Nestled in a spectacular setting, with the imposing Sierra del Aguilón mountain range embracing every corner and unparalleled views of Pulpí Bay to the Mediterranean
Stirling & Martin Golf Architects designed this dramatic golf course, which opened for play in 2008. It is cut through rugged mountainous terrain with stone and slate outcrops on most holes. The area, which is pretty rocky and barren, does not lend itself initially to golf course construction, so the level of civil engineering required to build this course has been quite outstanding. This is a very arid area and found fame in the 1960s for playing host to several spaghetti westerns, including The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.
The par of the course is 71, with four par fives, five par threes and nine par fours. There are five different sets of tees so this allows golfers of varying standards to play a course that suits their power and skill level. The tees have been cleverly designed so that they address the fairways and greens fully, without the shorter tees being just plonked further down the fairway as a bolt on. Whichever layout you select you are in for a treat. The course varies from the back tees to the red markers by nearly 2000 m, with the tournament tees set at 6012m whilst the forward tees are at 4147m.
The ninth hole is a challenging par five across scrubland and barrancas.
All of the playing areas are fully irrigated with the tees, greens, surrounds and fairways all being in pristine condition; a full velvety growth sits securely above the sand carpet which has been used to fashion the course through the rocky landscape. The lush green carpet that flows through the whole resort is in stark contrast to the almost brutal, arid nature of the area.
Whilst you would not describe the course as mountainous, it is quite undulating and the fairways roll drunkenly to provide all sorts of interesting lie angles. The greens are fast and true, but have deceptive run off areas and are well bunkered. There are also a number of large water features, which serve to add great beauty and danger to the golfer’s card, but also store the water for the irrigation system.
The fairways cut through the arid terrain like an emerald river.
This is definitely a course that suits those wishing to play in buggies: there are some fairly long distances between the greens and tees and those who choose to walk may find themselves exhausted after their round. Since it was obvious that this was always going to be a course suitable for buggy use, a well-built concrete path runs along each hole and the Club Car buggies are controlled by GPS to prevent golfers from driving too close to bunkers, greens and tees. The GPS system also provides the opportunity for electronic scoring, yardages and course maps. GPS controlled buggies can be irritating if the course restrictions are not sensibly drawn up, but do prevent damage to more sensitive areas. It is a delicate balance, but here it is set about right.
The network of buggy paths runs throughout the course and allows for buggy play in all weathers and easier access for the greenkeeping team.
There is a short practice ground allowing golfers to warm up and practice before and after play. It is only suitable for irons, with a length of approximately 180 m. The Range Servant dispenser is activated via credit card to give golfers maximum ease rather than having to root around for tokens purchased from the shop. There is also an excellent short game area and two separate putting greens so golfers can get the hang of the greens before heading out for their round.
The emphasis on the investment has been all about the golf course, so the clubhouse and pro shop are basic in nature but provide enough tapas and general snack food and drink that one would need to enjoy such a course, whilst the pro shop is well stocked with ranges of clothing and accessories.
The terrace provides an excellent place to view golfers completing their round across the water guarded greens.
There is a substantial complex of apartments overlooking the course, which provide beautiful homes for keen golfers and also the opportunity for golfers to stay on site and maximise their golfing break. The apartments cost around €166,000, whilst green fees start at €70 with packages available to include buggy hire, depending on the season.
There is a substantial amount of development to the side of the golf course with the properties benefiting from superb views across the course to the Mediterranean.
Aguilón Golf Club is definitely worth a visit and more details can be found on the website here: