The most popular destination for golfers in Spain is undoubtedly the Costa del Sol. So much so, that in recent years the area has become universally known as the 'Costa del Golf', which is perhaps not surprising given that there are more than 70 golf courses in this part of southern Spain, and 4 of those courses are included in the top 10 European golf courses.
The increasing popularity of this region is attributed to the all year round mild Mediterranean climate which attracts golfers from all over Europe and beyond.
A number of the golf courses in the Costa del Sol are prestigious championship courses and have played host to some of the worlds top golf tournaments like the Volvo Masters and the Ryder Cup.
Northern Europeans have for many years been taking winter golf vacations in Spain, they see it as the perfect escape from the harsh northern winters, and Spain has done everything it can to ensure that the golf experience they provide is the best it can be.
The quality of the accommodation on offer has been improving over recent years as well, and the real growth market has seen a huge increase in high end 5 Star resorts.
The summer months are the busiest time of year and sees demand for accommodation and tee times outstrip what the market can supply, and it is often almost impossible to find hotels and courses with availability during July or August.
Things to Consider to Guarantee a Great Vacation
1. If you want to take your golf vacation in Spain during the peak summer months, you will need to book very early. It is possible to obtain tee times for the most popular courses, but only if you book well in advance - you might even get a slightly reduced rate if you book early enough.
2. Consider taking your vacation between September and June, the climate is perfect for golf, and you should be able to negotiate a great deal on both hotel rooms and green fees.
3. The key to a perfect golf vacation is planning, planning, planning. Use the Internet to explore all your options, green fees, hotel rooms, car rental and flights can all be booked on line.
4. Time to improve your game? A vacation is the perfect time to take a few lessons and improve your swing. Spain has some great teaching professionals who will help you work wonders.
5. The real beauty of Spain is that it offers so much outside of golf as well. The culture, the history and the relaxed Mediterranean way of life is a real added bonus.
6. Your Spanish golf vacation can be as relaxing or as frazzled as you choose to make it. During the day you can explore the tranquil Spanish countryside, or if you prefer, you will find that the nightlife here is as wild as the west.
In France there are two hundred and eighty thousand registered golfers for 340 courses. This translates into lots of available tee times and no crowds on a course. Tourists to France who bring along their golf clubs will not be disappointed or have to face the challenges of arranging tee times as they typically do when visiting Ireland and Scotland.
Golfers can normally walk in on their own without reservation and make their own tee times at courses in France. There is plenty of space in front of you and behind you while playing golf in France. An unhurried pace of play results from this opportunity for tee times.
A good holiday golf destination needs the following; good accommodation at a fairly decent price, plenty of bars and restaurants for your evening entertainment. The Loire valley region in France offers great accommodation at a reasonable price, lots of things to see and do and, of course, a multitude of superb courses. This region has been providing a temporary home for golfers from the United Kingdom for the past few years.
It is a visually striking region and one that definitely deserves special attention for any budding photographers out there. One of the Loire Valley's major attractions is that usually an impressive, majestic chateau overlooks the golf course.
As its names suggests, Chateau de Cheverny is a grand setting for an afternoon's golf. The course was designed in 1989 and is located among 350 acres of stunning woodland, lakes and open countryside for a quite magnificent experience. Ardree, a rolling parkland with natural lakes, is overlooked by a turreted 16th century chateau that is awaiting development. Tourraine is another beautiful course. Although short, its raised small greens make approach shots extremely tough while various natural hazards keep you on your guard at all times.
Les Aisses is another of those European style courses where you can choose from three loops of nine to form your round. Chateau des Sept Tours and Limere Orleans are also not to be missed.
The finest course in the region, however, is Les Bordes, consistently ranked in the top five of France's best courses. The golf course is thoroughly deserving of its secluded location not far from Chateau Chambord and a work of art. In terms of convenience and cost, Les Bordes is eminently achievable and should rank high on your itinerary.
Built at the behest of the industrialist Baron Marcel Bich (of the Bic empire) and his Japanese trading partner, Mr Yoshiaki Sakurai, Les Bordes was originally designed as a private club for their own pleasure and that of their friends. Leading architect Robert von Hagge was drafted in and handed a simple but determined brief "to create a golf course that would prepare French golfers to play the finest courses in the world without being intimidated".
Construction commenced in 1984 and, with money no object - a useful condition in anyone's contract. Von Hagge's creation is today the centrepiece of a course that enjoys to the full its charmed position in the Sologne, the ancient lake-studded forest at the heart of the Loire Valley.
In accordance with the owner's instructions, scrupulous care was taken to minimise disruption to the surroundings, and what was once Bich's hunting estate has been blessed with a course that has been ranked as one of the finest - and toughest - in Europe. Best of all, the place retains an air of privacy and privilege, but is without the tiresome airs and graces that can so often put you off a destination.
The risk-reward element is very much the name of the game at Les Bordes, and though the course does open up a good bit on the homeward nine, your ball-striking is tested even more thoroughly, with the slightest errors multiplied the further back you choose to play. Jean van de Velde's course record of 71 gives you some idea of just how demanding the course is, not that the difficulty should in any way put you off playing here.
Les Bordes is one of only two courses in Continental Europe to enjoy the highest rating in the Peugot Golf Guide to 1000 European courses. All in all, the Loire Valley offers everything the travelling golfer requires.
Both Ray Baker & Corina Clemence are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Ray Baker has sinced written about articles on various topics from Interest, Hair Removal and Education. The Author's website features articles, tips and advice about creating the perfect Spanish golf vacation. If you. Ray Baker's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.
Corina Clemence has sinced written about articles on various topics from Places to Visit in, Loire Valley and Dating and Romance. Corina Clemence operates a luxury chateau near Blois, for up to 15 people ideal for touring vineyards, castles and perfectly located to play on all these golf courses.