Santana - Southern Spain - Spain
Carretera La Cala-Entrerríos,
Valle d Golf d Mijas,
29649 Mijas Costa,
Málaga
+34 (0) 951 06 25 60
10 km W of Fuengirola
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Salva Jaime Gallardo
Santana Golf & Country Club is situated slightly inland from the Mediterranean coast between Mijas and Fuengirola. Set amidst 140 acres of oranges and avocados groves – part of the property was once an avacado farm – and with the backdrop of the majestic Mijas Mountains, Santana really is an outstanding natural beauty. Designed by Cabell B. Robinson and opened for play at the beginning of 2004, it has taken a year or two for Santana to become recognised as one of the Costa del Sol’s leading courses. Measuring fractionally more than 6,200 metres from the back tees, Santana is not the longest course in the area but it’s a potentially dangerous layout, especially if you find yourself stymied behind one of the multitude of avocado pear trees which line many fairways. The routing is intelligent and the bunkering truly magnificent with brilliant white crushed marble-like sand. The deep greens are devilishly tricky, some are unusually shaped and not a single one could ever be described as flat. Factor in the odd water carry and stunning tee to green conditioning and you have the recipe for excellence which is evident throughout Santana Golf and Country Club. The gently rolling, former farmland makes for easy walking, unlike one or two other notable courses in the area, for example La Cala. Undoubtedly Santana is maturing rapidly into one of Robinson’s finest layouts and will soon be sitting at the very top of everyone’s must-play list. Keep your eyes peeled for the occasional Calzada (or Booted) Eagle which can be seen soaring on the warm Spanish thermals. But we suspect you won’t have time to spot one on the 4th hole as you’ll be unable to take your eyes off this incredibly spectacular long par five with its profound bunkering, ball gobbling stream and treacherously sloping green. The 4th is perhaps one of the best, if not the best par five in Spain. |
Reviews for Santana
This was a complete unknown when my Dad told my brother and I we would be playing here. But it has appeared on each of our Marbella golf itineraries since.
The conditioning is superb and if you read the plethora of online reviews, Santana is obviously becoming a fan favourite and a perfect accompaniment to neighbouring courses such as the La Cala resort.
Santana Golf & Country Club (not sure where the country club comes in) is situated inland from the Mediterranean coast between Mijas and Fuengirola. Set amidst 140 acres of oranges and avocado groves, the layout is intelligent and the bunkering, stunning, with brilliant white crushed marble-like sand. The greens are tricky, with not one being described as flat. Some great shaped greens as well. Water plays a large role in one’s round here and the odd carry and stunning tee locations make for a great little recipe.
The signature hole is the par-5 4th hole. This is an incredibly spectacular long per five with its profound bunkering, ball stealing stream and treacherous sloping green. Beautiful orange and avocado trees line the right side of the fairway, terminating at a wonderful set of ruins. I know that I have only ever made one par here, and no the other occasions were not birdies.
The course means a lot to my Dad as he scored his only Hole-in-One to date on the 12th hole, whilst on a gent’s golf holiday. It took me a while to believe him and I had to get a number of corroborations from his colleagues. But I guess a congratulations is in order.
The only downside is that the course lacks practice facilities. A basic practice green is all there is to warm up on before hitting the first tee. Some money here would really elevate its status. The restaurant, however, is great value for money and offers an array of tasty food and wine and beer.
An absolute recommendation. Can’t wait to go back.
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Definitely one of the best courses around. Beautiful course and kept in great condition.
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Very popular golf course. Nice conditions, The best one of our golf trip together with Chaparral. Buggies a bit dirty and older.
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Second time I've played Santana now and would rate it as one of my favourite holiday courses. It doesn't have the ridiculous holes in it like some others in the area - it's a nice flat course that gives you the opportunity to open up your shoulders every now and again and doesn't punish you for every bad shot you make.
The condition of the course has always been good, with nice albeit not overly quick greens.
It doesn't have a driving range which is the only downside for me - I guess it doesn't look very impressive when you arrive at the club either (unlike La Quinta and Marbella GCC to name a couple).
Finally there are some breathtaking holes on this course - the par 5 10th in particular for me, but there are a few. This is definitely a course I would play again and would even consider more than 1 round on a longer trip!!!
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This is a thoroughly enjoyable course. It is not a 'championship' course and is all the better for it. It is just long enough to be challenging, wide enough to be forgiving, and the greens are excellent but not straightforward. It should probably be classified as a holiday golf course, but it is a very superior member of that category. It was in good to very condition, one or two scruffy tees being the only real blemish.
All of the par 3s are good, the 2nd has water in front of the left half of the green allowing you bail out right or risk going for the pin, the longer 7th is a real challenge with water down the right of a narrow green, the 12th is a superb downhill hole with a good trick of design which makes club selection very difficult.
I disagree with reviewers who don't like the 9th and 13th, I like the change in elevation and the semi-blind tee shots. There is no unfair danger waiting over the hill. In my opinion, the only weakish hole is the short par 4,17th and that is weak rather than poor.
In fact fairness is a characteristic of this course, one which I would say should make it a pleasure for golfers of all standards.
The reception, starter and restaurant were all very friendly, and the course was comparatively uncrowded for a weekend on the Costa del Sol. We were around in just over 4 hours, which is a lot quicker than many of our other experiences in the area.
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Great course & fair for all levels of golfer (with limited water too - we ranged from 4 hcp to 18hcp). Quite open & great for those who can tend to stray a little off the tee.
Some quite long & challenging holes but some shorter/easier ones too. General condition was great & greens were in excellent condition too, rolling well & consistent in speed.
Staff were helpful throughout the day & the Marshall (a fellow Scot) was great too, keeping everyone moving when needed.
Would definitely return if we book for next year!
Ps. The small safes for valuables on-board the carts are an excellent idea. We unfortunately had some issues at another course we played!
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Played at Santana April 2018. We played Santana 3 years ago and decided to come back again for 3 reasons. Course was good, was great value for money, and the service and hospitality was excellent last time.
This year we had an even better time. Course was in better condition than previous years. (maybe helped as the sun was shining this time). Greens were noticably better than last time. The course was the easiest for scoring that we played this year (La Quinta and Rio Real were other courses). Yes it is quite open but i prefer this compared to right courses where gardens are within 10yards of the fairway like other courses in the region. Agree with previous reviewer who said you dont need to hit driver much. That is true. The two par 5s on the front nine are very long, and give club player no chance on reaching in 2 shots (both over 550 yards).
Club lacks pratcise facilities, and changing rooms arent great either.
The restaurant next to the course is amazing value for money, and the service with a smile is great. We told waiter to serve us tapas and local white wine. Well he did till we couldnt eat or drink no more. Cost os 40 eur each, which was amazing value for the amount we ate. complimentary caramel vodkas are a nice touch.
If you want a chmapionship course with amazing club house avoid santana and go play San Roque or Finca. If you want a good course with great hospitality at a great price visit Santana. You wont be dissapointed.
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