Creating the Perfect Spanish Course: 18 Holes Across Spain’s Golf Courses

Few countries in Europe rival Spain’s rich golfing tapestry. From the championship-calibre layouts of the Costa del Sol to the dramatic coastal views of Catalonia and the island escapes of Mallorca and the Canary Islands, Spain offers an extraordinary variety of top-tier golf courses.

Now, imagine selecting the most iconic and memorable holes from these diverse courses to create the ultimate Spanish fantasy course—an 18-hole masterpiece that flows naturally in strategy, rhythm, beauty, and challenge. This isn’t just about the hardest holes or the most famous names. It’s about creating a balanced round—one that builds drama, encourages shot-making creativity, and celebrates Spain’s best golf has to offer.

Why Spain Is the Perfect Canvas for a Dream Golf Course

Spain’s golf scene offers a rich blend of terrain, climate, and course architecture. From links-style layouts on the Atlantic coast to desert courses in the southeast and tree-lined parkland courses inland, you’ll find holes designed by legends like Robert Trent Jones Sr., Cabell B. Robinson, Jack Nicklaus, and Seve Ballesteros.

This variety allows us to curate a course that’s not just a collection of great holes, but a layout that flows with balance, offers moments of risk and reward, and showcases Spain’s diverse golfing identity.

The Perfect Spanish Golf Course: A Carefully Crafted 18

Below is the fantasy course—not in numerical order, but chosen to create a natural par sequence (a mix of par 3s, 4s, and 5s), flow of difficulty, and thematic coherence, just as a top architect would consider in a real-world design.

Opening Hole – Finca Cortesin (1st Hole)

We open with a generous, downhill par-4 that offers a wide fairway but demands precision into an elevated green. This hole sets a welcoming tone—playable, but far from easy.

Signature Par-3 – Real Club Valderrama (6th Hole)

A standout par-3 from Spain’s most prestigious course, this mid-length one-shotter plays over a gully to a narrow, undulating green surrounded by cork trees—precision is everything.

Risk-Reward Par-5 – La Reserva Club (11th Hole)

One of the best-designed risk-reward holes in Spain, this par-5 tempts big hitters with an aggressive carry over water to reach in two. The ideal early par-5 to test strategy.

Par-4 Beauty – PGA Catalunya Stadium Course (13th Hole)

A classic example of modern European design, this hole is carved through dense pine forest, with a dogleg fairway and a bunker-guarded green. Demands both placement and precision.

Par-3 Coastal Drama – Alcanada Golf (12th Hole)

On Mallorca’s northern coastline, this par-3 is all about the view—and the wind. Perched on a bluff above the sea, with the iconic lighthouse in the background, it’s unforgettable.

Par-5 Challenge – Anfi Tauro Golf (4th Hole)

Set against the volcanic cliffs of Gran Canaria, this bold par-5 is a feast for the eyes and a puzzle for the mind. Multiple routes, split fairways, and dramatic elevation changes define it.

Par-4 Precision – Son Gual (2nd Hole)

This early par-4 on Mallorca’s top inland course is a tactical gem—narrow landing zone, well-positioned fairway bunkers, and a two-tiered green that rewards thoughtful approach shots.

Par-3 Inland Gem – Golf Santander (17th Hole)

Inland near Madrid, this short par-3 is about controlling distance. A small green surrounded by deep bunkers offers little room for error—a test of nerve late in the round.

Par-4 Links Feel – El Saler (15th Hole)

This links-style hole winds between dunes and pines on the Valencian coastline. It plays into the prevailing wind and requires a low, shaping tee shot to find the short grass.

Par-5 Tournament Star – Infinitum Lakes (18th Hole)

A dramatic closing par-5 with water left and OB right—ideal for a back-nine par-5. It’s featured in the DP World Tour Qualifying School, and demands full commitment on every shot.

Par-4 with History – Real Golf de Pedreña (9th Hole)

This short, strategic par-4 is a ball-striker’s dream, made famous as Seve Ballesteros’ home course. Narrow fairways, small targets, and a legacy of shot-making mastery.

Par-3 Clifftop Icon – La Hacienda Links (5th Hole)

Perched high above the Mediterranean, this mid-length par-3 captures the essence of links golf in Spain. Crosswinds and angled bunkers make club choice crucial.

Par-4 Punch – Desert Springs (10th Hole)

A strong, uphill par-4 in Spain’s only true desert course. Tight tee shot, split fairway, and a firm green that rewards the brave.

Short Par-4 Tease – Los Naranjos (9th Hole)

A classic risk-reward par-4 under 300 metres. Reachable for longer hitters, but the green is tightly guarded by water and bunkers. Perfectly placed in the middle of our layout.

Par-5 with Natural Flow – Marbella Club (7th Hole)

This par-5 snakes through pine trees and water features. It’s as strategic as it is scenic, making for an ideal prelude to a scoring opportunity.

Par-3 Trickster – Real Club de Golf El Prat (7th Hole)

With an uphill green and deceptive yardage, this inland par-3 requires calculated precision. One of those holes where par feels like a birdie.

Penultimate Drama – La Manga Club South Course (17th Hole)

A long par-4 with water right and bunkers left, placing immense pressure on both the drive and the second shot. Designed for late-round tension.

Finale – PGA Catalunya Stadium (18th Hole)

A majestic finishing hole. Water all along the left, bunkers short, and a grand amphitheatre green. Everything you want in a tournament-calibre conclusion.

The Flow of the Course

• Par Breakdown: 4 par-3s, 10 par-4s, 4 par-5s 
• Balance: Early scorable holes (Finca Cortesin, Son Gual), mid-round drama (La Reserva, El Saler), closing challenge (La Manga + PGA Catalunya) 
• Aesthetic Range: Coastal, desert, forested parkland, links-style 
• Strategic Rhythm: Mixing risk-reward holes with demanding pars, ideal for matchplay or stroke play 

A Tribute to Spanish Golfing Brilliance

This imaginary Spanish course is a love letter to everything that makes Spain a world-class golf destination: its variety, its drama, its architectural pedigree. Each hole tells a story—from Seve’s roots in Pedreña to the modern masterpieces of PGA Catalunya and Finca Cortesin.

Plan Your Perfect Spanish Golf Trip

While you can’t play this dream layout in a single round, you can experience every hole in real life—and that’s part of the magic. Whether you’re drawn to the sunshine of the Costa del Sol, the volcanic beauty of the Canary Islands, or the historic greens of northern Spain, this fantasy course is a real-world golf itinerary in disguise.

Ready to take on Spain’s best holes? Start planning your own championship journey through the country’s top courses—and see how many of these unforgettable holes you can play for yourself.