Recently I was asked to prepare a Golf Holiday and itinerary to the Costa del Sol for travel in April 2021, the group are all low handicap golfers. Based on 25 years of experience in arranging golf holidays and of course Covid permitting, the following was my proposal:
Aer Lingus fly direct to Malaga and currently plan to operate 3 flights a day from Ireland.
With private transfers to The Gran Hotel Guadalpin Banus, this 5-star hotel is located in a privileged setting right on the beachfront. Its facilities include restaurants, a beach bar, an oriental spa, several swimming pools, and it is only 5 minutes walk from the center of Puerto Banus.
However, what’s most important is the choice of golf courses located only a short distance from the hotel.
Rio Real Golf Club
This course runs alongside the Rio Real River and the water hazard comes into play on a number of holes. Beware of hole number 3, this par 3 you either hit the green or you play your next 3rd from the Tee. I am not ashamed to say I hit my 5th from the Tee.
Los Naranjos
Jose Rivero beat Seve Ballesteros at The Spanish PGA Championship in 1989 at Los Naranjos and if it’s good enough for these two Spanish Legends it’s good enough for us mere mortals. Los Naranjos is a lovely facility with, excellent layout, and has lost none of its charm.
Valle Romano
The new kid on the block. It played host to The European Tour Costa Del Sol Match Play Tournament in 2019. The pros loved it and this course is earmarked for greatness. Play it before the inevitable green fee rise, currently, it represents great value for money.
Finca Cortesin
It was announced only very recently that the 2023 Solheim Cup will be staged at Finca Cortesin. In my opinion, it’s the best course on the Costa Del Sol. The Volvo Match Play was staged here for 5 years from 2008. Winners include Ian Poulter, Ross Fisher, Nicolas Colsaerts, all former European Ryder Cup players. It is well worth a visit for the practice facilities alone. Give yourself an hour before your tee time to complete the experience, it is not to be missed.
I have chosen these 4 courses based on my experience, all are within a short distance from the hotel and all are in superb condition. A Golf Holiday simply does not get any better.
Golf Holidays can and will arrange a golf holiday specifically tailor-made for your group. Contact us today!
Rio Real Golf Club
Valle Romano