Monte Mayor Golf is arguably the toughest course on the Costa del Sol, and certainly one of the most spectacular. It is situated in a lush valley on the fringes of the Serrania de Ronda mountain range, about 15km inland. It is perhaps remarkable why anyone would want to consider putting a golf course in such a quiet, seemingly out-of-the-way location, but the result is impressive, with Monte Mayor attracting a cult-like following. The natural beauty of the course is stunning, with gullies, ravines and some interesting rock formations.

If you decide to play Monte Mayor, don’t take it too seriously as you can easily become very disheartened. The objective here is to learn about the idiosyncrasies of the course for the next time you play here, provided, that is, you haven’t been put off golf for good! Despite the difficulties of the course, many players are attracted back time and time again. On the plus side, after playing at Monte Mayor, every other course will seem that little bit easier.

The first few holes are not too difficult, but that all changes at the fourth (par 5), where you must hit your shots from one plateau to another. Next to the green is a beautiful waterfall which cascades over rocks. A blind tee shoe must be played at the eighth (par 4), where the green is protected by yet more rocks. There are superb views over the mountains and sea from the elevated tee at the long 16th (par 5), with the green far below. Thankfully the rules are quite lenient at this course – with lost balls regarded as being in a side water hazard. Buggies are, quite sensibly considering the sometime vertiginous nature of this course, included with the green fee.

There is a maximum handicap at Monte Mayor of 28 for men and 36 for ladies.

Facilities
Monte Mayor has a nice clubhouse which is combined with the La Perla café, which is open daily from 8am until 6pm. There is also a putting green and a driving range which is currently under construction.

How to get to Monte Mayor
From the N340 road, take the Benahavis turn-off next to the River Guadalmina. After travelling north for about 3km, take the turn-off to the left and follow this road for a further 5km, past the Marbella Club Golf Resort until you arrive at Monte Mayor.

Official website

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