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LINKS
La
Quinta Golf and Country Club at Marbella
Majestically overlooking Marbella´s Golf Valley, the pioneering
La Quinta development and course, designed by Antonio García
Garrido and Manuel Piñero, is unforgivingly up and down,
and demands accuracy and stamina. Most tees are elevated, affording
excellent visibility and fairways widen to receive good tee
shots, but beware of trees, water and large yet shallow fairway
bunkers. More fearsome deeper bunkers lie in wait for stray
approach shots. The long 15th, a dogleg left, is rated the most
difficult hole. Look out for the Piñero brothers who
may offer a little local knowledge and advice. The success story
of the 199s La Quinta has already built a further 9 holes, and
replaced the 2nd, 3rd and 5th with holes providing a fairer,
less taxing test of golf. The club´s well-appointed clubhouse
is home to the internationally famous Restaurante La Dorada.
Golf
Torrequebrada, Benalmadena
Why move earth when a golf hole should follow its natural contours?
was the philosophy of Pepe Gancedo when he designed Torrequebrada.
Not surprisingly the course is tortuous, but the panoramic views
and variety at each hole make up for the undulating terrain.
As for natural hazards, there are plenty of trees and bushes,
six holes are affected by water and there are numerous strategically
placed bunkers. The 16th, a short par four, is a dogleg to the
right with a downhill second shot towards an elevated green
where the pin is barely visible. The wind can also influence
your play at the home club of PGA European Tour professional
Miguel Angel Jiménez. Opened in 1976, Torrequebrada has
hosted many world-class tournaments including the Spanish Open.
The club operates a liberal public golf policy; this makes it
very attractive and popular with visitors.
Valderrama
Golf Club
Officially voted Europe´s No. 1 golf course, Valderrama
was home to the VOLVO MASTERS and has been designated host to
the 1997 RYDER CUP. Designed by Robert Trent Jones and lovingly
tended by owner Jaime Ortiz Patiño, this is one of the
continent´s toughest challenges. You may return home shell-shocked
but should be content with the thought that you are one of the
few able to boast: "Valderrama? Yes, we played there".
The 4th hole, a par five of spectacular beauty, ends on a raised
green by the side of which plunges a cascade of water on its
way to the greenside lake. With recent improvements to the layout,
especially the arrival of Cup captain Seve Ballesteros, Valderrama
is in prime condition and Mr. Patiño only aims to make
it better: the "Augusta of Europe". Visitors are welcome
but must book in advance.
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