How to Correctly Practice Swing Drills Golf Experts Use to Improve Their Confidence on the Course

The most effective practice drills golf tour player's and leading amateur golfers use are the drills that are designed specifically to help them to make the transition from the practice tee to the golf course as easily and quickly as possible.

In this golf instruction article I'll explain how performing a golf practice drill correctly will significantly improve your chances of taking it to the golf course without the usual prolonged distress usually associated with golf swing changes using what I call the "5 D Success Formula."

The less complicated a change to your golf swing is, the faster you can adapt to the changes on the golf course. The biggest challenge facing any golfer is the fear that the change to your golf technique will leave you in a kind of "golf swing limbo" where you can't go back to your old golf swing, and you haven't got enough trust in your new golf swing.

So the more elements of a golf swing you have to focus on to improve your technique the more destructive it is to your golf confidence. Quite simply, if you're thinking about more than one swing thought as you swing the golf club you will more-than-likely fail to execute your golf shots with a high degree of precision and consistency.

A helpful way to understand this is to recognize two important factors in changing your golf swing with golf practice drills. One is the actual drill itself and the second is its level of complexity. When you focus on performing one simple training drill like cocking your wrists before you swing your arms back is a relatively easy exercise to accomplish.

However when you attempt to combine two practice routines at the same time, the complexity level jumps up significantly. Basically the complexity of the drill sky rockets for every additional component you add to your training drill. The simplest example I can share with you is the golfer who performs a particular technical drill on the driving range and at the same time attempts to hit his golf shot accurately to a target.

It might seem harmful-even easy to do and yet it is arguably the single biggest reason why amateur golfers struggle to make the transition from driving range to golf course. The whole idea behind performing golf practice drills is to facilitate a change in your golf technique faster and more effectively than just hitting golf shots and attempting to change your technique through repetition alone.

Golf practice drills help you to change a portion of your technique and integrate the change smoothly into your overall technique. The key is to reduce complexity, increase competency which ultimately leads to increased golf confidence on the golf course.

So how do tour pro's practice their drills? Very carefully, and by concentrating on one piece of the puzzle at a time. Tour pro's have discovered through countless hours of practice on the driving range that attempting to focus on performing a drill and trying to hit a perfect shot at the same time is the equivalent of speaking on your mobile phone whilst driving in traffic.

It's difficult to do, dangerous, and the outcome is not likely to be helpful in the long run.

The best type of practice drill is the one that helps you to hit your golf shot straighter and more solidly time and time again. This seems logical enough and yet it's surprising how many golfers practice drills that are not compatible with their particular problem.

For instance a golfer might be practicing a split hands drill where you hold each end of the grip with a gap in the middle to help facilitate the rotation of the club-face through the impact zone to straighten a persistent slice shot.

The problem in this example is that often this drill is used to try and fix an over-the-top downswing, whereas this type of drill is actually designed for the bottom of the swing, as opposed to the top of the swing which is where an over-the-top down swing problem originates.

You can waste a lot of hours toiling away at golf practice drills that are incompatible with your particular swing needs.

Here is the "Five D Success Formula" which is a practice drill framework you can follow that will make certain that you're on the right track as you go through the golf swing change process.

1. Decide specifically on what aspect of your golf stroke needs to be improved e.g. is it a top of the swing change or a bottom of the swing change?

2. Design your golf practice drill to get to the root cause of your swing problem by identifying its cause-effect relationship and its influence on your golf shots.

3. Dedicate the time needed to the change process by ensuring that you schedule a specific amount of time each week to focus on your practice drill repetition.

4. Detach yourself from the results of your drill. The idea is to perfect the drill not the ball-flight, so it's likely that your golf ball in the early stages of the change process won't be behaving like you want it to.

5. Delay the urge to use your new swing change on the golf course until you have complete confidence in it. Too often golfers hastily employ their new technique to the detriment of their performance on the golf course.

By following this practice drill framework you will keep your focus on habituating the most relevant part of your golf swing technique. You will need to repeat the practice drill you've chosen at least one thousand five hundred times before you start to reach the stage of development called "unconscious competence."

This is high trust stage of golf swing performance where you can hit golf shots without thinking about how you hit golf shots. Don't be put off by the amount of repetition required; you cannot achieve this superior level of performance without at least this amount of repetition so just give yourself the time to do the drill work.

Twenty five correctly performed drills per day for sixty days in front of a mirror at home and you'll have incorporated a new part into your golf swing technique. If you want to achieve it faster than that you can perform fifty repetitions three times per week for ten days and you'll create the same effect.

Either way, you should memorise this simple mantra; "repeat regularly to re-train and retain."

The positive side of performing your golf practice drills regularly is that they will lead you directly towards a great deal more golf confidence and ultimately much improved performances on the golf course which will translate into lower golf scores and far more enjoyment.

Lawrence Montague has been one of Australia's leading golf teaching professionals for more than twenty years and owns one of Australia's top golf schools at http://www.goldcoastgolfschool.com.au based on the Gold Coast in Queensland. He also co-owns Pro Tour Golf College, the only pro tour prep college for aspiring male and female golfers who want to play golf on tour based in Perth, Western Australia.

You can visit his popular golf instruction channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/golfconfidencepro where he has produced more than thirty free high quality golf video lessons to improve you golf game.

Golf Course Ratings

The Golf Course Gold Standards for Women Golfers

Here we have Golf Magazine's Top Ten Golf Courses to Watch. It is important to note, however, that out of the 100-judge panel, Golf Magazine only saw fit to invite four women golfers (yes, only four) to participate. Upon this discovery, we thought that their results might be a tad bit skewed, so we have taken it upon ourselves to give you the skinny on whether these courses are under par on our Golf Course Gold Standards for Women Golfers Rating Scale. The following are the five categories against which these golf courses were held as they relate to women golfers:

The Beginning Golf Experience
Game Options
The Pro Shop
Forward Tees
Equal Accessibility of the Course

Erin Hills Golf Course

4½ Star Golf Course

Located in Erin, Wisconsin, this golf course was designed by Michael Hurdzan, Dana Fry and Ron Whitten. With its spectacular farmland backdrop and four-tee hole layouts, Erin Hills was awarded the 2008 Women's Amateur Public Links before the golf course was completely built. This is a very good sign.

Sunday River Golf Course

4¾ Star Golf Course

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., this Newry, Maine golf course offers multiple game options, a four-tee hole layout, an impressive practice facility and a wide range of instructional choices for beginner women golfers.

Marquette Golf Club

5 Star Golf Course

Marquette boasts two separate golf courses - the Heritage and Greywalls, from designer Mike DeVries. Greywalls has our optimum 5-tee layout as well as a fantastic pro shop that offers high quality apparel and equipment for both men and women golfers.

Red Tail Golf Club

4¾ Star Golf Course

Located in Devens, Massachusetts, the Red Tail Golf Club offers a four-tee hole layout, extensive beginner instruction and practice facilities for women golfers, not to mention the fact that this golf course has been awarded the 2009 Women's Amateur Public Links Championship. Another very good sign.

The Tribute Golf Club

4 ½ Star Golf Course

The Tribute Golf Club in The Colony, Texas is exactly that. All 18 holes are designed after British golf courses such as St. Andrews, Muirfield, Turnberry and Carnoustie. However, there is a four-tee layout at every hole as well as an extremely well-equipped pro shop which is much better for women golfers than some of the Tribute's inspirations.

Coral Canyon Golf Course

5 Star Golf Course

Designer Keith Foster hit a hole in one with this beautiful, five-tee layout golf course. In addition to numerous game options and an extensive collection of apparel for women golfers, Coral Canyon Golf Course has one of the most personalized golf instruction opportunities available.

Circling Raven Golf Club

5 Star Golf Course

If a five-tee hole layout, detailed and individualized instruction and five onsite restaurants are not enough, this Idaho golf course is adjacent to the Coeur D'Alene Casino. Talk about a hole in one!

Apache Stronghold Golf Club

4¾ Star Golf Course

Designed by Tom Doak, this San Carlos, Arizona is just an hour away from Phoenix and certainly well worth the trip! With its onsite golf school that offers every imaginable kind of golf instruction and its four-tee hole layout, Apache Stronghold is a desert oasis for women golfers.

Farm Neck Golf Club

3 ½ Star Golf Course

This Geoffrey S. Cornish designed golf course in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts has a driving range, individual and group lessons available and four sets of tees. However, Farm Neck is known for its difficult bunkers and massive pond that follows the golfer for nine holes. This might not be a good golf course for women golfers.

Atlantic City Country Club

3 Star Golf Course

We're not terribly impressed with Harrah's golf course. With only three tees at each hole, the Atlantic City Country Club is quite proud of its century of history. Unfortunately, that history precedes the whole men-and-women-are-equal thing. Women golfers may want to get married here for the beautiful surroundings and the fabulous catering, but we're quite sure this is not a women-friendly golf course.

Gold Standards for Women Golfers!

Catherine Mitschele worked on Wall Street for 27 years and opened and ran an institutional brokerage firm in London. When she returned to the States in 2003, she sold her business and retired.

Since then she learned to love the game of golf from her father before he passed away in 2006. Now she is dedicated to the sport and to promoting it among women from all walks of life.

For more information, go to the website at http://www.Women-Golfers.com

Golf in Scotland - Regional Golf Course Guide and Where to Play Golf in Scotland

Golf In Scotland

Over 550 years ago, golf was born in Scotland. It was not the fastest growing sport by any means as by 1850, there were less than 20 golf courses in Scotland.

However, by the early 1900's there was 275 and today there are more than 550 golf courses throughout Scotland. Figures suggest than 1 in 10 play golf and when you are out traveling, Scotland is simply littered with golf courses at every turn and you can always see someone pulling or pushing their golf trolley down the pavement.

Scotland is the Home of Golf and as you would expect the Scottish Golf Courses are second to none.

Golf was originally played by the sea and the first links golf courses were born. Today, Scotland boosts many of the worlds greatest including the hallowed turf of St Andrews Old Course to the last major arrival on the Open Tour, Turnberry which today is often hailed as the best golf courses in Scotland.

Southwest Scotland Golf

Argyll, The Isles, Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway

Every region of Scotland is literally littered with a lifetime of quality golf courses, links, parklands and moorlands included. But the Southwest of Scotland stretches from Gretna in the south to Oban in the north offering over 100 golf courses combined with stunning scenery and tourist attractions at every stage.

Wherever you start your visit, we would recommend that you take a trip to the Isle of Arran where you will find 7 courses to choose from. Our personal favorite would be Shiskine, with Brodick and Lamlash close behind. A new course is Machrihanish Dunes which is receiving wide acclaim as one of the newest links courses in Scotland. It sits on the Mull of Kintye.

Ayeshire is a golfers paradise with Open Championship courses to test all golfers - Royal Troon and Alisa (Turnberry) spring to mind testing all golfers to the limit. Lets not forget Dundonald, the sister course of Loch Lomond. Dundonald was designed by Kyle Phillips who gained worldwide acclaim with Kingsbarns.

Its a magically region with a superb coastline, great accommodation and hospitality and a lifetime of golf.

South East Courses, Scotland

Edinburgh, East Lothian, West Lothian, Boarders

Any visit to Scotland should be combined with a visit to its capital, Edinburgh. What makes Edinburgh unlike any other capital in the world is that its surrounded by the widest selection of the best golf courses - all within 30 min's drive.

The Boarders offer the Dave Thomas designed Roxburghe and nearby in Peebles, Cardrona is set alongside the River Tweed with a stunning backdrop. If you in the region, add Peebles, Minto, Innerleithen and The Hirsel as must plays as all offer challenging golf.

East of Edinburgh is East Lothian - and I think you will find it hard to find any coastal stretch so packed with some of the best links courses to be played. Muirfield is one of the Tour's favorite scottish venues, but combined with the 3 courses at Gullane (No 1 in particular) Cragielaw, Dunbar and my personal favorite North Berwick its an exceptional region less than 30 min's outside of Edinburgh.

Within Edinburgh, you have some courses such as Braids No.1, Duddingston, Bruntsfield Links and Royal Bursges. Just outside and towards the west you have Marriott Dalmahoy a top quality resort with the West Course being one of the best golf courses in Scotland.

Edinburgh is a very vibrant and beautiful city which makes a perfect back drop for a quality golfing holiday or a base from which to start exploring the rest of Scotland.

Central Golf Courses, Scotland

Central

The central region of Scotland is the most populated area of Scotland and it is home to some of the finest inland courses. Many of the courses can be accessed from Glasgow with was the former European City of Culture. Its the creative center of Scotland and with it comes the restaurants, museums, bars and cafes as well as an upbeat nightlife.

Haggs Castle is one of Glasgow's top golf courses having hosted many professional tournaments. It is still regarded as one of the best inland golf courses in the country. Cawder should also be visited.

A little further away is Carluke - which combines beautiful views over the Clude Valley with a quality parkland course. Renfrew Golf Club has been used on various occasions for Open Qualifying and the same goes for Erskine and Ranfurly.

A little further north you will find Loch Lomond, and the Carrick on Loch Lomond which is well worth the visit. It was opened in 2007 and designed by Doug Carrick, the Canadian architect.

Traveling towards Stirling, you will find Stirling Golf Club and Glenbervie, an excellent test of golf. Cross over the River Forth and you will once again be spoilt for choice with Tulliallan, Braehead and Alloa.

The central region of Scotland is another golfing delight. You could spend a year playing the courses in the region and never be bored.

Heartlands Courses, Scotland

Perthshire, Angus, Dundee and Fife

There is no point describing the heartlands region as anything else than a golfing mecca. A list of the worlds best golf courses that would bring most golfers to their knees and if you do desire to play the top golf courses, then there is not better place on earth.

For any visit to this region, a base in St Andrews or nearby is ideal. Just being in St Andrews is a golfing experience that no one could deny. You have the hallowed ground of St Andrews Old Course which you can book a year in advance or enter the daily ballot. The St Andrews Links Trust also has 6 other courses including the new Castle Course. Less than 3 miles away your have St Andrews Fairmont and another 3 miles you will be playing Kingsbarns.

Into Perthshire and you have the jewel of Gleneagles with the Kings, Queens and the PGA Centenary Course host to the Ryder Cup in 2014. Lets not forget the hotel, the Gleneagles Resort, which is 5* luxury in the beautiful Perthshire landscape.

Further north lies the monster of Open Championship golf courses - Carnoustie - a simply unbelievable test of golf with the hotel and bar to recount, relive and re-evaluate your golf full-stop. Its got to be played.

There are also inland parkland courses such as Ladybank which deserves a lot of praise, and lets not forget Scotscraig, Crail or Lundin Links. These courses are often overlooked, but situated anywhere else, they would be the top courses in any region.

The Heartlands is simply a mind blowing experience for any golfer and with so many choices making any choices is hard. We have an in depth knowledge of the region, the golf courses, the golf hotels and how to make it the most memorable golfing trip.

North East Golf Courses, Scotland

Aberdeen & Grampian

The north east of Scotland has over 70 golf courses to choose from and its getting a lot of press at the moment with Donald Trump's new golf course on the move.

Throughout the region, quality golf courses hinge the fantastic links coast. This includes Cruden Bay which is perfectly situated amongst the rolling dunes. And then you have Royal Aberdeen and Murcar running along the coast. Murcar Links staged the Challenge Tour event in 2006 and Royal Aberdeen has hosted a wide range of top competitions including the Seniors Open in 2005 while being the 6th Oldest Club in the world. The Balgownie course is a classic links with 9 holes out and back hugging the shore.

With distilleries and castles everywhere, the region offers a great golfing destination either for short golf breaks or for the long golf holiday.

Newburgh-on-Ythan is another gem south of Aberdeen and lets not forget the Royal Terlair, Peterhead, Fraserburgh or Duff House Royal.

The North East of Scotland combines brilliant golf with excellent value for money. The hospitality is excellent.

Highlands & Island Golf Courses Scotland

The Scottish Highlands offer golfers that something extra special. They combine an unbeatable landscape where simply looking becomes a pleasure, with golf that challenges the very best in Scotland.

Inverness is the capital of the Scottish Highlands and it combines local charms with a bustling city. Nairn, a golfing haven is just a few miles down the road and both Nairn and Nairn Dunbar should be played if possible. And lets not forget Castle Stuart, the new golf resort in the Highlands with the course reopening in April 2010.

Further north, we have what many believe to be the best golf course in the country - Royal Dornoch. The reason it does not feature on the Open Championship Tour is because of far northern location and unpredictable weather. For mere mortal golfers like us - this is fantastic news as the green fees are reasonable and the club retains it personal and loveable character. A few miles away you can also play Brora, a loved and admired golf course by those who know.

If you are looking for remote golfing, keeping heading north and combine the Orkneys or even the Shetlands. Whalsay is Britain's most northerly course.

Working your way over to the west coast, the landscape is personally the best in Scotland and for any golfer visiting this region try and visit Durness Golf Course. Forget the luxuries of manicured greens and perfect lies, Durness Golf Course offers golf as it would have been and golf as it perhaps should be. The 9 hole course has 2 different tees making an 18 hole circuit and if you love golf, you will simply love it. The Par-3 9th/18th hits the ball over the Atlantic and the views are stunning.

We have some expert knowledge of this region so get in touch if you are looking for a golf break or golf holiday.

For more information on golf courses and golf holidays, please visit us at www.mulliganplus.com/golf-in-scotland.cfm

Reagan Pannell is editor of http://www.mulliganplus.com - Mulligan+ Find. Track. Play Golf

Golf Course Guide For Costa Del Sol, Spain

The Costa del sol golf course guide is a "rough guide" and is purely the personal opinion of the author. Please take in to consideration that these comments are subjective, personal opinions and standards of golf differ. Please take this rough guide as exactly that, an honest, personal opinion from a fellow golf addict.

Alcaidesa Links Golf Course, Costa del Sol, Spain.

Alcaidesa golf course is a 18 hole, par 70 golf course.

Address: Ctra de Cadiz (N340), Km 124.6, La Linea, Cadiz. Tel: +34 956 791 040.

This is a beautiful and tricky golf course for every standard of golfer from 28 handicap to scratch. Allis and Clark have made and admirable attempt to create a rare links course on the Costa. Stunning views across the bay to Gibraltar and hilly terrain make it a delight to play. Take plenty of balls, as the fairways are tight and unforgiving surrounded by gorse and ravines.

A buggy is needed - even for the fittest amongst us- and as you play consider taking an extra club up on par threes because of deceptive wind.

Alhaurin Golf Course, Costa del sol, Spain.

Alhaurin golf course is a 18+18+9, par 72 golf course which was designed by Severiano Ballesteros.

Address: Ctra Mijas-Alhaurin, (MA485) Km6, Alhaurin el Grande. Tel: +34 95 259 5970.

Tight beyond belief, difficult beyond anything I have every seen before.

The first hole is extremely difficult with a narrow fairway and rocks to the sides of the fairway, which send your ball bouncing high in to the sky, never to be seen again. As you progress the course gets tougher and if you are not really on top of your game you could easily become more and more disheartened as you progress around the course. I stopped counting shots after I lost my tenth golf ball! By the 18th I had suffered several episodes of golf rage and was close to a nervous breakdown.

I've read course guides say that this course "compels golfers to concentrate on their game and choose with care which club they should use for every stroke." Personally I would say this course is one of the toughest golf course on the Costa del Sol. This course is at best described as a challenge for an experienced player who is on top form, at worst its tight and downright cruel.

Alhaurin golf course is generally cheaper to play than most other local golf courses.

A buggy is essential as is an ample supply of golf balls.

Cabopino Golf Course, Costa del Sol, Spain.

Cabopino golf course is a 18 hole par 71 golf course.

It's a relatively new course but it has matured very quickly and is very well maintained. The marshal's are friendly and very welcoming.

There is a driving range on the approach road to the course, so if you arrive early you can loosen up your swing. Alternatively you could take the approach Andy and I prefer, loosen up with a San Miguel at the bar before you tee off.

Cabopino golf has a pleasant clubhouse, with a pleasant sun terrace where you can sit, eat, drink and enjoy the views of the ocean. The staff in the bar and restaurant are friendly staff and they serve good quality food.

The short at only course is only 5,170 meters long but it's has tight fairways and is challenging.

The greens are large and were of fantastic quality when we last visited. The third hole is the one most people enjoy the most and it's not one you will forget, it's a par 4 which drops dramatically from the tee to the green and has outstanding views. A buggy is advisable on this course, which is hilly.

Dama de Noche Golf Course, Costa del Sol, Spain.

Dama de Noche golf course is a 9 hole, Par 70 golf course.

Centro Commercial Plaza, Oficinas 51-52, 29660, Nueva Andalucia, Marbella.

Dama de Noche golf course is a nine-hole course, which can be played as 18 holes. It is flat, wide and easy. It is ideal course for a high handicapper or anyone wanting a gentle stroll.

All that changes a night though because the is course is flood lit and can be played at night.

They say that the lighting system is designed to cast no shadows thus giving daylight quality and maximum visibility, does that apply in the rough as well I ask myself?

You do have to make a reservation for night golf because they only put the lights on if there is sufficient demand but for total golfing addicts or insomniac this course offers considerable novelty value and it's one to talk about in the clubhouse when you go home.

El Chaparral Golf Course, near La Cala de Mijas, Costa del Sol, Spain.

El Chaparral golf course is an 18 hole, par 73 course.

Address: N340 / A7 Km 203.

El Chaparral is a club which closed several years ago for reasons that I don't need to go into now. The course has now risen from the ashes and is trying to build a reputation for itself. Purely for research purposes, I tested out the clubhouse both before and after my round at El Chaparral and I found the staff to be particularly welcoming and they really did their best to make us feel at home.

Even though El Chaparral is only a stones throw from the coast it has an English parkland course feel to it. The fairways are long and narrow and I found the course testing, I didn't have enough room to risk my driver off many tee's yet I needed the driver to get the distance I needed off the tee's to get any chance of reaching the green in regulation.

El Chaparral is extremely hilly and walking it is only for the bravest of golfers. Overall I would describe it as a very tricky course, bordering on frustrating, it tempted me to use the driver but punished me when I did!

The course is a little pricey for what you get. It was quiet when I played it but I've been back since and it is gaining in popularity.

Estepona Golf.

Carretera Cádiz, KM 150, Arroyo Vaquero, Apartado 532, 29680 Estepona.

18 hole, par 72 course.

The first time I played this course about nine years ago I was extremely disappointed. The fairways were worn, bare and baked, the greens were unkempt and the whole feel of the place was one of a lack of investment. Since then I have been tempted to re-visit by a friend who told me that improvements have been made yet the cost has been kept down. Well fair play, the cost has stayed relatively low and there has obviously been a lot of investment and as a result the course has improved considerably. It still needs some TLC but it is now playable. Still nowhere near the quality of Monte Mayor, La Cala or the like but it is perfect for a cheap round in between more serious games.

Flamingos Golf Course, Costa del Sol, Spain.

Flamingos golf course is a 18-hole, par 72 course.

Address: Ctra de Cadiz Km 166, Marbella / Benhavis.

A relatively new course but the work that has gone into the course makes that incredible, it looks like its been established for years.

Clearly no expense has been spared when they built this course. Everything from the hotel toilets to the course itself is magnificent, lavish and downright opulent. A visit to Flamingos really is a treat (and before you ask I don't get a commission for writing this, I just tell it as I see it.)

Flamingos is worth a visit just to have a walk around the hotel, which has clearly been fashioned on the Alhambra Palace and its magnificent water gardens.

As for the golf course itself it is every bit as lavish as the hotel and clubhouse. As you meander around the course the views vary from a panoramic views of the Mediterranean to secluded views of the wild countryside. Around the course there is an incredible variety of trees, plants and vegetation, some native, some clearly imported so as to add to the experience.

Every now and them you stumble across an old (well they genuinely look old but they weren't there in 2005!) ruins or statues and every corner holds a new surprise, all of them pleasant.

The front nine holes have generous wide fairways where you really can open up your shoulders, a rarity for Spanish golf and the greens are ample too, so get the low score on the card in front nine if you can. As you negotiate the back nine the fairways tend to narrow down, especially the 18th which really focuses the mind but even so the back nine are not overly cruel. The fairways are narrower than the front nine but they tend to be shorter and you have loosened up, so even though you have to be a little more precise than on the front nine the golf is still enjoyable.

If you visit Flamingos make sure you take the time to explore the hotel after your round. It's well worth a look.

Over all I would describe Flamingos as a cracking course which tends to be a little on the pricey side but if you want to treat yourself you will not be disappointed. A Masters or Championship course of the future I will wager.

Lauro Golf Course, Costa del Sol, Spain.

Lauro golf course is an 18 hole par 72 golf course.

Address:Ctra de Coin,(C344) Km 77, Los Caraclilos, Alhaurin de la Torre. Tel: +34 952 4127 67.

Beautiful parkland course surrounded by lots of Andalucian trees. It offers breathtaking views over the valley and Malaga bay. Nine lakes so there is something to think about but it is a relatively easy and relaxing course.

La Cala Golf Course, Costa del Sol, Spain.

La Cala has three golf courses, each of 18 holes, par's 72,73 and 71.

Address: La Cala de Mijas, Mijas Costa. Tel: +34 95 266 9000.

A personal favourite, all three courses are equally good. I highly recommend La Cala golf, not only because of the quality of the golf but also because of the quality of the clubhouse, facilities, surroundings and the reasonable pricing.

At La Cala golf there are three spectacular 18 hole courses, which are nestled in the countryside about 15-20 minutes drive in land from La Cala town.

La Cala golf is an enormous luxury golfing resort, which is perfect for golfers who want quality golf at a sensible price in an exclusive environment.

Set out like a Country Club in extremely large grounds it has an exclusive clubhouse and restaurant. It also has a separate five star hotel, where you will find an very exclusive restaurant.

All three courses have terrific obstacles & natural water hazards along with narrow fairways and large well-kept greens. Set amongst tranquil mountains, all three courses are long and sculptured into the natural contours of the countryside which means that you have think your way around La Cala golf and use the contours of the landscape to your advantage.

All three courses hilly and a buggy is a must. The South is my favourite, it's a little more forgiving than the North Course and the Europa.

Try the Leadbetter Golf Academy located at La Cala Golf, it's a little expensive and you will have to book in advance but the instructor's improved my game, so they must be good!

At the academy they also have an excellent grass driving range.

La Noria.

La Noria golf is a nine hole, par 33 course.

It is located at the beginning of the road from La Cala de Mijas which runs to La Cala Golf off the N340 or A7.

This 9 hole course has been a long time in the building and it is obviously eventually going to grow into a 18 holes course but that will probably take some time.

The club house is literally a bar come cafe but it is adequate and serves its purpose.

I am no fan of 9 hole courses but I have to say I enjoyed playing this course. It's relatively simple to negotiate and very easy to walk around. The fairways are wide and none of the holes were particularly long. There is water to cross and a few challenges as you negotiate the course and while it's no Carnoustie for what you pay its not at all bad.

It's not every day that you want to play challenging golf and if that's the case then La Noria is worth thinking about. This course is perfect for a high handicapper, a novice golfer or simply for a warm up for a more serious round later on in your holiday. As nine hole courses go this is one of the better ones and for the price its worth bearing in mind.

Los Naranjos golf course, Costa del sol, Spain.

A relatively flat and wide 18 hole course, something which is rare on the Costa del sol.

The best summary I can give of this course is to say it is wide and forgiving and it allows you to "go for it" when the opportunity arises yet there are enough challenges to keep you focused and maintain your interest.

In all honesty a buggy is not essential but if you do hire one the in built satnav is very hand, it even gives you a distance to the buggy in front of you, so there's no excuse for taking out the four ball ahead of you, never mind such is life!

We found the course to be well marshalled, nothing oppressive but they gave the slow golfers a hint when needed. The course staff were all very polite and helpful and we were made to feel very welcome.

The course has a excellent restaurant and the beer at the end of the round was suitably chilled, what more could you ask for.

Reasonably priced and definitely a course I will be re-visiting.

Mijas Golf Courses, Costa del Sol, Spain.

Mijas golf has two 18 hole golf courses, par 71 & 72.

Address: Urb. Mijas Golf, Mijas-Costa. Tel: +34 95 247 6843

Two relaxing 18 hole courses both having flat and wide fairways. Both courses are generous and forgiving leaving the option of a safe shot down the middle for a bogie or a par, alternatively you can take the driver out and go for the birdie. Good scores are achievable on either of the courses, which are set both in an attractive and tranquil landscape.

If you hire a buggy they have satellite / GPS tracking and mapping which gives you distances from where you park the buggy to the green and to hazards. Watch out though, don't make the same mistake I made, the distances are in meters not 1yards, don't forget to add 10% to get yardages!

All level of golfers will find that both courses at Mijas golf are a fair and enjoyable test of golf. Being one of the better-known clubs Mijas can get busy. A four and a half hour round is not unusual because it is so popular but the surroundings are so pleasant you hardly notice. I recommend both of the Mijas courses, play them and you will see why.

Just a tip for those playing out of season at Mijas golf course. They often close half of each of the golf courses to rest them out of season so you may find that you are playing the front nine of Los Olivios and the back nine of Los Largos one day and vice versa the next day. It's not a problem as both are nice courses but sometimes this takes people by surprise.

Miraflores Golf Course, Costa del Sol, Spain.

Miraflores golf course is an 18 hole, par 72 golf course.

Address: Urb. Riviera del Sol, 29647 Mijas-Costa. Tel: (952) 83 36 47.

This used to be a favourite and regular golf course for me, sadly there has been extensive building work all around the course edge of Miraflores golf course and it appears never ending. In my opinion the building work has taken the edge off the natural beauty and spoilt the course somewhat. While prices have been reduced in an apparent attempt to tempt golfers back to the course I have to ask myself if I want to go all the way to Spain to play golf in the middle of a building site?

It is one of the more forgiving courses on the Costa and a buggy is not essential.

If you do try Miraflores golf course loosen up in advance of the first tee, the first hole is a tight and requires a straight shot or you could end up in the garden of one of the many villa's next to the fairway.

Monte Mayor Golf Course, Costa del Sol, Spain.

Address: Ctra de Cadiz (N340), Km 165.6, La Cancelada, San Pedro. Tel: +34 95 211 3088.

A challenging course but in my opinion this is the best golf course on the Costa del sol, if your game is on form. It is extremely tight, very hilly and is carefully sculptured into the natural mountainous terrain. The natural views and beauty of this course are second to none.

Your golf needs to be accurate, sensible club selection and course management are a must. If you play sensibly and stay on the fairways you will be rewarded, if not make sure you have a good supply of golf balls.

If you play Monte Mayor golf course you are guaranteed a day to remember and you will want to go back as often as I do.

Most of the year golf buggies are included in the green fee's. If you visit in high season they may not be, in which case I strongly recommend that visit hire a buggy, you will need it.

This is a very isolated golf course, in a location where you have to ask "Who thought of putting a golf course way up here?" The isolation adds to attraction of this incredible golf course but it means that it is difficult to find, so I strongly recommend that you drive to it for a "test run" the day before your golf.

It is set in spectacular mountainous terrain where you will find peace and tranquility combined with natural beauty and unforgettable golf. A challenge but a fantastic golf course in surroundings that are literally unsurpassable. To sum up, if your game is on form do not miss this golf course, its brilliant.

Parador Malaga Golf Course, Costa del Sol, Spain.

Parador golf course is an 18 hole, par 72 golf course.

Apartado de Correos, 324 29080 Málaga. Tel. +34 952376677

Parador golf Course is famous because it hosted the Spanish Open's in 1992 and 1999. Personally I am not sure why they would host such a prestigious event at this course because it is literally at the end of the busy runway of Malaga International Airport and there is constant noise as planes take off and land right next to the course.

I found this course boring, the greens were in a terrible condition and bunkers were in a state of total disrepair with bare soil and mud instead of sand.

Famous it may be but I found it to be a total let down. In my opinion the best way to view this golf course is out of the airplane window as you land or from the main road as you drive past to one of the many more pleasant courses in Andalucia.

Rio Real Golf Course, Costa del Sol, Spain.

Rio Real golf course is an 18 hole, par 72 golf course.

Urb Rio Real, P.O.BOX 82, 29600 Marbella, Malaga. Tel: +34 95 277 95 09.

A mature, tranquil course that gradually meanders way up into the hills and then it wanders all the way back down to the beach. At one stage you feel you are alone in the middle of the mountains, next you are on a green that is literally next to the beach.

The course generally has wide fairways and while you have to concentrate it does not punish you unfairly. Water come in to play on a few times but in all honesty if you play sensible golf it won't cost you any golf balls. Pleasant countryside and views in the hills and a fantastic vista as you play down to the edge of the Mediterranean Ocean. A relaxing day of golf, this course comes in my top three golf courses but it does tend to be pricey because of its popularity.

The club house has a magnificent balcony / terrace restaurant where you can sit, watch fellow golfers playing out the 18th and reminisce on your "shot of the day."

The down side of Rio real golf course is the cost. A round of golf here tends to be expensive and the golf buggies, which I would recommend hiring due to the hilly location, are an expensive addition to this already high cost.

Santa Clara.

18 holes, par 71.

Address Ctra A7, KM 187.5, Junto a Hospital Comarcal, 29600, Marbella. Tel. +34.952.85.01.11.

Being next to a busy main road you could easily assume that it would suffer from traffic noise. For some inexplicable reason it doesn't. As soon as you tee off the course meanders away from the Coast following the gentle contours of the land leading you into a natural and peaceful setting. The course has several wide and relatively trouble free fairways where you can open your shoulders and let the ball fly but that said there are holes where course management is wise and where a little caution can pay dividends.

Santa Clara is relatively flat and is suitable for walking. The course is a fair test of golf and is similar in difficulty to many UK golf clubs, as opposed to many of the Spanish golf courses, which can be cruel at times. The course is perfect for an easy and relaxing round or for a golf society. It has many similarities to Rio Real but it is slightly easier, slightly flatter and has slightly less trouble. The course is relatively new and consequently it is not as well established as Rio Real.

When you arrive in the car park you will be met by an attendant on a buggy, who takes you your bag to the magnificent clubhouse, even thought it is only about forty yards from the car park. In the palatial clubhouse there are excellent changing rooms, shower facilities and a restaurant that serves a variety of quality food and drink.

My only reservation with this course is the green fee, which is very high compared to other courses in the area. The choice is yours.

San Roque Golf Course, Costa del Sol, Spain.

San Roque golf course is an 18 hole, par 72 golf course, which was designed by Dave Thomas.

Address:Urb. San Roque Club,Ctra de Cadiz (N340), Km 127, San Roque.Tel: +34 956 61 30 30.

The old course is expensive but is ideal for both experts and those looking for a leisurely game. Superb practice facilities and wonderful manicured greens and idyllic fairways. A real treat, if you are prepared to spend the money..

As a cheaper alternative you can always try the new course at San Roque, we visited and got a really good deal, half the price of the old course and we found it a fantastic days golf. There is a course is what I can best describe as a fair test, not too tough but not too easy either. They have got this course design absolutely spot on.

Santa Maria Golf Course, Costa del Sol, Spain.

Santa Maria golf course is an 18 hole, Par 72 golf course, which was designed by Antonio Garcia Garrido.

Address: Coto de Los Dolores, Urb. Elviria. Tel: +34 95 283 1036.

A pleasant and popular course, which is challenging. It has plenty of long holes where you can open up and swing the driver but every now and then they throw in a tight par three to bring you back down to earth. The course starts off with a hole over a lake where you can "go for it" and get the driver out. There is ample fairway and a decent drive makes it a short par four. The course gradually winds its way into the hills and far, far away, we recommend a buggy.

Santa Maria golf course tends to be a little on the pricey side. I found the staff to be unhelpful and less friendly than most other golf courses in the area but if you let the golf course speak for itself you will enjoy a round here.

If you want a buggy or a Powakaddy we strongly recommend that buggy pre-book it, they have a limited supply and they soon get taken.

Sotogrande Golf Course, Costa del Sol, Spain.

Sotogrande golf course is an 18 hole (Par 72) with an additional nine holes. It was designed by Robert Trent Jones.

Address: Paseo del Parque, Sotogrande, Cadiz. Tel +34 956 785 014

Another Robert Trent Jones success. He is reputed to have described Sotogrande as one of his proudest pieces of work, that's a compliment from a golf course designer of such ability.

European Tour pros battle here at the end of the season to gain their cards for the forthcoming season so that's an indication of the quality of this golf course.

Torrequebrada Golf Course, Costa del Sol, Spain.

Torrequebrada golf has an 18 hole, par 72 course and addition nine holes, which were designed by Jose Gancedo.

Address: Ctra de Cadiz (N340), Km 220, Benalmadena-Costa. Tel: +34 95 244 2742.

Every hole is a different experience. Fantastic views of the Mediterranean and has the shortest par 3 on the coast. The 1979 Spanish Open was played here and you can see why after you turn for home on the back nine. A large number of lakes and strategically placed wide bunkers ensure that this course retains its reputation as one of the most popular courses on the Costa. Welcoming and luxurious clubhouse.

Valderrama Golf Course, Costa del Sol, Spain.

Valderama has 18 holes and is a tough par 72.

Valderama golf course is a world famous golf course and is ranked number one course in Continental Europe.

Valderama golf course is always in superb condition and enjoys worldwide fame, not least due to having had the privilege to have hosted the 1997 Ryder Cup and the last two American Express World Championships.

Extremely expensive but if you can play a round of golf here you are privileged!

One word of warning, I have pre-booked to play Valderama twice and had the booking cancelled at very short notice by the course. Both times they blamed disease on the greens. Strange how this never happens when the Volvo Masters is being played there!

There are new golf courses appearing all the time in Andalucia and the Costa del sol has understandably become known as the Costa del golf. As avid lovers of golf we are regularly visiting the area and we will try to play as many golf courses in Andalucia as we possibly can just so that we can keep this web page up to date (well that's the reason I give to my wife for playing so much golf anyway!)

The Costa del Sol Golf Guide is purely the subjective and personal opinion of the author.

The Costa del sol Golf Guide is "rough guide" of golf courses on and around the Costa del sol, Spain.

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