Posted by: David Wilding | hcp: 12

La Quinta is a 5 star Golf Resort located at the back of Marbella’s Golf Valley. The golf course has 27 holes comprising of three loops of nine holes A, B and C. La Quinta has been home to the European Seniors Tour for the last two years which is played in October over the A & C courses. A lot of improvements have taken place at La Quinta over the last few years, some holes have been rebuilt and new drainage has been installed throughout the course. Another major improvement is that the management of the golf facilities has been taken over by Troon Golf this made a huge improvement to customer service at La Quinta which other courses would do well to follow. I played all 27 holes at La Quinta on a warm sunny day in March.

All Golf Courses in Golf Valley are well sign posted and a very easy to find. On arriving at the Clubhouse you drive down to the underground car park. On arriving in the car park we were greeted by one of the caddy masters who picked up our bags and directed us to the pro shop to sign in. In the pro shop we were attended to by two smiling members of staff who gave a warm welcome and issued us with our tickets for the starter, buggy keys and directed us to the driving range where we could practice with complimentary range balls. Next to the range is a large practice green to get your putting in shape before heading out to play La Quinta’s tricky greens. On arriving at the first hole we were greeted by the starter who informed us of the local rules and informed us buggies must be kept on the cart paths. We were now ready for the golf.

COURSE – We played the 3 courses in the order of A B C. On (A) you start of with a nice par 5 which has a pine tree conveniently placed to block out your second shot, you will need to produce a draw here to get the ball up the fairway. The (A) course has a good selection of differing holes and the 8 th is a lovely par 3 protected by water with a lovely backdrop of the Concha Mountain. You finish the A course with a tricky uphill par 5 with tough slopping green. (B) Course is much shorter than the other two but has very tricky greens, expect some 3 puts here, the course is very hilly and you won’t get many flat lies. The (B) course is very pretty and finishes with a risk and reward short par 4 which is very reachable if the tee is in the forward position, the green is well protected by water so beware. (C) course is the longest and most challenging, it starts with a short par 4 then shows its teeth with a long par 3 surrounded by water. There are some long tough holes on this course which finishes with a long up hill par 4 in front of the clubhouse.

CLUBHOUSE – The clubhouse is a monster of a building at La Quinta with a very large outside terrace with great views through Golf Valley to the Mediterranean and Puerto Banus. The Clubhouse is run by Melia Hotels Group who operate the adjoining Hotel. Service is ok but not of the high standard set by the golf side of the operation and drinks are very reasonable. A half way house was under construction during our visit which would be a great benefit.

CONCLUSION – A very enjoyable day’s golf which started well with the warm greeting we were given by the staff at the course. The course is very well maintained considering the week before we experienced days of very heavy rain. Playing here can be a bit more expensive than other similar courses but overall a very good experience and would recommend La Quinta to fellow golfers.