More than half a century of history contemplate one of the golf clubs that, due to its extraordinary location, is one of the most unique in Spain.
Founded in 1966, the Real Club de Golf La Herrería is located just 400 meters from the Monastery of El Escorial -a national monument that last year received more than half a million visitors-, in the Bosque de La Herrería, 45 kilometers northwest of Madrid. The golf course is located in the Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, declared a World Heritage Site in 1984 by UNESCO. The land on which it sits is owned by National Heritage and is dominated by oak, ash and holm oak trees. Enjoying a golf course surrounded by a beautiful natural and scenic environment and especially the views of a monument out of series as is the Monastery of El Escorial while playing golf is an unparalleled experience.
The Herrería Forest was one of the properties acquired by Philip II for the maintenance of the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, built to commemorate the Spanish victory over the French troops in the battle of San Quintín, which took place in 1557, and so it appears in the letter of foundation and endowment of 1564.
When the confiscation took place in the 19th century, the property was not sold, as would have happened if it had been an estate acquired later by the religious order of St. Jerome, but reverted, according to law, to the patron of the foundation, who was then Queen Isabella II.
The 18-hole, par 71 golf course occupies 75 hectares. The first half of the course was transformed in 2000 by the prestigious Malaga designer José Gancedo on the original layout by Antonio Lucena. The remodeling respected the oak grove and the native forest of ash and oak trees.
The second lap is a more open space, surrounded by the mountain amphitheater, crowned by the peaks of the Avantos, San Benito and Las Machotas mountains.
The shelter of the mountainous system that surrounds it makes possible a peculiar microclimate that contrasts with the climatic rigors of the Sierra de Guadarrama.
The Real Club de Golf La Herrería has a driving range with 22 driving ranges, a bunker and two putting greens, where players can receive lessons for learning, improvement and competition, as well as clinics for groups and companies with the most advanced technology available at the club’s golf academy.
The clubhouse or social chalet has 1,800 square meters with wonderful views of the Monastery of El Escorial. It has a cafeteria bar, terraces, game rooms, meeting rooms, locker rooms, club room, golf store and two dining rooms, one of them recently renovated for events, for all kinds of social, family and business celebrations.
Apart from the golf course, the club has two tennis courts, seven paddle courts, two swimming pools for adults and one for children.
THE DIRECTOR’S VIEW
The managing director of the club, Enrique Gil Octavio de Toledo, highlights the attractions of the Real Club de Golf La Herrería, apart from its obvious location next to the Escorial.
“In addition to the recognized prestige as evidenced by having hosted several European Tour events,” he says, “it stands out for its location in the Bosque de La Herrería, a natural area especially protected for its historical and scenic value; declared a Picturesque Landscape and an Asset of Cultural Interest.”
“As a consequence of the above”, he continues, “the RCG La Herrería has distinguished itself for its support to the environment”. In this sense, he points out that this philosophy and management policy on the part of the club made it obtain since 2004 the ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications in Quality and Environment, “granted to the first golf course in the peninsula”.
In 2006 it was awarded the National Green Wood Award for Environmental Excellence, is also the only golf club registered in the ‘Registry of carbon footprint, offsetting and absorption projects’ at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food and Environment (MAPAMA) since 2015.
“So the ecosystem where the club is located,” explains its managing director, “its reputation, the effort made by the staff to provide the subscriber and visitor a close and friendly -or exclusive- treatment are some of the attractions of the club.”
-What are the holes that leave the biggest impression on players?
-The holes are very varied. Its location in the Bosque de La Herrería and its proximity to the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial make it very difficult to choose just a few.
To give an example, hole 1, a par 4 with a high tee, woods on both sides of the fairway and a green protected by two centennial oak trees in front, is a great introduction to the course, showing players that strategy will be a key factor.
Hole 8, par 5, can be identified as the most representative, due to its imposing views of the Monastery.
The 10th hole is a par 3, with a high green and protected by a majestic oak tree that protects part of the green.
These are some examples; taking into account that each player has his preferences and can choose any hole of the course.
-How would you briefly describe the route of La Herrería?
-The course has a length of 6,091 meters with 18 holes. The first round is located in an oak grove and native forest of oaks, ashes and holm oaks. The second round is a more open space, crowned by the peaks of Abantos, San Benito and Las Machotas.
The route is practically flat, making it very comfortable to walk.
It is a noble and “enjoyable” course that makes the player think.
Making a good card at La Herrería generates great satisfaction.
-What proportion of foreign golfers does the club receive and which nationalities predominate?
-The club receives a small percentage of foreign visitors, predominantly Asian and Central European visitors.
-What does La Herrería contribute to the golf offer in the Community of Madrid?
-The RCG La Herrería is a unique course due to its location, visitors can complement their visit to the course with a great lunch enjoying very special views or a visit to the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial.
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