It has been almost 10 years since the last 18-hole golf courses (Valle Romano and Tramores) were opened on the Costa del Sol, and six since the opening of a nine-hole layout (Miguel Ángel Jiménez Golf Academy). So the launch of a new 18-hole course in Europe’s premier golf tourism destination is great news. It is called Azata Golf and it is located in Estepona, which means the municipality now has a total of nine courses.
Although it is already perfectly playable, the official opening will take place at the end of January. It is a par-71, "very pleasant to play", in the words of its general manager Agustín Alonso, who has a highly regarded track record at golf courses, both in Spain and abroad.
The course has been designed by Sterling and Martin Golf Course Architects, and the construction was carried out by Gabriel Gallegos’ GTM Golf & Turf Management. The course is owned by the Azata Group, a major real estate company established nationally. In addition to this new golf course, which will be fully commercial (pay-and-play), the group also owns the Villa Golf property development, comprising villas and semi-detached homes at very competitive prices.
The first nine at Azata Golf is a little longer, and with wider fairways than the second, but it still presents a challenge for players. One much-appreciated aspect is that there are hardly any ravines, since most of the steep slopes (and the most difficult terrain) have been filled in so players don’t lose balls – “because we are aware of the problems that exist on the Costa del Sol in this regard”, says Alonso. Large areas of the course have also been cleared.
"The idea," he adds "is to facilitate play in that respect, which doesn’t mean that the course is not without its difficulties and not competitive, which it is." It is also a comfortable layout that can be played easily walking without a buggy.
The Azata Golf greens are wide and have many different slopes. "I'm going to have them between nine and 10 speed to be fun," says Alonso.
Water is present on many of the holes. On the front nine, the Arroyo Vaquero river flows alongside holes three, four, five, six and seven, and there is a lake on holes one and five. The latter is a very attractive par-five “which players will try to reach in two, but with a water hazard in front and the river on the left they will have to take a risk. If not, laying up before the lake also can also result in a birdie.”
Holes one, two and three are a bit longer, so they are challenging for big hitters, like the eighth, where they can reach the green in two, although it is a little more difficult because it is uphill.
Almost the whole front nine features views of the Sierra Bermeja mountain range, while the second nine – downhill and practically flat – offers spectacular views of the sea. The 10th is another “risk-and-reward hole, a par-four with all the water in front, and the fairway on the right.
A big-hitter who wants to use a driver or three-wood can reach the green but they will have to fly their ball over the water. If not, stay to the right and hit a small wedge.
The 15th, a par-three with its green almost a full island – with water both in front and on the left, and the river on the right – is one of Azata Golf’s iconic holes and, for its director, the signature hole without any doubt.
The club was opened with a putting green and approach area, but a driving range is also planned, located in front of the clubhouse. It is due to be completed and ready for the course inauguration in January, and will be “totally new”, says Alonso, with a completely glassed-in façade that will cause a sensation among golfers.
As for prices, Azata Golf will be in the middle range of courses in the area, according to the general manager. In the high season the green fee will be €65 and in the low season, €50. There will be monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual season tickets available. Subscribers will enjoy special prices for renting buggies, electric carts and trolleys, as well as discounts in the shop.
In addition, Azata Golf is very interested in promoting golf among youngsters, so the club has signed on to the program set up by the Royal Andalucian Golf Federation for junior players. Juniors will have a discount on practically everything the club offers, “because what we want is to promote the sport, as I have always done during my life”, explains Alonso.
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