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The Costa del sol golf course guide is a “rough guide” and
is purely the personal opinion of the author. Please take in to
consideration that these comments are subjective, personal opinions and
standards of golf differ. Please take this rough guide as exactly that.
Alcaidesa Links Golf Course, Costa del
Sol, Spain.
Alcaidesa golf course is a 18 hole, par 70 golf course.
Address: Ctra de Cadiz (N340), Km 124.6, La Linea, Cadiz. Tel: +34 956 791
040.
This is a beautiful and tricky golf course for every standard of golfer
from 28 handicap to scratch. Allis and Clark have made and admirable
attempt to create a rare links course on the Costa. Stunning views across
the bay to Gibraltar and hilly terrain make it a delight to play. Take
plenty of balls, as the fairways are tight and unforgiving surrounded by
gorse and ravines.
A buggy is needed - even for the fittest amongst us- and as you play
consider taking an extra club up on par threes because of deceptive wind.
Alhaurin Golf Course, Costa del
sol,
Spain.
Alhaurin golf course is a 18+18+9, par 72
golf course which was designed by Severiano Ballesteros.
Address: Ctra Mijas-Alhaurin, (MA485) Km6, Alhaurin el Grande. Tel: +34 95
259 5970.
Tight beyond belief, difficult beyond anything
I have every seen before.
The first hole is extremely difficult with a narrow fairway and rocks
to the sides of the fairway, which send your ball bouncing high in to the
sky, never to be seen again. As you progress the course gets tougher and
if you are not really on top of your game you could easily become more and
more disheartened as you progress around the course. I stopped counting
shots after I lost my tenth golf ball! By the 18th I had suffered several
episodes of golf rage and was close to a nervous breakdown.
I've read course guides say that this course “compels golfers to
concentrate on their game and choose with care which club they should use
for every stroke.” Personally I would say this course is one of the
toughest golf course on the Costa del Sol. This course is at best
described as a challenge for an experienced player who is on top form, at
worst its tight and downright cruel.
Alhaurin golf course is generally cheaper to play than most other local
golf courses.
A buggy is essential as is an ample supply of golf balls.
Cabopino Golf Course, Costa del Sol,
Spain.
Cabopino golf course is a 18 hole par 71
golf course.
It's a relatively new course but it has matured very quickly and is very
well maintained. The marshal's are friendly and very welcoming.
There is a driving range on the approach
road to the course, so if you arrive early you can loosen up your swing.
Alternatively you could take the approach Andy and I prefer, loosen up
with a San Miguel at the bar before you tee off.
Cabopino golf has a
pleasant clubhouse, with a pleasant sun terrace where you can sit, eat,
drink and enjoy the views of the ocean. The staff in the bar and
restaurant are friendly staff and they serve good quality food.
The short at only course is only 5,170 meters long but it’s has tight
fairways and is challenging.
The greens are large and were of fantastic
quality when we last visited. The third hole is the one most people enjoy
the most and it’s not one you will forget, it’s a par 4 which drops
dramatically from the tee to the green and has outstanding views. A buggy
is advisable on this course, which is hilly.
Dama de Noche Golf Course, Costa del Sol, Spain.
Dama de Noche golf course is a 9 hole, Par 70 golf course.
Centro Commercial Plaza, Oficinas 51-52, 29660, Nueva Andalucia, Marbella.
Dama de Noche golf course is a nine-hole
course, which can be played as 18 holes. It is flat, wide and easy. It is
ideal course for a high handicapper or anyone wanting a gentle stroll.
All that changes a night
though because the is course is flood lit and can be played at night.
They say that the lighting system is designed
to cast no shadows thus giving daylight quality and maximum visibility,
does that apply in the rough as well I ask myself?
You do have to make a reservation for night golf because they only put
the lights on if there is sufficient demand but for total golfing addicts
or insomniac this course offers considerable novelty value and it’s one
to talk about in the clubhouse when you go home.
El Chaparral Golf Course,
near La Cala de Mijas, Costa del Sol, Spain.
El Chaparral golf course is an 18 hole, par 73 course.
Address: N340 / A7 Km 203.
El Chaparral is a club which closed several years ago for reasons that
I don't need to go into now. The course has now risen from the ashes and
is trying to build a reputation for itself. Purely for research purposes, I tested
out the clubhouse both before and after my round at El Chaparral and I
found the staff to be particularly welcoming and they really did
their best to make us feel at home.
Even though El Chaparral is only a stones throw from the coast it has an English
parkland course feel to it. The fairways are long and narrow and I
found the course testing, I didn't have enough room to risk my driver off
many tee's yet I needed the driver to get the distance I needed off the
tee's to get any chance of reaching the green in regulation.
El Chaparral is extremely hilly and walking it
is only for the bravest of golfers. Overall I would describe it as a very tricky course,
bordering on frustrating, it tempted me to use the driver
but punished me when I did!
The course is a little pricey for what you get. It was quiet when I played it but I've been back since and it is
gaining in popularity.
Estepona Golf.
Carretera Cádiz, KM 150, Arroyo Vaquero, Apartado 532, 29680 Estepona.
18 hole, par 72 course.
The first time I played this course about nine years
ago I was extremely disappointed. The fairways were worn, bare and
baked, the greens were unkempt and the whole feel of the place was one
of a lack of investment. Since then I have been tempted to re-visit by a
friend who told me that improvements have been made yet the cost has
been kept down. Well fair play, the cost has stayed relatively low and
there has obviously been a lot of investment and as a result the course
has improved considerably. It still needs some TLC but it is now
playable. Still nowhere near the quality of Monte Mayor, La Cala or the
like but it is perfect for a cheap round in between more serious games.
Flamingos
Golf Course, Costa del Sol, Spain.
Flamingos golf course is a 18-hole, par 72
course.
Address: Ctra de Cadiz Km 166, Marbella / Benhavis.
A relatively new course but the work that
has gone into the course makes that incredible, it looks like its been
established for years.
Clearly no expense has been spared when they built this course. Everything from
the hotel toilets to the course itself is magnificent, lavish and
downright opulent. A visit to Flamingos really is a treat (and before you ask I don't
get a commission for writing this, I just tell it as I see it.)
Flamingos
is worth a visit just to have a walk around the hotel, which has clearly
been fashioned on the Alhambra Palace and its magnificent water
gardens.
As for the golf course itself it is every bit as lavish as the hotel and
clubhouse. As you meander around the course the views vary from a panoramic views of the Mediterranean to secluded views
of the wild countryside. Around the course there is an incredible variety
of trees, plants and vegetation, some native, some clearly imported so as
to add to the experience.
Every now and them you stumble across an old (well they genuinely look old
but they weren't there in 2005!) ruins or statues and every corner holds a
new surprise, all of them pleasant.
The front nine holes have generous wide fairways where you really can open
up your shoulders, a rarity for Spanish golf and the greens are ample too,
so get the low score on the card in front nine if you can. As
you negotiate the back nine the fairways tend to narrow down, especially
the 18th which really focuses the mind but even so the back nine are
not overly cruel. The fairways are narrower than the front nine but they
tend to be shorter and you have loosened up, so even though you have to be
a little more precise than on the front nine the golf is still
enjoyable.
If you visit Flamingos make sure you take
the time to explore the hotel after your round. It's well worth a
look.
Over all I would describe Flamingos as a
cracking course which tends to be a little
on the pricey side but if you want to treat yourself you will not be
disappointed. A Masters or Championship course of the future I will
wager.
Lauro Golf Course, Costa del Sol, Spain.
Lauro golf course is an 18 hole par 72 golf
course.
Address:Ctra de Coin,(C344) Km 77, Los Caraclilos, Alhaurin de la Torre.
Tel: +34 952 4127 67.
Beautiful parkland course surrounded by lots of
Andalucian trees. It offers breathtaking views over the valley and Malaga
bay. Nine lakes so there is something to think about but it is a
relatively easy and relaxing course.
La Cala Golf Course,
Costa del Sol, Spain.
La Cala has three golf courses, each of 18 holes, par's 72,73 and 71.
Address: La Cala de Mijas, Mijas Costa. Tel: +34 95 266 9000.
A personal favourite, all three courses are equally good. I highly
recommend La Cala golf, not only because of the quality of the golf but
also because of the quality of the clubhouse, facilities, surroundings and
the reasonable pricing.
At La Cala golf there are
three spectacular 18 hole courses, which are nestled in the countryside
about 15-20 minutes drive in land from La Cala town.
La Cala golf is an enormous luxury golfing
resort, which is perfect for golfers who want quality golf at a sensible
price in an exclusive environment.
Set out like a Country Club in extremely large grounds it has an exclusive
clubhouse and restaurant. It also has a separate five star hotel, where
you will find an very exclusive restaurant.
All three courses have terrific obstacles & natural water hazards
along with narrow fairways and large well-kept greens. Set amongst
tranquil mountains, all three courses are long and sculptured into the
natural contours of the countryside which means that you have think your
way around La Cala golf and use the contours of the landscape to your
advantage.
All three courses hilly and a buggy is a must. The South is my
favourite, it’s a little more forgiving than the North Course and the
Europa.
Try the Leadbetter Golf Academy located at
La Cala Golf, it’s a little expensive and you will have to book in
advance but the instructor’s improved my game, so they must be good!
At the academy they also have an excellent
grass driving range.
La Noria.
La Noria golf is a nine hole, par 33 course.
It is located at the beginning of the road from La Cala de Mijas which
runs to La Cala Golf off the N340 or A7.
This 9 hole course has been a long time in
the building and it is obviously eventually going to grow into a 18 holes
course but that will probably take some time.
The club house is literally a bar come cafe but it is adequate
and serves its purpose.
I am no fan of 9 hole courses but I have to say I enjoyed playing this
course. It's relatively simple to negotiate and very easy to walk around. The fairways are wide and
none of the holes were particularly long. There is water to cross and a
few challenges as you negotiate the course and while it's no Carnoustie
for what you pay its not at all bad.
It's not every day that you want to
play challenging golf and if that's the case then La Noria is worth
thinking about. This course is perfect for a high handicapper, a novice
golfer or simply for a warm up for a more serious round later on in your
holiday. As nine hole courses go this is one of the better ones and for
the price its worth bearing in mind.
Mijas Golf Courses, Costa del Sol, Spain.
Mijas golf has two 18 hole golf courses, par
71 & 72.
Address: Urb. Mijas Golf, Mijas-Costa. Tel: +34
95 247 6843
Two relaxing 18 hole courses both having flat and wide fairways. Both
courses are generous and forgiving leaving the option of a safe shot down
the middle for a bogie or a par, alternatively you can take the driver out
and go for the birdie. Good scores are achievable on either of the
courses, which are set both in an attractive and tranquil landscape.
If you hire a buggy they have satellite /
GPS tracking and mapping which gives you distances from where you park the
buggy to the green and to hazards. Watch out though, don’t make the same
mistake I made, the distances are in meters not 1yards, don’t forget to
add 10% to get yardages!
All level of golfers will find that both
courses at Mijas golf are a fair and enjoyable test of golf. Being one of
the better-known clubs Mijas can get busy. A four and a half hour round is
not unusual because it is so popular but the surroundings are so pleasant
you hardly notice. I recommend both of the Mijas courses, play them and
you will see why.
Just a tip for those playing out of season at Mijas golf course. They
often close half of each of the golf courses to rest them out of season so
you may find that you are playing the front nine of Los Olivios and the
back nine of Los Largos one day and vice versa the next day. It's not a
problem as both are nice courses but sometimes this takes people by
surprise.
Miraflores Golf Course, Costa del Sol, Spain.
Miraflores golf course is an 18 hole, par 72
golf course.
Address: Urb. Riviera del Sol, 29647
Mijas-Costa. Tel : (952) 83 36 47.
This used to be a favourite and regular golf course for me, sadly there
has been extensive building work all around the course edge of Miraflores
golf course and it appears never ending. In my opinion the building work
has taken the edge off the natural beauty and spoilt the course
somewhat. While prices have been reduced in an apparent attempt to tempt
golfers back to the course I have to ask myself if I want to go all the
way to Spain to play golf in the middle of a building site?
It is one of the more forgiving courses on
the Costa and a buggy is not essential.
If you do try Miraflores golf course loosen up
in advance of the first tee, the first hole is a tight and requires a
straight shot or you could end up in the garden of one of the many villa's
next to the fairway.
Monte Mayor Golf Course, Costa del Sol,
Spain.
Address: Ctra de Cadiz (N340), Km 165.6, La
Cancelada, San Pedro. Tel: +34 95 211 3088.
A challenging course but in my opinion this is the best golf course on the
Costa del sol, if your game is on form
. It is extremely tight,
very hilly and is carefully sculptured into the natural mountainous
terrain. The natural views and beauty of this course are second to none.
Your golf needs to be accurate, sensible club selection and course
management are a must. If you play sensibly and stay on the fairways you
will be rewarded, if not make sure you have a good supply of golf balls.
If you play Monte Mayor
golf course you are guaranteed a day to remember and you will want to go
back as often as I do.
Most of the year golf
buggies are included in the green fee’s. If you visit in high season
they may not be, in which case I strongly recommend that visit hire a
buggy, you will need it.
This is a very isolated
golf course, in a location where you have to ask “Who thought of putting
a golf course way up here?” The isolation adds to attraction of
this incredible golf course but it means that it is difficult to find, so
I strongly recommend that you drive to it for a “test run” the day
before your golf.
It is set in spectacular mountainous terrain
where you will find peace and tranquility combined with natural beauty and
unforgettable golf. A challenge but a fantastic golf course in
surroundings that are literally unsurpassable. To sum up,
if your game
is on form do not miss this golf course, its brilliant.
Parador Malaga Golf Course, Costa del
Sol, Spain.
Parador golf course is an 18 hole, par 72
golf course.
Apartado de Correos, 324 29080 Málaga.
Tel. +34 952376677
Parador golf Course is famous because it
hosted the Spanish Open's in 1992 and 1999. Personally I am not sure why
they would host such a prestigious event at this course because it is
literally at the end of the busy runway of Malaga International
Airport and there is constant noise as planes take off and land right next
to the course.
I found this course boring, the greens were
in a terrible condition and bunkers were in a state of total disrepair
with bare soil and mud instead of sand.
Famous it may be but I found it to be a total
let down. In my opinion the best way to view this golf course is out of
the airplane window as you land or from the main road as you drive past to
one of the many more pleasant courses in Andalucia.
Rio Real Golf Course,
Costa del Sol, Spain.
Rio Real golf course is an 18 hole, par 72 golf
course.
Urb Rio Real, P.O.BOX 82, 29600 Marbella, Malaga. Tel: +34 95 277 95 09.
A mature, tranquil course that gradually meanders way up into the hills
and then it wanders all the way back down to the beach. At one stage you
feel you are alone in the middle of the mountains, next you are on a green
that is literally next to the beach.
The course generally has wide fairways and while you have to concentrate
it does not punish you unfairly. Water come in to play on a few times but
in all honesty if you play sensible golf it won’t cost you any golf
balls. Pleasant countryside and views in the hills and a fantastic vista
as you play down to the edge of the Mediterranean Ocean. A relaxing day of
golf, this course comes in my top three golf courses but it does tend to
be pricey because of its popularity.
The club house has a magnificent balcony / terrace restaurant where you
can sit, watch fellow golfers playing out the 18th and reminisce on your
“shot of the day.”
The down side of Rio real golf course is the cost. A round of golf here
tends to be expensive and the golf buggies, which I would recommend hiring
due to the hilly location, are an expensive addition to this already high
cost.
Santa
Clara.
18 holes, par 71.
Address Ctra A7, KM 187.5, Junto a Hospital Comarcal, 29600, Marbella.
Tel. +34.952.85.01.11.
Being
next to a busy main road you could easily assume that it would suffer from
traffic noise. For some inexplicable reason it doesn’t. As soon as you
tee off the course meanders away from the Coast following the gentle
contours of the land leading you into a natural and peaceful setting. The
course has several wide and relatively trouble free fairways where you can
open your shoulders and let the ball fly but that said there are holes
where course management is wise and where a little caution can pay
dividends.
Santa
Clara is relatively flat and is suitable for walking. The course is a fair
test of golf and is similar in difficulty to many UK golf clubs, as
opposed to many of the Spanish golf courses, which can be cruel at times.
The course is perfect for an easy and relaxing round or for a golf
society. It has many similarities to Rio Real but it is slightly easier,
slightly flatter and has slightly less trouble.
The course is relatively new and consequently it is not as well
established as Rio Real.
When
you arrive in the car park you will be met by an attendant on a buggy, who
takes you your bag to the magnificent clubhouse, even thought it is only
about forty yards from the car park. In the palatial clubhouse there
are excellent changing rooms, shower facilities and a restaurant that
serves a variety of quality food and drink.
My
only reservation with this course is the green fee, which is very high
compared to other courses in the area. The choice is yours.
San Roque Golf Course, Costa del Sol, Spain.
San Roque golf course is an 18 hole, par 72
golf course, which was designed by Dave Thomas.
Address:Urb. San Roque Club,Ctra de Cadiz (N340), Km 127, San Roque.Tel:
+34 956 61 30 30.
The old course is expensive but
is ideal for both experts and those
looking for a leisurely game. Superb practice facilities and wonderful
manicured greens and idyllic fairways. A real treat, if you are prepared
to spend the money..
As a cheaper alternative you
can always try the new course at San Roque, we visited and got a really
good deal, half the price of the old course and we found it a fantastic
days golf. There is a course is what I can best describe as a fair test,
not too tough but not too easy either. They have got this course design
absolutely spot on.
Santa Maria Golf Course, Costa del
Sol,
Spain.
Santa Maria golf course is an 18 hole, Par
72 golf course, which was designed by Antonio Garcia Garrido.
Address: Coto de Los Dolores, Urb. Elviria. Tel: +34 95 283 1036.
A pleasant and popular course, which is challenging. It has plenty of long
holes where you can open up and swing the driver but every now and then
they throw in a tight par three to bring you back down to earth. The
course starts off with a hole over a lake where you can “go for it”
and get the driver out. There is ample fairway and a decent drive makes it
a short par four. The course gradually winds its way into the hills and
far, far away, we recommend a buggy.
Santa Maria golf course tends to be a little on
the pricey side. I found the staff to be unhelpful and less friendly than
most other golf courses in the area but if you let the golf course speak
for itself you will enjoy a round here.
If you want a buggy or a Powakaddy we strongly recommend that buggy
pre-book it, they have a limited supply and they soon get taken.
Sotogrande Golf Course, Costa del Sol,
Spain.
Sotogrande golf course is an 18 hole (Par
72) with an additional nine holes. It was designed by Robert Trent Jones.
Address: Paseo del Parque, Sotogrande, Cadiz. Tel +34 956 785 014
Another Robert Trent Jones success. He is reputed to have described Sotogrande
as one of his proudest pieces of work, that's a compliment from
a golf course designer of such ability.
European Tour pros battle here at the end of
the season to gain their cards for the forthcoming season so that's an
indication of the quality of this golf course.
Torrequebrada Golf Course, Costa del Sol, Spain.
Torrequebrada golf has an 18 hole, par 72
course and addition nine holes, which were designed by Jose Gancedo.
Address: Ctra de Cadiz (N340), Km 220, Benalmadena-Costa. Tel: +34 95 244
2742.
Every hole is a different
experience. Fantastic views of the Mediterranean and has the shortest par
3 on the coast. The 1979 Spanish Open was played here and you can see why
after you turn for home on the back nine. A large number of lakes and
strategically placed wide bunkers ensure that this course retains its
reputation as one of the most popular courses on the Costa. Welcoming and
luxurious clubhouse.
Valderrama Golf Course, Costa del Sol, Spain.
Valderama has 18 holes and is a tough par 72.
Valderama golf course is a world famous golf course and is ranked number
one course in Continental Europe.
Valderama golf course is always in superb condition and enjoys
worldwide fame, not least due to having had the privilege to have hosted
the 1997 Ryder Cup and the last two American Express World Championships.
Extremely expensive but if you can play a round of golf here you are
privileged!
One word of warning, I have
pre-booked to play Valderama twice and had the booking cancelled at very
short notice by the course. Both times they blamed disease on the
greens. Strange how this never happens why the Volvo Masters is being
played there!
There are new golf courses appearing all the
time in Andalucia and the Costa del sol has understandably become known as
the Costa del golf. As avid lovers of golf we are regularly visiting the
area and we will try to play as many golf courses in Andalucia as we
possibly can just so that we can keep this web page up to date (well
that's the reason I give to my wife for playing so much golf anyway!)
The Costa del Sol Golf
Guide
is purely the subjective and personal opinion of the author.
The Costa del sol Golf Guide is “rough guide” of golf
courses on and around the Costa del sol, Spain.
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