Posted by: Anders Ditlevsen  | hcp: 9

Played both Valderrama and Finca Cortesin within a week in september 2011. Finca is absolutely the best deal. Valderrama is also a great course, but at Finca Cortesin is THE COURSE to play on costa del sol!

Do not miss it!!!

Posted by: David Wilding | hcp: 12

I had the good fortune to play Finca Cortesin on Thursday 31st March 2011, this was the fourth time I had played the course over the last six months and my enjoyment of the course improves every time I play at Finca. The course was designed by Cabell Robinson and it truly is a masterpiece when you look at the landscape he had to work with. Finca Cortesin is home to the Volvo World Matchplay Championship which will be held in May 2011 with many of the worlds top golfers already signed up to play.

The course is easy to find off the main N340 just follow the signs to Casares and after about 1km you will see the Hotel and Golf Club on your right at the top of the hill. As soon as we drove into the car park we were greeted by the club’s staff who took our clubs and directed us to the clubhouse and pro shop. In front of the clubhouse is a large driving range with complementary balls and a large putting green which I recommend you use because the greens are lightening fast. Buggies I believe are essential at Finca Cortesin as there are large distances between holes and may involve a large climb. With Buggies loaded we were ready for the golf.

COURSE – No easy start here you begin with a very long tough par 4 with sloping green then on to a long par 3 of some 200 metres. This is followed by a beautiful par 5 where you have to negotiate around a lake that runs up the fairway and along side the green. This is followed by a short downhill par 4 that long hitters may fancy their chances on but is well protected by a lake in front of the green. Then on to the back 9.

Hole 10 is a downhill par 3 which is very hard to club. Hole 13 is the signature hole of the course it is not that long compared to the rest but is stunning, one of my playing partners wanted to end his game here and eat the courtesy picnic we were given by the staff. Hole 18 is a great finishing hole the drive on the is par 5 is straight uphill aiming at the red Estepona mountains, if you look behind you will see the glistening Med and the African Coastline. There is not a bad hole on this course. On finishing your round the staff will take your clubs and give them all a good clean and will return them to your car when you leave.

CLUBHOUSE – The Clubhouse is quite small but absolutely stunning, prices are on the high side but the service and setting are fantastic. There are good changing facilities and a well stocked pro shop should you want a souvenir from your day at Finca Cortesin.

CONCLUSION – Finca Cortesin is a very special place to visit and play golf, you have to be on your A game to play anywhere near your handicap. The service here is as good as it gets all the staff are trained to make your day a special occasion. This is a true championship golf course and not recommended for very high handicappers or beginners. The course is always in magnificent condition and the greens are lightening fast, it is truly a great golf challenge. However this does not come cheap.

I can’t wait until the next time!