18 Holes, Par 71, and 6,014 Metres
La Cala’s Third Course, the Campo Europa, was opened in March 2005. The fairways are generous from the tees and the greens are slightly larger than on the existing courses. They are not severely contoured but are well bunkered and are easier for the average golfer.
Course designer Cabell Robinson stresses the difference between the three courses “The three courses in La Cala Resort are all very different in character. The new course is the most different of the three because of the river Ojen; the others are in the hills. They are three good challenges and none is over long. Yet they are all very different in character. It gives a great option to golfers to have three 18-hole courses to choose from.”
Find hotels in La Cala de Mijas here…Cabell went on to stress the advantages of the new course for the average golfer. The new course is not only dramatic but is also easier for the less confident golfer. The fairways are generous from the tees and the greens are slightly larger than the North and South Courses. The Ojen river plays a part in eight holes, cutting across three fairways. There is one main bridge that measures 45 metres and four smaller bridges over the river.
The 14th is at the maximum limit of what is allowed for a par 3 with a length of 233 metres. The 11th par 5 is the longest hole, measuring 524 metres.
Course Review of La Cala 3rd Golf Course.
Hole 1, PAR 4, 301 m.
This is a driveable par 4. The smart move though for most players will be to gear down to a fairway wood or long iron, taking advantage of the generously wide fairway. From there a simple wedge or 9 iron should get you home. Do NOT however over-dub the approach shot.
Hole 2, PAR 4, 344 m.
A medium length 2-shotter. The best option is to hit out straight, left of the fairway bunker, into a level part of the fairway. From this elevated position the approach is downhill to a raised banana-shaped green well bunkered right front and left rear.
Hole 3, PAR 3 158 m.
Club selection and directional control off the tee are the chief requirements on this the more challenging of the front nine’s short holes. Apart from the menace of the arroyo, the salient feature of this hole is the 40+ metre long narrow green with gentle but complex contouring.
Hole 4, PAR 4, 404m.
Two river crossings are required from the back tees, but a modern bridge carries players across to the forward tees. The fairway is pinched down to a miserly 25 m width, putting a premium on accuracy rather than length. One of the largest greens on the course with two large bunkers on the right and a third, on the left, to challenge lay-up approach shots. Possibly the most difficult par 4 on the course, and sure to provoke discussion at the 19th.
Hole 5, PAR 4, 329 m.
A medium but challenging uphill par 4. The tee shot appears daunting due to the three cork oaks in the hillside. The green is fairly long with a back-to-front slope and bunkers right.
Hole 6, PAR 4, 357 m.
From the elevated tees the drive appears comfortably wide, so the temptation will be to go for it. A good mid-iron should get you up to the green.
Hole 7, PAR 4, 365 m.
A medium length uphill par 4. OB along the right is clearly a threat on the tee shot so best to keep the drive to the left, out near the bunkers on that side. Laying up off the tee is not the best option. The large deep valley right of the putting surface will test the chipping skills of even the best players.
Hole 8, PAR 5, 498 m.
Standing on the highest point of the course with the sea and the town of Fuengirola off in the distance. The best target off the tees is the left fairway bunkers. The smart move then is to lay up with the second just beyond the olive trees on the left. This will leave a more controllable approach shot and an easy par.
Hole 9, PAR 3, 160 m
The downhill tee shot leaves everything in view, but avoid being fooled by bunkers on the left. The shallow – terraced flag location there appears – and is – tight, but the slopes to the right of the green will kick shots that side into the bunker from which there is no recovery.
Hole 10, PAR 3, 121 m
Golfers should not be fooled by the shortness of this hole. The green is well guarded along the right side by the lake and to the left and by a nest of bunkers. The putting surface contours are among the most undulating on the course. Only a precise aerial approach will result in an easy birdie.
Hole 11, PAR 5, 524 m
The drive from the championship tee on this the longest par 5 on the course is a difficult shot with the Rio Ojen waiting to snatch a pulled shot. Although well bunkered left and right, the green is rather large for a par 5 thus inviting an attacking fairway metal for those in search of a birdie.
Hole 12, PAR 4, 339m
The best way to attack this short but tricky par 4 is to fade the tee shot off the hillside on the right. The elevated green is wider at the back, so allow an extra club on the approach to avoid the bunkers and grassy hollows.
Hole 13, PAR 4, 369m
A very photogenic hole from the elevated tees, and one of the most difficult on the back nine. The sharp dogleg invites a cutting the comer to an ever-narrowing fairway. Bunkers and trees will punish the less than perfect drive of those who try it. A knockdown, run-on shot from short of the green may be the smart shot here. Avoid the temptation of playing down the adjacent and lower 15th fairway.
Hole 14, PAR 3, 233 m
Probably the longest par 3 on the Costa del Sol, and one of the prettiest. The River Ojen cuts across the hole in front of the four rear tees and guards the right side and rear of the green. The green is large and receptive. A par here will be a highly respected score.
Hole 15, PAR 5, 492 m
The nice view down along the river does not alter the fact that all but the most forward tee shots must carry this feature to a fairway which narrows beyond 250 meters. The safe second shot is to the wide landing area, close to the bunkers on the left. From there the entrance to the green is open.
Hole 16, PAR 3, 171 m
A downhill par 3. A mid-iron shot from the elevated tees. Bunkering is mostly to the sides and the rear, but short approaches will remain short. There will be very few flat putts. The last chance for a relatively easy birdie on the back side.
Hole 17, PAR 5, 483m
Uphill from the landing area to the green, this hole will play longer than it measures. The drive is defended by bunkers left and right, but it is very wide as the men must carry some distance across the arroyo in front of the tees. Approach shots to the elevated green will test club selection as the bottom of the flag is not visible. Par here will be a good score.
Hole 18, PAR 4, 366 m
A small pot bunker in the fairway at 265 meters will test the big hitters, and one on the right will collect long drives drifting in that direction. The green is very shallow but sloped to receive the lofted approach shots expected. Short is better than long as anything beyond the bunkers behind the putting surface will disappear. Discretion on both the tee and approach shots is advised as this seemingly easy hole can easily bite.