Valencia, Spain
Close to Valencia on the Mediterranean coast, the El Saler course is laid out in the Albufera Nature Park. At one time rated as the top course in Europe, it is routed over extremely varying terrain, some holes being flanked by ancient pines and others by giant sand dunes with few trees in sight. Many of the holes are close to the Mediterranean and feel the influence of its winds.
EL Salers 3rd, 8th and 17th are all world class holes and each presents a new challenge. The par five 3rd begins with a blind tee shot to a double dog-leg left fairway which remains narrow all the way to the green. The green is oblong and flanked by enormous deep bunkers on either side, as well as being defended by trees up close to the fringe on its front. The 8th is a short par 4 flanking the coastline. A multi-tiered green awaits, stuck between two large sand dunes which reduce the effect of the sea breeze on lucky days. There’s something therapeutic about playing a hole while listening to the waves crash on the nearby beach. The same can probably be said about playing in sight of the topless beach. The 17th completes the famous trio. Backed by tall sand dunes, an elevated green has large bunkers left and right and a massive cavern of a sand trap directly in front of it. Take a club more than usual, particularly when the wind is blowing.
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