Destination Golf Spain 2022 * | Page 40

DESTINATION GOLF SPAIN 2022 / 23
Rio Real
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 .
Mijas ( Los Olivos )
In many ways Los Olivos represents the antithesis of its neighbour , Los Lagos . Also a Robert Trent Jones design it is younger ( 1983 ) and shorter than its sister course but also there is less water here , the fairways are more narrow , there are more trees and it is more undulating . Greens are smaller and many are elevated . The par three 3rd is the most spectacular hole with magnificent panoramic views from the raised tees . The small green , tucked away below and protected by three bunkers , demands cool nerve and accurate tee shot . Generally the course favours the precision golfer rather than the big hitter . Mijas Golf is a hospitable club with a pay-as-you-play policy .
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 .
Santana
Santana Golf is a spectacular course , both for its design ( by Cabell Robinson ) and its location - in an old avocado farm that has retained all its former ‘ flavour ’. Located in Mijas ´ s ‘ Golf Valley ’, Santana is one of the newer courses on the Costa del Golf . The layout 6,203 metre par 72 layout is pretty flat , very well formed , with wide fairways , expansive greens and strategically located paths between avocado trees . Situated between two rivers , with a creek passing through , the course provides the sensation of being in an absolutely natural environment away from the hustle and bustle of the coast but just a few hundred metres from the sea , main highway and hotels of Fuengirola and Mijas .
38