Poniente at Melia Villaitana Golf Club

The Poniente course at Melia Villaitana Golf Club sits in the hills above Benidorm on Spain's Costa Blanca, designed by Jack Nicklaus and opened in 2005. The layout occupies elevated terrain that provides views across the Mediterranean coastline and the surrounding Alicante region. Nicklaus routed the course through rolling topography characterized by natural ravines, pine groves, and Mediterranean vegetation, creating a design that emphasizes strategic shot-making over pure length.

The course measures approximately 6,200 meters from the championship tees and features wide fairways that encourage aggressive play off the tee, though hazards positioned at driving distances require careful club selection. Several holes incorporate significant elevation changes, with approach shots playing either uphill to elevated greens or downhill to targets set in natural bowls. Water comes into play on multiple holes, and the bunkering follows Nicklaus's preference for deep, penalizing sand that frames landing areas and green complexes. The greens themselves are moderately contoured with subtle breaks that reflect the surrounding terrain.

Poniente forms part of a 36-hole facility alongside the Levante course, also designed by Nicklaus. The resort setting attracts a mix of international visitors and Spanish golfers, with the courses serving both hotel guests at the adjacent Melia resort and outside play. The layout has hosted regional professional events and remains a fixture on the Costa Blanca golf circuit, offering a Nicklaus design in a region dominated by Mediterranean resort courses.