The Spain and Portugal Golf Trip Nobody Talks About

The Setup

This week we’re joined by Joseph Bronson, award-winning author of the PARdon Me book series, former Silicon Valley technology executive, and 40-year veteran of the world’s best golf courses. At 78 years old he’s still playing twice a week, walking courses in Ireland, and planning his next trip back to Spain.

The Deep Dive

Joe breaks down his 12-day Spain and Portugal trip from April/May — 7 days in Spain, 5 in Portugal — traveling with a group of 16 through the Stillwater Golfing Society at Pebble Beach. They started outside Lisbon at Dumas, moved to the Algarve (including the Els Course), then crossed into Spain’s Costa del Sol near the ocean.

The trip was fully arranged by one member who hired a travel agent to handle transportation, hotels, and tee times. Green fees ran $350-$500 per round at the top tracks. Caddies were available and highly experienced — a notable difference from Ireland and Scotland where walking green-to-tee is seamless but cart culture doesn’t exist.

The Hot Takes

• Spain/Portugal = “very good US experience” — Joe’s honest take: the courses, service, and facilities are equivalent to premium American golf, just with better weather and different scenery
• Valderrama is pricey but worth it — expect to pay top dollar, but the conditioning and design deliver
• No cart restrictions — unlike the UK and Ireland, Spanish and Portuguese courses allow carts everywhere because there’s real distance between holes
• Ireland vs. Spain: choose your adventure — Joe recommends Scotland/Ireland/England for first-time international travelers who want the links experience, but Spain/Portugal for families and golfers who want reliability
• The 20th Hole — Joe’s blog and book concept: the 19th hole is where you tell stories to friends; the 20th hole is where you tell the truth to yourself about your round
• All book proceeds go to university golf programs — Santa Clara, UConn, and others have received contributions
• Play from the right tees — Joe moved up at Waterville in 30-35mph wind and had a blast instead of grinding from 6,500 yards
• Worst hole ever: old 18th at Spanish Bay — so bad it’s now been plowed under and redesigned by Gil Hanse

The Run-It-Back

Joe is already planning his return to Spain in November with his wife and brother — this time adding Barcelona sightseeing at the end. His advice: go in early May or late fall to avoid the heat, bring the family because there’s plenty to do beyond golf, and book through a trusted travel agent if you’re rolling deep with a big group.

Find Joseph: josephbronson.com — blogs, books, and The 20th Hole