Discover the natural splendour of northern Spain and some really memorable courses. This is Seve Ballesteros country, with his home course at Pedrena and his design input at Santa Maria to the west and Izki in La Rioja.
Seve Ballesteros was a well-known figure back home in Pedreña, a fishing village near Santander in northern Spain, where the local sporting passion was rowing.
His father was a talented oarsman but the Ballesteros family sport was golf. Actually, it was the family business. His uncle, Ramón Sota, was an outstanding professional, good enough to play in the 1965 Masters and to finish sixth, while Seve’s brothers, Vicente, Baldomero and Manuel, were all golf pros. Seve was the baby and it was Manuel who first cut down a three-iron and gave it to him as a toddler.
The hours he then spent on the beach with this club, often hitting pebbles rather than balls, helped create the magical short game that would later propel him into a global golf star and in turn a legend of the game.
THE GOLF PLAYLIST – Plan the perfect golf break
More and more Brits are discovering the natural splendour of Northern Spain and here you’ll find some memorable courses.
This is Seve Ballesteros country, with his home course at Pedreña and his design input at Santa Maria to the west and Izki in La Rioja – in this region there are also courses at Logroño and Santo Domingo. To the west in Asturias, the courses at Llanes, Llorea, Castello and La Barganiza provide parkland settings with stunning backdrops.
Cantabria
Cantabria is on the shores of the Cantabrian Sea. It is the birthplace of one of the best golfers of all time, Severiano Ballesteros.
Discover the place where this legend made his first strokes. It is not only on the green that you will have a great time.
You can also discover a region of spectacular landscapes, with some of northern Spain’s most beautiful beaches, and natural and cultural riches that will captivate you from the moment you arrive. There are many courses to choose from suitable for all levels: from courses that are a real challenge for professionals, to gentler ones, ideal for beginners. The majority have wonderful sea views, making the game even more attractive, if that is possible.
Asturias
Between the Cantabrian sea and the spectacular Picos de Europa National Park, you will find Asturias.
This region offers a host of attractions and things to do, one of which is golf. Clustered around a small number of towns and villages there are many different courses to be found. More and more people are coming to Asturias to play golf every year.
In addition to the varied, spectacular landscapes of the region, there are other attractive factors, such as the proximity of the different courses, the good communications between Oviedo and Gijón, where most of the clubs are to be found.
Basque Country (Pais Vasco)
This region offers you eleven first-class courses where you can have fun, improve your strokes or even learn how to play golf from scratch, all against a backdrop of sea views, or while enjoying the unique natural attractions of Green Spain.
The Basque Country is synonymous with culture, among other things thanks to the avant-garde Guggenheim Bilbao museum and to the San Sebastián International Film Festival, and to its natural attractions, with its peaceful beach and the lush forests of Green Spain. Two additional reasons why this region is a choice destination for golfers.
Navarre
Play on first-rate courses and savour some of the finest, most varied cuisine in Spain.
Navarre’s wine-tourism route will also introduce you to Navarre wines – which are becoming ever more prestigious. Close to the capital of the Region of Navarre, Pamplona, you will find various 18-hole golf courses. Just 4 kilometres from the city is the Castillo de Gorraiz Golf Club, with modern facilities that adapt to the needs of all kinds of players.
From Pamplona, it is just 12 kilometres to the Señorío de Zuasti Club. This golf course is set around a 16th-century palace.
La Rioja
La Rioja is Spain’s smallest region. However, it is not easy to find in such small area
— just over five thousand square kilometres — such a diversity of landscapes, art, history and traditions.
This land has earned worldwide fame thanks to one of its products, whose finely crafted quality has achieved universal renown —wine.
SEVE COUNTRY – NORTHERN SPAIN DESTINATION GUIDE
Discover the natural splendour of northern Spain and some really memorable courses. This is Seve Ballesteros country, with his home course at Pedrena and his design input at Santa Maria to the west and Izki in La Rioja.
Add to this outstanding food and wine, a unique après-golf ambience and great value ferry-inclusive packages, and you’ve got a golf break you’ll never forget!
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