On 21 March a commemorative plaque was unveiled at La Cala Resort in honour of the renowned course designer Cabell B. Robinson, an event attended by the honoree himself. The plaque was in recognition of his designs of the three courses at the Costa del Sol resort: Asia (1989), América (1992) and Europa (2005). In addition, it mentioned some of his other great designs: Finca Cortesin, La Reserva de Sotogrande, Las Colinas, Praia del Rey and Aphrodite Hills. On the Costa del Sol, Valle Romano and Santana also stand out in his celebrated portfolio.
Cabell's legacy is clearly present in the oldest of the three courses at this stunning resort. The architect has masterfully managed to fit a sensational course into a considerably undulating plot of land, to achieve an exciting and technical layout offering many options to obtain a good result on each hole – if the right strategy is chosen.
The Asia course requires good tee shot placement in order to be rewarded with clear opportunities to attack the greens. The holes (very varied) are not long but require precision. The greens have significant breaks and some are elevated, so accuracy on approach shots is a must.
La Cala Resort has its own hotel, with just over 100 rooms and a spa, making it the perfect choice to enjoy the courses and superb facilities and service. Its four restaurants, bars, swimming pool, and pádel, tennis and squash courts, together with the golf academy (all just minutes from the beach), are an excellent option for those seeking a fantastic getaway or even a longer stay.
The shop is very well stocked and is located next to the courtyard, where a huge fleet of buggies is in first-class condition.
The Asia course is a par-72, not particularly long – 5,892 metres from the white markers. The biggest difference between the white and yellow markers can be found in the par-threes.
The greens have been changed to Bermuda grass, an interesting initiative also previously implemented by Finca Cortesín. In addition to its better tolerance in water-shortage situations and to water with higher salinity levels, this also means that pitch marks don’t leave markings and it is easier to avoid the presence of weeds. The greens can be prepared at devilish speeds before a major competition.
The 1st hole is short, with water on the right, and it is best to tee off with a wood or a hybrid.
The same goes for the 2nd, as both have elevated greens that require you to play one club more than you might initially opt for. They are holes that show how the course should be played: i.e. precision is more important than punch.
The 3rd is a short downhill par-3, a prelude to the demanding 4th, where you have to aim a little to the right of the post indicating the axis of the fairway, especially if you are a big-hitter trying to reach the green in one.
On the 5th beware of water on the left of the green.
The 6th has a fairly pronounced dogleg left and you have to aim to the right. Again with an elevated green – this is a really technical hole.
The 7th is a par-4, this time uphill with plenty of birdie options.
The 8th is another superb par-4, overlooking the clubhouse. On the tee you have to aim to the right of the bunkers.
The 9th is a magnificent par-5 where you should tee off aiming to the left to avoid the bunkers and give yourself a chance to reach a very well-protected green in two.
The 10th is a par-5 (course handicap 1), uphill with a dogleg left. You need to aim to the right and position your second shot well to be able to attack another demanding and elevated green.
Offering spectacular views, the 11th is a very wide par-3 that will provide many birdie options.
The 12th is a highly technical hole, with water on the right and a bunker to the left of the green.
The 13th is complicated, with a very well-defended green at the front.
The 14th is the shortest par-4 on the course, able to be reached in two with a good drive.
On the 15th it is once again advisable to avoid using your driver, with another elevated green that requires an extra club.
The end of the round is a stroke of genius that combines a fantastic par-5, reachable in two but with water on the right all the way up to the green, a very short but technical par-3, and a par-4 with a dogleg to the right.
The Asia course is hugely enjoyable and invites you to return because, once you get to know it better, you will appreciate its finer details even more and be able to fully savour what a truly great course it is.
By Luis Navarro Álvarez
