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Welcome to UK-GolfGuide's page which contains feedback from site users who have played at Monte Mayor Golf and Country Club.

Whilst UK-GolfGuide.com attempts to turf out the more unhelpful or just plain daft contributions, some may slip through. If you have played the course or hold a different opinion to those of the contributors, feel free to use the Add your Comments icon to provide a broader spread of views. If you have a gripe with the club then take it up with them directly - please don't use this facility for airing grievances!.

If you have played this course and would like to add your comments then feel free to Add a Report.

Philip Antia (USA) 11/07/07

What a course! Fabulous condition, spectacular location, quiet and no houses nearby, very difficult, steady play required. If you are a sprayer, go somewhere else.

First day, I payed 2 balls. The 1st conservative, the2nd aggressive. The 1st score was 80, the 2nd 88.

I thought I would play better the second day and I did as I was befriended by some members who taught me the idiosynchrosies. Have you ever putted uphill and the ball picks up speed? It does here when putting towards the sea. Can a putt break against the slope? Yup, if you putt away from the sea. Played much better with local knowledge.

Ratings

Value for Money	10
Challenge	10
Off Course	10

Colin Baldry (England) 22/05/07

I am in total awe of the people who have built this course, who could have imagined building a course in such a mountainous area.

The course was in excellent condition, greens fast but true.

I think a sherpa may have been more use than a buggy to a first timer on this course. some truly spectacular holes in amazing scenery, I am sure if I could play this course again I could knock a few dozen shots off my score, I particularly like the strategically placed local with a fresh supply of balls, its as if they have calculated that you will lose on average 10 balls by the time you have reached the 13th hole. My handicap is 13.5 I felt like a 28, If a ball goes off the fairway, play a provisional (or 2) you wont find it! you may be able to see it along with the balls of other poor souls but you wont be able to get to it down the ravines, up the sides of very steep banks on in bushes with the sharpest spines ever encountered. I experienced such pain and should feel gutted but I would recommend this course to anyone (cos I have a sadistic streak) try it!

Ratings

Value for Money	8
Challenge	10
Off Course	8

Andrew Jarrod (England) 20/04/07

Monte is simply unique in the challenge that it offers. So far I haven’t quite found another course that offers such a mix of challenge and stunning scenery.

Set way up in the hills out of Marbella (high above the Marbella Golf Resort) I’m still amazed that anyone even thought of building a course in such a place. The world is much better place because they did!

Firstly the challenge. Monte is full of ravines and cliffs that cross or border practically every hole. There are very few shots on very few holes where you will play a bad shot and find your ball. If you are a timid player then this is not for you, but for the bold or the mad (preferably both) this is nirvana.

You get given a buggy in the price for a reason. They aren’t doing this because they are generous people, they are doing it because otherwise it would take 7 hours to play and anyone not fit enough ride a Tour-de-France might not make it back at all. Virtually every hole features large elevation changes which just adds to the spectacle of this course.

This is a course where you have to think about every shot, it’s not hugely long and good play will be rewarded, but you have to be on your game all the way around; there’s no chance to catch your breath here.

There’s no real point picking holes because they are all worthy of praise, you’ll probably remember best the ones that you score well on / visa versa. To pick one I’d go for the 1st, a big par-5 up right side of the valley, 2nd shot to the top of the hill, 3rd a short pitch down again to a green set back to the left. An evil start to one of the biggest tests in golf us amateurs will ever get.

The Club House has had extensive work over the past years and is now a great little oasis at the bottom of the course. There are a few practice nets and places to practice putting, but no driving range.

This course should be on everyone’s list. At the very least you should play it once in your lifetime; for most people though once won’t be enough ! This years Spain trip is being extended to 10 days especially so we can play Monte twice…

Ratings

Value for Money	10
Challenge	10
Off Course	9

Allan Robertson (Scotland) 25/09/06

played this course 8th August 2006,a group of 8 in a stableford format.Never scored a point for the first three holes then hit five straight pars-highlight of the round.Absolutely stunning peaceful views,a truly remarkable golf course,not for the faint hearted .Of the courses i played that week this course is the one i most enoyed.

Ratings

Value for Money	9
Challenge	9
Off Course	9

Michael Gilkes (England) 06/06/06

Played Monte on 3/6/06 and all of the below is spot on. If you've never been intimidated on a tee you need to play here. Plus the buggies are fitted with GPS yardage guides which are fantastic. Having said that the course was not in good nick. The greens are infested with ants to the point were your ball could be covered in them by the time you got to the green.

Also the fairways had had the hollow tinnings treatment which left your lie very dodgy indeed and not lookng great. However, it did not overly detract from the day and left alot of good memories.

Ratings

Value for Money	7
Challenge	9
Off Course	9

Mick Sim (England) 03/06/06

This is a course that should be played twice, prefferably after a 3 year break between rounds.

We returned this year, having played it last in 2003 to see if it was as good / tough as we remembered it...It was.

I can't add any more to the remarks made by other contributors about the course...Spectacular / tough / challenging / lost balls etc but, if you are travelling as a group I would suggest a 2 man Texas Scramble format. This worked for us and everbody got more out of the experiance than if they had been playing medal or stableford.

Clubhouse is now completed and facilities are good.

The Monte Mayor tag line is "Have you got the balls to play it". Unless you own titelist may I respectfully suggest you probably haven't !!

Ratings

Value for Money	9
Challenge	10
Off Course	9

Alistair Barber (England) 03/01/06

A fantastic golf course, I played it on 27/12/05 and it was in excellent condition with superb, fast, true greens.

The layout is incredible with many raised tees and plateaued greens that are alsmost like island greens. The course is a very strong test of your game and is extremely technical but I would definitely not say it is unfair. It requires use of every club in your bag and strategic thinking.

True, you need to be straight and accurate but surely that's how golf should be.

Those who say this is a joke golf course or unfair either had a bad day, didn't think their way around the course or are just bitter about losing a few balls!

Enjoy the golf, take in the breath-taking view and enjoy the ride! Would definitely recommend this course to anyone in the area.

Ratings

Value for Money	9
Challenge	8
Off Course	8

Paul Kenny (England) 08/12/05

Catch Monte Mayor on one of your good days, and you are in for the treat of a lifetime. Catch it on one of your bad days and be thankful you brought enough balls, or that you bumped into the ball seller on the course. The scenery is breathtaking and the quality of the course is first class. It is probably one of the most severe tests of golf and the most penalising you will ever play (although a few others on the Costa Del Sol will give 'Monte' a run for its money in terms of fairness). It can be beaten though, one of our members playing off thirteen has managed to put 39 points on the board without losing a ball, although we have a four handicapper who has lost ten. I lost twelve this time and would expect to do the same again next time given the hangover was the norm. We play it every time we're in the area and will do for a long time to come.

Ratings

Value for Money	10
Challenge	9
Off Course	8

TERRY ADNAMS (England) 08/11/05

8TH November 2005

Just returned from playing this unforgetable golf course

Magnificent,stunning irresistable course with

superb scenery.Whoever decided to put a golf course in that setting deserves immense credit for their foresight.

Yes we lost lots of balls and yes there were unfair bounces off decent shots but golf is a game to be enjoyed and enjoy this round we certainly did.

Without doubt the best quality golf course we have ever played and an experience we cannot wait to repeat.

If you are in the area Monte Mayor is a MUST.

Ratings

Value for Money	10
Challenge	10
Off Course	10

Oliver Purday (England) 04/10/05

An amazing course we played Sep 05 and were blown away by the layout. You hardly see another person whilst out on the course and when you look back its hard to believe that there are actually 18 holes there to play. Its true that it is very challenging and you will loose balls, however the experience is worth it and you will remember it forever. The greens were in excellent condition and were the quickest i've ever played on but extremely true as well.

Can't understand how any one could dislike this course it is simply awsome. Much better than the run of the mill courses in the area.

An excellent golfing experience

Ratings

Value for Money	10
Challenge	10
Off Course	9

Mike Vince (England) 01/10/05

I played Monte Mayor this week for the first time. My expectations had been managed by reading the comments on this site previously. My opinion of visiting this course is that it is like going on a safari during which you will hit, and occasionally find, your golf ball.

I dont think this is a course to be enjoyed by those who take golf too seriously. Bearing that firmly in mind, I would recommend anyone to play here, particularly those who like a new golfing challenge and can control their temper.

Ratings

Value for Money	7
Challenge	10
Off Course	6

G Gladstone (England) 27/09/05

A joke golf course. In very poor condition - rewarded lucky bounces far more than good shots. Greens had bare patches and areas which were just mud. Rough round the greens was clearly cut by a drunk with a poorly maintained lawn mover.

Eight players in our group - four single figure handicap players - the rest 18 or below. Universal opinion - this is the worst golf course we have ever played in Spain. Those who say it i the best - should get out more.

Ratings

Value for Money	2
Challenge	7
Off Course	2

Stephen Roe (England) 22/09/05

We played again this September, 72 holes in two days, wonderful, just simply a breathtaking course, all 6 of us loved it, to tell you how difficult it is i am a 15 handicaper and my best score was 93 including my 1st ever eagle on the long par 5 16th. The 3rd is the best, 1st proved the hardest for all of us, an excellent course with lovely staff.

Not one complaint.

Ratings

Value for Money	10
Challenge	10
Off Course	7

Stephen R (England) 06/07/05

I played today for the 2nd time and once again lost a ridicules amount of balls. However once again just sat down on a few tee off benches and looked around at the amazing scenery.

It is unfair to say that you get punished when you hit the fairways by getting bad bounces, if you hit a straight shot you are fine. However anything wayward and you are hiding the scorecard in the pocket until you are safely in the car.

Quite simply the best course on the coast!!!!!

Ratings

Value for Money	10
Challenge	10
Off Course	10

Alastair Renny (Scotland) 02/05/05

This course was extremely tough and whilst in magnificent condition it is bulit on land usuitable for golf. Good shots are punished by cruel slopes and wicked bounces. Every hole is bounded by a lateral water hazard, stray off the fairway and the ball is lost. I am all for being punshed if you hit a bad shot but this course not only punishes but drains confidence form your game. As anyone reading this will no doubt gather our party will not be back

Darrel Smith (England) 15/03/05

HAVING PLAYED THIS GREAT COURSE A FEW TIMES I ACTUALY MANAGED TO GET MY FIRST EVER HOLE IN ONE HERE ON 06/11/04 AT THE 3rd HOLE 181yds PAR THREE

IF YOU VISIT THE COSTA DEL SOL THIS IS A MUST PLAY COURSE BUT TAKE PLENTY OF BALLS (IT TAKES BALLS TO PLAY IT)

Chris Hubbard (England) 07/03/05

we have played this course for the last 2 years. Challenging but a great test of golf - not for the faint hearted but i would strongly endorse all of the positive comments - we are playing their again in April 05

Richard Crossley (England) 12/02/05

I totally disagree with all the favourable comments about this course. It is a nightmare to play for even a competent golfer. A golf course which has to define all areas either side of every fairway as lateral water hazards because they are inpenetrable masses of scrub opens itself to ridicule.

Glyn Webb (England) 18/08/04

spectacular but very hard one of the very best in spain

Andy Misseldine (England) 28/06/04

Just about the best course you will play. Spectacular views, superbly kept and a real challenge to any golfer. Played the course 2 weeks ago and will be going back next year.

Mike Kemp (England) 27/06/04

Played 36 holes on 24th June, comments are as per last year, this is a truely fantastic golf course just go and play it!!!

Rowland Lee (England) 22/09/03

WOW!

What a course, the scenery was breath taking (unlike my golf). A tough course that punished EVERY wayward shot. I cant wait to get back there and play again..........

Mike Kemp (England) 05/08/03

Fantastic course, played 36 holes on 1st july( buggy much needed) lost loads of balls but couldn't care less as this is just heaven for golfers.I play off 18 and would recommend players with high handicaps to play the course even though your gross score or stableford points might not be very good. Take a camera and enjoy!!!

Mick Sim (UK) 27/05/03

Our party of 12 (h'caps 4-18) have just returned from the Costa del Sol and, because of this sites "Players Comments" on this course we decided to give it a whirl.

I have no idea who thought "I know, let's build a golf course here" but they deserve the highest award for civil engineering.

If you read these comments and find yourself on the Costa del Sol - DON'T MISS THIS COURSE.

Yes it was spectacular, yes you will lose balls but the greens are the best I have ever played on, lightning quick but true.

Malcolm Howells (England) 03/04/02

What a course! 6 of us played and only one scored well. The course is picturesque and the staff friendly (Breakfast was magic). The par threes cost me plenty of balls, however the places I put myself into meant I found plenty and that I was up on the day!

It is one of the best - if not the best courses we have played. Our group's handicaps ranged from 8 to 18 and we all enjoyed the challenge. We will be back! (with more balls next year)

MH March 2000

John Gibson (English) 13/02/02

I have had the pleasure of playing this course 3 times and cannot wait to get back to it in September 2002. If you are going golfing on the Costa del Sol - play Monte Mayor - it is absolutely fantastic. The scenery is brethtaking, the fairways superb, the greens fantastic and the welcome you receive is second to none. We are Rishton Cricket Club Golf Society who travel to the Costa Del Sol every year to play golf. This is "THE BEST". You must take plenty of balls I can more or less gaurantee you will be pleased to see "Jose" on the 13th or 14th tee selling you golf balls - he's allways there - he must make a fortune. We have handicaps ranging from 4 to 28. We all agree this is a great challenge and tremendously enjoyable. Leave the driver in the clubhouse, take plenty of ball - you'll love it.

You are not allowed to play it without a buggy - no wonder you couldn't walk round - so they include the buggy in the Green Fees - making it one of the cheaper courses as well as "THE BEST"

My advice - If it's the only course you play it'll be worth th air fare.

Enjoy it.

John K Gibson

Jeff Revell (England) 15/11/01

What can I say that hasn't already been said. A truly beautiful course, by far the best I have ever played. The course was in excellent condition and the greens were true, but fast. The 4 that played are mid to high handicappers and found it tough (5 1/2 hours to get round). However that said we must have spent 30 minutes taking photos. The buggies also have coolers, so ideal to keep the San Miguel chilled.

kevin (uk) 07/11/01

Truly an exceptional golf course. Good price, great fairways, fast greens and absolutely stunnning views.

It is a course where you need to use every shot imaginable and some new ones. Not for the high handicap golfer, unless you are very straight.

A great day and alot of fun.

Gary Wilson (UK) 19/09/01

If you only get chance to play one (reasonably priced) course on the Costa Del Sol, then make it this one. Stunning scenary, excellent fairways and greens (when you can stay on them) and great hospitality. The three of us had an absolute nightmare on it excepting one hole where one of our group holed-in-one. Leave your driver in the car boot and bring plenty of balls.

Jon (England) 10/07/01

We played Monte Mayor in early July and it certainly is an experience! Course is in fantastic condition and the scenery is breathtaking. However, if like us your group is made up of mainly high handicappers it can become demoralising as it is very tough!

John () 01/04/01

A party of friends and myself have been visiting Spain for several years for our annual golfing holiday.

For the past two years we have had the pleasure of playing at the breathtaking course of Monte Mayor.

We enjoy playing this course to see if any of our party of four can defeat the monster that beats us every year.

This year we had great weather and played some great golf. The winning score was 32 points, scored by myself, off a handicap of 16.

Boy was I pleased and I only lost 3 balls.

Great day, great course, can't wait for next year.

JEZ CREASEY () 06/03/01

A GROUP OF 16 PLAYED THIS COURSE ON 28/09/2000,WE ALL CAME TO THE SAME CONCLUSION,"IT DOESN'T GET MUCH BETTER THAN THIS".

IF YOU ENJOY THE ULTIMATE GOLFING CHALLANGE,PLAY MONTE MAYOR,YOU WON'T REGRET IT.

Rich Lambert () 14/07/00

Monte Mayor in spanish means major mountain, and this course is major in everything. Chiselled into the mountain itself, it is quite hard to find but when you get there the only word to describe it is "awesome". Picturesque beyond belief, you are treated to breathtaking views and shots where you think "what am i supposed to do here". The eighteen holes will see you tackling cliffs, gorges, island fairways and your will to live.

Conveniently half way round a group of lads will offer to sell you bags of balls wich you will embarrasingly but gratefully take up. Our groups winning stableford was 18, and to much hilarity one member scored 3 on the front nine but battled back to a respectable 11 :-)

We finished the round physically and mentally destroyed, but priviliged to say we had played the course that can be referred to as "Beauty and the Beast". Thoroughly enjoyed it and the 19th hole will enable you to relax in pleasant surroundings to discuss how you are going to beat it next time. The club professionals tip is "leave your driver at home".

Nick Curtis () 02/02/00

We played this course in1997 and are going back in March for another beating. Scenery is fantastic, the greens were excellent, and the welcome in the clubhouse was the most friendly that I have encountered in the world of golf. We are now counting the days!!

Ruud de Jong () 08/07/99

I completely agree with the other reports. It was an amazing beauty, even though I only scored 22 Stableford points or so (off hcp 12), which was good enough to beat my opponent. I took lots of pictures, the views are magnificant. It's definitely worth the trip when you're at the Costa del Sol!

Simon Bell () 02/07/99

Without a doubt the most spectacular course I've ever played on anywhere. Incredible that anyone would have ever thought to build a course here but the tortuous journey up the mountain track is well worth it. 8 of us played in 1998 - including a professional - and we lost 86 balls in total, including one poor 18 handicap individual who lost 29 on his own (Winning stableford score 23 points). Undaunted, we returned in 1999, weather again perfect, to tackle the monster again. Marginal improvement - winning score 26 points - but we're coming back in 2000 for our third time lucky shot.\r\nThe course will never hold a major championship - it's just too far out of the way - and as a result will keep it's light under a bushel, but it is a truly magnificent beast and a unique golfing experience.

Michael Hopper () 02/07/99

I have been in Spain the last two years and have played Monte Mayor twice. The first time was an experience, the second an attempt to gain my revenge! -but I still lost over a dozen balls. This course is a monster, very tight with an unusual local rule - any ball in the rough within 5 metres of the fairway may be lifted and dropped back on the fairway without penalty! It is all to do with keeping you moving.

Don't let any of this put you off. This is a really spectacular course, magnificent scenery and some absolutely fabulous holes. I will definitely be going again and would recommend that you do too, at least the once. You will not regret it.