G OL F
Four courses to finesse your swing within striking distance of the Spanish capital
LEFT/FAR LEFT: The contoured fairways of the Centro Nacional de Golf
CENTRO NACIONAL DE GOLF WHERE IS IT? 10km north of Madrid WHAT’S IT LIKE? Tis state-owned facility is built on a landfill site, the same concept as Paris National, the venue for Europe’s Ryder Cup victory last year. Te home of the Royal Spanish Golf Federation opened in 2006 as an all- comer’s pay and play. It’s tight for an 18-hole layout but architect Dave Tomas used judicious landscaping to create a course worthy of the 2018 Spanish Open. To everyone’s delight, the Open was won by Jon Rahm,
Spain’s world number eight. Te 24-year-old Basque was among the first pupils to establish his credentials at the Centro Nacional Academy, which provides young talent from all over the country with the ingredients for success. Te course is designed to encourage rather than hinder
at every level of expertise. Te rough is natural, which means fairly sparse during long dry summers. Fairways are contoured to draw in balls as they run off the slopes. Water features attract flocks of large brown birds from the moorhen family, known locally as swamp chickens. Wild boar are also present, although generally unseen. CONTACT Arroyo del Monte 5, 28036 Madrid; tel +34 (0) 91 376 9060;
centronacionalgolf.com PRICE Visitors €80, Spanish Federation members €40-€50. Buggy €35; club hire €35 (Srixon). CLUB HOURS From 8am summer, 8.30am winter; driving range floodlit until 11pm. MAXIMUM HANDICAP 36 recommended. On all courses, foreigners must have a handicap at home but certificates are not usually requested. FACILITIES 18-hole championship course, 6,504m, par 72. Covered floodlit driving range. Centre of excellence for the Spanish national team, with extensive pitching and putting areas. Academy with 1,800 students. AFTER THE GOLF Te low ranch-style clubhouse blends into a fold in the countryside. Tree-course lunch menu with coffee and drink €14.50 Mon-Fri, €25 Sat-Sun. A la carte dinner under the stars €25-€35.
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