Arcos Gardens Golf Course |
Situated just outside the historic 'white village' of Arcos de la Frontera, about 20 kilometres inland from Jerez de la Frontera, Arcos Gardens is one of the best new courses in Andalucia, and fully deserves having been already chosen to host part of the PGA European Tour Qualifying School.
A Landmark Spain designed course, Arcos Gardens is set in the terrain of a 300 year old olive grove and each hole has it's own individual character, offering stunning views to Arcos de la Frontera and the Sierras.
The signature hole is the 16th - a par 5 with a highly elevated tee that gives you the opportunity to go for the green in two shots, but beware of the lake that cuts into the green! Holes 12 and 13 are long par 4's, played in opposite directions - depending on the wind direction even the professionals can struggle to reach one or the other in two shots off the back tees. Unlike many courses in Spain, there are no hidden hazards or deep ravines, so the course is challenging but fair. Water and the 107 bunkers are the main problems and make the golfer think about their options.
Arcos Gardens has one of the best practise areas - you can hit from either end, there are ten target greens, five short-iron target greens and even a fairway bunker. The practise area was developed by Simon Holmes (Sky TV) and the Swedish Golf Federation, who have a training base in one of the fairway-side villas. The two practise putting greens are seeded with Bermuda on one and bent on the other, with differing heights of cut around them to practise all types of chip shot.
A great course to play, and even if you are not staying in the area, it is only a 90 minute drive from the Sotogrande area and well worth a visit.
• 18 holes
• Par 72
• Length 6574 metres
• Buggy hire
• Clubs hire
• Hand cart rental
• Restaurant
• Bar
