Han It has been almost ten years since the last 18-hole golf courses were opened on the Costa del Sol (Valle Romano and Tramores) and six since the opening of a 9-hole course (Miguel Angel Jimenez Golf Academy), so the birth of a new 18-hole course in this leading destination in golf tourism in Europe is great news. Azata Golf is its name and is located in Estepona, a municipality that with this new addition adds 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 managing director, Agustín Alonso, with a recognized track record in golf course management both in Spain and abroad.
The course has been designed by Sterling and Martin Golf Clourse Architects, and the construction has been carried out by Gabriel Gallegos’ company GTM Golf & Turf Management. The course is owned by Grupo Azata, an important national real estate company. Next to this new golf course, which will be totally commercial, pay and play, the group has the Villa Golf real estate development, consisting of villas and semi-detached houses at very competitive prices.
The first part of Azata Golf is a little longer and with slightly wider fairways than the second, but it is not without challenges for the player. One thing that is appreciated is that there are hardly any ravines, as most of the steep slopes of the terrain and the great difficulties have been filled in so as not to lose balls, “because we know the problems there are on the Costa del Sol in this regard,” Alonso points out. Large areas of the course have also been cleared.
“The idea,” he continues, “is to facilitate the game in that aspect, which does not mean that the field does not involve difficulties and is a competitive field, which it is.” It is also a comfortable course that can be played on foot without the need for a buggy.
The greens at Azata Golf are wide and have a lot of slopes. “I’m going to have them between 9 and 10 speed to make them fun,” Alonso points out.
Water is present in quite a few holes. At the first part of the course, the Arroyo Vaquero river flows next to holes 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, and there is also a lake on holes 1 and 5. The latter is a very nice par 5 “where the players will try to get two but with the water hazard ahead and the river on the left they will have to take a risk, and if not, a lay up before the lake but that can also end with a birdie”.
Holes 1, 2 and 3 are a little longer, so they are challenging for the big hitters, as is hole 8, where they can reach the green of two, although it is a little more difficult because it is uphill.
The first part of the course is almost entirely with views of the mountains, the Sierra Bermeja, while the second round – downhill and practically flat – offers spectacular panoramic views of the sea. The 10th is another ‘risk and reward’ hole, a par 4 with all the water in front of it, with the fairway on the right. The hitter who wants to hit a driver or 3-wood can reach the green but has to fly over the water. Otherwise, stay to the right and hit a small wedge.
The 15th, a par 3 with a green almost on an island, with water both in front and on the left and the river on the right, is one of the emblematic holes of Azata Golf and, for its director, the signature hole of the course without any doubt.
The club will have a putting green and an approach area, but a driving range is planned, which will be located in front of the clubhouse. The latter, which will be completed and ready for the opening of the course in January, will be “totally new”, says Alonso, with a completely glazed façade that will cause a sensation among golfers.
In terms of prices, Azata Golf will be in the average of the courses in the area, announces its director. In high season the green fee will be 65 euros and in low season, 50 euros. Regarding subscriptions, there will be monthly, quarterly, half-yearly and annual. Subscribers will enjoy special prices on buggy rentals and electric and manual carts, as well as discounts in the pro store.
On the other hand, Azata Golf is very interested in promoting golf among the youngest, so the club has joined the program for junior players has the Andalusian Golf Federation. Juniors will have a discount on practically everything the club offers, “because what we want is to promote the sport of golf, as I have always done in my life,” explains Alonso.
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