Destination Golf Spain 2021 * | Page 9

Costa del Sol , the 6,000 meter long 18-hole course with a par of 72 , has been imaginatively designed to respect the natural terrain . The facilities the Magnificent Club House and surrounding ground offer are The Restaurant at Marbella Golf with its beautiful terraces and sea views , Pro-Shop featuring the latest golfing fashion and supplies , Golf Academy , putting green and short game area and a tennis academy .
SANTA MARIA GOLF “ Santa Maria Golf & Country Club ”, as the name suggests , is far more than a Golf Club . Based around an 18th century “ Cortijo ” which is currently the Club House , the grounds boasts stunning gardens and fine leisure facilities including tennis and lawn bowling . “ Santa Maria ” prides itself on being one of the friendliest international clubs on the coast and the existing membership which is currently held to about 350 members is made up of 14 different nationalities . Set amidst unparallel beauty of the Andalucian countryside , the course traces the contours of two valleys in which the natural vegetation , streams and four lakes form natural hazards . The course is not long but full of interest and with each hole having its own character . Many of the tees are elevated and the views from the 10th hole to the 16th are breathtaking on a fine day . Santa Maria Golf is situated in a superb location on the Costa del Sol , close to the Hotel Don Carlos between Malaga and Marbella . Santa Maria is not only considered one of the most exquisite Golf and Country Clubs on the Costa del Sol , but also one of the friendliest .
CHAPARRAL GOLF El Chaparral Golf Club is one of the most symbolic courses on the Costa del Sol , with exceptional facilities to include a driving range , clubhouse , pro shop and restaurant . Since its reopening , it has established itself as a quality course with the unique layout of six par 3 ’ s , six par 4 ’ s and six par 5 ’ s . The 6000 metre layout offers great variety and demands high levels of skill and accuracy , which is perfect for all levels of golfer . It is set in unique surroundings of local vegetation and pine trees , with magnificent sea views . The lively bar and excellent food menu make it one of the most popular “ 19th holes ” along the Costa del Golf . The course is located close to the sea and the charming village of La Cala de Mijas , which makes for a great day out .
ATALAYA GOLF ( OLD ) Opened in 1967 , Atalaya Old Course opened for play in 1966 . Although it has undergone a few changes over the years , it prides itself on being a mature golf course that has been nurtured and maintained by skilled ground staff over the years . It ’ s richly-coloured flower beds and atmospheric club house , provides a different kind of golf experience on the Costa . Extensive practice facilities include one of the largest driving ranges in Spain . The Ryder Cup bar is the perfect place to unwind with a drink on the new terrace with views of the 9th and 18th holes .
ATALAYA GOLF ( 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 .
GASTRONOMY Another of the main attractions in Málaga province is the cuisine . There is a total of seven Michelin Star restaurants , tapas bars , establishments offering haute-cuisine , international and traditional menus , and wineries etc . Wherever you choose to visit you will enjoy a fantastic culinary experience . Promoting the fine weather in the region , Costa del Sol based golf clubs and resorts offer long stay deals , so that you can spend anything from a weekend to a month enjoying your favourite sport .
ACCOMMODATION : There is no shortage of accommodation options along the coast , so can golfers can choose between any of the Costa del Golf ’ s many prestigious hotels and resorts with plenty of budget options available too , many of who have their own golf courses on the doorstep .
On this visit , our team stayed at Sunset Beach Hotel . Located just 15 minutes from Malaga airport and within 30 minutes of many of the Costa del Sol ’ s favourite golf courses , the four star Sunset Beach Club offers an outstanding service to golfers visiting the Costa del Sol . Rooms are all apartment-style , with kitchenette ( fridge , kettle and also cooking facilities ) and own balcony . With twin bedroom and lounge with double sofa bed they are ideal for two golfers sharing . They also have air-conditioning / heating , telephone and international satellite TV .
A dedicated Golf Desk provides complete services for golfers and is open 6 days a week . Offering pre-booked tee times at preferential rates at most Costa del Sol courses , arrange car hire / transfers , and more . The Golf Desk can also help any accompanying non-golfers get the most out of their stay , by providing extensive information on local area and also by booking day trips and excursions or even golf lessons !
A hearty buffet breakfast provides the perfect start the day , and the popular evening Happy Hour in the hotel ’ s Panorama Bar is where golfers meet to compare notes over a relaxing drink , or two ! There are also many bars and restaurants nearby . The award winning Benalmadena Port , and the nightlife of Fuengirola and Benalmadena , are only a few minutes away by taxi . Sunset Beach Club offers great value rates especially in the autumn / winter golf season . Website : www . sunsetbeachclub . com
Located in the south of Spain , The Costa del Sol is the perfect destination for golf lovers . Malaga airport is easily accessible due to its exceptional location , beside the Mediterranean Sea , it has an average temperature of 20 degrees and more than 320 days of sun each year .
In short , there are plenty of reasons to take a golf break on the Costa del Sol and getting to Malaga Airport , the gateway to winter warmth , is easy from most cities in the world . Costa del Sol invites golf travellers to escape the winter gloom and to immerse themselves in an environment which offers so much more than just great golf courses , blue skies and superb restaurants . Now is the perfect time to start planning your winter golf getaway – check out some stay & play options on the main tourist board website .
FURTHER READING : http :// www . visitcostadelsol . com / golf
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