SAN SEBASTIAN GOLF COURSE REVIEWS
Our recommended Clubs for San Sebastian golfbreaks.
Real San Sebastian Architect P. Hirigoyen (1969). 18 holes: 5,962m: par 71.
Heading slightly north from San Sebastian, Real San Sebastian sits close to the border with France and amongst the first folds of the mighty Pyrenées. Although the Club only dates from the late 60s, the traditional feel to the layout and to the bodega-style Clubhouse engenders more of a centurion feeling. The course itself runs through thick natural forest (primarily deciduous) over some pretty hilly terrain as it is set so close into the foothills of the Pyrenées. This gives rise to some testing elevation changes - with accompanying spectacular views as recompense for your toil (a few buggies are available if you prefer). Real San Sebastian (known locally as 'Fuentarrabia' or 'Hondarribia') is a very private Members Club, so access is a little restricted - particularly at weekends: however we are normally able to obtain at least one Tee-time for our golfers during their holiday.
BASOZABAL Architect: J-M. Olazàbal (1997). 18 holes: 6,499m: par 72.
Basozabal sums up golf in the Spanish Basque country. Just on the outskirts of San Sebastian, so very easy to get to from town, the terrain all around is gentle green hills. The peaceful, bucolic setting may well have you thinking of Ireland - just twenty degrees warmer! A long course that follows the ridges and valleys of these hills in a succession of entertaining holes across the bright green Fairways; through the valleys the ball will tend to the Fairway, along the ridges expect the opposite! So there is a nice ebb and flow to the test. Confusingly, Basozabal is also known as 'Nuevo Real San Sebastian' a moniker they are rightly proud of. However, to avoid confusion, we normally refer to it as Basozabal.
ULZAMA Architect: J. Arana (1964). 18 holes: 6,241m: par 72.
The most hidden of golfing gems and one that you may well never have heard of? Ulzama is a delighful little Golf Club tucked away in the Basque hinterland about an hour's drive from San Sebastian (and less to Pamplona) along quiet county roads to a quiet country Club. The course at Ulzama is great fun and well worth the excursion to discover it. It is an endlessly entertaining course in native forest and in total tranquility too - apart from the birdsong! Ulzama has a cosy little, octagonal, wooden Clubhouse (beside the surprisingly big range) where you will enjoy the best of Basque hospitality.
Over the border
From San Sebastian to France is not far, about half-an-hour on the motorway, which brings into play many of the courses to the South of Biarritz around St. Jean de Luz.
Chantaco Architect: H.S. Colt (1928). 18 holes: 5,833m: par 70.
To the South of Biarritz, close to St. Jean de Luz, a very British feeling course as it was designed by Harry Colt in his inimitable style. Mainly through woodland on the upper section with water coming into play as the holes close in on the flatter land around the fine pink Clubhouse.
One of Biarritz's better kept secrets...
La Nivelle Architect: J. Taylor (1907) 18 holes: 5,685m: par 70.
A small, friendly Club, with a quaint old course that even includes a disused quarry as a rather prominent hazard! A real local's Club overlooking the lovely port of St. Jean de Luz, where you will feel the full warmth of the Basque sporting spirit.