Spain’s Costa Dorada has earned a reputation as one of Europe’s most coveted getaway destinations for golf, but the jewel in its crown is undoubtedly Infinitum. The 45-hole resort has become a must-visit destination thanks to its world-class courses, facilities and a newfound prominence on the DP World Tour.

In recent years, Infinitum has taken another leap forward with the addition of a portfolio of high-quality homes in the Catalan countryside. These properties, which range from quaint apartments to private villas, are each BREEAM Sustainability certified to bolster the resort’s nature-first ethos. With this evolution, hundreds of residents have surrendered to the Infinitum lifestyle, even though they’re by no means all golf lovers. 

Once you add a quartet of Mediterranean restaurants, the array of on-site amenities and the award-winning Infinitum Beach Club (recently voted ‘Best in Europe’ at the World Travel Awards), there’s enough here to justify a stay even for people who rarely pick up a club. 

Looking across Infinitum’s trident of layouts, the most striking thing is how different they all are. The contrasting philosophies of course architects Greg Norman and Alfonso Viador are laid bare in their respective designs. This diversity is no coincidence: it’s a vital part of the resort’s character, testing just about every aspect of a golfer’s game throughout their stay. 

Norman’s Lakes course sweeps across the Séquia Major wetlands, an area thriving with native flora and fauna, and the Australian has taken great care to leave the landscape as undisturbed as possible. As you might expect, the layout is notable for interactions with water on almost every hole. Though the lakes themselves drive the bulk of the challenge, generous fairways and approachable greens provide enough balance to keep the course playable for higher-handicap players. 

Conversely, the Hills course is characterised by constant changes in elevation. Between cream-coloured cliffs over one shoulder and the open Mediterranean Sea over the other, there is no shortage of stunning views no matter where you stand on the course.

Fairways are tighter and demand greater accuracy off the tee, but the trade-off is a considerably lower risk of landing in the drink. While there are still some water hazards, for the most part the Hills swaps them for strategically placed bunkers that guard immaculately kept greens. 

While you are at the resort, making time to play the Ruins course should also be on your agenda. High up the list of the world’s finest nine-hole layouts, this is another Norman design and perhaps the toughest of the trio. The course’s name comes from the bona fide archaeological remains that it weaves around, dating back almost two millennia. Though its size makes the Ruins ideal to warm up or unwind after a round on the longer course, make no mistake – the nine-hole is a strong standalone course in its own right. 

Each course favours a risk-reward design style, which is perhaps the only quality they have in common. Shots at Infinitum can’t be rushed; strategy and club selection are vital, while overconfidence is a guaranteed way to lose a few balls. It’s often tempting to let yourself be distracted by some of the views, which is just about the only luxury that contenders in the DP World Tour Qualifying School Final Stage don’t have when they play the Hills and Lakes course each year. 

Alongside the courses, Infinitum boasts a comprehensive line-up of practice facilities. The resort’s Golf Academy has left no stone unturned in the pursuit of progress, from a vast driving range to a SAM PuttLab. The impressive training areas have caught the eye of some top European bosses; the Swiss Golf Federation and Finnish Golf Union have both opted to host warm-weather training camps at the resort in recent times.

Thanks to the 45-strong gallery of holes to play, Infinitum is arguably the perfect barometer for a truly well-rounded golfer – another reason why the DP World Tour has so regularly elected to wrap up its Q-School on the Costa Dorada since 2017. 

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For more info, see infinitumliving.com