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There is no doubt that this area, which covers Malaga province (its capital, Malaga, is the city where the bright artist Picasso was born) is a great destination for the golf player. It boasts over 70 golf courses, together with choice of many hotels, a modern and efficient airport and a wide range of places of entertainment and pleasure; gastronomy, beaches, marinas, night amusement, cultural heritage, typical towns and shopping. The weather is usually guaranteed with sunshine most days, however it did experience an unusual fall of rain this last winter, the worst in over 30 years, and from which some of the courses are still recovering.

All these characteristics make for an authentic paradise for golf lovers and their partners.

The most well-known golf course in this area has got to be Valderrama, located in Sotogrande. In 1988, it hosted the then newly launched Volvo Masters, the flagship tournament of the PGA European Tour, and continued until 1996. The following year, it hosted the 32nd Ryder Cup, won by Europe in a thrilling finish. To carry on its traditions this year it will host The Andalucia Masters in October which is expected to be a great event.

Playing the legendary Valderrama, whose membership includes Kings and Princes, has a feel of millionaire golf due to the fact they only allow a two hour window each day for visitors to pay and play. When I say pay, I make no bones about it being expensive but to me it still holds a magic only experienced on such courses as St Andrews, Scotland, and to play there represents an opportunity to fulfil a golfing dream of having played one of Europe’s top golf courses, it is also one of the most immaculately presented. At which point it is worth mentioning that Golf Breaks.com are offering a three-night package which includes a round of golf here, details at the end of this article.

Valderramab.jpg Valdarrama

Rio Realb.jpgRio Real Golf & Wellness Resort

The second course I played was Rio Real Golf & Wellness Resort, a hideaway in the hills of Marbella yet only 3km from the centre. This parkland course is situated in a beautiful valley with a large variety of trees, in particular pines and palm. The name comes from the River Real which crosses the course in various places before it reaches the Mediterranean Sea, it borders directly onto the beach and is comfortable to walk. The setting here is such that it is a good location to take lunch at the club house on the balcony which overlooks the course or in the hotel restaurant. If you like a bit of luxury then this would be an ideal choice of hotel to base yourself with the golf course on your doorstep, a true golfers paradise and yet easy access to the local infrastructure.

Whilst in the area I played three very contrasting courses the third being El Paraiso Golf Club, Estepona, which in May 1996 became the first “co-operative” golf club on the Costa del Sol, owned solely by the members, although it is actually opened in 1973. Thereby lives a long story of what members can do when they don’t want their club to go to a commercial organisation! The club has a combination of ex-pats living in Spain plus golfers spending the winter months from the cold climate back home and has thus gained a reputation as the friendliest golf club on the coast due to its social side. Since the take over much money has been spent on the course to bring it up to standard and is known for the diversity of its plants and trees and for its beautiful lakes. This Par 71 course, designed by Gary Player is set in one of the most spectacular valleys, although hilly in parts it offers spectacular sea and mountain views. This course is enjoyed by golfers of all levels many of whom, on returning to the area, make a point of including El Paraiso on their itinerary.

elparaisoP210.jpgEl Paraiso Golf Club

There is so much choice in this area that I asked Chris O’Neill, a member Didsbury Golf Club, who visits the area year on year to make me a list of other courses he would recommend to first time golfers to the area and these were his comments:

La Zagaletta (Benhavis): Best condition and service on the Costa. Terrific design, spy deer, boar and snakes but no other golfers, great views of Gibraltar and the Mediterranean. Make friends with a member for the ultimate golf day.

Monte Mayor (Benhavis): Considered to be the most spectacular golf course on the coast, featuring a challenging layout over mountainous terrain - excellent value for money if you discount the lost balls!. The ultimate challenge to good scoring, hit it straight or say ‘hosta la vista’!

Marbella Club Resort (Benhavis): Rolling fairways in great condition all year round, becoming less exclusive. Situated in a wonderful natural area, it comprises slightly hilly ground which is characterised by its bunkers, lakes and large greens.

San Roque New (Sotogrande): Great challenge, each tee presenting its own challenge. Tough scoring, even for the professionals, but good value for money.

San Roque Old (Sotogrande): Excellent holes, a lovely walk often spoiled by errant shots, but hundreds of trees to find some shade.

Almenara (Sotogrande): Unbeatable value for money. Three nines, good layouts, testing but fair, perhaps more suited to the serious golfer, the main features of the course are high banked bunkers, winding fairways and holes protected by lakes.

Aloha (Marbella): Long established, traditional design, higher green fees but great course and walkable. This is a very popular course and advance booking recommended.

Finca Cortsin (Estepona): Relatively new course, hosts the Volvo World Matchplay Championship, just a great test of golf, lovely holes, big quick greens – great service.

I limited myself to playing three courses as I wanted to see what else the area had to offer and I would have say an absolute must would be to visit Ronda, one of the oldest towns in Spain. Not only has it of historical interest but it has a wealth of culture and tradition all of which adds to its charm.

Situated in the far northwest of the province of Malaga, Ronda sits on an outcrop of rock in a basin surrounded by mountain ranges, the height and length of which make access to the town difficult. My visit took place whilst on a jeep safari which incorporated visiting a number of local white villages and tasting the authentic Mediterranean cuisine! I think to drive there yourself would eliminate some of the enjoyment of the trip! There was so much to see including The Bullring which is recognised as the first purpose-built space for fighting bulls in the world and considered one of the most picturesque. There is also a very interesting Bullfighting Museum which offers a concise guide to the cultural history of bullfighting. Indeed a full day could easily be given to a visit to this town without getting bored, a camera is a must.

Benalmadena was another enjoyable visit with its history, art and typical Spanish streets. Benalmadena is a town and municipality in the province of Malaga. Although it has been subjected to an unprecedented urban expansion in recent years it has managed to keep much of its original charm and offers spectacular views of the sea with lots of patios and balconies to enjoy its gastronomical diversity. It also offers the largest marina on the Costa Del Sol which is home to over 1,100 moorings for boats of all nationalities. It is most relaxing to walk round by day or night and enjoy the shops, lively bars, night clubs and restaurants.

Puerto Banus, the legendary playground of the rich and famous is probably the best known resort in this area. If you enjoy watching men in boats, sorry yachts, designer shopping and people watching then this could be the place for you, I have to say the only attraction which would have held my attention would be if Malaga born film star Antonio Banderas had been visiting the resort which I am led to believe he does from time to time!

For me I will stick to the local villages in the hills and The Sierra de las Nieves National Park and Bioshpere Reserve. Located in the heart of Malaga’s province, a step from the Costa del Sol, Ronda and Malaga is suited to people who like nature and adventure as it offers: 4x4 routes, canoeing, ballooning, potholing, horse-riding, excursions, climbing, walking and mountain bike excursions to name but a few possibilities.

However if you fancy visiting the city of Malaga I am told that The Old Town is one of the most charming places in the city offering a cluster of Baroque facades and little squares that have a Moorish air. The area is dominated by the majestic 16th century cathedral, which I understand is dramatic at night when its ornate stonework façade is lit up. Here you will find many family-run restaurants where you can sit out and soak up the atmosphere.

Last but not least you may find a trip to Gibraltar of interest, but remember to take your passport which is required to go over the border. Take a cable car to the Top of the Rock for stunning views, and meet the famous apes at the Ape’s Den near Europa Point.

Travelling to all these places, especially with a car hire is quite easy on the toll motorways and/or highways and the journey to and from the airport is well signed but can be busy.

I hope this serves as sufficient information to whet your appetite to visit this part of Europe, for given that the weather is kind you will have a treat in store.

By Jean Tomlinson

www.golfbreaks.com – chance to play the world-famous Valderrama at a price you can afford!
www.valderrama.com
www.elparaisogolfclub.com
www.rioreal.com