Graham McKenzie fulfils a lifelong dream by walking in the footsteps of his golfing hero, Severiano Ballesteros, retracing the iconic steps he once took in Pedreña.
Like most Golfers I had read and heard of the legend of Seve as he clambered over the walls to play at night, how he used a three iron like a sand wedge from the dunes near his family house and how the town and the region still to this day reveres the man as a golfing god.
His fame spread far and wide but also more importantly for the Spain it unfurled in a more concentrated form to the nearby towns and villages of the Northern Spanish Coast.
The undiscovered Spain with wine, food and of course Golf. I embarked on a on a golfing pilgrimage through the region where the legacy of golf’s greatest icons comes alive.
The Northern Spain Legends Golf Heritage Tour offer an unparalleled experience, combining world-class golf with rich history and stunning landscapes.
Luxurious Home Base
Our journey began at the elegant 4-Star Puente Colgante Boutique Hotel in Portugalete, Bilbao. This historic gem which was once the mansion of a 19th-century sugar magnate, now serves as a stylish retreat for golf enthusiasts.
With its river views and modern amenities, the hotel provides the perfect balance of comfort and convenience for a four-night stay.
Real Golf de Pedreña
Like most good stories its best to begin where it all started, and this trip is no different. Your golfing adventure opens at Seve Ballesteros’ home course, Real Golf de Pedreña.
The moment you walk into the club house you sense class and that level of excellence is not lost on the course itself. A stunning Harry Colt-designed course set against breathtaking views of Santander Bay and the Cubas estuary.
Known for its challenging layout, tree-lined fairways, and rich history tied to Seve Ballesteros, it blends natural beauty with golfing excellence.
Post Golf you can stroll down to Somo Beach and recreate the famous Sand dunes shots that Seve allegedly played with clubs with little or no loft.
The lowest I have is a four iron so I duly set off into the sandy banks and hit some balls onto the beach. Open your stance , open the club face and pray was the method I adopted.
It was great fun as you get to your ball, putt across the wet sand and recreate the famous punching toreador celebration from St Andrews in 1984.
Club de Golf Larrabea
Next day we teed off at Jon Rahm’s home course. Club de Golf Larrabea is a premier golfing destination in Spain, renowned for its stunning natural setting in the Basque countryside.
The course features wide fairways and fast, challenging greens, making it suitable for all skill levels. Additionally, Larrabea’s historical significance as the training ground for one of the world’s finest golfers adds to its appeal, providing a unique connection to the sport’s elite.
The course was designed by Pepe Gancedo, featuring his characteristic wide fairways and challenging greens measuring at just under 6,500 yards from the guest tees its no pitch and putt. Every so often, as you traverse the course, you can see evidence of the site’s history as a 19th-century estate
Meaztegi Golf Club
Complete your golfing trilogy at Meaztegi Golf Club designed, by the man himself, Seve Ballesteros . Known for its dramatic mountain landscape and the iconic “S” and “B” shaped bunkers on the 18th hole, this course embodies Seve’s bold vision and creative approach to golf. The course with a par of 72 measures almost 6,900 yards from the white tees.
I didn’t play the white tees but took the more conservative yellow option and one aspect of the course is its ability to accommodate a wide range of skill levels.
The only problem with the course is that on almost every shot you are thinking what Seve would have played here. A dramatic fairway wood that bends left to right, an outrageous lob wedge over water or a get up and down from nowhere.
The tour offers an exclusive insight into Seve Ballesteros’ life and legacy. Visit his statue at the Santa Marina golf course, see his family home, and stand before the wall he famously climbed to practice under moonlight at Real Golf de Pedreña.
This Northern Spain Legends Golf Heritage Tour is more than just a golfing holiday; it’s a journey through the heart of Spanish golf history. From the challenging courses to the rich cultural experiences, every moment is infused with the spirit of the game’s greatest legend.
For further information on the Northern Spain Legends Golf Heritage Tour click here
Graham McKenzie (right) travelled with Chris North of The Big Golf Company
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