As a lover of golf, the British winter, or lets be honest even the British summer can put a real dampener on your game. There are few things more frustrating than having your weekend game at The Belfry postponed because rain has stopped play. However, there is a great alternative and one that is becoming very popular among us golfing Brits - taking your golf clubs to Spain and teeing off in the sun.
As Spain is a favourite European destination for summer and winter sun, over the years Spain has built some of the best golf courses in Europe. Many of the courses have been designed by some of the world's top golf professionals, like the Mar Menor golf resort on the Costa Calida, Murcia, designed by none other than Jack Nicholas. These pro designed courses are attracting the growing number of us who are taking to the golf course rather than the beach.
Having said that, many of the best courses are built close to the beach, so whilst you're relaxing at the watering hole on the 19th after a sun soaked round, your non golfing family or companions can be soaking up the sun on the beaches of the Spanish Costa's or experiencing the local traditions of Flamenco dancing.
Many of the golf resorts have more than one course to play on, so even if you're not a budding Rory Mcllroy and your handicap is the club and the ball, don't worry, there's going to be a course that you can play. Many of the golf resorts, such as Atalaya Park (which is location in the heart of Andalucia on the Costa Del Sol) offer professional tuition to help you improve your game, now couple that with the great weather and breaking that magic 80 for your round somehow seems more possible.
Golf breaks in Spain are ideal breaks for the whole family.
Now I don't know about you, but my wife often complains about being a golf widow as I attempt to improve my game week after week. She just doesn't understand that whilst golf can be one of the most satisfying games to play, it can also be one of the most frustrating too, so I have to play consistently to get better. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!
Fortunately most of the golf resorts in Spain accommodate the whole family. Not only are some of them close to the beach, but most have a spa and plenty of other facilities to keep the family entertained whilst you take to the first tee. There's something for everyone, making these golf breaks in Spain ideal family holidays.
So in addition to the great golf, the resorts and Spa's usually will have:
• A range of spa treatments, along with swimming pools, sauna, and steam room, etc.
• A gym and fitness suit.
• Excellent restaurant and bar.
• First class accommodation.
And of course there's shopping and the beach, so whilst you're improving your swing and enjoying your round the rest of the family can be enjoying themselves too.
So if the summer weather is turning out to be a bit of a damp squib, or you're looking for some winter sun, that you and your family will enjoy, then golf breaks in Spain are a great option, so why not tee off in the sun.