Just 15 minutes driving west of Malaga Airport lies the golf valley El Valle del Golf de Mijas. Traditionally, the heart of golf on the Costa del Sol could be found further down to the west of Marbella due to the quantity and quality of the golf courses, however, the rising prominence of the Mijas Golf Valley can more than match that description now while it is ideally a lot nearer to the airport and has its courses in close proximity of one another.

El Valle del Golf de Mijas offers the North, South and Europa course at La Cala Resort, the familiar Los Lagos and Los Olivos courses at Mijas Golf, a 9-hole course at La Noria, soon to be extended to 18-holes, an 18-and 9-hole course at Alhaurin Golf, an 18-hole course at the resurrected Chaparral Golf, an 18-hole course high up at Calanova Golf and the recently opened 18-hole course at Cerrado de Aguila, but it is the 5 year old Santana Golf & Country Club that has put this golf valley well and truly on the map. It is furthermore the only course not surrounded by cranes, building work, apartments or houses which only strengthems the sense of tranquility.

Visiting Santana five years on, you are greeted by a sight to behold. Driving along the entrance road, you are first met by a beautiful fountain of cascading water, with trees lining the road already showing the promise of juicy oranges. Next comes the clubhouse, a striking building designed by the famous regional architect Melvin Villaroel, and completely in harmony with its surroundings. Santana has taken its motto “Excelsior” quite literally while they have steadily been moving up the road.

The maturity of the course, already in evidence from the very first day, together with its beautiful natural surroundings, just draw you back time and time again. But don’t let the wide fairways lull you in a false sense of security. Furthermore it is the only course not surrounded by cranes, building work, apartments and houses which only strengthens the sense of tranquility..

The par 5 4th hole measuring 556 meters from the back tees is truly spectacular. The views from the elevated tee are breathtaking and could momentarily make you forget what you came for. There is a stream 60 meters from the green and the back to front sloping green is heavily guarded by bunkers.

The 8th, the second of a total of 4 par-5’s, with stroke index 1 is without a doubt a long par 5 with a length of 602 meters and it will therefore be difficult to come away with a par.

The par 3 16th with a length of 150 meters is not very long but such a pretty hole you can’t help but enjoy playing it.

The par 4 18th is one of the most difficult finishing holes on the whole of the coast with an elevated tee, a large fairway bunker capturing any ball going to the left and a lake taking care of the big hitters. The narrow approach with an undulating green sloping back to front with a drop of to the left caps the course off with something to remember.

It is just impossible to describe every hole as each one has something specific to offer but the course is easily walkable, well designed with great attention for detail, and without a doubt a challenge for golfers of every caliber, including professionals. Buggies are only allowed on the buggy paths unless they have a blue flag.

In line with Santana’s policy of Quality without compromise there is a generous 10 minute interval between tee-times, slow play is not allowed and with a refreshing new approch to keeping quality high, all handicap certificates are checked. They also do not offer twilight play, but this seems to inherently guarantee that the course is not exhausted.

Once the tee closes early in the afternoon for maintenance purposes, all remaining pitch marks are repaired meticulously and all other maintenance is carried out ready for the next days play. In the car park, next to the buggy park there is also a club cleaning service available for you.

Santana was originally described as a hidden gem, just waiting to be discovered. And discovered it was, by golfers from all over Europe and beyond, looking for quality golf in a nice and sunny climate. A German magazine commented that the slogan “The course everybody wants to play” should be changed into “The course everyone should play” . In the end that decision is surely up to the golfer so the best advise is to go and judge it for yourself.

For those of you who want to improve their game while enjoying the sunshine. the famous David Leadbetter Golf Academy just around the corner at the La Cala resort will provide the solution with its up-to-date techniques and facilities.

The abundance of excellent hotel facilities ranging from modest to 5-star luxury, the fantastic climate and hospitality encountered in the Mijas Golf Valley ensure that every visitor will have a truly unforgettable golfing experience.