Costa del Golf!
Costa del Sol - Why it is still the Costa del Golf!
Costa del Sol is a still a firm favourite for many golfers in search of some winter sun and plenty of top quality golf. It's true that there are now plenty of destinations that have worked hard over recent years to sell themselves as great golfing destinations, and many have succeeded, yet there remain very few that can rival the
Costa del Sol for the volume of top quality courses in one area.
Yes, there are parts of this coast that are reminiscent of Blackpool, and no, you will not struggle to find yourself an Irish bar or English pub offering you all day breakfasts and repeats of Only Fools and Horses. However, one of the
Costa del Sol's finest attributes is the level of diversity. Just a 10 minute drive from your plate of egg and chips you can find yourself in one of the famous traditional white villages with great Andalucian restaurants, looking down to the coast with some of the most stunning views available of the Mediterranean Sea.
More importantly, there are now around 60 courses on the
Costa del Sol and some of these are the very best found anywhere in Europe. Here is a brief description of a few of the best courses and our reasons why you should play them at least once!
La Reserva
The newest addition for players in the Sotogrande area is Cabell Robinson's La Reserva Club de Golf, making this truly one of the most prestigious golfing areas on the Costa del Sol. This private club lays in a unique area with magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding mountains.
Opened in 2004 La Reserva already has maturity that exceeds expectations. The course is extremely impressive and has a quality that is difficult to match. The shaping and features are large but neatly fit in with the wonderful surroundings. The fairways are magnificent and amply wide. Water hazards are a feature of the course and are found on no less than six holes.
We would say that the greens are really the heart of the course as they are relatively large providing bigger targets for the average player, however even when you have reached the green the pin may be further than you think!
Sotogrande
Opened in 1964, Sotogrande enjoys an excellent reputation and is often voted among the top 10 courses in Europe. Situated in the Sotogrande estate itself the natural beauty and views are outstanding. The vast variety of vegetation creates a special atmosphere at this course, cork trees, pines and eucalyptus all add beauty to the course but the down side is of course that they also add difficulty.
Besides the trees, other hazards include large (problem causing) lakes. On the plus side, there is hardly any rough so if you can avoid the water and the vegetation there is plenty of scope for big hitters to really open their shoulders. The large greens make them easier to reach but, as we all know, putting can really affect your scorecard so take care!
The original Sotogrande course was Trent Jones Senior's first European design and remains one of his most enduring layouts.
Valderrama
Valderrama is perhaps the most famous course in Europe having hosted numerous Volvo Masters events and the 1997 Ryder Cup.
Designed by Robert Trent Jones the course was originally known as 'Las Aves', but the present owner and president, Jaime Ortiz-Patino, took over in 1987 and given more land, invited Trent Jones back to transform the course, successfully creating Valderrama as we know it today.
The course itself is set amongst a cork oak forest on the foothills of the Sierra Bermeja. The fairways are fairly flat and tree lined while the greens are elevated and well protected by bunkers. Whenever the course is presented to television it looks immaculate and perfectly manicured, we can assure you that's not just clever camera tricks! Valderrama is kept in perfect condition throughout the year so whenever you choose to visit and play, you won't be disappointed. Enjoy perfect fairways, super fast greens and notoriously difficult par 5's, you wouldn't expect any less from this prestigious course.
Another aspect of playing this magnificent course is the history of Valderrama, make time to visit the museum and make the most of this once in a lifetime experience!
Finca Cortesin
Finca Cortesin is one of the newest courses on the Costa del Sol, superbly positioned close to the sea and between Estepona and Sotogrande.
Cabell Robinson worked with the landscaper Herald Huggan to maintain the natural character of the land producing a gently rolling course surrounded by countryside and Mediterranean forest. Striking white sand bunkers, perfectly manicured fairways and the 20 different types of imported flora make this an interesting round.
It is one of the longest courses in Europe at nearly 7,000 metres and provides a great challenge for all abilities of golfer. Having only opened in 2007, Finca Cortesin is fast becoming one of Europe's most talked about courses and will host the Volvo Masters in 2009.
Los Flamingos
Los Flamingos was designed by Atonio Garcia Garrido and opened in 2001. Each hole has been designed to provide breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and Gibraltar meaning you can enjoy stunning scenery throughout your game.
The Arroyo Del Taraje stream passes through the course and ends in a lake which is a natural border for the course at the end of tees 1 and 10. Each hole is also defined by its own type of tree, during your round you can expect to enjoy cypresses, oranges, nisper, jacaranda, pines, olives, chestnuts, pomegranite and many more!
The Flamingos course is technically demanding, especially the front nine. The par four 10th is the most challenging hole, where you need to play over the water to reach the large, undulating green.
San Roque
This Dave Thomas designed course is always kept in immaculate condition and has played host to many European Championships. The front nine of the Old Course meanders through woodland with 100 year old cork trees, whilst water presents the main hazard on the return leg, notably on the 12th & 18th.
An additional 18 holes, known as the New Course, was added in 2002 and completed in 2004, designed by Seve Ballesteros and Perry Dye. Being such a young course, it is astounding how quickly it has matured and is presented in magnificent condition. With superb fairways, immaculate bunkers and first class greens this new course is an experience not to be missed.
Both courses are rated extremely highly and well worth playing.
Climate
325 days of sunshine each year and gently sea breezes make the Costa del Sol a welcome change from the dreary grey of the UK.
Getting There
Low cost airlines fly regularly to Malaga and Gibraltar meaning the Costa del Sol is within easy reach, just a 2 and a half hour flight away!
Getting around
The main N340 coastal road highway has now been fully competed and makes driving in the region easy.