Los Naranjos
Los Naranjos Golf Course is beautifully situated just 7km south of Marbella in the Golf Valley. The 18 hole, par 72 course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Snr. Featuring his trademark long terraced tees and large rolling greens, it was opened in 1977. It has two distinctly different halves, with the first 9 holes set around rolling hills and surrounded by luxury real estate.
Many of the first holes were completely overhauled in 1999 and will challenge all level of players with elevated greens, dog legs and huge bunkers. The second half opens out flatter amongst the olive groves from which the course got its name.
The 10th hole is a long par 4, with a sloped green from right to left after a tricky narrow entrance. The 12th is closely guarded by huge bunkers and a lake and the 18th is a long par 5 of 525m where the player has to cross the lakes before heading home to the clubhouse. Ground keeping is a priority and a new computerized irrigation system keeps the course well booked all year around.
The club requires players to present an official handicap 27 /35, the use of soft spikes only and the stipulation that rounds on the 18 holes must not exceed 4 hrs 15 minutes. The Los Naranjos Golf Club also offers a good sized driving range, putting and chipping greens close to the clubhouse. The impressive Andalucian style Clubhouse, which is renowned for its friendly ambience and the regular appearance of Sean Connery, has an excellent Pro Shop with all top brand golfing and sporting goods for sale as well as clubs, caddies and buggies available for rent. Top Professional tuition is available with Richard Strangert.
The Clubhouse is also home to a very tasteful restaurant, where food is laid on all day. The Grand Open Sunday Buffet is a well known event all along the Costa and is worth the experience, with fantastic food to be enjoyed with an idyllic view of the coastline.