Golf de Pals

At 6,850 yards from the white tees, Golf de Pals is a par 73 that makes measured play matter from the outset. Sir F. W. Hawtree’s layout runs through the sandy ground of the Arenals de Mar estate, where mature pines rise from former dunes and shape both the lines from the tee and the recovery shots when a drive drifts offline. The yellow tees bring the course back to 6,529 yards, with blue and red options at 5,895 and 5,607 yards, making it straightforward to choose a distance that suits the group. There is proper room to score, but the trees demand a controlled ball flight and a plan for the next shot rather than simply reaching for the driver. The course opened as nine holes in 1966 before becoming the full 18 in 1970, and its pedigree includes the 1972 Spanish Open. Irrigation across the club uses reclaimed water from Pals’ treatment plant, a practical detail on a course set close to the coast.

Rounds here suit a relaxed Costa Brava golf break, with time to work on the game at the on site golf and padel school between tee times. The school sits beside the sea amid the same pine woodland that defines the course, and lessons are available in English with PGA professionals Marc Deulofeu, Aleix Riera and Pere Portell. Three padel courts at the club add another option for an afternoon away from the fairways. The restaurant is part of the club setting, offering a natural place to settle after 18 holes and look back over the round. Golf de Pals also pairs well with nearby Serres de Pals, with combined rounds and additional rounds there available through the club, useful for golfers planning several days on the Costa Brava.