Destination Golf Spain 2019 * | Page 46

Guadalmina Sur 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. 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. 44 Andalucia » Marbella Golf The Marbella Club Golf Resort is a magnificent 18 hole golf course, designed by Dave Thomas located in a 1,100 acre estate which is an area of exquisite natural beauty and offers five star service in a relaxed and friendly environment. With a total length of 6,247m, the course is enhanced by carefully contoured fairways, beautiful waterfalls, lakes and strategically placed bunkers, as well as undulating and protected greens, maintained to perfection. Guests of Marbella Club Hotel & Puente Romano Hotel can often have the privilege to enjoy the exclusive benefit of complimentary green fees and shuttle service to the Marbella Club Golf Course throughout their stay. 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.