Platja de Pals

Platja de Pals was the original course to be built in the Costa Brava and it still oozes class among the more modern developments.

It celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2017 and carries its title well, exuding the calibre one would expect of a venue with comparitive pedigree.

It is by the coast but is characterised by flitting in and out of tall woodland. I can be a serious 6,900-yard test off the backs but, especially on a 36-hole day, the 6,600 yellow tees are plenty for all but the most skilled.

Five par 5s help things along but there are still plenty of strong holes, such as the swinging dog-leg 12th, whose 463 yards end on a narrow, well-bunkered, elevated green.

It is 9th that is likely to live longest in the memory, played across a pond to an elevated green close to the clubhouse.

Two par 5s and a strong 4 – albeit concluding with a reachable three-shotter off the yellow tees – finish the consistent experience before you take the short drive inland to stay at PGA Catalunya.