businesstraveller.com MARCH 2019
77GOLF
Four courses
to finesse
your swing
within striking
distance of
the Spanish
capitalLEFT/FAR
LEFT: The
contoured
fairways of
the Centro
Nacional
de GolfCENTRO NACIONAL DE GOLF
WHERE IS IT? 10km north of Madrid
WHAT’S IT LIKE? This state-owned facility is built on a
landfill site, the same concept as Paris National, the venue
for Europe’s Ryder Cup victory last year. The home of the
Royal Spanish Golf Federation opened in 2006 as an all-
comer’s pay and play. It’s tight for an 18-hole layout but
architect Dave Thomas used judicious landscaping to create
a course worthy of the 2018 Spanish Open.
To everyone’s delight, the Open was won by Jon Rahm,
Spain’s world number eight. The 24-year-old Basque was
among the first pupils to establish his credentials at the
Centro Nacional Academy, which provides young talent
from all over the country with the ingredients for success.
The course is designed to encourage rather than hinder
at every level of expertise. The rough is natural, which
means fairly sparse during long dry summers. Fairways
are contoured to draw in balls as they run off the slopes.
Water features attract flocks of large brown birds from the
moorhen family, known locally as swamp chickens. Wild
boar are also present, although generally unseen.
CONTACT Arroyo del Monte 5, 28036 Madrid; tel +34 (0)
91 376 9060; centronacionalgolf.com
PRICE Visitors €80, Spanish Federation members €40-€50.
Bugg y €35; club hire €35 (Srixon).
CLUB HOURS From 8am summer, 8.30am winter; driving
range floodlit until 11pm.
MAXIMUM HANDICAP 36 recommended. On all courses,
foreigners must have a handicap at home but certificates are
not usually requested.
FACILITIES 18-hole championship course, 6,504m, par- Covered floodlit driving range. Centre of excellence
for the Spanish national team, with extensive pitching and
putting areas. Academy with 1,800 students.
AFTER THE GOLF The low ranch-style clubhouse blends
into a fold in the countryside. Three-course lunch menu
with coffee and drink €14.50 Mon-Fri, €25 Sat-Sun. A la
carte dinner under the stars €25-€35. →