Destination Golf Spain 2015 2015 | Page 26

Atalaya Golf Old Course Atalaya Golf Old Course Opened in 1967, Atalaya Old Course opened for play in 1966. Although it has undergone a few changes over the years, it prides itself on being a mature golf course that has been nurtured and maintained by skilled ground staff over the years. It’s richlycoloured flower beds and atmospheric club house, provides a different kind of golf experience on the Costa. Extensive practice facilities include one of the largest driving ranges in Spain that is run by professional Diego Morito and ex-former Spanish Golf Champion Carlos Balmaseda. The Ryder Cup bar is the perfect place to unwind with a drink on the new terrace with views of the 9th and 18th holes La Siesta Golf La Siesta is a purpose-built course located at Calahonda and although it is a private club visiting golfers are always welcome. Enrique Canales designed the layout which presents the variety that would lead one to believe one is playing a much longer course, largely due to the varying distances between tees to greens. The 7th hole may even require a wood to reach the green. After a round retire to the clubhouse and enjoy the views of the sea and the final hole. 24 Atalaya Golf New Course Atalaya New Course offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean and Gibraltar and is seen as one of the most natural courses on the coast. Created in 1990 by Paul Krings, the New Course is set further inland, but has a similar parkland feel about it - with gently undulating fairways and large, fast greens. It would be fair to say that, in general, hazards are obvious but still manage to trap the unwary. Care is needed off the tees and the wild hitter will soon encounter difficulties. The New Course is rapidly catching up with the Old in terms of quality and in the summer months there are great bargains to be had for the holiday golfer. Alhaurín Golf Located near the to wn of Alhaurín el Grande, inland past Mijas, Alhaurín Golf and Equestrian Club was designed by Severiano Ballesteros and once completed offers one of the most comprehensive golfing experiences in the region. A thought has even been spared for juniors who have their own 18 hole course where adults are not allowed unaccompanied. There is also a par three course and practice facilities are very good. The course is up and down and fairways are long and narrow so straight hitting is a must in order to avoid bunkers, lakes and the colourful array of flowers which make the rough look almost inviting. Playing here, however, is less intimidating than it appears and with up to six teeing areas at each hole Alhaurín is adaptable to various standards of golfer. Relax and enjoy the challenge and the views.