La Cala Golf Resort

La Cala’s Campo America Course contains some truly spectacular holes. These include the par 5s at 6, 9 and 18, and the quite remarkable par 3 at 16. The hilly topography on which the course sits means the course presents a stern test, with plenty of forced carries over steep brush-covered side slopes. Nearly three quarters of the greens are raised above the level of the fairways too, adding yet another challenge for golfers.

In addition, the greens present small targets for which to aim at and are well protected by strategic bunkering, demanding accurate and well-judged shots on the approach. However, the Campo America course is made a slightly easier driving course than Campo Asia with its wide, linked fairways and relatively small number of bunkers allowing a more generous margin for error.

As a championship course located at the foot of the Mijas Mountains, Campo America’s international status is also enhanced by spectacular views to the Sierra de Ojén and Mediterranean Sea.

Signature Hole   – No. 16: Par 3, 135 yards (White Tees)

Despite being stroke index 17, the spectacular scenery at the short, 135 yard par 3 makes for a memorable hole. The elevated tee overlooks the whole property and the panoramic view extends over the pond in front of the green, past the putting surface and all the way to the coast which is several miles away.

Despite being the oldest of the three La Cala courses, Campo Asia is still well respected by golfers, and for many it is seen as the toughest test at the resort. Its layout is even hillier, the fairways tighter and the bushes more impenetrable than the neighbouring Campo America course, which already offers a sizeable challenge. In this respect, the course certainly puts a premium on accuracy and control.

While providing a tougher test off the tees, the course maintains similar elevation changes to that on the hilly America course, with strategic greenside bunkers in place at many of the raised putting surfaces.

The four par 5s, with the exception of the 1st, are all reachable in two for longer hitters, but golfers should beware of the concealed contours on the greens and the water that lurks on a couple of the holes. Sometimes less can be more when it comes to the second shots here!

The four short holes on the course are between 160 and 185 yards long, with three of them played from elevated tees to greens of terrific variety. This exciting course will guarantee a testing round for golfers of all abilities.

Signature Hole   – No. 11:  Par 3, 170 yards (White Tees)

Campo Asia offers many fantastic holes and after a straight-jacketing front nine, the back nine provides no let up. The par 3 at 11 is one of the most spectacular holes on the resort. The hole provides golfers with unforgettable panoramic views of the whole resort, Mijas village and Mediterranean.

The Campo Europa course provides an easier game for the average golfer, with generous fairways, flatter terrain and slightly larger greens than Campo America and Asia. However, the presence of excellent bunkering throughout and the appearance of the idyllic Ojen River on eight of the holes ensure that your course management cannot afford to be too relaxed.

Signature Hole   – No. 14: Par 3, 254 yards (White Tees) 

14 of the 18 holes are visible from the tees, as golfers can also enjoy the fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and resort. At one point players must cross the river over an impressive 45m bridge and there are four other smaller bridges along its banks around the course as well. Campo Europa’s course is a fine addition to the resort, and is by no means a poor third, but rather a more manageable proposition for higher handicappers and perhaps beginners looking for a more relaxed test of golf.

At the maximum limit of distance for a par 3, the 14th not only presents a lengthy tee shot, but a perilous one too. A long carry is needed over river and scrub, leaving little margin for error.

La Cala’s practice facilities include a nine hole Par 3 course which is a great place for those who wish to practice the short game, or for beginners who may not yet feel prepared for the championship courses. The course doesn’t lack quality either, and its unique par 3 designs gives cause for its ranking as the best par 3 design on the Costa del Sol.

The short game practice facilities are located adjacent to the golf club house, where a large putting green, separate chipping and putting areas with two bunkers.

La Cala’s clubhouse is designed in a traditional Andulacian style and is a buzzing hive of activity. The restaurant and bar provide guests with the chance of breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as snacks and drinks served throughout the day.  All of the top daily sporting events are televised on the satellite TV too. The restaurant at the Club House is open from breakfast right through to the evening.

Outside the pro shop and club house is one of the biggest golf buggy fleets in Europe, with 200 modern electric buggies available for hire.

A wide range of clothing and accessories are available at the pro shop. Club cleaning services are offered, along with the opportunity to purchase personalised items. Golfers are also able to partake within the rental service of both shoes and clubs. Outside the pro shop and club house is one of the biggest golf buggy fleets in Europe, with more than 200 lithium battery buggies available for hire.