The Basque Country: a destination for golf lovers
The Basque Country: a destination for golf lovers
Home to some of the greatest players to make history like Jon Rahm, José María Olazabal, and Adrián Otaegui, golf is a sport with a long-standing tradition in the Basque Country. The first reference to golf appeared in 1903: an image taken on the slopes of Ulía Mountain in San Sebastián, on the grounds of Villa Zinza. However, it was not until 1910 that the Sociedad Campo de Golf y Otros Deportes (“Golf and Other Sports Association”) was established, and a nine-hole course was opened in Lasarte in 1914.
Today, the Basque Country has a wide range of golf courses, including magnificent courses such as Larrabea, Zuia, Jundiz, Izki, Royal Society of Golf of Neguri, Meaztegi, Uraburu, Basozabal, Royal Golf Club of Zarauz, Goiburu, and Royal Golf Club of San Sebastián. Whether on the coast or inland, Basque golf courses are located in privileged places due in large part to their early establishment. In fact, what makes playing golf in this region so memorable is not just the sport itself but also the ability to combine golf with a visit to the towns, cities, and valleys surrounding the courses in the three historical territories.
Álava
The Larrabea, Zuia, Jundiz, and Izki courses are located in this province, all of which are set against idyllic backdrops. The large bodies of water that dot the geography of Álava (the Ullibarri, Urrunaga, Albina, and Maroño Reservoirs, the Arreo Lake, the Laguardia Lagoons, etc.) combine in unison with the five Natural Parks of the province (Gorbeia, Urkiola, Aizkorri-Aratz, Izki, and Valderejo) – places where nature can be enjoyed in its purest of states.
Visitors can explore these sites of great beauty –amid forests, mountains, and lakes– either on foot or by bicycle, traveling along the numerous paths that extend throughout the Álava region and which range from short distances to longer routes that link related territories and pass through the entire Community (such as the Ways of Saint James and the Ignatian Route).
Biscay
In Biscay, golf courses are located both on the coast and inland, the most notable being the Royal Society of Golf of Neguri, Meaztegi, and Uraburu. Here we can find traces of a traditional life present in the numerous farmhouses that dot the steep slopes (many of which overlook the sea), as well as in the old foundries and stately towers. The sea bathes beaches where all kinds of water sports can be enjoyed, as well as fishing villages where visitors can discover the long seafaring tradition of the people who live here – a delightful coast along which the Way of Saint James runs, with vast and beautiful panoramic views.
But the sea is not the be all and end all of Biscay: the inland portion also leaves pleasant memories ingrained in one’s mind. Take, for example, the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve and the Armañón and Gorbeia Natural Parks.
Gipuzkoa
When the Pyrenees kneel down to kiss the Cantabrian Sea, they seem to be paying tribute to a territory with a strong personality. From one end of this region to the other, visitors are sure to find something that will catch their attention in order to occupy their time after a day of golf on the Basozabal, Royal Golf Club of Zarauz, Goiburu, and Royal Golf Club of San Sebastián courses: a coast with unique beaches, key for water sports and where famous international surfing competitions are held, always remembered for the quality of its waves. And the inland area is made up of valleys nestled beneath remarkable heights where one can feel the spirit of old ways of life, lying ever dormant in the numerous farmhouses and flocks that dot the landscape.
Golf
