Golf Course Architecture - Issue 66, October 2021

23 TEE BOX New course opens in northwest Spain A new golf course designed by Stirling & Martin for Xaz Golf & Country Club in northwest Spain has opened for play. Located eight miles from the port city of La Coruña, Xaz Golf is the first new 18-hole course to be built in the Galicia region since 2009. “This region of Spain has plenty of green land similar to Ireland and the UK,” said Marco Martin. “Golf should be a common activity as found in those northern countries.” Stirling & Martin’s design covers around 58 hectares of gently undulating land around the Pazo de Xaz estate, the focal point of which is a seventeenth century house that will become the clubhouse and small hotel. “The golf course sits on a gentle slope that shows off incredible views over La Coruña bay and the ocean,” said Blake Stirling. At 6,700 yards and a par of 72, the course has been designed with an emphasis on playability and fun, while still being capable of challenging better players. Each hole has four sets of tees and water – in the form of streams and a lake – comes into play on eight holes, most notably on the front nine. “The area dedicated to golf follows high environmental restrictions and the maximum respect for the existing vegetation, which has been in consideration during the stages of design and construction,” said Martin. In addition to the golf course, there is a sports area with tennis courts and an indoor gym as well as a family and kids’ clubhouse. A master planned residential community of 550 homes surrounds the course. Since opening in late July, more than 180 members have joined the Golf Xaz. Photos: Stirling & Martin Stirling & Martin’s design covers around 58 hectares of gently undulating land