2008 European Father & Son Championship

The three courses that make up PortAventura Golf, two 18s and a 9, cover some 200 hectares of varied terrain, and are designed so that their nines are interchangeable, offering everything from a challenge to pros at the highest level to gentler golf for the mid-to high-handicapper.

Greg Norman's par 71 North Course is relatively flat and incorporates a wetlands landscape of great environmental value. This nature reserve, abundant in birds and fish, is scrupulously respected by the golf course, (click here for more about water management) while providing many of the features that make the course such a challenge. The greens are large and very subtle, but good driving is the real key to success on this course: hardly surprising when you remember that Greg Norman is known as the greatest driver of the modern era.

Quite contrasting, although right next door, the par 72 South Course, designed by Alfonso Vidaor and Magí Sardà, winds through pine woods and olive plantations, with many changes of elevation, some spectacular features (holes 13, 17 and 18 are built into natural quarries) and magnificent sea views.

The 9 hole par 34 Centre Course, also designed by Greg Norman, is a wide-fairwayed, simpler course, ideal for mid-level players. Due to its location and design, it can be combined both with the North and South Courses.

Below are hole by hole descriptions of the two main courses, courtesy of PortAventura Golf.

For an image gallery of the courses, click here

North Course
The North Course is located on land that slopes softly in a North-South direction and surrounds the Sèquia Major Area, classified by the Regional Government of Catalonia as part one of the Areas of Natural Interest, due to its environmental value both in terms of flora and fauna.

The golf course is smoothly and harmoniously integrated within its surroundings, multiplying the wet areas which originally existed, and creating a wetlands landscape which is rarely found in the Mediterranean. It is a varied and entertaining course, with par 71 and more than 6100 metres in length, allowing for a combination of strategy and distance and precision, alternating the water obstacles with bunkers and natural wet areas.

1st: LOS HUMEDALES; par 4, 375 metres
The round starts off with a par 4 mid-distance hole, soft dogleg right, delimited by pine tree woods protecting the fairway from those who wish to shorten the distance.
The second shot is played on a slightly elevated green that is well protected by bunkers. The entire hole presents a contour that allows players to easily lean on the left side.

2nd: LAS GAVIOTAS; par 5, 508 metres
The first par 5 of the round is a hole which seems easy to play. However, one must pay special attention to the strategic placement of bunkers in its sloping areas and on the green.
The green, slightly elevated, is well protected from those who wish to reach it in two shots. These players must increase their precautions if they want to avoid falling into the existing obstacles.

3rd: LA LAGUNA; par 4, 337 metres
This apparently short hole should be approached very carefully. The bunkers in the central area of the fairway and the lake that runs along the hole on the right mean it is essential to pick the right club to guarantee you reach the fairway and get a second shot in the right conditions.
The green, well defended and tight in size, should be approached from the areas in the fairway that allow a well defined entry, in order to avoid the existing obstacles.

4th: LA PALMERA; par 3, 183 metres
The first par 3 of the round is a hole that is not excessively long, played from high tees.
The green is very well protected by bunkers and by the lake that runs along it on the right. The players must approach the hole preferably from the left side of the green.

5th: EL RIO; par 4, 335 metres
A narrow lake that looks like a small river runs along this short-length par 4, and requires players to be selective with all their shots.
The large green is well protected by bunkers and partially surrounded by the lake; a well measured approach is advisable.

6th: SALINETE; par 4, 363 metres
This short par 4 will make players plan their tee shot, and in many case leave their woods in the bag to ensure they reach the fairway. It is defended by soft contours and bunkers on the right, and by a lake on its left flank.
The softly contoured green is best approached from the right side of the fairway, paying attention to the lake that surrounds and protects it.

7th: MISTRAL; par 3, 155 metres
This par 3 honours its name, as it is the shortest of the first round, but not the simplest. Following the tradition of classic holes, it has an interesting contour along its fairway and especially in the green area.
The green, which appears to be large, is very well protected and situated, with water covering the front and left part, and bunkers surrounding its perimeter.

8th: EL LLANO; par 4, 383 metres
The penultimate hole of this first round is an interesting par 4 flanked by water on its left side and on the right side from the drop area.
A large contoured green, surrounded by water (except the front part) will require a precise shot from the player.

9th: LAS CAÑAS; par 4, 387 metres
The final hole of this round is a long and spectacular par 4, which borders the Sèquia Major Area of Natural Interest, with impressive wetlands vegetation.
Golfers must lean on the right side to escape the risk of the wet area and ensure they land well on the green. The latter, large and contoured, is perpendicular to the line of play, and has many interesting flag positions.

10th: EL PUENTE; par 4, 349 metres
The initial hole of the second round is a small dogleg right, leaning on the transition contour to the centre course. Bunkers on both sides and different distances flank the fairway, making players select their shot with precision.
The large green is laid obliquely to the line of play, requiring good precision in the approach shot.

11th: EL FARTET; par 4, 366 metres
This short par 4 shouldn’t fool players with its length: the fairway is very well protected by bunkers on both sides, and must be reached in good conditions to be able to approach the green from a good angle. This is essential, given that the green, despite being large and softly contoured is defended by bunkers and by the wetlands of the Sequia Major Area of Natural Interest on the right side.

12th: EL VUELO; par 4, 430 metres
This is undoubtedly one of the keystones of the round: any golfer that achieves a par on this hole can be well satisfied with their experience on the North course. This is a 430 metre par 4, with a wide fairway, ready to receive the tee shot.
The second shot, very long, must avoid the large waste bunker located on the left and the lake beside it. The green is large, and the views over the protected area of the Sequia Area of Natural Interest afford it marvellous landscape views, which together with the strategy required to play it, make this one of the round’s most special holes.

13th: LA BRISA; par 4, 310 metres
This short par 4 has one of the lakes created as part of the Area of Natural Interest landscape running along its left side. The integration contour on the right hand side allows the game to lean on that side of the hole. The large green is protected on the front by a small deep bunker, which complicates the apparently easy approach.

14th: CALIMA; par 3, 188 metres
This nice par 3 is protected by one of the lakes along the right side. The large green, which allows a large number of interesting flag positions, is crossed from left to right, complicating the selection and execution of the shot. Precision will be key in this hole.

15th: LA PENINSULA; par 4, 428 metres
This long par 4 is another of the keystones of the round. The tee shot should avoid the lagoon that protects it on that side, as well as the bunker that provides the distance reference. The long second shot, to a fairway and green with water protecting them on the right and left sides, requires high precision to reach the flag.
In any case the large fairway means that the hole is played comfortably, distance being the biggest problem for players.

116th: LA SÈQUIA, par 5, 544 metres
This long par 5, the longest of the North course, runs parallel to the main lake that was created to improve the conditions of the Sequia Major Area of Natural Interest. This lake protects the hole along its left part and means it is an imperceptible dogleg left, with a full view of the hole at all times.
The soft and receptive contour of the fairway on the right allows players to lean on that side and seek the best entrance to the green. The green is well protected by bunkers and water, and must be approached with caution.

17th: LAS ARENAS, par 3, 183 metres
This par 3 should not fool players into thinking it is easy because it is short.
The large green has many flag positions which must be well selected in order to avoid three putts. In addition, the existing bunkers protect the entrance to it very effectively.

18th: LOS JUNCOS; par 5, 493 metres
The final hole of the round is an impacting par 5, with an average length and spectacular features. The drop of the tee shot is protected by a large waste bunker on the left and the lagoon on the right.
The second shot is made from a slightly higher position to the second drop area and the green, offering a beautiful view of the hole.
Those who dare to try and reach the green in two shots will have to face naturalised lakes on the right and left and bunkers protecting the green very effectively. Selecting a second short shot in order to get a good approach is a good strategy for all players.

South Course
The South Course is located on the Cap de Salou lands, through white pine tree woods and olive and carob tree plantations, and soft slopes and undulations. The integration of the golf course within the surroundings has made it possible to create an attractive and varied course, with sufficient distance for high competition, and which doesn’t exclude guaranteed entertainment for players of all levels. It also includes a practice course, two putting greens and a chipping green, all of them within the Casa Club surroundings.

1st: MEDITERRANEO: par 4, 367 metres
Hole 1 marks the highest point of all the south course and players will enjoy the views of the sea in different directions. It is a mid distance par 4, framed on both sides by pine tree woods. As it is played slightly downhill, players must ensure they do not play too long a tee shot and drop into the bunkers that protect the left side of the fairway.
The second shot approaches the green from a dominating position, but the player should be careful as it is well defended by bunkers and the side contour.

2nd: EL BOSQUE; par 5, 544 metres
Hole 2 is the longest of the South course. Par 5 located on a smooth valley surrounded by pine trees, it has a generous drop for the driver, but from there, players must adjust their second shot to a drop area that is narrower and protected by trees, with a slight drop on the left which could make the most daring players end up in the woods. The approach to the green, well defended by bunkers, must be strategically measured, and players should avoid getting distracted by the sea views.

3rd: LEVANTE; par 3, 207 metres
Hole 3 is the first par 3 of the course. The high tee provides players with a good view of the hole and the large green. The latter is crossed on the line of play and protected by bunkers and a side contour. It is critically important to select the right club.

4th: LA PINEDA; par 4, 348 metres
Hole 4 is a mid-short distance par 4, flanked on both sides by pine tree woods. The fairway is narrow and players must sacrifice tee shot length to make it to the fairway and not end up in the woods. The approach shot, somewhat elevated, is defended by a bunker on the right hand side which will require the player to select the right shot.

5th: EL VALLE; par 4, 354 metres
Hole 5 is a mid distance par 4, which is played slightly uphill, and is surrounded by a valley that helps to support the tee shot, which should be long in order to approach the green in good conditions. The green is large and very well protected by bunkers which almost surround it. The approach should be adjusted to avoid these and in order to avoid an excessively long putt on this contoured green.

6th: LAS ARBEQUINAS; par 4, 410 metres
This long par 4 requires a compromise between distance and precision. The tee shot is made between the side contour and the existing pine and olive trees, and should be as long as possible in order for the second shot not to need an excessively long club. In this case, the player must choose between attacking the green or playing short to escape de bunkers protecting the green, especially on the right hand side. A large softly contoured green awaits the player.

7th: LA CUESTA; par 5, 458 metres
Hole 7, mid distance par 5, is a soft dogleg left, also slightly upwards. Players who try to shorten the distance will have to face deep bunkers on the left for the tee shot, whereas those who choose the fairway will play on a large fairway, slightly contoured from right to left, following the turn of the hole.
A large pine tree and a series of bunkers mark the drop of the second shot and serve as orientation for the player. The left part of the hole is protected by a small pine tree wood, whereas the large green is protected by bunkers on the left.
Players who play their shots on the right side of the hole will enjoy better security and a better entrance to the green despite having to deal with a longer playing distance.

8th: EL LAGO; par 3, 195 metres
Together with hole 9, hole 8 constitutes the highlight of the first round and requires maximum concentration from players. This long par 3 includes a lake that comes between a direct shot to the green.
The green, large and softly contoured, is also protected by bunkers around its short area, and is next to imposing pine tree woods on the right hand side. For players who wish to play safe and avoid pressure, the right hand side of the green has a large fairway area that will save players from having to face the lake. .

9th: LA CURVA; par 4, 409 metres

10th: EL ESTRECHO; par 3, 159 metres
Hole 10 is a long par 3, played slightly on an upward slope, requiring players to be precise on the tee and to be careful on the second shot to the large green.
The green is surrounded by the right and back slopes, which provide a great view of the hole to the public during events and competitions. A par is an excellent result which should be celebrated by the player.

11th: EL PARQUE; par 5, 497 metres
This par 5 will be reached in two shots by long shot players, though first they will have to overcome the obstacles that the hole presents. The presence of trees on both sides of the fairway requires great precision in all shots, and especially in the choice of the second shot. The latter is taken from the drop area, which is elevated and offers a good view of the fairway and the green, and players must choose the right line of play on the basis of the risk they wish to undertake (the right side of the hole is the safest).

12th: LAS DUNAS; par 4, 281 metres
Players must make the most of this short par 4 and try to get a birdie. The fairway is wide, but it is well protected by bunkers, and therefore it is advisable to select a safe tee club to reach a comfortable approach distance.

13th: LA PLAYA; par 4, 403 metres
One of the most interesting natural attractions of this course are the natural quarries, which have been integrated into the holes. In this hole 13, the old quarry front frames the right and back sides of the green, providing it with perspective and an interesting scenic effect.The hole is played slightly downhill, so it is advisable not to force the tee in order to guarantee playing the second shot from the fairway.
The approach shot is protected by a lake on the left hand side. Players will find a large green and a large fairway area, followed along by the rough on the right and back sides.

14th: EL CABO; par 3, 211 metres
The white pine woods where the hole has been placed are its most characteristic feature and determine the strategy to be followed by the player. The high tees make it possible to view the green and the fairway in its entirety, the player having to select the most adequate club (in case of doubt, we suggest not risking an excessively long shot).
The green is ample and protected by bunkers, especially significant on the left side. For those who are not after risk, the fairway is generous on the right of the hole.

15th: LOS QUILATES; par 4, 415 metres
The width of the fairway for the first shot is an invitation for the player to stretch and achieve a good position with the tee shot. The drive is slightly uphill and is protected by bunkers on the left hand side dunes, and by considerable pine woods at the back, hard to reach as they are far away.
The approach shot, elongated and protected by bunkers on the right, must be precise in order to avoid the great lake that surrounds this part of the hole. If the player has doubts as to the distance, a short approach shot to the green is advisable in order to then have a comfortable approach.

16th: LAS RUINAS; par 5, 501 metres
The start shot of this hole can be daunting for the player due to the great lake that runs along the left side. However, the fairway is wide and the hole will not require long shots, as it is relatively short.
The second shot is played to a drop area flanked by a pine woods on both sides and a soft contour on the left. The player must play towards the widest and flattest area in order to achieve a short approach to the green, which is slightly elevated.

17th: LA CANTERA; par 4, 313 metres
The front of the quarry running alongside the hole to the right, is the most characteristic feature of this hole. A par 4, it is not too long but requires the player’s attention.
The fairway is well delimited by side contours that make it easier (especially on the right) for the tee shot, although powerful drivers must watch out for the bunkers that protect the fairway on both sides.
From the drop area, the green is entirely visible, oblique to the line of game, but very wide; players must approach the flag from the right for more safety.

18th: LA ISLA; par 4, 306 metres
The last hole of the round is spectacular due to the great quarry in the shape of an amphitheatre that runs along the green. A dogleg right, the thick woods on that side mean that players must select a safe line of game on the left of the fairway. If players wish to shorten the distance, they must play over and above the tall pine trees and without a clear visual line.
From the drop area, the short approach must be played carefully to avoid the lake formed in the natural dip that existed in the old quarry. La Casa Club, located at the top of the right side offers an unbeatable view of the hole, especially for the second shot.

PortAventura and water
PortAventura Golf is a project committed to sustainable development and integration with nature.
The natural scenery and surroundings were respected in each of Port Aventura´s three courses. The South Course is characterised by natural topographic variations and slopes with views to the sea. The Roman remains found during the construction of the Central Course were conserved. In the North Course the Sequia Major is found, which is a natural protected space rich in wetlands where local fauna and flora have been preserved.
Watering is carried out in a totally sustainable manner, using residual waters that would be otherwise lost. Thanks to this, subterranean water is replenished and the local humidity level is maintained.
The International Audubon Society, a prestigious conservation organisation that certifies the respectful and sustainable integration of the best golf courses in the world, has granted Port Aventura its "Gold Signature" as recognition of the seriousness and solidity of these initiatives.

Water management, step by step:

1. Regenerated water from the Vila-Seca and Salou purifying plant is collected.
2. The water is run through a desalination plant.
3. The resulting water is obtained for watering using a system that doses it in function of climate conditions.

October 29, 2008