Estepona

Constructed by Londoner David Leader in 1989, the Estepona course is an 18-hole layout managed by the late owner’s family as a “pay and play” golf facility and it lies on the inland side of the main coastal road, just outside the charming resort of the same name.

The course lies in the shadow of the Sierra Bermeja Mountains and golfers enjoy sea views from nearly every hole. Fairways (often flanked by palms, eucalyptus and wild olive trees) are wide, bunkering is reasonably penal and greens are gently contoured – all of which enables players of varying ability to enjoy their game at this friendly, down-to-earth club.

The signature hole at Estepona is the downhill, par four, 3rd called “Ski Slope,” which measures 380 metres from the back markers. Another very good hole is the teasing short par four 10th where some may be tempted to go for the green from the elevated tee. Beware the ponds in front that await anything short or the greenside bunkers that will catch anything wayward.