The Best Sunday Lunch in Spain
Had a table overlooking the 18th Green. There were six of us who had not booked but required Sunday lunch. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff who were only to willing to accommodate your wishes. The lunch was priced at 25E for three courses or 28E to include half bottle of wine. – both excellent value for money. The group had roast lamb and roast beef. The roast beef, beautifully pink in the middle had sumptuous taste – only wish we could get it like this at home. This was the best roast beef I have tasted for years. The whole meal was superb and the service was outstanding – my own golf club need to take some lessons! We will definitely come back again for a Sunday lunch and probably evening dinner next time we are in Mijas on holiday. Thank you staff and not forgetting the chef.
Gordon W.
Marbella Golf CC, a golf course with two faces
“You have to play this simply because it is a superb, well-maintained golf course with fascinating differences in height with stunning views over the Mediterranean towards Africa. In short, an extraordinary experience, “says Satu Kääriäinen, Golf Director of Marbella Golf Country Club on the Costa del Sol in Spain.
The course, which is five minutes outside the center of Marbella, was originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., perhaps the finest of bandesigners during the 1900’s. It was officially opened in 1994 but already in the late 1980s the first members played here. Over the years there have been a lot of changes because of factors beyond the club’s control. First the toll highway AP 7 was built, 1997-1998, which cut right through the golf course. Then six holes needed to be changed 2009 due to a land dispute. Finally, the demolishment of a tall ghostbuilding between holes 17 and 18 in 2010, a memory from the last recession in the early 90s. All this means that the course has a little different characteristics while at the same time as the original base design still remains. The first nine holes go up in the mountains with large height differences and narrow fairways, where the tactical thinking and accurate shots are rewarded. From hole ten onwards the fairways are wider and undulating with more open space surrounded by olive groves. Here the long hitters have an advantage. Common for all holes is that they have small and fast greens with challenging and interesting approach shots. There are not huge margins, you have to hit accurate otherwise you end up in difficulty. A common feature is that they are several alternative playing opportunities where the daring can take a chance and where the more cautious can play tactically.
For me, the first nine holes themselves are well worth the visit, they are all excellent golf holes. The first hole, a par four, is not far but it is easy to fall off to the right with the teeshot. The green is elevated and surrounded by six bunkers, putting pressure on the approach shot. Second hole is a very narrow par five with a fairway that first bends left and then right to the green giving some blind shots. Then a very beautiful short par three hole over water and a picturesque landscaped waterfall. Holes four requires a good tee shot over a ravine. Here it is often a breeze from the see to take into account, a breeze you may recognize on most of the holes. The green has a difficult position, do not go short, there are bunkers in the way, not too far then the ball rolls down in the bushes behind. Hole five with a downhill teeshot, the slope helps, you can come close to the green. The risk is that with just a small missed hit you’re out in the bushes. Then awaits the course’s best hole from my point of view, hole six, a par five where one needs to keep to the right to open up the hole for the second shot and then for the approach. A creek that meanders across the fairway and a pond in front of a narrow green gives small margins to reach the green in three strokes. It is better to play wisely, place the ball between the creak’s meandering and be happy with a bogey. At hole seven you should keep the teeshot to the left to avoid risking the bushes on the right side. However, this gives a more difficult approach shot, sideways to a green that is surrounded by steep slopes. After that, the course’s most beautiful views from the tee on hole eight with a straight, narrow fairway sloping to the sea. The first nine ends with a pair of three up against the clubhouse terrace and onto a large green that is shared with 18’th hole.
From hole ten onwards the driver is good to use. The holes are quite similar in nature, they are more open but still with difficult approach shots. Alongside the fairways are olive trees instead of bushes, it’s easy to find the ball if you miss the fairway. Some holes stand out. I really like hole 13, one not so long par five with a pond that is reached from the tee by the long hitters and the dam then continues along the left side. A deceptively approach where it’s better to go to the center of the green regardless of flag position. Easy to go into the water otherwise. Hole 15 has a challenging tee shot with a pond to the right which it is difficult to go over and to the left a catching shrubbery. The finishing hole has an approach, uphill, very close to the clubhouse terrace. A got shot there and you will get an applause from the guests!
The clubhouse is magnificent. Large open spaces. A high-class restaurant. A great bar. A well-stocked shop and a wellness center where massage and skin care is offered. From the terrace you have a fantastic view of the Mediterranean.
The club also has training facilities of top class directly adjacent to the clubhouse. There is a driving range, bunker, opportunities to practice your short game and a differently designed putting green.
Ove Ståhl
Hello,
My name is William and Im from Sweden. I’m not living in the cost but Im travelling to Marbella a lot. And everytime when Im here…4-5 times a year I always love to come to Marbella Golf and Country Club , not because of golf but just to have lunch in you amazing restaurant. I have to mention that 4 years ago the situation, atmosphere and service was not really enjoyable…but last years it has been incredible. I feel that me and my family are always very welcome there and that feeling makes me always want to come back. Special thanks for two lovely Estonian girls who always greet us with a warm smile and food quality has improved- so my special regards also to your wonderful chefs.
Big thanks to managament that you have created so nice atmosphere and that you have found these special people to pass that to your clients.
Best regards and all the best for new year 2013 😉
William Bjornstad
