Golf is more than just a game; it is a journey, an experience, and sometimes, a pilgrimage. For those of us who grew up idolizing Severiano Ballesteros, there is no greater pilgrimage than visiting his homeland in Spain’s stunning Costa Verde region.
Seve wasn’t just a golfer—he was an artist. His fearless creativity, daring shot-making, and swashbuckling flair captivated audiences around the world. He proved that golf wasn’t just about fairways and greens—it was about imagination, heart, and an indomitable will to win.
For me, like many golfers of my generation, Seve was the hero. Watching him finish runner-up at The Open in 1976 at Royal Birkdale—just three years older than me at the time—was the inspiration I needed to practice harder and dream bigger. He made it okay to find trouble on the course, as long as you had the genius to escape it.
Almost Fifty years later, I still try.
Meeting Seve (well, Almost)
The closest I ever came to meeting Seve was in July 1983 at Ladybank Golf Club, Scotland. That day, I joined 4,999 other spectators to watch an exhibition match between two legends: Seve Ballesteros and Jack Nicklaus. The atmosphere was electric, the shot-making sublime. That experience cemented my admiration for Seve and left me with a lifelong desire to walk the fairways he once did.
Fast forward to today, and I finally had the chance to make that dream a reality—thanks to Tony Fuller Melia of Costa Verde Golf.
Discovering Costa Verde Golf
The journey began with a flight into Seve Ballesteros-Santander Airport —a fitting start to a trip honouring the great man himself. It’s less than a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Edinburgh Airport. Tony met me upon arrival, and as we drove along the stunning Cantabrian coastline, he explained his vision for Costa Verde Golf.
This is not just another golf tour company. Costa Verde Golf specializes in curated, fully hosted golf experiences, offering groups the chance to play some of Spain’s most beautiful and underappreciated courses. The nine hubs in the region provide access to 15 outstanding courses, paired with a range of accommodations from self-catering apartments to five-star luxury hotels.
Over the next seven days, I would visit multiple courses, stay at three hubs, and experience the food, wine, and culture that make this part of Spain so special. First up, the Santander Hub, the Home of Spanish Golf and the Seve Ballesteros Experience.
Seve’s Beginnings in Pedreña
Severiano Ballesteros was born on April 9, 1957, in the small fishing village of Pedreña, where he was raised in a modest home overlooking the Cantabrian Sea. His introduction to golf came not from country club privilege but from sheer passion and ingenuity.
Somo Beach
Seve famously taught himself the game on Somo Beach, armed with nothing more than a rusty 3-iron. Legend has it that he would practice for hours, shaping shots out of the sand, honing the creativity that would later make him the most exciting player in golf.
Our first stop? Somo Beach itself.
Recreating Seve’s Magic on Somo Beach
As a surprise, Tony handed me a long iron and challenged me to recreate Seve’s famous beach practice routine. We set up a makeshift flag about 35 yards away, and with the sea breeze whipping around us, I attempted to open the clubface and land shots softly—much harder than it looked!
A magical moment came when an elderly local couple stopped to watch. They not only knew Seve personally but had seen him practising on this very beach as a boy. Hearing their stories was a privilege, and it was clear that Seve’s legend still resonates deeply in his hometown.
Real Club de Pedreña: Seve’s Home Course
Next, we visited Real Club de Pedreña, where Seve would sneak onto the fairways as a child, hoping to learn from the best. Established in 1928, this private club is one of Spain’s most exclusive, boasting a breathtaking layout with panoramic views over the Cubas estuary.
As well as the 18-hole course, the is another 9-hole course that was designed by Seve. These nine holes play around the outside of the 18-hole course with many of the holes playing along the Cubas Estuary and Santander Bay. A statue of Seve stands just outside the entrance—a tribute to the club’s most famous son.
Playing the Seve Nine
While the main 18-hole course was undergoing maintenance, we had the chance to play the Seve Nine—a par-31, 9-hole challenge designed by Ballesteros himself.
The 2nd hole
Each hole is a test of precision, with six par-3s, two par-4s, and a par-5. My favourite was the 2nd hole, a stunning downhill par-3 with the estuary as a backdrop. The 5th hole, a blind tee shot leading to a green perched beside the water, was another standout.
Seve’s Salon
After the round, we explored Seve’s Salon inside the clubhouse—a room dedicated to his achievements. Interestingly, the tribute is understated, reflecting the club’s desire to honour Seve while maintaining its own identity.
Meaztegi Golf Club: A Public Masterpiece
A day later, we arrived at Meaztegi Golf Club, a municipal course an hour east of Santander. But don’t be fooled by its public status—this Seve-designed layout plays like a top-tier resort course.
The 3rd hole
With rolling hills, dramatic elevation changes, and plenty of water hazards, it is a true test of skill. The signature 3rd hole, a downhill par-3 with a 150-foot drop, is breathtaking.
But the real challenge is the 12th hole, a 600-yard par-5 where the fairway is split by a ditch and a pond—demanding precise strategy. Watch our video on how to play the 12th below.
The clubhouse offers spectacular views, and we enjoyed an authentic Menu del Día for just €16, including wine—a bargain!
Read our article about Playing Meaztegi Golf here
Santa Marina: Seve’s Augusta-Inspired Gem
The 4-metre statue of Seve at Santa Marina
Our final stop was Golf Santa Marina, one of Seve’s last designs. Located near Comillas, this course reflects his admiration for Augusta National, with dramatic elevation changes and fast, undulating greens.
The front nine, named after Seve’s uncle Ramon Sota, features its own “Amen Corner”—a stretch of three demanding holes (4, 5, and 6). The 4th, a short, treacherous par-3, is eerily reminiscent of Augusta’s 12th hole.
The back nine, known as the Seve Ballesteros Course, is even more demanding, with three par-5s and a memorable par-3 finishing hole. Watch us playing the 18th hole at Santa Marina below.
Read our article about playing at Santa Marina here
Celebrating Seve with Fantastic Food and Wine
After the round, we indulged in a three-course meal with unlimited wine for just €22. The Behetria de Cieza, a zesty white wine from Cantabria, was a standout. Sitting there with friends, reliving shots from the day, I couldn’t help but think: This is how Seve would have wanted us to enjoy golf.
Final Thoughts: Why You Need to Visit Costa Verde Golf
Costa Verde is an emerging golf destination—a hidden gem offering world-class courses, authentic Spanish culture, and incredible hospitality. Thanks to Tony and Jaime at Costa Verde Golf, I was able to experience it not as a tourist, but as a local. And if you, like me, grew up idolizing Seve Ballesteros, then there is no better way to pay tribute to his legacy than walking the fairways he designed and visiting the village where his legend began.
Tony and his team will look after you as much or as little as you want on your trip. I would recommend taking advantage of their local knowledge on where to eat, where to visit and where the best places are to sample the local wines. They live in the area and can advise you on everything you need to make this a bucket list experience that lives long in your memory.
In many ways, just like Seve does!
Jim Callaghan CCM is a former Club Manager with experience overseeing several top Scottish clubs.
Now, as European Editor of Golf Operator Magazine and World’s Best Golf Destinations, he shares insights into club operations and his golfing adventures across Europe.
Jim is also an Ambassador for premium clothing brand Fenix Xcell Clothing and also for the Spanish local DMC, Costa Verde Golf.
If you want to reach over 400,000 golfers who love to travel, contact Jim at [email protected] or call 0044 (0) 78522 88732.
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