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Alcaidesa Golf Article
Bathed in sunshine and cooled by a constant breeze, this is the beautiful baby of ex Ryder Cup duo Peter Allis and Clive Clark.
With its location on the coast and landmark lighthouse, Alcaidesa Golf Course is often compared to Scotland`s Turnberry, while American visitors say it reminds them of their West coast course, Pebble Beach.
Opened in 1992, Alcaidesa Golf Course is a links course, something of a rarity in Spain. It is also the southern most links course in the whole of Europe. Most of the 18 holes border the beach and the greens and fairways are particularly lush and green, fed by moist Atlantic breezes from the West. So Alcaidesa is not only one of the most picturesque courses along the coast, it is also an ideal golf destination during the hotter months when the brisk sea breeze provides welcome refreshments.
First timers could find Alcaidesa golf course challenging: the first hole, for example, requires a blind drive to a coastal fairway that dog-legs to the green. Then on the second…a terrific 175m Par 3, all downhill with quite a few water hazards and bunkers.
The wide open fairways make the course appear deceptively easy at first sight, but there’s plenty of low lying gorse and seaside vegetation lurking in wait for your brand new golf ball. That’s why straight. Accurate hitters will thrive here, while wayward shots could land you in trouble. Links courses also suit low hitters as the wind is less likely to capture your ball in flight and carry it off course.
Back in 1997, while Valderrama golf course was hosting the Ryder Cup, its neighbour, Alcaidesa golf course , was busy delighting the crowds during the Junior Ryder Cup. It was Europe v USA (the Americans triumphed), and many of the talented young players from that match have gone on to make it as top professionals.
Alcaidesa Golf Course stands out as much for its gentle beauty as its championship caliber, so if a patch of gorse or a maverick gust of wind manages to blot your scorecard, take a breather and look out to sea. Out there in the distance is the mesmerizing shadow of Morocco, hovering on the horizon. It’s amazing to think that the colourful sights and spicy smells of Tangier are only a 14 km ferry ride away, a whole other world so near yet so different, just across the water.
Even closer is that enormous chunk of limestone, symbol of all things British, dominating the coastline: Gibraltar. It’s imposing craggy peaks are clearly visible against the azure waters of the Straits.
Alcaidesa Golf Course could well be the only golf course in the world located where three seas converge: the Mediterranean, the straights of Gibraltar and to the west, off the coast of Tarifa, the Atlantic. A lovely Moorish style town with Caribbean type beaches famous for their turquoise waters and white frothy waves, Tarifa attracts surfers from all over the world in summer. Soak up some of its laid back atmosphere, hippy chic boutiques and unspoilt scenery during a day out, It is, however, almost deserted in winter, with many businesses closing down in the off season.
Alcaidesa Golf’s facilities include a comfortable clubhouse with restaurant, bar and terrace with great views. There’s also a practice area, putting and chipping greens and a well stocked pro shop with clubs to hire.
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