Destination Golf Spain 2020 | Page 81

Andalucia » Mijas (Los Lagos) Mijas is probably one of the busiest and most popular golf complex on the Costa del Sol. The Los Lagos course was originally built in 1976, but having been closed for most of 2012, it recently reopened. Much investment has gone into a remodelling an already popular course to improve a players golfing experience, and some aesthetic changes such as planting of more trees and more evident use of water features. One of the most important changes are the larger greens – 18 completely remodelled greens that are built to USGA specifications. At the same time, all the teeboxes have also been extended. A completely new irrigation and drainage system has been installed all around the course, to permit play all year round. Andalucia » Rio Real Designed by Spain´s number one achitect, Javier Arana, Río Real opened in 1965 and follows a wide incline down towards the sea. Otherwise the course is flat. With wonderful views, well-established trees that offer much appreciated shade, and the River Real intersecting the course at various points golf here is a very pleasant experience. Holes 4 and 5 run close to the sea and are reached by an underpass beneath the Málaga-Cádiz coast road. The 6th, a par three requires a particularly accurate tee shot to avoid the hillside on the right whilst at the 8th, although it is not especially difficult hole, one must avoid the bunkers which protect a raised green. 39