towards the new two-tier green

surrounded by bunkers. While the majestic 18th is a fabulous finishing hole, positioned on an elevated green, it is set in a natural amphitheatre beneath the clubhouse terrace, where golfers can enjoy spectacular panoramic views over the mountains and ocean.

SPECIAL OFFER TO RYANAIR TRAVELLERS: €94,50 – (2BALL) 2 X 18 HOLES INCLUDING BUGGY (SAVE OVER 50%)
VALID FROM 15 DEC, 2009 UNTIL 15 MARCH, 2010 (MUST PRESENT BOARDING PASS)
PARQUE DA FLORESTA GOLF & LEISURE RESORT, ALGARVE, PORTUGAL , TEL: +351 282 690 054, WWW.PARQUEDAFLORESTA.COM
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