Real Golf de Pedreña

About the club

The course was designed by Mr. Harry S. Colt, of Messrs. Colt, Alison & Morrison Ltd., and built by Frenks Harrys Bros, Ltd. The topographical nature of the terrain allowed the English experts to develop a masterpiece in golf courses, and Pedreña can be classified as one of the best in Europe, being one of the most modern down to the last detail. The original course was composed of 18 holes, with a total distance of 5900 yards (5,272 meters) with a par 67 and a "Standard Scratch Score" of 71. The following three opinions define the characteristics of the course: The first one from the Duke of Alba at its inauguration "The course is one of the best in the world and represents for Santander a considerable advance in the path undertaken to be a great center of attraction for international tourism". The second, that of H.M. the Queen in her speech at the inauguration, stating that "This course has not been built to satisfy a wish of mine, but to provide Santander with a necessary complement to its summer resort, for whose prosperity we are all obliged to work". The last opinion was expressed by the well-known course designer Mr. Simpson who in 1946 wrote: "The course was planned 20 years ago by Mr. Colt, who had the most skilful intelligence applied to the science of golf structure. To note that today, after 18 years, the course is modern and perhaps the best we have seen among those of similar type and from the point of view of design and construction, is his highest praise. The Pedreña golf course is, in my opinion, the best golf course designed by Harry Colt on the continent. Generally speaking - adds Mr. Simpon - we have nothing but praise for the layout of this course whose location is, of course, beautiful considering its aesthetic value. The holes on high ground are as good as any of the other courses we have seen, not excepting Pine Valley in the U.S.A. In short, for its location, panorama, charm and aesthetics, Pedreña must surely be unique of its kind." The original course has undergone some modifications throughout its history, currently having 6,340 yards (5,764 meters), par 70 and s.s.s. 70. Other sports facilities have been added to the club, such as two swimming pools, a children's chalet and a paddle tennis court. The most important recent work for the future of the club has been the expansion of 9 new holes in 1991 designed and built under the direction of our honorary member, champion and well-known course architect Severiano Ballesteros. The club's first greenkeeper was Restituto Bedia who received instruction directly from Mr. Colt. He was followed by Marcelino Sota, a professional player, who with his extensive knowledge preserved the wonder of the original course for 50 years until his retirement in 1994. With the important challenge of maintaining Pedreña at the level it deserved, he was succeeded by Rafael Sisniega who, with 24 years of experience working at the Club, retired in 2005 and began to contract the maintenance of the course with the company Contratas Piñera, with Carlos Piñera and Fernando Alonso in charge. In 2008 it was decided to dispense with the services of the aforementioned company and return to having its own staff, for which a new Head GreenKeeper, Juan Manuel Lopez-Bellido, was hired. Under the supervision of George Shiels, the renovation of the greens was carried out and completed in 2009.