Costa Del Golf

Marbella has long been a favourite of European golfers. Mark Alexander takes a trip down to this Mediterranean retreat to find out why

The 10th hole at the South Course at Guadalmina

Guadalmina

Designed by Javier Arana, the South Course at Real Club de Golf Guadalmina is one of the oldest layouts in the area with over 50 years under its belt. In this time it has matured into a classy route of mainly parkland holes that heads first towards the coast and then away from it.

Round these parts getting close to the sea air is unusual thanks to planning rules that restrict developments directly on the coastline. Fortunately these came into force after Guadalmina was built meaning Arana was able to produce two wonderful links holes that reverberate to crashing waves and the calls of seagulls.

While the par-4 10th and the par-3 11th certainly steal the show, the run of holes up to 18 aren’t bad either. And if the club was to be assessed on these holes alone, it would surely rank up there with the best. Beautiful and challenging, these are cracking designs of the highest order. Unfortunately, the rest of the Campo Sur isn’t.

The opening five holes of the South Course simply don’t have the pizazz of the other 13 with property and a motorway infringing into the golfing experience. If the opening holes are an indication of what can be found on the club’s other inland layout then my advice would be to stay as close as you can to the sea.

The 11th hole at the South Course at Guadalmina

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