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Golfing holidays in Europe
With Europe offering a vast range of golf courses of various types, selecting the most suitable is a far from easy task, especially with so many courses claiming to be Europe`s No. 1. The following provides a brief guide to some popular holiday courses in various European locations.
Spain
The new 45-hole Port Aventura golf complex on the Costa Dorada opened its doors to the public in June 2008, offering two 18-hole courses and one 9-hole course. The par-71, 6480 yard North course, is a Greg Norman design situated in a protected nature area, with numerous lakes. This course provides the greatest golfing challenge of the three. The 9-hole Middle course was also designed by Greg Norman. It is a wide, easy course, ideal for intermediate level players. The par-72, 6518-yard South course follows the natural contours of soft slopes and undulations. It is made up of pinewoods and has wonderful sea views. The integration of the course with the surroundings has made it possible to create an attractive and varied golf course, with sufficient distance for players of all levels. Club hire is available at both 18-hole courses for $25, with buggy hire at $35. Green fees, in high season, are $80 for the North Course, $75 for the South and ?25 for the 9-hole course.
France
The Pléneuf-Val André course, some 6400 yards in length is the jewel in Britanny`s golfing crown. Set between heathland and the sea, this superbly laid out course offers magnificent views along the coast of northern Brittany, along with a formidable golfing challenge, especially when the wind blows. Green fees are $55 per round in high season with buggy hire at $30.
The Provence Country Club course, created in 1989 by Jean Garaïalde, incorporates the natural landscape of mountains, pine trees and water. One of the most beautiful French courses, it is 6700 yards long from the white tees. 38 cleverly located bunkers demanding accuracy and precision. The permanently watered fairways and greens are interspersed with lakes, waterfalls and fountains. Green fees are $70 per round in high season, while hire of a half set of clubs is available at $15. Buggies can be hired for $30 per round.
Portugal
Quinta da Ria, at Tavira in the Eastern Algarve was designed to take advantage of its beautiful Nature Reserve setting, bounded to the South by the sea. At 6500 yards from the white tees, the course provides a challenge for even the best golfers. The 523-yard opening par-5 slopes gently to the first of several undulating greens. The par-3 fifth is a left dogleg with a lake to catch anything short. The back nine is close to the beach, offering panoramic sea views. The short par-4 fourteenth, at just 366 yards, is deceptive, with water on the right from the tee and more to be carried by the approach shot to the green. Green fees are $97 per round, with club hire available at $25 and buggies at $45.
The Praia de`l Rey Golf and Beach resort is an award-winning venue in Obidos, on Portugal`s Silver Coast, within an hour of Lisbon. It offers a championship seaside links course, which at 7,100 yards, par 73, is recommended for low-handicappers only. The course comprises a wild and wonderful selection of holes, set amongst huge sand dunes and fragrant pine forest. Green fees are $70 per round in high season, while hire of a full set of Callaway clubs costs $39. Buggies are available from $42 per round. Soft spikes must be worn of the course.
Malta
The Royal Malta Golf Club, Aldo Moro Street, Marsa, Malta is a private Members` Club, founded in 1888 as a facility for British servicemen. Visitors with a valid handicap certificate are welcome to play on payment of green fees. The course is 5487 yards in length, with a par of 68 and is relatively easy to play. It features some excellent holes including the signature 4th Hole, "Maid`s Bedroom." A straightforward 154-yard par 3, but very picturesque, the tee shot being played over the remains of a house for the club`s maids to a green guarded by bunkers on both sides, with trees to the left. Green fees are $65 per round in high season, with various discount packages for multiple rounds, ensuring the best golf prices. Club hire is available from $18, with a pull trolley costing $5 and an electric buggy $36.Reservations can be made on the club website.
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