The San Roque New Course is the latest edition to the superb golfing complex at San Roque,
which is situated in the foothills of the Sierra Bermeja . With its sister course
San Roque, it adds to one side of the golden
triangle of Spanish golf along with the world famous courses of
Sotogrande and
Valderrama.
The new 18-hole course was a result of a joint effort in design by Seve Ballesteros and Perry
Dye and was only opened in 2004. Seve's brother Vicente is the professional here and is very
proud with what has been achieved on a relatively small parcel of land. For such a young course,
it is surprising how quickly it has matured and is presented in magnificent condition.
The fairways are superb, the bunkers are immaculate and the greens are first class.
As for the layout, there are ten par 4's, 4 par 5's and three par 3's. The par 3's are
particularly impressive, with the shortest hole being 160 metres off the yellow tees. The
placement of the tees is also impressive, giving tee shots over difficult terrain to greens
surrounded by bunkers that are certainly extreme in places! As long as you are driving the
ball well you will enjoy this course but if not, there is plenty of trouble to get into with
flower- beds and "love grass" adjoining the fairways. Some of the fairways do appear very
narrow from the tees and all in all it is a very good test of golf for even the most accomplished
golfer. It is a course where you have to think your way round and you must take notice of the
posts that give you the distances at 100, 150 and 200 metres. Sometimes you are given the
impression it is not as far as the marker posts suggest but you should trust what is showing.
If you play the original San Roque course then
you should take the time to include this course
in your itinerary.
A couple of local rules is that it is a strict policy that no mobile phones are allowed on
the course and the starter has the authority to join players into groups of four when
necessary. Please also read the local rules below.
On arrival you will find ample parking but you will need to confirm your arrival and tee
time at reception in the main building rather than the clubhouse near the new course.
This is strictly for members only and access here is by invitation only. It is an impressive
members clubhouse that used to be the villa occupied by Tony Jacklin during his association
with San Roque many years ago and has since been converted. It does seem rather strange that
you can play the course by paying a green fee but cannot use the clubhouse facilities.
You have to go to the main original building to change and shower etc and here you will
also find the restaurant facilities and a large terraced area, as well as the pro shop
and practice areas. Buggies are also hired here and it is advisable to take advantage of
these, particularly on a warm day. Both San Roque courses welcome visitors and you should
let Med Golf book your tee times
to avoid disappointment.
San Roque has its own stylish 5-star suites hotel
where you can take advantage of all the facilities on offer and the beautiful surrounding
countryside while enjoying the best comfort and luxury that is available. Why not let Med Golf
organise your holiday or golfing break
where you are only a step away from the first tee?
