The local golf courses - isla canela
The Surroundings
Five miles of unspoilt "Blue Flag" Atlantic beaches flanked by dunes form the setting for the resort of Isla Canela. On the other side of the development lies an important part of Spain's natural heritage, the protected wetlands of the 'Marismas del Guadiana', the protected salt marshes of the Guadiana estuary, home to a wide variety of waterfowl including flamingos and herons. It is located near the mouth of the Guadiana River, the natural frontier between Andalucian Spain and the Portuguese Algarve, and is joined by a causeway to the historic border town of Ayamonte.
The Golf Club
Isla Canela Golf offers18-holes, sensitively built amongst the Marismas del Guadiana. The result is a stunning course with spacious teeing areas, reputed to be amongst the most beautiful in Spain; there are no artificial elements, the design making the most of the natural features and topography of its surroundings. The fairways run between the dunes, and the location has been further enhanced by the introduction of more trees to supplement the indigeneous pines; eucalyptus, palms and citrus trees now provide additional obstacles on the course, supplementing the natural water hazards formed by the lakes.
The course is designed for players of all abilities. Although it looks an easy course, there are hidden difficulties which can catch seasoned golfers. For those who wish to improve their game, there is a permanent golf school run by professional PGA instructors.
There are no obvious recovery holes, but two par-3's are considered the easiest ones on the course. The opening hole is 170m and the eleventh, 139m. The ninth and fifteenth are short par-4's where most birdies are made. Gorgeous and also difficult is the second hole, a par-5. Not particularly long, only 447m, but well bunkered and with a stream which cuts across the fairway a couple of times and comes into play.
18 holes, par 72 |
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White 6248 metres, par 72, Slope 129, VC 72.4 |
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Yellow 5980 metres, par 72, Slope 126, VC 71.1 |
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Blue 5525 metres, par 72, Slope 126, VC 74.6 |
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Red 5131 metres, par 72, Slope 118, VC 71.8 |
