After more than half a century enjoying the benefits of an extraordinary setting, Royal La Herrería Golf Club is now considered to be one of Spain’s most stunning courses.
Founded in 1966, the club is situated just 400 metres from El Escorial Monastery – a nationally recognised monument that last year received more than half a million visitors – in La Herrería Forest, 45 kilometres north-west of Madrid. The golf course is located within the San Lorenzo de El Escorial Royal Site, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984. The land on which it sits is owned by National Heritage and is dominated by oak, ash and holm oak trees. Being able to enjoy a course surrounded by such a magnificent natural and picturesque landscape, highlighted by views of the outstanding Monastery of El Escorial, makes this an unparalleled experience for golfers.
The La Herrería Forest was one of the properties acquired by Felipe II for the maintenance of the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, built to commemorate the Spanish victory over French troops at the battle of San Quentin, in 1557, and it appears in the 1564 charter of foundation and endowment.
When the Expropriation took place in the 19th century, the property was not sold – as it would have been if it were a property acquired later by the religious order of San Jerónimo – but instead reverted, according to law, to the patron of the foundation, which was then Queen Isabel II.
The 18-hole, par-71 golf course extends over 75 hectares. In 2000, the first nine holes of the layout were transformed by renowned Málaga designer José Gancedo, working with the original layout created by Antonio Lucena. This remodelling project respected the oak forest and native forests of ash trees and holm oaks.
The second nine is more open, surrounded by a mountain amphitheatre and crowned by the summits of Avantos, San Benito and Las Machotas. The shelter provided by the surrounding mountain range creates an unusual microclimate that contrasts with the climatic severity of the Sierra de Guadarrama.
Real Club de Golf La Herrería has a driving range with 22 tee positions, a bunker and two putting greens, where players can receive beginners lessons, coaching to fine-tune their games or competition classes, as well as taking part in clinics for groups and companies that offer the most advanced technology available at the club’s golf academy.
The clubhouse, or social chalet, extends over 1,800 square metres and offers wonderful views of the Monastery of El Escorial. It comprises a cafeteria-bar, terraces, games rooms, meeting rooms, changing rooms, club room, pro shop and two dining rooms, one of them recently renovated for events, including all kinds of social, family and business celebrations.
Apart from the golf course, the club has two tennis courts, seven paddle tennis courts, two adult swimming pools and one children’s pool.
INTERVIEW WITH GENERAL MANAGER
Royal La Herrería Golf Club’s general manager, Enrique Gil Octavio de Toledo, highlights the club’s main attractions – apart from its location near the venerable El Escorial royal site. «In addition to prestigious recognition as the venue for several European Tour events,» he says, «it stands out for its setting in the Forest of La Herrería, a natural area well protected for its historical and scenic value, and formally declared a “Picturesque Landscape and Heritage of Cultural Interest» site.
«As a result of the above,» he continues, «Royal La Herrería has been distinguished for its support of the environment.» In this respect, he notes that the club’s philosophy and management policy has resulted in it obtaining, since 2004, ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications for Quality and Environment, «awarded to the first golf course on the peninsula».
In 2006 the club was honoured with the “National Green Wood Award for Environmental Excellence”, and it is also the only golf club, since 2015, registered in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food and Environment “Carbon Footprint, Compensation and Integrated Projects” register.
«As for the ecosystem where the club is located,” he says, “its reputation and efforts by the staff to provide season-ticket holders and visitors with friendly, personal and exclusive service are just some of the club’s other attractions».
What are the holes that leave most of an impression with players?
The holes are very varied. The club’s setting in the Forest of La Herrería, and its proximity to the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, makes it very difficult to choose a few. To give an example, however, the first hole, a par-four with an elevated tee, forest on both sides of the fairway and a green protected by two hundred-year-old oaks, is a great introduction to the course, showing players that strategy is a key factor. The eighth hole, a par-five, could be considered the most representative, thanks to its imposing views of the Monastery. The 10th is a par-three, with an elevated green partly protected by a majestic holm oak. These are just some examples, bearing in mind that each player will have their own their preferences.
How would you briefly describe the La Herrería layout?
The course is 6,091 metres long and has 18 holes. The first nine is located in an oak grove and native forest of oak, ash and holm oak trees. The second nine is more open, crowned by the summits of Abantos, San Benito and Las Machotas. The layout is almost flat, making it very comfortable to walk. It is a generous and enjoyable course that makes players think. Achieving a good score at La Herrería is cause for great satisfaction.
What is the proportion of foreign golfers playing at the club and what are the main nationalities?
The club has a small percentage of foreign visitors, predominantly Asian and central European.
What is La Herrería’s main contribution to golf in the Madrid region?
Royal La Herrería is an exceptional course thanks to its setting, and visitors can complement their visit by enjoying a superb lunch and some stunning views, as well as visiting the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial.
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