Guadalmina
Norte.
Guadalmina Norte is considered less difficult than Guadalmina's
southern course, although it covers more terrain, is more undulating,
contains more trees and also has more water hazards.
The Guadalmina River bisects the course from north to south -it
comes into play at the 17th, for example- and as if this weren't
enough, there are lakes at the 7th, 11th and 18th holes. The course
was designed by Falco Nardi and opened in 1973.
Guadalmina Sur.
Guadalmina Sur, the first 18 of Guadalmina's 45 holes, was opened
way back in 1959 and is the second oldest course on the Costa
del Sol. It was designed by Javir Arana and is characterised by
fairways which wind between mature shade-giving trees. The fairways
are wide and virtually free of rough. The raised greens are an
encouragement to attack the pin.
Henry Cotton named the long 6th "Tipperary" as in "it's
a long, long way. . .". The 10th and 11th holes are beside
the sea and give players a chance to break for a quick drink at
the elegant Guadalmina Hotel before tackling the fearsome 12th,
where a good straight drive is required in order to avoid the
river on the left and the private garden on the right. From the
tee at the 14th your drive must be carefully placed between two
stands of tall pine trees, and nearer the green there is a hungry
bunker waiting to cach anything that falls short. The course also
calls for stamina, for the 16th and 17th are both par fives.