Opened to golf enthusiasts in 1965, Rio Real Golf Marbella is a gem designed by the visionary Javier Arana and brought to life by the ingenuity of Salamanca-born businessman Ignacio Coca. This Par 72 course, measuring 6077 meters from the yellow tees, showcases the architectural brilliance of fitting a challenging 18-hole layout onto a compact 111-acre site.
Despite the surrounding developments that encroach slightly on the 7th and 8th holes, the course’s strategic design remains evident, creating a golf course that feels both intimate and challenging.
Navigating through this course is a journey that unfolds gracefully, playing down to the sea and presenting golfers with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. The landscape is adorned with palm, pine, and olive trees, not just for their scenic beauty but also strategically placed to create obstacles that add an extra layer of challenge.
One notable feature is the incorporation of four holes into an adjoining hill, providing not only a unique golfing experience but also offering wonderful panoramic views of the Mediterranean coastline.
The Rio Real, crossing the course four times, adds a water element that demands precision and strategy, tripping up misjudged shots and enhancing the overall challenge.
While the greens may seem modest in size compared to contemporary standards, they retain their character and difficulty, reflecting the compact nature of the course.
The true stars of Rio Real Golf Marbella are the long par fours, notably the 4th, 5th, 8th, and 15th holes. Each presents a distinct challenge, contributing to the overall variety and richness of the golfing experience.
Rio Real Golf Marbella Signature Hole
The crowning glory of Rio Real is undoubtedly its Signature hole, the par-four 4th. This dogleg left not only challenges golfers with its layout but also plays all the way down to the coast, with the green situated right on the coastline. It exemplifies the coastal allure that defines golf on the Cost del Sol.
In essence, Rio Real Golf Marbella is a harmonious blend of strategic design, natural beauty, and challenging play. Golf enthusiasts seeking one of the finest courses in the area, an intimate yet exhilarating golfing experience amidst the stunning surroundings of Marbella will find Rio Real to be a destination that perfectly balances tradition and modernity.