Built on a plot totalling 72 hectares La Reserva measures 6,959 metres in length. The course features four lakes which also supply the irrigation system and the greens are designed by British ‘master-shaper’ Tom Lamb.
The front nine is easily walkable, whilst the back nine is a little more undulating and has some steeper climbs. With all these details taken into consideration, the real test is how it plays.Leading away from the club house the first hole is a straight forward par 4. At 355 metres in length, with a relatively straight drive it should not pose too many problems. It is on the second hole that you enter the first of La Reserva’s’ shallow valleys, and here you will begin to realise that this course has something special to offer. A slightly blind tee shot with plenty of fairway to aim at sets up a view to the green. With water to the left, bunkers to the right and a tree line backdrop, this hole perfectly demonstrates the classic challenge Cabell B. Robinson has set out to achieve.
It is fair to say that every hole has something special, with its own unique characteristics setting it apart from the last.
In typical Robinson style, many different tee boxes cater for all levels of golfer. From the standard tee box the par 3’s (bar the 6th) all play about a mid iron for the average player. On each of the 18 holes, the greens and their approaches fit superbly with the difficulty and length of challenge. This is a course to be savoured time and again. Every player will find their own favourite hole, and most probably change their mind until all 18 have been mentioned. The par 3, 6th plays 190 meters with a green surrounded by water. The 10th is a fabulous downhill dogleg left (which can be cut) and a hazard protecting the green. The par 4, 12th has a wonderful approach to the green whilst the 17th is a long par 4 with water running down the entire right side.
To find a new course on the coast of Spain which has clearly been designed for members to enjoy repeated play, (as opposed to holiday golf which is more about drama) makes a refreshing change. La Reserva is a course that in time will be recognised as one of the very best Europe has to offer. If you are in the area, ensure you have a tee time booked and see what all the fuss is about for yourself.
