Golf Meliá Sancti Petri: Named after the hotel, this new golf course is in Chiclana, only 2.7 kilometres from the beach and the Meliá Sancti Petri hotel. It is between 14 and 28 metres above sea level and around 82 hectares in area.

 

The course was designed by the Dutch architect Alan Rijks and is his first work in Spain. The integration of the links with the protected natural parkland makes it a most beautiful and entertaining Par 72 golf course (ladies 71).

 

The course has a great variety of bird life and vegetation. Hundred-year old olive trees were planted alongside the diverse number of tree species that grew naturally in the area (mainly holm oaks and pine trees).

 

One of the surprising things whilst playing this course is the absence of buildings near the holes, something unusual these days, which adds to the special feel of the course and the appreciation and enjoyment of its natural beauty. When you are at any of the three tee-off areas at each hole, you can only see that particular hole, meaning maximum concentration for all of the players.

 

Three lakes and four brooks are the watery difficulties that this course presents player, although they do not get too much in the way of the game. One of the lakes only affects hole 9, but it affects it a great deal as you have to go over it to get to the green. The other lake threatens a little on the right hand side of hole 4 and hole 15. Perhaps the brooks that cross the course come into play more often; one of them affecting holes 1 and 18, and the other, in particular, holes 4, 15, 16 and 17.

 

However, it is the wind and sea breeze that are the main factors to bear in mind when playing at Golf Meliá Sancti Petri, as its close proximity to the sea will affect your game and your club selection on the big greens and also with steep slopes which force you to pay special attention to your putter.