Today is a very special day for the Real Novo Sancti Petri family. Today we celebrate 35 years since that dream of the late 80’s became a reality.
It seems like only yesterday when, in the heart of the Costa de la Luz and embraced by the pine forests of Chiclana, what would become a milestone for golf in our country was officially inaugurated in 1990. Today we are not only blowing out 35 candles; we are celebrating three and a half decades of sport, nature and passion for golf.
The Seal of Maestro Ballesteros
Our history cannot be told without mentioning the legend who drew our path: Severiano Ballesteros.
Real Novo Sancti Petri is proud to be Seve’s first work in Spain. He accepted the challenge of designing a course that was not only beautiful, but also had character and challenged the player. His vision transformed this natural spot into an international reference, fusing the sea breeze with the technique of the game. His legacy lives on in every fairway, on every green and in the spirit of “struggle” and self-improvement that characterizes this sport.
From Pioneer to Real Benchmark
We were pioneers in becoming the first golf course in Spain with direct access to the sea, giving our players that unique sensation of hitting the ball with the Atlantic in the background on the iconic “Sea and Pines” A course.
What began with 27 holes has grown to become a 54-hole complex of excellence, adding the “Centro” course and later the technical “Campano” course. This constant effort for quality earned us the honor of receiving the title of “Royal”, a distinction that we carry with pride and responsibility.
Since joining the Iberostar Group in 2012, we have continued to evolve, maintaining our roots but always looking to the future, committed to sustainability and service excellence.
The Secrets of Our History: Beyond Green
If our anniversary celebrates the “what”, these details tell the “how”. Here are some curious facts that made Real Novo Sancti Petri a legend:
1. A “wild” and visionary beginning Before 1990, there were no roads to get here; you could only get here by crossing the village through the El Torno industrial park. It was the
2. The Royal Inauguration (literally) Although the first 27 holes were opened in May 1990, the official inauguration of the Clubhouse was on December 12, 1990. It was a gala event presided over by H.R.H. Don Juan de Borbón, Count of Barcelona, who accompanied Seve Ballesteros on that historic day.
3. The secret signature of Seve Severiano Ballesteros not only designed the course, but also left his “signature” in the ground. If you look closely at the course, many of the bunkers are in the shape of an “S”, the initial of his name, a trademark that reminds us of his genius in every sand trap.
4. The Temple of Hercules The name “Novo Sancti Petri” is no coincidence. It refers to the islet and the fortress that can be seen from the spectacular green of the 6th hole. It is said that in ancient times the famous Temple of Hercules Gaditano (or Herakleion) stood in that same place, protecting sailors. Today, the 6th hole protects one of the most beautiful sunsets in Spain.
5. National Flag on Hole 9 As a protocol curiosity: being a club with the title of “Royal”, we have the privilege that the flag flying on hole 9 (next to the Club House) is the flag of Spain, an honor reserved for very few courses.
Thank you for being part of our 35-year history.
These 35 years would not have been possible without you: the members, the visitors who fly in from all over Europe, and every golfer who has played our courses. You are the ones who bring this dream to life day after day.
Today we look back with gratitude and forward with enthusiasm. Real Novo Sancti Petri continues to grow with the same spirit with which it was born: open, technical, human and in love with the sea.
Here’s to another 35 years of good golf!
