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Desert Springs Golf

The opening of this first desert layout means that, to Europe`s stock of parkland, moorland and links courses can be added a truly different example of golf course architect`s craft.

To be geographically defined as a desert, an area must have an annual average rainfall of less than 10 inches; this particular corner of the Spanish mainland comes within that category. Situated in Almería, between the reservoir at Cuevas del Almanzora and the charming fishing village of Villaricos, The Indiana, perches on a raised plateau with spectacular views to the sea. The design presents golf of such a dramatic nature that it can be said to be taking holiday golf in Europe to another level. Through the centuries, Phoenicians, Moors and other mediterranean traders have left their mark on Almería, now it is to be the turn of the golf tourist.

The contrast between the carefully manicured playing areas and the arid surroundings of the region with the mildest climate in Europe, Desert Springs captures the essence of what it is that sets golf apart from other sports and will have travelling golfers anxious to sample the desert golf experience. Built to comply with full USGA specifications and quality standards of the now famous desert courses of Arizona and California, The Indiana is the first of two 18-hole courses to be built on the resort. When stretched to its full length of 6,173 metres, the layout is built to challenge the world`s best players. However, the bunker placements and positioning of hazards allows the design to present a more accommodating challenge when played from the selection of forward tees. "We have created a course which really can be enjoyed by players of all different standards," affirms course designer Peter McEvoy. "We have kept the fairways generous and ensured that the less expert player can enjoy and improve his game whilst absorbing the awesome landscape. On the other hand, every hole has features which can be brought into play; the springs, watercourses, dry river beds, rock and cactus areas and sand traps are strategically placed to examine the skills of leading exponents of the game when playing off the championship tees.

Thanks to its location - and unique nature - Desert Springs is destined to become a magnet, not only for golfers from more northern climes, but also those already resident in Iberia; Málaga with its Costa del Golf is 3 hour`s distant; Granada 2 hours, Murcia 1 hour, Valencia 4 hours and Madrid 4 ½. Thanks to the excellent motorway connections, one could leave Madrid or Valencia at 7am, and Málaga at 9am and still make a reserved start time of 12 noon.