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Lucky Golfers
How lucky are the golfing residents and guests living in the Isla Canela and Ayamonte Region.?
The past 10 years has seen the development of 10 new courses within 30 minutes.
On the Spanish side of the Guadiana River we have, Costa Esury East and West courses, a contrast indeed, with the West course being very long but quite open, versus the tight fairways of the East course.
El Rompido North and South courses, again providing contrasting tests of golf,through the marismas with its sometimes “hidden hazards”.
Nuevo Portil, 18 holes with views of the coast line.
Now we have the opening of the new Jose Maria Olozabel course La Monacilla just outside Huelva. A beautiful course cut through the Pine Forests. The course is adjacent to the 100 year old Bellavista course ( the oldest course in Spain) developed by the English Miners operating Rio Tinto, Arecena.
These along with the existing 27 holes available at the championship course at Islantilla, and the 18 hole course at Isla Canela which is now 20 years old, gives us 9 courses east of Ayamonte.
Now lets look West , over the Rio Guadiana into Portugal. Already a golfing Mecca.
The concentration of Golf Courses was always West of Faro. Particularly the Almancil area. This is a 1 hour drive from Ayamonte ( not the end of the world some may think), but now look closer to our very own East Algarve.
The Henry Cotton course at Benamor stood alone on the East Algarve until 10 years ago.
Now we have seen the arrival of Quinta do Ria and Quinta do Cima, along with it s superb Beach side Hotel and Apartment complex. Both courses built to a great standard.
A joy to play, with it s forgiving fairways and superb greens.
Quinta do Cima already playing host to several senior PGA events.
Then we had the arrival of Castro Marim s first 18 holes with it s wonderful views of the Coast, River and Mountains. 2008 saw the addition of 9 more holes, a great contrast to the original 18.holes..
Spains favourite golfer of all time Severiano Ballesteros was then called upon as the architect of the much loved Quinta Do Vale.
This course has the Seve trait of 6 par 5 s, 6 par 4 s and 6 par 3 s, With water coming into play on 14 of the 18 holes, you can imagine it is not an easy course. It enjoys superb views of the River Guadiana and has it s own Pontoon for visiting sailors. The Club House has probably the best terrace you will ever sit on. Affording you the opportunity to watch the action on 14 holes.
Then we have the jewel in the crown Monte Rei. Now officially No1 in Portugal and No 10 in europe.
What an achievement by the great Jack Nicklous s Company, to design a course that in 5 short years has surpassed all the great courses to be found in Portugal. From championship courses the likes of Val de Lobo on the Algarve to Penna Longa, Estoril. Monte Rei has outshone them all. Constructed through the mountain range, giving elevated Tees and beautiful valleys and lakes. The beauty of all this? It is only 20 minutes over the border from Ayamonte.
The advantage of playing golf in this region is, that all the courses are of a great standard. Golf Courses that have been designed knowing that, good, is not enough.
They had to be of a standard to entice people away from the established courses to the West.
VERDICT is they have succeeded in every respect. Thank God.
Contact us for information and quotation for your east algarve costa de la luz golf experience