Spain and the Costa Brava are often seen as the centre of the package tourism industry. But behind this facade, lies one of the best areas for golfers in Europe. In particular, the Platja de Pals Golf Course stands out as the pick of the bunch. It lies in one of the most beautiful areas of Catalonia and has been in place since it was designed by F W Hawtree and first built in 1966, by Baltasar Parera Vilar.
It is a fascinating course, having been carved out of a vast pine forest lying alongside the white sanded coastal area that includes Pals Beach. The area is flat with a sandy soil, producing wonderful free draining fairways and greens. Of course the pine trees form a major part of the challenge of this golf course, which has seen several international championships, including the PGA European Tour tournaments.
But having said that, it is renowned as being accessible and suitable for all levels of golfers to play on and enjoy. This is evidenced by its par 73 course score, which some may take as a little on the generous side. That said, the course is still laid out cunningly with the landscaping ready to capitalise on any lazy or complacent pin work. Couple that with quite tight fairways and smallish greens and it should provide a healthy challenge for most visiting golfers.
The course is well provided for, with a warm welcome and wonderful facilities, including a well laid out clubhouse, restaurant, a driving range, Pro Shop and a superb service of snacks from the bar on the 9th and 10th holes. There are excellent hotels within easy reach, some being les than 1km away, including the four star La Costa Beach & Golf resort. In fact this hotel actually has the pine forest from the course right outside its rear facing. It also has the added bonus that guests will receive discounted green fees and preferential treatment over tee times.
When you visit Platja de Pals Golf Course, there is a fantastic amount of other activities available to partake in, during any spare time you have. Swimming, tennis, yacht excursions, scuba diving comprise just a taster of what is available. If you bring your family with you then they will have plenty to see and do whilst you enjoy your golf.
Getting to Platja de Pals Golf Course is very easy, lying as it does, within one of the most popular holiday locations in Spain. It is only 40km from Girona Airport, allowing easy access from the UK airports or in fact anywhere in Europe. If you choose to take on a cheap car rental Spain and the Costa Brava can be explored easily at your leisure, or you can just go straight to that wonderful golfing holiday you came for.