Montecastillo Barceló Golf, Jerez Spain.

The Montecastillo Golf Resort designed by the great golfing legend Jack Nicklaus is rated the 5th best course in Europe and deservedly so. It follows the principle that what you see is what you get, with no blind holes and with open, and big drive inducing fairways. After collecting your buggy (which is advisable for such a big course) and arriving at the first tee, you start to appreciate that this is a serious and challenging course. Montecastillo is possibly the tidiest and best-maintained course in the area. Up to five raised tees on each hole ensures that even the high handicapper has a good chance of enjoying such a big course. The fairways all look so inviting, but clever placing of the many bunkers means that care has to be taken. The greens are large, with subtle borrows, and in the summer are lightning-fast. Water comes into play on 6 of the holes and the last three are especially challenging. The golf course is located 10 kilometres from Jerez on the road towards Arcos.