Since its inauguration in 1976, Los Lagos – the first of two courses that make up Mijas Golf – has become one of the most successful on the Costa del Sol. When it opened, there were barely a dozen golf courses in this then fledgling tourist destination – that is, seven times fewer than the current number.
At the time, golf course developers did not skimp on financial measures, and there were also large farm estates suitable for creating magnificent golf facilities. In this case, one of the greatest golf designers of the era, and indeed of all time, was hired: Robert Trent Jones, who in previous years, on the Costa del Sol, had designed Valderrama (then called Las Aves), RCG Sotogrande, Las Brisas and La Duquesa (in later years he would also create Torrequebrada, Los Naranjos, Los Olivos and Marbella Golf).
The English-born American designer applied his philosophy “difficult par, easy bogey” at Los Lagos, a layout highlighted by very little rough and abundant water, and relatively flat. The main features of this 6,536-metre course are wide fairways bordered by numerous lakes – hence its name. The nine lakes dotted around the course have enabled water to become a natural obstacle on 11 of the 18 holes.
The course also has numerous bunkers and a great variety of large native groves, strategically located to protect its expansive and flat greens. Among the tree and flower species that populate Los Lagos are casuarinas, araucarias, weeping willows, jacarandas, tipuana acacias, figs and some coconut trees.
The layout has few slopes, and its ample tee areas allow you to increase or decrease the course’s difficulty as appropriate, although you always need to keep in mind the sand and water hazards.
Eight years ago the course underwent a comprehensive overhaul, which was necessary after almost four decades of existence. The first priority was to restore the magnificent Robert Trent Jones design, which had experienced some modifications during that long extended period.
The original par-72 was restored, boosting distance; water gained greater prominence, with different lakes in play on several holes at the same time; the groves were expanded with 350 new specimens; a new irrigation system was installed; the grass was completely changed; the distance to landing areas off the tee was increased; a full circuit of buggy paths was completed; drainage was improved…
In short, the course was improved significantly by updating an already magnificent playing experience for golfers of all handicaps. Los Lagos and its younger brother Los Olivos (opened eight years later and also designed by Robert Trent Jones) have helped make Mijas Golf Internacional one of the most successful commercial clubs on the Costa del Sol.
Los Lagos’ “official” green fee is €60 euros during low season, €85 mid-season and €95 in high season, although there are also “early bird” offers of between €50 and €66. Buggy hire ranges from €28 to €35, depending on the season. To check out rates, offers and bookings, visit: www.mijasgolf.org
The club has a driving range, car rental service, hand and electric carts, putting area, chipping and practice bunker, restaurant, shop, changing rooms, showers, social club and public parking; and individual and group golf classes are taught.
One of the star competitions on the Costa del Sol calendar, and its most successful, is the Felipe Pérez Pro Am, in memory of the former Mijas Golf director. It will celebrate its eighth edition on 7 and 8 August. Last year 400 players participated in the event.