Destination Golf Spain 2018 * | Page 36

Los Naranjos Andalucia » Los Naranjos Los Naranjos is run on the philosophy that ‘golf means more than just hitting a ball’. The Andalucian-style clubhouse bears this out, emphasising 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 there is a significant difference between the front nine holes which have broad 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. Each morning a team of twenty staff prepare the course for members and guests. 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. 34 Andalucia » La Cala (America) Part of an upscale resort in Mijas Costa, La Cala boasts three courses. The par 72 of 6009 metres course is fun course for golfers of all abilities. The Five par 5’s give low-handicap golfers a real chance to make some birdies holes like the 9th for example are well guarded with water hazards . Formerly the North Course, Campo America is enhanced by spectacular views to the Sierra de Ojén and Mediterranean Sea. It’s wide, linked fairways and relatively few bunkers make this a slightly easier driving course, though the hilly topography requires a lot of carry across steep brush-covered side slopes, while the small raised greens demands more precise club selection to hit the mark. Andalucia » La Cala (Asia) This course is a spectacular course measuring 5925 metres to a par 72. It’s a little tighter than is sister courses, so strategy and course management will be key to a successful round. Formerly the South Course, the spectacular Campo Asia has plenty of challenging holes, guaranteeing a testing round of golf which puts a premium on the approach shot. The oldest of the three courses and the one most respected by the professionals, it is narrow and short, with four par 5 holes demanding skill and strategy. Look out for the 10th with its classic design, and the 5th where the aim of your drive is especially critical. The 18th requires full concentration. Remember not to over-club off the tee or this lengthy par 5 could spoil your scorecard.