Golfers are always on the look-out for new venues. And if the destination also offers something for non-golfers in the family, all well and good, says Mark Baldwin

TRIPS to golfing paradises, such as the west coasts of Ireland and Scotland, sometimes run into problems for having “boys only” appeal. And then there is the problem of going to resort-style golf regions, such as the Algarve, in Portugal, or newer favourites like Turkey – and finding chronic over-crowding on the courses.

So why don’t you think about Catalonia, an often overlooked part of Spain bordered on its four sides by France, the Mediterranean, the big city bustle of Barcelona and the towering natural barrier of the Pyrennees?

I visited recently, and it was a real eye-opener.

The region is wonderful, the courses are high-quality yet user-friendly and not at all crowded, and the food and wine are as good as you can get anywhere in the world.

I had been to Barcelona several times before, though sadly never to watch the wondrous Lionel Messi in the Nou Camp, but had never ventured up into the beautiful northern reaches of the Catalan “nation” and the land sandwiched between the sea and the foothills of one of Europe’s most dramatic mountain ranges.

It won’t be long before I return.

There is also a stunning variety of courses – from the majestic Stadium and Tour courses at PGA Catalunya, where the European Tour qualifying school is held every autumn, to the tree-lined Platja de Pals on the coast, a former Spanish Open venue, and the excellent Golf Girona and Torremirona courses.

AN attractive 18-hole par three course at Gualta also offers an ideal warm-up venue, or a place where lesser or lessambitious golfers can have a couple of hours of fun, besides the chance to hire a fleet of Segways for a whizz around the lovely countryside or to have a delicious lunch of local-produce or afternoon drinks on a sunny terrace.

Temperatures, which average between 17 and 19C all year round, and which are in the 20s and particularly appealing in March, April, May, June, September and October, make Catalonia and the Costa Brava region a perfect winter, spring and autumn destination.

Coastal resorts and villages, gorgeous inland old towns such as Figueres and Girona, and the Pyranean foothills – with walking, hiking, fishing and cycling opportunities – mean there is something for everyone.

Fly into Girona (Ryanair provides a cheap and regular service from Stansted), or via Barcelona, and perhaps make the excellent Torremirona Golf and Spa Resort, near Figueres, your holiday base.

Torremirona, and its lovely main clubhouse, with bar, restaurant, lounge and terrace, with magnificent views of the golf course and the Pyrenees, has 49 rooms and 52 suites.

They are all immaculately decorated and provide very comfortable accommodation.

Torremirona also offers a course that middle- handicap golfers will love. It is difficult enough to provide a challenge, but playable too. Golf Girona, too, is a very fair test, with stunning holes in a beautiful setting, and the club has accommodation. For 100 euros, you can play 18 holes, have dinner and stay in bed and breakfast accommodation.

There are many other courses in this rich if unheralded golfing region, not just the testing Platja de Pals, but Emporda Golf, the Club de Golf Costa Brava, the Club de Golf Peralada, the distinctive Club Golf d’Aro-Mas Nou and Golf Serres de Pals.

If you want to give yourself one of the sternest tests of your golfing life, head to the PGA Golf Catalunya and see how you fare on the course where hundreds of dreams of Europe’s professionals are either realised or dashed every year. It’s unmissable, but take plenty of balls – the scrubland is rough and the lakes mean few mistakes go unpunished.

  • Mark Baldwin is a travel writer for The Times.

Recommended:

  • Take in the view: hole 12 of Golf Girona. Below, Torremirona Golf and Spa Resort Well above par Golfers are always on the look-out for new venues. And if the destination also offers something for non-golfers in the family, all well and good, says Mark Baldwin
  • Torremirona Golf and Spa Resort Call +34 972-566700 or visit hoteltorremirona.com
  • Hotel Carlemany, Girona Call +34 972-211212 or visit carlemany.es
  • Golf Girona Call +34 972-171641 or visit golfgirona.com
  • Golf Platja de Pals Call +34 972-667739 or visit golfplatjadepals.com
  • Par 3 Gualta Call +34 972-760338 or visit gualta.com
  • PGA Golf Catalunya Call +34 972-472577, or visit pgacatalunya.com
  • Costa Brava Girona Tourist Board costabrava.org