Añoreta
Andalucia » Añoreta
A parkland course, and the first foray into golf design by José
María Cañizares, Añoreta is only the second to be built east of
Málaga at the resort town of Rincón de la Victoria. It offers a
good challenge and is improving with age, something which
summer golfers will welcome as the trees nature and the shady
areas offer relief from the heat. Water is a major feature, used
at eleven holes and unforgettable at the 17th where the green
is surrounded on three sides. Most fairways are ample, as are
the greens and tees. The 3rd and 7th holes are difficult but
spectacular and while the monster 3rd (528 m) offers wonderful
sea views from the tee you may not thank Mr. Cañizares if you
drive into the water hazard.
Andalucia » Guadalmina Sur
Guadalmina South is considered the most difficult of the club’s
45 holes and opened in 1959. Designed by Javier Arana it is the
Costa del Sol’s second oldest course and is characterised by wide
fairways, free of rough, which wind between mature shade-giving
trees. The raised greens are an encouragement to attack the pin.
Henry Cotton named the long 6th hole ‘Tipperary’ - It’s a long way
to go!. The 10th and 11th are next to the sea. At the latter savour
the calm before the storm of the 12th: to the left is a river and
to the right a private garden therefore a good, straight 150 metre
drive is required. At the 14th a bunker waits to catch anything that
falls short and from the tee tunnel vision is an advantage in order
to successfully drive between two stands of tall pine.
Andalucia » Aloha
Designed by Javier Arana this 18-hole course is one of the best
known on the Costa del Sol. It has benefitted from improvements
over recent years. Fairways have been replanted and the
clubhouse and changing rooms have been refurbished to include
a sauna. Aloha is a private club which welcomes visitors, although
members do have priority. Aloha also has a 9-hole par3 course, 2
putting greens and a practise area. The varied vegetation makes
each hole different to play and as a rule if you hit straight and
manage to stay on the ample fairways you´ll be safe. The large,
often difficult greens however keep you on your toes, none more
so than the heavily guarded 10th, a par five whose bordering lakes
make it memorable for its natural beauty.
Andalucia » El Paraíso
Originally developed by Belgian ex-colonials from Zaire this
Gary Player designed course is now owned by club shareholders.
El Paraiso is very popular on the coast with both residents and
visitors due to reasonable rates, a friendly atmosphere and weekly
competitions. Don’t be surprised if you hear a few Irish accents in
the bar! The well laid out course offers wide fairways, which are
bordered by heavy rough and divided by streams, many of which
are out of sight. The 7th hole, a par three, is regarded as one of
the most difficult, requiring a great tee shot over water to the
green which is guarded by two bunkers. The 13th and 14th holes
are memorable for their large trees and lakes.
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