Course SpotlightOliva, Valencia, Spain

Oliva Nova: Seve Strategy, Ten Lakes and Mediterranean Breeze

Oliva Nova Golf Club is an 18-hole Severiano Ballesteros design on Spain's Mediterranean coast. Opened in 1995, it combines championship length with unusually flat terrain, broad fairways and extensive water. Ten artificial lakes and the coastal breeze provide much of the strategic defence.

A Seve Ballesteros Design from 1995

Designed by Severiano Ballesteros in 1995, Oliva Nova occupies about 50 hectares near Spain's Mediterranean coast. The Spanish Golf Federation describes wide fairways, gently undulating greens and water hazards that determine much of the strategy.

6,312 Metres and Slope 129

The Real Federación Española de Golf describes the course at 6,312 metres with slope 129. It is long but notably flat and comfortable to walk.

Traditional Par-72 Balance

The routing contains ten par fours, four par fives and four par threes, balancing demanding holes with genuine scoring opportunities.

Ten Lakes Define the Strategy

Ten artificial lakes are incorporated into the course. Regional tourism information says only holes 2, 13 and 14 avoid water, meaning water influences 15 of the 18 holes.

The 6th — Seve's Revenge

The par-three 6th is known as 'La Venganza de Seve'. The federation card lists it at 190 metres from the black markers and SI3. Exact carry and committed club selection are essential because of the water.

The 9th Is SI1

The current federation card lists the 9th at 405 metres from the black markers, par four and stroke index 1. Protecting position is more important than forcing distance.

Wide Fairways, Demanding Approaches

The federation specifically notes that many tee shots feel comfortable but approaches require skill and judgement. A generous landing area does not necessarily produce the best angle into a defended green.

Mediterranean Breeze

The nearby sea makes itself felt through the breeze. Reassess wind on exposed approaches because it can materially change club selection and shot shape.

Running Fairways

Regional tourism information highlights gentle undulations and considerable ball run. Judge both carry and release when selecting tee-shot landing areas.

Strong Practice Facilities

The resort lists 25 practice mats, a grass practice area for around 40 players, a large putting green, bunker practice and a five-hole par-three Pitch & Putt with holes from 50 to 90 metres.

3,000-Square-Metre Clubhouse

The clubhouse overlooks the tees of 1, 8 and 10 and the greens of 7, 9 and 18. Facilities include pro shop, changing rooms, club storage, buggy parking, restaurant, café and social areas.

One Main RMR Course

The primary RMR record should be the single 18-hole championship course. The separate five-hole Pitch & Putt is a practice and academy facility rather than a second championship layout.

RMR Classification

Mediterranean resort / parkland · very flat · wide fairways · gently undulating greens · extensive water · coastal breeze · Severiano Ballesteros design.

What to Rate After Your Round

Pay particular attention to fairway firmness and coverage around the lakes, bunker presentation and consistency of the gently undulating greens. Wind is part of the design rather than a course-condition fault, so rate the surfaces separately from how difficult the breeze made the round.

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Oliva Nova

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