The Cuban coastal resort of Varadero, in western Matanzas province, benefits from a 22-km strip of excellent beaches, where warm crystal-clear waters are an irresistible attraction for tourism.

However, Varadero is more than sun and sand thanks to the natural attractions of keys and caves, in addition to cultural and historic traditions linked to nearby towns.

All these options are complemented by Varadero Golf Club, which gives a peculiar touch to the area, where pure air, exuberant vegetation and tranquility are indispensable elements to practice golf.

The facility sits on Peñas de San Bernardino, where decades ago, the US millionaire Irenne Du Pont de Nemours built a nine-hole golf course for private enjoyment in an exclusive area of 180 hectares, just a few meters from the coastline in one of the world's best beaches.

The center, designed by architect Les Furber, chairman of the Canadian company Golf Design Services, combines different styles, including the classic one, with wide lanes lined with trees, and ample greens with little protection.

It also has the so-called target golf, with narrow lanes and much protected greens, surrounded by sand traps and inner saltwater lakes; the latter are directly linked to the sea, an uncommon characteristic in the world.

The sea itself is another obstacle in the game, since some holes follow the shape of the coast. During the game, players walk 6,269 meters from the starting point to Green 18.

The high-quality structure in the practice area - 300 meters for long games, two putting greens, one shipping green and two bunkers - allows players to train indoors and use accessories, golf clubs and practice balls.

The Golf Academy provides various training courses following international rules and ethical guidelines, and is open to all professionals and their pupils who want to enjoy such a passionate game, surrounded by wonderful beaches and unique culture.

Golf, a mixture of sport and leisure, was originated in Scotland and was brought by the Britons to the American continent, where it came to stay and take roots, and where it has a growing number of fans.

The attractions of Varadero Golf Club are enhanced by its proximity to first-class hotels, such as Meliá Las Américas, Meliá Varadero and Sol Club Palmeras, all of which are run by the Spanish chain Sol Meliá.

Varadero Golf Club places Cuba in the select group of countries that boast this kind of service as part of its infrastructure for the leisure industry, and opens more doors for the Island's inclusion in the Caribbean circuits.