Real Moraleja (2)

One of a select number of exclusive golf clubs in Madrid to have the use of at least two fine 18-hole courses, Real Club La Moraleja has hosted Spanish Opens (1986 and 1997) on its No. 1 course and the more recent Madrid Open, won by Ian Poulter in 2006, on the number 2 course.

Located on the northern outskirts of the capital, La Moraleja 2 was the work of Ron Kirby of Nicklaus Design and it opened for play in 1992, the same year the course staged the World Cup of Golf.

Moraleja 2 is long – over 7,000 yards in length – with only two of the ten par fours measuring less than 400 yards. Putting surfaces are enormous, particularly the green at the 420-yard par four 18th (named “La Puntilla”) which is shared with (“El Mellizo”) the 415-yard par four 9th.

The somewhat “Americanised” feel to the course is encapsulated at “La Isla,” the 540-yard par five 16th. The fairway doglegs slightly right with a large pond running up the right side to a green which is almost surrounded by water. Some consider it both attractive and intimidating, others feel it is out of place in a Spanish setting.

Following the sale of 80 acres of land (occupied by the former tennis courts), the club channeled the proceeds into creating two new courses (3 and 4), which are located a few kilometres from courses 1 and 2 and directly over the road from RSHE Club de Campo.

Opened for play in 2012 and fashioned again by Nicklaus Design, La Moraleja 3 and 4 are both potential future Spanish Top 100 courses. No.3 course is very much parkland in style and No.4 course has a links-like feel. The new 72-hole Real Club La Moraleja is now positioned in a unique and commanding position from a golfing perspective.