Torrequebrada
“Why move earth when a golf hole should follow the natural contours?” was the philosophy of Josè Gancedo Gomez when he designed Torrequebrada. Not surprisingly then the course is tortuous but the panoramic views and variety at each hole make up for the undulating terrain. As if the natural hazards there are plenty of trees and bushes, weren’t enough six holes are affected by water and there are numerous strategically placed bunkers.
The 16th, a short par 4, is a dogleg to the right with a down hill second shot towards an elevated green where the pin is barely visible. Opened in 1976 Torrequebrada has hosted many world class tournaments, including the Spanish Open (1979) and operating a liberal public golf policy it is popular with visitors. Located 12 km from Malaga aiport at 220 km on the N340.
| Director: | Pedro Moran Montero |
| Number of holes: | 18 |
| Professional: | Juan Jimenez |
Mijas Golf Los Olivos
In many ways Los Olivos represents the antithesis of Los Lagos.
Also a Robert Trent Jones design it is younger (1984) and shorter than its sister course but also there is less water here, the fairways are more narrow, there are more trees and generally it is more undulating. Greens are smaller and many are elevated. The par 3 fourteenth is the most spectacular hole, with magnificent panoramic views from the raised tees. The small green, which is tucked away below and protected by three bunkers, demands an accurate tee shot. Generally the course favours the precision golfer rather than the big hitter. Mijas Golf is a hospitable club with a pay-as-you-play policy and there are regular competitions to keep everyone interested. The Andalucian style clubhouse is similarly welcoming and comfortable.
| Director: | Alex J. Wilkinson |
| Number of holes: | 18 |
| Professional: | Juan Rosa Rueda |
Mijas Golf Los Lagos
Opened in 1976 this is one of the longest courses on the Costa del Sol, 6.348 metres off the championship tees. Designed by Robert Trent Jones the hallmarks are apparent; wide fairways, large, mostly raised greens and an extravagant application of vast bunkers and water. The eight lakes (hence the name!) yet few trees impart the impression of freedom and space. One of “Los Lagos” most characteristic and difficult holes is the par 5 thirteenth. Seen from elevated tees it looks deceptively easy but at the approach to the green there is water left and right, also beware of the slope as even a well hit shot is in danger of rolling off the green into the water. The 5th, a 571 metre monster, is also “interesting!” The course is almost free of rough and is practically flat except for a slight incline up the 18th hole.
| Director: | Alex J. Wilkinson |
| Number of holes: | 18 |
| Professional: | Juan Rosa Rueda |
La Cala South Course
The South Course, which opened in 1990, is pleasantly away from massive developments and covers undulating, spectacular terrain. This is particularly evident as you stand on the 6th tee looking out over he water hazard up the slight incline to the landing area where the hole turns left leading, in a dogleg, up to its raised green. Wide fairways with plateau landings reward accuracy while severe slopes punish the shots that don’t make it. Greens are large, but because many are elevated they also require target golf and thick rough, while it enhances the course’s appearance, waits for stray drives. The 10th is considered La Cala’s toughest par 5 while at the par 3 11th hole the tee shot must carry a ravine and the second shot must clear water. At the 12th an ‘inviting’ lake is positioned in front of the green.
| Director: | Jan Sonnevi |
| Number of holes: | 18 |
| Professional: | Ricardo de Miguel |
La Cala North Course
La Cala features 36 holes, a golf academy and a 6 hole, par 3 course; all designed by American architect Cabell B Robinson. Both courses are challenging to all levels of player, requiring good shot making to elevated greens and rewarding accuracy rather than power off the tees. On the North Course you find yourself in eagle country and you’ll understand what that means as you play the par 5 fifteenth with its breathtaking view over the South Course down to the sea. From the 16th the view is equally distracting but keeps your eye on the water. This may only be a short par 3 but you’ll need accuracy and touch, especially if the wind is blowing. The Country Club complements the excellent golfing facilities with squash and tennis courts, indoor swimming pool, saunas, restaurant and a well stocked Pro Shop.
| Director: | Jan Sonnevi |
| Number of holes: | 18 |
| Professional: | Ricardo de Miguel |
Rio Real
Designed by Spain’s N° 1 architect, Javier Arana, Rio Real, which opened in 1965, follow a gradual incline down towards the sea; otherwise the course is flat. With wonderful views, well established trees, offering much appreciated shade, and the River Rio Real, intersecting the course at various points, golf here is a very pleasant experience. Accessed by an underpass, holes 4 and 5 are close to the sea, located across the main coast road. The 6th hole, a par 3 requires a particularly accurate tee shot to avoid the hillside on the right whilst at the 8th, although not an especially difficult hole, one most avoid the bunkers which protect a raised green. The dogleg 10th is a pretty par 4 leading to a spectacular 11th tee which looks down to a green whose access lies across a ravine. Located 3 km from Marbella.
| Director: | Salvador Contreras |
| Number of holes: | 18 |
| Professional: | Angel M. Gutierrez |
Los Naranjos
Under the direction of Christer Sorensson Los Naranjos is run on the philosophy that “The new, Andalucian style clubhouse bears this out, emphasizing a total golfing experience and rating itself as “The Costa del Sol friendly golf club.” Long terraced tees and large undulating greens are the unmistakable hallmarks of a Robert Trent Jones design but you will find a significant difference between the front 9 holes, which are set in broad sweeping fairways with gentle slopes, and the back nine which are much flatter. Maximum use has been made of orange trees (from which the course gets its name) and maintenance is a priority here; each morning a team of 20 staff members prepare the course for members and guests, one of whom is often Sean Connery. Located 7 km from Marbella.
| Director: | Christer Sorensson |
| Number of holes: | 18 |
Sotogrande
An old master of clubs on the coast, Sotogrande, opened in 1964 is still often voted amongst the top ten courses in Europe. Known as Sotogrande “Old” to differentiate it from its younger neighbor, Valderrama, the Robert Trent Jones course is a private club but green fee paying visitors are welcome although you are advised to book in advance. Celebrating its 30th birthday this year Sotogrande boasts well established vegetation with pine, cork oaks, eucalyptus and palm trees. Water hazards play an important role here, affecting holes 12, 13 and 14 and 16, 17 and 18, and seem to make the course appear longer than its 6224 metres but the great consolation is the total lack of rough on this immaculately groomed course. There is also a par three course of nine holes for those who would rather not tackle the full eighteen.
| Director: | Eugenio Reviriego |
| Number of holes: | 18 (+ 9 par 3) |
| Professional: | T. Glez – M. Ocana |
Valderrama
Officially voted the Europe’s No. 1 golf course Valderrama is home to the VOLVO MASTERS and has been designated host to the 1997 RYDER CUP. Designed by Robert Trent Jones and lovingly tended by owner Jaime Ortiz Patino This is one of the continent’s toughest challenges. You may return home shell-shocked but should be content with the thought that you are one of the few able to boast; ” Valderrama? Yes, I’ve played there.” The 4th hole a par 5 of spectacular beauty ends on a raised green, by the side of which plunges a cascade of water on its way to the greenside lake. With recent improvements to the layout – a new 17th hole for one – Valderrama is in prime condition and Mr. Patino only aims to make it better; the “Augusta of Europe.” Visitors are welcome but must book in advance.
| Director: | Michael Lovett |
| Number of holes: | 18 (+ 9 par 3) |
| Professional: | Juan Zumaquero |
Montecastillo
Located next to the Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit near Jerez, Montecastillo opened for play in 1992. The official inauguration was made during the 1994 Turespana Masters open de Andalucia by Jack Nicklaus, the course designer, who had come from America with his sons, Jackie and Gary, to compete in the event. Following the “Golden Bear’s” preferences – “I hate uphill lies” – Montecastillo is mostly flat. But where the terrain takes control a downhill course has been engineered; “I like to see what I’m getting” is the explanation. The 18th is one hole which proves the design philosophy; an elevated tee looks down 40 metres over a broad sweep of fairway bordering a lake to the left, Montecastillo Hotel and Castle Club overlook the final green from the right.
| Director: | Pierre Aron |
| Number of holes: | 18 |
| Professional: | Cristobal Jaime Rodriguez |
