Golf - Benalup Golf and Country Club

By Eugene Mcdonough

Benalup Golf and Country Club is a golf experience with a difference. Belgian-owned and run, it is attached to the Fairplay Golf Hotel, a new stunning 5-star hotel. Rooms are only available on an all-inclusive basis. The nightly cost includes all food and drink and a round of golf. However, golf can be booked separately, but only as a package that includes lunch and drinks either before or after a round - an unusual innovation.

Built on an escarpment overlooking the La Janda plains with the hills of the Alcornacarles Natural Park in the background and the mountains of Africa in the distance, it is a delightful setting. Beautiful houses only line the first four holes with the course then meandering out into the natural parkland. This quite unusual course starts from the roof of the clubhouse where the stunning views and unusual setting tend to disturb the concentration of hitting a straight drive with water on the left and out of bounds on the right. It makes an awesome start. Water comes into play on 9 of the 18 holes and most greens are on plateaus that ensure tough shots to get close to the pins.

The signature hole is the daunting par 5 5th with a drive needed to land between two lakes followed by a dog-leg left and water all along the left hand side, and a final shot onto a raised sloped green. This is definitely not for the faint-hearted.

Catering for the more discerning golfer, Benalup is a little different with a touch of eccentricity. 10-minute intervals between tee times ensure that you will have an enjoyable round without pressure. Large groups of over 8 are not encouraged.

A round costs 85€ including lunch with drinks included.

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