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Santa Clara Golf

Just outside Marbella, this course is on the side of the main road. Since the owners took their time in the initial preperation, it was in perfect condition and looked supri- singly natural when it finally opened in 2001.
A mostly flat course, there is a steep climb on the 8th, leading to the 9th from where there are spectacular views of the Mediterranean.

Despite its short history, Santa Clara has already gained an enviable reputation for providing a service considerably above the average. On arrival into the car park the first indication of that becomes obvious when a buggy collects visitors and transports them the short distance to the very elegant clubhouse. The management at Santa Clara has obviously heeded the clarion cries for Costa del Sol golf courses to adapt a more welcoming attitude: they may rest assured their efforts have not gone unnoticed and are much commented on.

The girls manning the caddie-masters desk in the professionals shop are always courteous and smilingly arrange a card of the course and a buggy which is included in the green fee. On the first tee a good humoured starter sees each group off as the big clock on the tee ticks onto the exact starting time. With the first, ninth, 10th and 18th fairways running parallel the feeling of space is somehow relaxing and tends to relieve any pressure on the opening drive.

Memeorable Holes

One of the most memorable holes on the course is the par-5 eighth. Sixteen steps, made from railway sleepers, form the pathway up to the tee (there are a further eleven to be negotiated onto the back tee) and the climb is worth it, if only for the view. While a wide expanse of coastline, with the Mediterranean shimmering in the background, fills the mind’s eye with images, very little fairway is visible on this 498-metre hole. Some trees conceal the landing area as it swings around to the right but a bunker in the far distance should be taken as the line. With the average amateur shot being from left to right the shape of the hole is perfect. Hillocks and trees are scattered hither and yon on the fairway as it meanders downwards for about 220-metres at which point it plunges onto another plateau. A second shot sliced out over the buggy path will wind up in terrible trouble among some dense bushes while clumps of bougainvillea, on the timber fencing running down the right-hand side, provide splashes of breathtaking colour. 100-metres from the green the fairway recommences its downward journey until it arrives at the putting surface which is 37 paces in length. This interesting and exciting hole well merits its rating of index 2.

The final hole is one which could well destroy a good card in the making. The tee shot must travel out through an avenue of trees and over a river-bed out onto the fairway. The trees on the right are so close a drawn drive could well plough into them so a fade is the preferred (maybe only) option. A lake, complete with fountains, surrounds both sides and the back of the green while three palm trees stand rigidly to attention like guardsmen overlooking the putting surface. Should the approach shot splash down into the hazard there is a drop zone which, sadistically, requires a pitch back over the water onto the green. Behind the drop zone there are a couple of nicely designed timber seats where those with a warped sense of humour may spend an afternoon watching player after player come a cropper on this delightful closing hole.

The Santa Clara golf course is beautifully presented and immaculately kept: it has a number of spectacular holes but maybe the par-3s are just a shade too long and, with none of them measuring less than 175 yards, they offer little respite. Another hole which does not fit the overall standard of the course is the par-4 third which measures a mere 224 metres and dog-legs ninety degrees to the right. A medium iron popped out onto the fairway followed by a little pitch will take care of this disappointing hole on which the green will be in range for even half-decent hitters.

The 19^th

The upstairs restaurant serves an excellent lunch and attentive waiters are on hand to really top off a memorable experience. The “welcome mat” is always in evidence at Santa Clara and the 10-minute tee time intervals allow play move at a continuous and comfortable pace: the feeling of being rushed, for which a few of the Costa del Sol courses are now renowned, is notably absent at this first class golf facility.

• Holes - 18
• Par - 72
• Clubs hire - Yes
• Buggy hire - Yes
• Hand Cart hire - Yes
• Restaurant - Yes
• Bar - Yes

 

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