February 2008

Costa Daurada, Catalonia

Pitch&Putt Costa Daurada, an ACPP-affiliated course, is a relatively new 18-hole venue in a totally natural environment, with beautiful views over the Mediterranean and nearby forests. The course covers some 1,400 metres (EPPA 1,171), with a variety of distances, with gently undulating greens and the same maintenance standards as the adjacent golf course. On the way to the first tee, players are provided with a broad, complete practice area with three putting greens, an approach green and a teeing-off area with target greens at 50, 75 and 100 metres. The course also offers the shared bar and restaurant services of the sports centre.

The course is in Tarragona. From Barcelona or Valencia on the AP7 motorway, exit 32 Altafulla-Torredembarra, head towards Tarragona on the N340, which links up with the A7 motorway. After 4km take the “El Catllar” exit and follow the signs to El Catllar. After 1 km you will come to the entry roundabout to Golf Costa Daurada.

Hole No. 1 (Index 2) plays 79 metres slightly uphill to a green that is hidden from the tee. The 3rd at 56 metres is considered the easiest hole on the layout. The teeshot is played downhill over a path to a relatively flat green. Sand guards the right side of the 8th green, situated 63 metres from the tee on this Index 16 test.

Toughest hole at Costa Daurada is No. 13 where the downhill pitch must be threaded through trees to carry sand and find a green, which falls away sharply to the right. Shortest hole on the course is the Index 13 52 metre 17th, where the pitch must favour the right side of the green as there is a pronounced fall away from the left edge of the target. Two bunkers lie in wait in front of the 18th green, which slopes from fron to back.

Course Director is Marc Tarragó. Telephone the course at 977 653 361. Course address is Crta. de El Catllar, km 2’7 43007 Tarragona.