Monte Mayor Golf is stunningly situated in the foothills of the picturesque town of Benhavis and although it is quite a drive up to the course ( pass through San Pedro de Alcantara west of Marbella for some 5 kms then turn right toward the toll motorway, the course is located some 7 kms from the coast ) the journey is well worth it.

Monte Mayor opened in 1989 and is a par 71 ( 5.354 metres off the yellow tees ) and was created by the renowned course designer Jose Gancedo .

Monte Mayor is one of the most spectacular courses on the Costa del Sol , its fairways wind through dramatic gullies, cascading waterfalls, ravines and gullies and offers superb views from almost anywhere on the course. It is undoubtedly challenging and at first quite daunting, however once you have played the course a couple of times its true attraction becomes clear with many golfers returning time and time again to enjoy this unique golfing experience. The course nestles perfectly in the natural location created by the Serrania de Ronda mountain range and has a captivating natural beauty which inspires many a golfing enthusiast from around the world.

The first two holes may lead you into a sense that the course is may be easier than you think, be warned though after that your going to have to be on your best game to complete it within your par. The first nine is very tight though the back nine does open up a bit, to really appreciate the course you need to play it a couple of times. It's very much a thinking course so be careful on what holes you're taking the drive out as accuracy is often more important than length on this course. The best thing is not to take the course to seriously specially if its your first time out, my advice is enjoy every hole for what it is, learn and plan your next outing and simply enjoy its raw magnificence during each and every hole. I must say that for pure natural beauty , tranquillity and superb scenery, Monte Mayor has to be my favourite course on the Costa de Sol. Yes it is most definitely one of the coasts more challenging courses to play but the benefits of playing here far out way anything so irrelevant as.......breaking par !!.

For nearest the pin depending on your standards, choose either the first or second par 3 on the first nine. The first is located at the 3rd and at 165 Meters ( 180 Yards ) a mid-long-iron is recommended, the second par 3 ( 5th Hole ) plays at 100 meters (109.35 Yards) of the yellows, a short iron to medium at most depending on the wind. 0n the 4th the fairway leaps from one plateau to another on this par 5, ending in a green backed by oleander trees and a white marble rock face with a waterfall cascading over it. The 8th a blind tee shot with the green guarded by natural rock formations. Still many consider this par 4 the 'easiest' hole on the course!. The 16th is a long par 5, reaching it with a second shot after a long first drive is a joy to the eye. The green is some 100 metres below the elevated tee - a vantage point where you enjoy spectacular 360 views over the mountains and sea. The 18th is a short par steep downhill par 3, enclosed by lush vegetation and hills. Once you manage to get your ball over the creek that guards it, you re home free!

The current club house is soon to be prepared into an extensive sports centre including tennis, gym and spa facilities.