Centro Nacional de Golf

Centro Nacional de Golf is the home course of Spanish golf, built for the Real Federación Española de Golf and opened in 2006 by King Juan Carlos I. Ten kilometres from central Madrid, it sits on reclaimed public land against the M-40 ring road, a rare case of a championship-calibre course built into the fabric of a European capital rather than out past its edges. Dave Thomas designed the layout, with Seve Ballesteros closely involved in a project he championed for fifteen years before it opened.

The course plays long and open, closer in feel to a British links than anything typically found around Madrid: few trees, generous width, and a wind that gets up in the evenings and asks real questions of club selection. Rough grows thick enough to punish a loose tee shot properly. It has staged the Spanish Open twice, along with the Challenge de España and the Madrid Masters, and the family tees keep it playable for less powerful players without stripping out the test for anyone chasing a low round. Panoramic views back across Madrid follow you round.

Facilities include a driving range with Toptracer technology and a full academy for players working on their game before or after the round. Reservations are handled online, so it pays to book ahead. Few courses let you play tournament golf and watch the capital's skyline unfold at the same time — this is one to put on the list.