Four lakes shape the opening stretch at Santa María Golf & Country Club, with water affecting play at the 1st, 3rd, 8th, 9th and 11th. It is a course that asks for sensible placement before power, particularly across a testing front nine that includes three par fives. The holes follow the folds of a valley in the Andalusian hills, moving through pine woodland, cork oaks, wild olive trees and mature oaks, with a small stream running alongside much of the route. There is a pleasing sense of separation from the surrounding development, while higher points open out towards the Mediterranean and the oak covered hills beyond.
Antonio García Garrido designed the first nine, and their more exacting character gives way to a back nine created by the club’s own technical team, which opened in November 1996. Three par threes feature on the inward half, where there is greater scope to settle after a costly hole. Between rounds, the clubhouse brings a different side to the day. This 19th-century Andalusian cortijo has vine covered courtyards, substantial gardens and large lounges, giving the club a relaxed, lived in feel. Hoyo 19 looks across the course towards the mountains, and works equally well for coffee before teeing off, a relaxed lunch or food after 18 holes.
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