Texte d'Alexandre Mazas

The Real Nuevo Club Golf de San Sebastián Basozábal, located a few minutes from downtown San Sebastián is the work of one of the most famous Spanish golfers: José María Olazábal. Like the Basque champion, the values of passion, integrity and respect are the foundations of Basozabál.

Born in Hondarribia in the Spanish Basque Country, within driving distance of the border with France, José María Olazábal is a living legend of golf. His club exploits, the Masters he won twice at the Ryder Cup of which he is one of the European heroes, have done as much to install him in the gotha of the great champions as the passion, integrity and respect that animates him in all circumstances, for almost 60 years, on a course. These values, cultivated by his mentor and compatriot Severiano Ballesteros, are also evident in his second career as a golf architect, which began in the early 1990s. One of his first projects in this area was the course at the Real Nuevo Club Golf de San Sebastián Basozabál, a few kilometers from his hometown: for a test run, it was a master stroke!

On land acquired by three families from San Sebastián a few kilometres south of the charming Basque resort, framed by the mountains Jaizkibel, Adarra and Peñas de Aya, nine first holes were inaugurated in July 1994, prelude to an extension to teneight completed in 2002. The Spanish champion gave free rein to his desires by creating, on these rugged reliefs, a varied layout and harmoniously integrated into its environment. Winding from hill to valley according to the gradients, the holes are linked without monotony, some bordered by water, others in the forest («basozábal» means «big forest» in Basque); some turning, other straight. Rather physical and demanding from a technical point of view, the course is all the more interesting because of the variety of moves it requires; and if the go, more recent, poses the greatest difficulties; the return, flatter more open, invites to rally the club-house potentially wrong but necessarily happy!

The facilities of the club will soon be able to evacuate the possible disappointment of a difficult game and the related fatigue: first-rate, they are an invitation to enjoy the sweetness of the Basque Country. From the excellent restaurant with panoramic terrace to the two outdoor swimming pools through training areas (practice, approach green, putting-green), padel and tennis courts, gym and even children’s playroom, all is proof that Basozábal is not a club you leave once the score card signed. Ask the «socios»: they will be more than two thousand to confirm it!

Real Nuevo Club Golf de San Sebastian Basozabal
Camino de Goyaz Txiki Nº 41 20014 Donostia Espagne
recepcion@golfbasozabal.com
+34 943 472 736
www.golfbasozabal.com