Many that fancy a golfing holiday often plump for the obvious choices - Florida, Portugal, La Manga - but did you know that Benidorm is not just all about beaches, all day drinking and English fry ups, which are all done very well may I add! Tucked away among the high rise skyscrapers is an amazing oasis of green and a golfers paradise - yes in Benidorm!

Golf in the sun

Spectacular views from the Villaitana course

Many think that golfing is a rich mans game but it´s surprising how many are taking up the sport - and what better place to have a go than here in the sun rather than on a cold and wet course in the UK! There aren´t many places where you can tee off and get a terrific view of the Mediterranean at the same time.... but everything and anything is possible here.

Villaitana

Entrance to the Villaitana Golf course

One of the most spectacular courses here in Benidorm has to be at Villaitana - on the Terra Mitica road, where they actually have two greens - the "Poniente" Executive 62 PAR and the "Levante" Championship 72 PAR. I am no golfer but have heard very good reports - and the views, well you don´t have to be a pro to appreciate those!

Airline charges

Sports equipment charges can be hefty

I often witness many men arriving at Alicante airport with their golfing clubs for a boys break - but do check about the cost of taking them as it can work out more than the cost of the flight! Of the so called "low cost" carriers, Ryanair come out the worse at 100 GBP, Easyjet / Jet2 are both 60GBP and Monarch 50GBP - so remember to factor that in when booking your "cheap lads golfing weekend".

Hire your clubs

Union Jack Bar in the Rincon

If you don´t want to drag your clubs over or are a novice, then you can always hire them here - especially if you only plan on having an odd game. There are several companies that can do this for you. One man that comes highly recommended is Dave Morris of the Union Jack Golf Society, who can arrange club hire as well as discounted green fees. He has been here for over 15 years and was an avid golfer in the UK - pop by the Union Jack Bar in the Rincon de Loix - next door to the Dynastic hotel and you will find him there. They play every Thursday and he can arrange games and anything to do with golf!

Alternatively, go online and book them at the same time as you book your flight and have them ready and waiting on your arrival at the airport. It saves on the hassle of checking them in and risking them being damaged... as we all know that baggage handlers can be somewhat heavy-handed. Unless you are a real pro and have bespoke clubs you can use companies such as Clubstohire.com

Golfing etiquette

Closest I´ll get to golfing - on a buggy!

The other course here in Benidorm is the Sierra Cortina "Pitch & Putt" - a short 18 hole PAR 3 and ideal for beginners, which is just behind the Carrefour hypermarket.
As with golfing etiquette around the world there are certain rules which need to be observed - even in Benidorm! A polo shirt is compulsory and tailored shorts or trousers. But for those on a short break they do allow you to wear trainers rather than golfing shoes..... I somehow don´t think it´s a game for me as I wouldn´t be able to wear my heels!