Golf, The Spanish Way

[JohnS]

Golf, The Spanish Way

Spain not only offers great courses, but some of the best weather and accommodations Europe has to offer

Apr 1, 2026 - By John Scott Lewinski 

Spain's oldest golf course is Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas, which opened on the Spanish island of Gran Canaria in 1891.

Think of a European golf vacation and visions of rugged moors and seaside links are likely to spring to mind alongside names such as St Andrews, Carnoustie and Royal Troon. But what Scotland owns in its six centuries of heritage, Spain rivals with classic courses, an inviting Mediterranean climate and welcoming lodgings—as well as a growing championship pedigree of its own.

The ageless beauty of Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas.

Spain is a longtime fixture in both professional and recreational golf. The Brits imported the game to Spain in the 19th century with its oldest course, Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas in Gran Canaria, opening in 1891. According to historians at the Royal Spanish Federation of Golf, there are now more than 400 courses in Spain today. The nation that produced such hall of fame names as Rahm, Ballesteros, Garcia and Olazábal hosts Ryder Cups, Solheim Cups, the Open de España and the Andalusia Masters. It’s long been a solidified presence in international golf.

A comprehensive tour starts just to the east of the majestic Rock of Gibraltar along the Costa del Sol. This is the heart of Spanish golf. Less than an hour’s drive separates multiple historic courses and resorts that can combine to highlight an extended golf journey. 

Any such travel should begin with Real Club Valderrama. The undisputed king of Spanish golf, this Robert Trent Jones, Sr.-designed institution hosted the Andalucia Masters, the Volvo Masters the WGC-American Express Championship and the 1997 Ryder Cup. It’s currently the home of the annual LIV Golf Andalucia Tournament. 

As a very private club and one of the ultimate bucket list destinations for golfers across continental Europe and around the world, Valderrama doesn’t surrender its tee times easily to members, let alone their guests—especially in high season. To get a shot at Spain’s tree topper, a golfer needs some influential friends.

Sotogrande Golf Club, near the Cádiz Hills of Spain.

Full Article: https://www.cigaraficionado.com/article/golf-the-spanish-way

[Ken Gargett]

good post, John.

a friend gave me a cap from one of his businesses in florida. signed by José María Olazábal and Sergio García, two of their Masters winners. it sits on the trophy shelf next to an empty Pol 1921 and the Penfolds 60A. 

[JohnS]

Well thanks, Ken!