Mar y Pinos vs Centro: Which tour of Novo Sancti Petri to choose?
Playing at the Real Novo Sancti Petri Golf Club is an experience that every golfer who loves golf design and history must live. Designed by the legendary Severiano Ballesterosits two courses, Mar y Pinos (Course A) and Centro (Course B), are a tribute to technical, challenging and visually spectacular golf. However, each one offers a different experience, which one is the most suitable according to your level of play, style or even your fitness level?
In this post we help you to choose between both routes according to their characteristics, design, environment and sensations.
Design and distribution: the essence of Seve in two formats
Field A – Sea and Pines: classic, with coastal essence
It was the first course designed by Ballesteros in Spain (1990) and consists of two very different halves:
- First 9 holes: open, with sea views and frequent breezes. The iconic 6th hole, parallel to La Barrosa beach, is one of the most photographed in the world.
- Second 9 holes: in the middle of the pine forest of Cádiz. Narrower fairways, pronounced doglegs and a much more technical game.
It is a route that combines scenic beauty with the need for control and strategy.
Field B – Center: modern, challenging and very technical
Inaugurated in 2001, also designed by Ballesteros, it presents a more uniform but technically challenging layout:
- Streets with a greater presence of water and strategically located bunkers.
- S-shaped greens, a typical Seve characteristic.
- It requires good control of the drive and a precise short game.
It is ideal for those who enjoy constant challenge with every stroke.
Difficulty level: which one is best suited to your game? Sea and Pines vs Center
For beginners or growing players
The Mar y Pinos course offers a friendlier start thanks to its width and fewer obstacles. However, the second round requires good planning, so it is still a complete course.
For players with experience or low handicaps
The Center course is perfect for those who want a constant challenge. The flag positions and the configuration of the greens demand a high level of accuracy and readability.
In both cases, Seve’s design ensures that the experience is always technically varied and emotionally engaging.
Environment and sensations during the tour
Playing by the sea: sensory experience at Mar y Pinos
There are not many opportunities to play a hole like the 6th at Mar y Pinos, where the sound of the sea accompanies every shot. The coastal breeze influences the strategy, and the light of the Atlantic creates a special atmosphere.
In the heart of the pine forest: rally at Centro
The B Course is surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation and offers a more introspective feel. Ideal for those looking for a quiet round, without visual distractions, focused on performance.
Player feedback and overall experience
Many repeat visitors to Novo Sancti Petri emphasize that Mar y Pinos conquers at first sight for its beauty and variety, while Centro earns respect for its technical demands and the satisfaction of surpassing them.
In forums such as Leading Courses or Golfshake, both courses have outstanding scores, being one of the few resorts in Spain with two courses designed by the same genius.
Final recommendation: play them both!
The best option if you visit Novo Sancti Petri more than once is to play both courses. In a weekend stay you can plan:
- Friday: 9 holes at Mar y Pinos to acclimatize.
- Saturday: full round at Centro to push yourself to the maximum.
- Sunday: complete return to Mar y Pinos to enjoy the surroundings.
You can also combine your experience with Iberostar’s practice facilities, academy classes or services for an unforgettable “stay & play”.
At Real Novo Sancti Petri you don’t choose just one course, you choose a complete golf experience. Visit us and discover why playing Seve’s courses is always the right decision.
