Destination Golf Spain 2017 * | Page 69

Golf Torrequebrada Andalucia » Torrequebrada Why move earth when a golf hole should follow the natural contours? was the philosophy of Pepe Gancedo when he designed Torrequebrada. Not surprisingly the course is tortuous but the panoramic views and variety at each hole make up for the undulating terrain. As for natural hazards, there are plenty of trees and bushes, six holes are affected by water and there are numerous strategically placed bunkers. The wind can also influence your play at the home club of PGA European Tour professional Miguel Angel Jiminez. Opened in 1976 Torrequebrada has hosted many world class tournaments including the Spanish Open, and operating a liberal public golf policy it is very popular with visitors. Andalucia » Miraflores One of the Costa del Sol´s top leisure and resort developments. Miraflores is located in the hills of Mijas Costa and offers breathtaking views of the countryside down to the sea. Designed by Folco Nardi the course has a number of elevated greens which require some tough walking so a buggy is often a good idea. The 18th green is one of the more tricky greens with severe slopes. Memorable holes for different reasons include the 570 metre 12th, where a lake divides the fairway, the 15th where water forms a moat around the green, the 5th and 6th which have tee shots over water and the 8th with its spectacular view of the out-of-bounds countryside. Andalucia » Las Brisas Royal Las Brisas is one of the ultimate challenges to club golfers and professionals. This Robert Trent Jones design opened in 1969 and is recognised as one of Europe´s finest courses. Since 1970 the course has hosted a wealth of top golf evens such as the Spanish Open, the Spanish Amateur Open, the Nations Cup and the World Cup to name but a few. In fact, our own Eamonn Darcy claimed the Spanish Open here in 1983. A typical Trent Jones design it features raised greens and numerous, strategically placed sand traps. Water is a major feature and must be crossed or avoided on twelve holes. Beware of the three opening holes which require concentration but are not especially difficult, they are a deceptive introduction to the following fifteen. Andalucia » El Candado El Candado, considered one of the golfing pioneers of the Costa del Sol, is situated in a valley five kilometres east of Málaga, near the El Palo district. Carlos Fernández designed the nine hole course which opened in 1968 and which, although just 2,362 metres long, offers the visiting player a fair test of golf particularly on the small undulating greens. With horseriding, sailing and tennis available non-golfers are well catered for and will enjoy the friendly atmosphere of this historic club. 67