Designed by Jack Nicholas with his sons and opened in 1994, this course consistently ranks amongst the top 10 in Spain. As part of the Barcelo Montecastillo Resort the course includes a top end five star hotel and spa complex, just a few minutes from the famous motor racing circuit and a further 15 minutes from the town of Jerez.
The course is sprawling and varied, providing ample challenge for golfers of all abilities. Use of a buggy is preferable to tackle the lengthy and hilly layout, saving some energy to tackle the mental challenge of Barcelo Montecastillo.
The course is very hard and features very fast greens. Water hazards feature sporadically and the fairways are flanked by hundred year old olive trees.
Barcelo Montecastillo is a par 72 course containing 4 par 3’s, 10 par 4’s and 4 par 5’s. The course yardages and slope ratings are as follows:
White – 6456 Metres – Slope – 138 M
Yellow – 6043 Metres – Slope – 132 M
Blue – 5554 Metres – Slope 137 F
Red – 5230 Metres – Slope 133 F
The signature hole at Barcelo Montecastillo
The finishing hole 18 must be considered the signature hole of this spectacular course. An elevated tee box showcasing stunning vistas over the Spanish countryside frames the sturdy challenge ahead.
Teeing off on this 386 yard par 4 is an experience that requires nerves of steel to finish strongly and hopefully complete a good scorecard. To the left side of the fairway is a lake, magnetically inviting any wayward tee shot. To the right is a curved bunker complex that will also gobble up anything pushed right of the perfectly manicured fairway.
If you conquer the tee shot and land safely, the second must also be executed in front of the terrace of golfers enjoying their post round ice cold cervezas. Seemingly easy initially, the green is actually protected to the front and right by the lake and a large bunker should you go long. Holding your nerve for a perfect wedge shot will offer 2 putts for a par.
Leaving the 18th with anything less than a bogey or worse is a true achievement.
Barcelo Montecastillo Golf Course is truly one of Spain’s finest. To play here is to experience the pristine conditions expected of only the highest level golfers, in a warm climate and surrounded by top end five star luxury.