Villa Padierna Golf Club (Flamingos)

The 18-hole Los Flamingos layout is part of Villa Padierna, a large, up-market residential and hotel estate located just outside Marbella. Opened for play in 2001, it’s the first of three 18-hole courses to open at the resort, the short Tremores and the long and tough Alferini complete the trio. Such is the quality of Flamingos and its facilities, the European Seniors Match-Play Championships have already been held here several times and more of these events are due to follow.

Most fairways are sown with Bermuda grass, tees and greens with Pencross and bunkers lined with white Marmolina sand. The front nine are tighter than the back nine and three of the five short holes are located on the outward half – the par three 8th was originally a short par four hole.

Laid out in a style resembling the garden of a faux Tuscan villa – with stands of cypress, orange, olive and pine trees, streams flowing into lakes and classic columns, statues and marble bridges dotted around the place – the course will not suit everybody’s taste but at least the breathtaking Mediterranean views are the real thing!