Nestled in an unassuming residential area on Spain's Mediterranean coast lies the 18-hole La Serena Golf course – a course that may seem unremarkable at first glance, but quickly reveals its sporting potential. From the moment you arrive, you notice that everything here runs smoothly and effortlessly. The staff is friendly, the caddiemaster helpful, and the atmosphere pleasantly relaxed. No pretentious clubbing, just genuine passion for golf.
The vibe of the course can best be described in one word: sporty . Water comes into play on 16 of the 18 holes – not just as a visual element, but as a strategic factor. Despite this, the design never feels unfair or cluttered. The course demands precise play, yet always remains playable. It is precisely this blend of challenge and fairness that makes La Serena so exciting.
It becomes clear from the very first holes: nothing is given away for free here. The round starts off challenging, and anyone who misses the line can quickly find themselves with a ball or two in the water. The course is generally flat and open, with expansive views across the grounds and no distracting tree lines – perfect for focusing on the essentials.
The course was in consistently good condition during our visit. The fairways were well-maintained, with minor areas of soil under repair hardly noticeable. The greens were a bit slower by Spanish standards, but in excellent condition – true, accurate, and with lush, healthy grass. The bunkers were impeccably maintained: clean edges, even sand – just as one would expect.
In terms of difficulty, La Serena is definitely not a place for blind shots or reckless hero shots. Almost every green is defended by water or cleverly placed bunkers, and two long par 3s demand both distance and precision. Nevertheless, the course remains fair – those who make good decisions will be rewarded.
The layout is particularly impressive: only two holes on the entire course are completely free of water. On the remaining 16, the cool water is always present – sometimes as a visual boundary, sometimes as a serious hazard. The signature hole, the 13th, is a prime example: a drivable par 4 of around 260 meters, a peninsula green, and hardly any room for a relaxed layup. Anyone attacking here is playing with risk – and adrenaline.
The final hole, a long par 5, is also memorable. Several water hazards demand tactical thinking, and at the end awaits a green that allows for both birdies and double bogeys. A true "anything can happen" hole – exactly what makes a round unforgettable.
And then there are the stories that only golf can write: Florian, one of our guys, hit a ball into a nearby construction site on the 15th tee – there was a clatter, and shortly afterwards an alarm went off. A moment that shows how closely sporting excitement and humorous mishaps are intertwined on this course.
Unfortunately, there is no cart service for snacks or drinks along the way, but after hole 8 there is the opportunity to grab a cold beer in the clubhouse – a pleasant stop before heading out on the second nine.
La Serena Golf is a course for players who love a sporting challenge without sacrificing enjoyment. With its many water hazards, it's certainly not an easy introduction for beginners, but anyone looking for a fair, varied, and well-maintained round will find it well worth their while.
Our conclusion: La Serena Golf is an honest, modern course with sporting challenges and high entertainment value. No showy course, no frills – simply good golf with plenty of water, lots of excitement, and a great deal of fun.
Grab Perfect Rating: Par – well-earned, solid, and always worth a round.
