Goiburu Golf Club
From Golf de Gorraiz to San Sebastian and then to Goiburu Golf Club
Finally, we reached San Sebastian where we stayed 3 nights to explore this great city. The main city of the Basque Country.
From our visits to Torremirona – which is Catalan country – we know that many Catalans do not consider themselves Spaniards, but Catalans.
In San Sebastian we learned that the same account for the Basque people. But double up. Which shouldn’t be a surprise thinking of the history of the Basque country.
A bit of the Basque history
Some people old enough to remember the organization ETA (Euskadi Ta Askatasuna). Meaning “Basque country and freedom”.
It was established in 1959 with the goal to liberate the country from Spain. During the 60’s, 70’s and until the late 80’s they performed terror activities to pursue their goal.
In 1986 (about 10 years after Franco) Spain had a public vote to become a member of NATO.
The Basque population showed their attitude and longing of independence by 62,8% voting against membership. Not really a vote against NATO, but for their independence of the Spanish republic.
Enough of this kind of history only because (if you know the history) you understand why the Basque are sticking to their language. And why you must be careful about whom you call Spanish and whom you call Basque if you are in the Basque country. Anyway, now off to Goiburu Golf Club.
Visit to Goiburu Golf Club
Saturday. April 8, 2023
Unfortunately, the club’s website is only in the Basque language and my browser cannot (or will not) translate into English. Maybe a secret ETA member is playing a role? Just for fun!
Anyway, no doubt, this is a golf club established by golfers for playing golf. Probably established in the 1990’s.
A place where Josep Maria Olazabal have won a junior tournament. As you can see from the next picture
A photo proudly presented in the club house restaurant
It’s a very nice – should I say cozy – club house with very friendly service.
Obviously, during our stay, visited by many locals not playing golf, just enjoying the atmosphere, the food, nature, and social small talks. And for sure, not many tourists will find this place.
To get to the club you drive on a very small road uphill. If you didn’t know that here was a golf club and a course, you wouldn’t think it was possibility. But it is there, it’s possible.
And the club got everything needed for practicing, learning, and playing the game.
Driving range and a professional coach. And – off course – nice, friendly welcoming staff.
Not all of them, but some (I guess), on a voluntary basis. You know, like asking: “do you need this, do you need trolleys, push or electric and on the first hole find the platform downhill of the fairway to the right – only 140 meters from the tee. Don’t go for the green, unless you can hit 280 meters.
Hi man. Do I look that old! No – just a comment for fun. This is a perfect example of the reasons why you feel welcome – as a guest and a golfer.
Let’s go to the course.
The golf course
As with many 9-holes courses the layout and flow is a bit tricky.
In this case, uphill and downhill and very few if any, just flat fairways.
Mainly you see what you get, but it counts for all shots, you need to think. Too ambitious and you will often be in trouble.
The first hole is a good example.
Hole 1. Par 4. 241 meters
The first hole is (officially) only 241 from the yellow.
When I played from the yellow tee it was 223 meters. Normally, a good drive and one would only be few meters from the green. But forget it.
After 100 meters, the fairway slopes sharply to the right. As you can see from the photo. Only at the bottom on the right side is a flat area where you safely can place you ball.
Forget the driver and use a 7 iron.
And that’s the strategy you must follow basically on all 9 holes.
Hole 4. Par 5. 512 meters
There is a sharp dogleg about 190 meters down.
It looks easy. But if you don’t reach the distance and/or is not far enough to the right, you don’t have a second shot neither to the green or to the doglegged fairway.
I did this failure during the first nine. On the second, I was aware to hit more to the right. I wasn’t successful and had to accept a double bogey.
The fairways are not the best in the world, but the nature is fantastic.
The silence and birdsong are fantastic – it gives peace of mind.
If you have read our report from Torremirona golf course, then see the following photo:
Sand bunker on the 9-hole
This is the greenside bunker on the 9th.
Not really a bunker in accordance with normal standard. Sorry for that, but we forgive them. There was a lot of ground works going on at many holes, to improve the flow and the standard in general.
This bunker is just an example. Eza took this picture and sent it to the manager of Torremirona and told him that we had experienced a bunker worse than some of the bunkers at Torremirona golf.
A comment, just for fun – naturally.
The mental part of the game
Easy.
It was fun to play the Goiburu golf course.
Why? Because, right from the beginning, you are not playing to beat your handicap or make a new course record. You are playing to have fun and to be surprised.
And with that mental approach you will have fun – even if you loose a ball or two – or make more bogeys than your handicap tell that you should.
No matter what, after the round you feel in peace with your inner self.
I learned from Google that goiburu is Basque and means motto.
But could not find what the motto for the Goiburu golf club is. I suggest: Peace of Mind.
Next off to Real Golf Club de San Sebastian
