Barcelo Montecastillo Golf and Sports Resort

Jack Nicklaus created the course at Barcelo Montecastillo Golf, a resort in the highlands outside Jerez not far from the airport (though there is a helipad on-site). The setting is like something out of a spaghetti western, though the feeling of remoteness is tempered by the occasional roar from the nearby Circuito de Jerez speedway, which has hosted the Spanish Grand Prix. Nicklaus took full advantage of the spacious setting to design a course of tournament dimensions, and in fact the Volvo Masters was played here for five straight years. Apart from the scenic peaks in the background, Montecastillo might be mistaken for a club outside Orlando, for the course is pure Nicklaus, with extremely generous fairways and greens and sprawling bunker complexes. The practice facilities include a driving range and putting and chipping greens. In addition to golf, the resort has three swimming pools, soccer fields, tennis courts and a spa.