La Quinta
Andalucia » La Quinta
Majestically overlooking Marbella’s Golf Valley is the pioneering
La Quinta development and course, designed by Antonio García
Garrido and Manuel Piñero. La Quinta Golf has three 9-hole
courses integrated in the natural surroundings of the area. Some
holes are unforgivingly up and down and demand accuracy and
stamina. Most tees are elevated affording excellent visibility and
fairways are wide to receive good tee shots, but beware of trees,
water and large yet shallow fairway bunkers. More fearsome
deeper bunkers also lie in wait for stray approach shots. The long
15th, a dogleg left, is rated the most difficult hole. The club is well
appointed with modern facilities with a golf academy, restaurant
and Hotel.
Andalucia » La Siesta
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.
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Andalucia » Alhaurín
Located near the town of Alhaurín el Grande, inland past Mijas,
Alhaurí n 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.
Andalucia » Atalaya (New)
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.