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Golf courses in the Basque Country: From the Landes to La Rioja

18th April 2024 3542

Imagine hitting a ball on lush green lawns, surrounded by magnificent scenery, while enjoying the fresh ocean air, close to beautiful golden sandy beaches. The Basque Country, located in the south-west of France and the north of Spain, is a paradise for golfers of all levels. From breathtaking panoramas to verdant fairways, picturesque villages and a rich culture, the Basque Country promises an unforgettable stay for fans of this elegant sport. So let your swing be your guide and discover the wonders of this golfing haven of peace.

Discover the Golfy Network in the Landes

Let yourself be seduced by the diversity and quality of the courses we present, where each fairway offers a unique experience, each putt an adventure in its own right. From the Golf de Mont de Marsan, nestling in the heart of the majestic Landes forest, to the Real Golf Club de San Sebastián, perched on the slopes of Mount Jaizkibel, via the Golf de Larrabea and its enchanting landscapes in Alava-Araba, each course promises technical challenges and breathtaking panoramas.

Golf de Mont de Marsan

Nestling in the heart of the Landes forest, the Mont de Marsan Golf Club offers a unique golfing experience. Its 18-hole course, designed by the famous French golfer Jean Garaïalde, challenges players of all levels with its tactical doglegs and strategically placed obstacles. Every shot is a challenge, every round an adventure in this verdant sanctuary where nature reigns supreme.

But Mont de Marsan Golf Club is more than just a game. It's a place for golf enthusiasts to meet and share, where competitions and special events create a lively and friendly atmosphere.

In addition to the renowned course, Mont de Marsan Golf Club offers comprehensive facilities to meet all golfers' needs, from introductory golf lessons to regional competitions. Off the green, the club also offers a gourmet restaurant, a cosy bar and a well-stocked golf shop.

Golf de Moliets

The Golf de Moliets, designed by renowned architect Robert Trent Jones, is a technical challenge for experienced golfers. Opened in 1989, the 18-hole course combines sophistication with tactical demands, attracting those seeking a challenging experience. The four holes bordering the Atlantic Ocean offer spectacular views and formidable challenges, especially in windy conditions.

For beginners or those seeking a more moderate challenge, a complementary nine-hole course, also designed by Jones, offers a rewarding introduction. Nestling in the heart of the Landes pine forest, the estate offers a variety of landscapes and challenges.

In addition to the main course, the complex offers quality services, including buggy hire, a fully equipped driving range and extensive practice facilities. Golfers can perfect their game on the putting greens and practice bunkers, taking on the challenge of mastering every aspect of their game.
With 6,286 metres of course and 4 links holes, this seaside resort offers a challenging and varied golfing experience. Ranked among the top 100 courses in the world by Golf Digest, Golf de Moliets attracts golf enthusiasts with its technical course and picturesque setting.

Through the Landes, the natural jewel of south-west France

The Landes, with its vast forests of maritime pines, fine sandy beaches and unspoilt landscapes, captivates nature lovers. Outdoor enthusiasts can marvel at the countless hiking trails winding through the forests, the cycle paths offering picturesque views, and the nature reserves home to a wealth of flora and fauna. Not forgetting the irresistible lure of the Atlantic waves, which attract surfers from all over the world for memorable sessions under the Béarn sun.

As well as its sporting activities and magnificent landscapes, the Landes region is also full of picturesque villages and tasty local produce. Be sure to try the local specialities, such as oysters from the Bay of Arcachon, foie gras and duck confit.

© Martin Baron / Foie gras
© Martin Baron / Foie gras
Biscarosse - Les Landes
Biscarosse - Les Landes

Golf in the Spanish Basque Country

Real Golf Club de San Sebastián

The Real Golf Club de San Sebastián, located on the slopes of Mount Jaizkibel in Hondarribia, offers much more than just a golf course on the Basque coast. This 18-hole, 50-hectare course is a technical challenge for golfers of all abilities.

From the very first tee, the technical nature of the course becomes apparent, with strategically designed fairways and subtle obstacles that test the player's precision and control. Gentle slopes and steep sections add an extra dimension to the challenge, requiring a thorough understanding of the terrain and careful planning of every shot. Designed to take advantage of the natural landscape, with native oak trees and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, the course offers a visually stunning experience.

In addition to the main course, the club offers first-class practice facilities, including dedicated short game and putting areas. These facilities allow golfers to perfect their technique in a controlled, learning environment.

Golf de Larrabea

Located in the northern part of Alava-Araba, Golf de Larrabea, designed by José Gancedo in 1988, offers a magnificent, demanding and enchanting golf course. With fairways lined with century-old trees and water features dotted around the course, each hole represents a unique technical challenge.

Careful analysis of the layout is essential to choosing the best playing strategy and reaching the large, complex greens with precision. Despite its undulating terrain and lack of housing, this 18-hole PAR 72 offers an unspoilt natural setting, where technical skill is put to the test with every shot.

This green jewel is intimately linked to the destiny of Jon Rahm, one of the most talented golfers of his generation. It was on this course that he took his first steps and honed his talents, before conquering the world's most prestigious tournaments. The Golf de Larrabea has shaped his precise game and his warrior mentality, making him an invaluable ambassador for this exceptional place.

As well as golf, Golf de Larrabea is a true place of entertainment, with impeccable facilities and a friendly atmosphere. Nestling in an area protected from the northerly winds, the course offers spectacular views over the Urrunaga and Ullibarri marshes, adding a striking visual dimension to the golfing experience.

Golf de Zuia

Nestling at the foot of Gorbea, Golf de Zuia offers a flat 9-hole course in a setting of outstanding natural beauty, overlooking the Urkabustaiz and Zuia valleys. Surrounded by oak, pine and beech trees, this 2,803-metre, 17-hectare course offers an immersive golfing experience in the heart of nature.

A number of natural lakes add an extra touch of challenge to the course, making every round of golf interesting and challenging. Designed by Don Álvaro Arana and inaugurated in 1990, Zuia Golf Club offers golfers of all levels the chance to have fun and test their technical skills. You can also enjoy breathtaking scenery.

Whether you're a keen golfer looking for a challenge or simply want to enjoy the natural surroundings, Zuia Golf Club promises an unforgettable golfing experience. Tranquility and natural beauty combine harmoniously to create an idyllic setting for a day on the green.

Izki Golf

Izki Golf, designed by the legendary Seve Ballesteros and opened in 1994, offers an unforgettable experience in an incomparable natural setting. With 18 par 72 holes spread over 98 hectares, this course represents a real innovation in golfing architecture.

The wide fairways lined with oak and holly trees offer a captivating technical challenge, transforming every round of golf into a unique adventure in the heart of nature. The spectacular holes designed by Ballesteros demand rigour and precision with every shot, offering golfers a demanding but rewarding experience.

Located in the province of Álava in the Basque Country, close to the famous La Rioja wine region, the Izki golf complex offers not only an exciting golfing challenge, but also breathtaking views of the surrounding woods and mountains.
Each hole offers its own unique challenges, such as hole 7, renowned for its difficulty due to its distance and high green, or hole 5, with its protected green that requires a well-thought-out strategy.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, the Izki golf course promises unforgettable moments and an outstanding golfing experience in the heart of the Montaña Alavesa. After a round on this exceptional course, relax on the restaurant terrace while admiring the panoramic views over the Izki nature park, and enjoy healthy traditional cuisine to round off a memorable day on the green.

Explore the Basque Country, between magnificent cliffs and golf courses

The Basque Country, a land of contrasts and traditions, seduces travellers with its unique blend of culture, breathtaking scenery and delicious cuisine. Nestling between France and Spain, this enchanting territory offers an authentic experience to those who dare to venture into its picturesque lanes and verdant valleys.

From fishing villages to the peaks of the Pyrenees, the Basque Country is full of treasures to discover. In Spain, San Sebastián and Bilbao captivate with their remarkable architecture, golden beaches and lively atmosphere. The verdant mountains of the Spanish Basque Country offer endless possibilities for hikers and nature lovers, with picturesque trails and breathtaking panoramas.

But the real treasure of the Basque Country is its gastronomy. From tasty pintxos to local produce and seafood, every meal is a feast for the taste buds. The colourful markets are bursting with fresh produce, while the cider houses and wine cellars of the Spanish Basque Country invite you to enjoy memorable tastings.

Whether for its breathtaking scenery, vibrant culture or exquisite cuisine, the Basque Country, whether French or Spanish, promises an unforgettable experience for those who dare to explore its riches.

© carlita benazito
© carlita benazito
© Andrea Huls / Pays Basque espagnol
© Andrea Huls / Pays Basque espagnol

Golf courses in La Rioja

Golf Club Logroño

Located in the La Grajera park, just 5 km from the centre of Logroño, the Logroño golf course offers an exceptional experience in a remarkable natural setting. Designed by Global Golf, this par 72, 6,749-metre course hosted the 2008 Spanish Professional Championship, where Miguel Angel Jimenez set a course record with 60 strokes.

Recognised as one of the best courses in northern Spain, the course boasts a careful and stimulating design. Golfers appreciate the variety and balance of the course, as well as the peaceful, healthy atmosphere offered by La Grajera's natural surroundings. Hole 4, the longest in Spain at 619 metres, presents a major challenge with a slight dog-leg to the left and two strategically placed bunkers in front of the green.

In addition, the course offers a 9-hole Pitch & Putt, ideal for beginners and short-game training sessions, with panoramic views of the La Grajera reservoir and the town of Logroño from its highest point. The many tournaments held on this course are testament to its popularity and appeal to players of all levels.

Club de Campo Sojuela

Nestling in the heart of the Moncalvillo Green Residential Complex, just 16 km from Logroño, the Sojuela Golf Club offers an idyllic setting in a green environment surrounded by oak and pine forests. Designed by the emblematic architect Severiano Ballesteros, this par 72 course extends over 6,296 metres and promises an exceptional experience for golfers.
The unique landscape in which the club is set harmoniously blends nature with the sport of golf. In 1991, thanks to a collaboration between the Real Sociedad de Golf de la Rioja and Moncalvillo Pueblo, the project was born at the request of golf enthusiasts at the time. Since its acquisition by two industrialists from La Rioja in 2016, the club has been committed to becoming a family leisure centre, with a focus on introducing children to the game through its golf school.

The surrounding environment, the Sierra de Moncalvillo, offers a picturesque setting with its peaks exceeding 1,200 metres, offering breathtaking views of the Ebro Valley in La Rioja. Each hole on the course offers unique challenges, particularly hole 14, a 143-metre par 3 with an elevated green protected by bunkers on both sides, making putting very difficult.

Sojuela Golf Club is not only an exceptional golfing venue, but also a family meeting point, where golfers can enjoy the surrounding natural beauty while practising their favourite sport. Whether taking on the challenges of the course or simply relaxing in peaceful surroundings, Sojuela offers an unforgettable experience for enthusiasts of all levels.

Golf de Rioja Alta

The Rioja Alta Golf Course, designed by architect Enrique Seanger, stands out for its technical and versatile 18-hole, par 72 course, extending over 6,466 meters in the heart of Rioja Alta. Nestled between the Camino de Santiago and the charming towns of Cirueña and Ciriñuela, this route offers a breathtaking visual spectacle, punctuated by century-old oak trees and spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

The careful design of the course, carried out by Enrique Saenger-Golf Projects, aims to provide an engaging and entertaining playing experience for a wide range of golfers, while being approved to host high-level official tournaments. Each hole is different and offers an interesting challenge for players of all levels. The distances and difficulty levels are well balanced, making the game of golf challenging for everyone."

The varied terrain, with both rugged and gentle areas, adds a unique dimension to the game. The emphasis on preserving the environment and reducing ecological impact ensures a harmonious integration of the course into its natural setting.

Rioja: land of vineyards and traditions

Rioja, internationally renowned for its exceptional wines, offers visitors a sensory journey through its green hills covered with vines. Wine lovers can explore wineries, taste unique grape varieties and discover the secrets of winemaking on guided tours. But the La Rioja region is not limited to its vineyards: its preserved medieval villages, historic monasteries and traditional cuisine delight the senses and transport travelers to a world in which time seems to stand still.

In addition to its gastronomic and cultural riches, La Rioja also offers spectacular landscapes, with its mountains, rivers and picturesque villages. Hiking and cycling enthusiasts will find plenty of trails here to explore the area.

© Mario la Pergola / La Rioja
© Mario la Pergola / La Rioja
Vineyards of La Rioja
Vineyards of La Rioja

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