Old Holts Golf Society
THE COURSES
La Cala Campo America
Campo America is 6572 yards, par 72 course, with five par 5's and was designed by American golf course architect Cabell B. Robinson in 1990. Formerly the North Course, Campo America is enhanced by spectacular views to the Sierra de Ojén and Mediterranean Sea. It’s wide, linked fairways and relatively few bunkers make this a slightly easier driving course, though the hilly topography requires a lot of carry across steep brush-covered side slopes. while the small raised greens demands more precise club selection to hit the mark.
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On arrival to Malaga we are again heading straight, from the airport, to our first round of golf, so make sure your golfing gear is at the top of your case. We make the short 40 minute drive to the impressive La Cala Golf Resort. We have played at La Cala before but this time round we will be taking on the more forgiving of the three courses, Le Cala Campo America. Campo America is currently the 31st best course in Southern Spain and the 66th best course in Spain.
The wide fairways and rough areas and more "joined" fairways make this a slightly easier driving course than Campo Asia. In addition, there are fewer fairway bunkers. There are water hazards on the 9th and 16th.
Four of the par 5's are apparently reachable in two (holes 1, 9, 15 and 18), and the par 3s are quite spectacular and testing.
Campo America requires accurate and well-judged shot-making on the approach as nearly three quarters of the greens are perched or slightly elevated.
ALCAIDESA LINKS
Friday we take the short 20 minute drive and head back to a course that most members have played at least once, Alcaidesa Links. The links course was inaugurated in 1990 then remodelled in 1999 to improve its playability by widening fairways and ironing out some of the more severe undulations on the greens, Alcaidesa Links is currently the 38th best course in Southern Spain and the 88th best course in Spain.
Alcaidesa Links is a 6415 yard par 72 course which was designed by Peter Alliss and Clive Clark. Alcaidesa Links is the only links course in southern Europe.The topography of the land at Alcaidesa is formed by gentle slopes descending towards the sea, finishing on a beautiful beach, creating a front of nearly 2 km, meaning that most of the holes run alongside the beach. The difficulty of the course lies mainly in the condition of the prevailing winds in the area. One of the special features of the course which most impresses is its spectacular view over the Mediterranean, Gibraltar and Africa.
The fairways are varied with some doglegs and water hazards. The first four holes play towards the shoreline where there is a glorious long (Nudist) beach . Holes five to 14 play along the coast. The 5th tee is raised with a breathtaking view over the sea. If the wind is blowing it will be a real challenge along this part of the course. The fairways then go inland and complete the round in front of the outstanding clubhouse.
As 'links' courses go Alcaidesa should never be described as a ‘true links’ like you would expect to play in the UK. Let’s face it we know the course is a good course with exceptional views, and apparently a very good restaurant. Reading some of the golf reviews a number make reference to their crab tapas (I'm sure Mr Taylor will have a dabble).
La Quinta is made up of three 9 hole:
The A course, San Pedro, which is an open course with wide fairways which allow the use of fairway woods and long irons.
The B course, Ronda, is a more difficult course with narrow fairways and technical greens.
The C course, Gaudaiza, which was remodelled a few years ago, now feels much like the A course, where the player must use a complete range of shots, making it a very enjoyable course.
Courses A, San Pedro = 3154 yards Par 35
Courses B Ronda = 2,972 yards Par 36
Courses C, Gaudaiza = 3344 yards Par 36
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LA QUINTA
Saturday we take the 26 minute drive and head back to the plush surroundings of La Quinta Golf Resort. La Quinta opened in 1989 and it offers 27 championship holes designed by one of Spain's most important ambassadors in the last 30 years, Manuel Piñero. The course is integrated in the natural surroundings of the area, from which you can view the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains that encircle Marbella, whilst playing one of its three 9 hole options. La Quinta is currently the 40th best course in Southern Spain and the 84th best course in Spain.
La Quinta was designed by three times world champion and Ryder Cup winner Manuel Piñero. The San Pedron course is flat, Ronda is undulating and Gaudaiza is a combination of both. The golf resort is situated between two valleys lined with pine woods and flower beds. The course is quite varied and entertaining e.g. some holes have open fairways and short yardage, yet some have narrower fairways and more difficult greens. With many slopes and dog legs to contend with too, this golf course as those who have played it know, provides a challenge for golfers of all abilities.