Designed by Robert Trent Jones, this recommended golf course is found on the A-7 between Gibraltar and Estepona.
When planning a golf trip, I look for course recommendations and for this trip I already had a full schedule. Quite by chance I had space for just one more course so on a whim I dropped by Duquesa.
Designed by one of the most renowned golf architects Robert Trent Jones he has managed to make both a challenging golf course whilst maintaining the beauty of the natural landscape as the course winds around El Hacho beacon hill. It is one of the recommended courses along the A-7 (Gibraltar to Estepona), and not disappointing in terms of the layout. Interesting that on trip advisor there is a mixed bag in terms of reviews. Some quite scathing, and some really encouraging – so in the spirit of diversity I thought Duquesa could be an interesting choice for a course review.
The course opened in 1986 and from the back tees it stretches over 6600 yards with a par of 72.
Once a spectacular course, there are areas around the clubhouse and driving range which are a bit shabby, although the course itself won’t let you down.
The course unfolds with sweeping wide fairways easing you forward to uncover cleverly positioned hazards, particularly on the par 3’s. The views from the course are stunning, as they reach out across the deep navy Mediterranean sea. The Estepona mountains form an impressive backdrop and beautiful white Andalucian villas skirt the fairways.
The elevated 8th (once the 17th ) is a wonder. All tee’s face the ocean with an almost vertical drop to the green beneath. I do love an elevated tee! The front and back 9 are quite different with one tighter and harder than the other, with five par 3’s, eight par 4’s and five par 5’s and two small lakes, you can enjoy a challenging game.
Despite a lot of the course needing some repair, the greens are like ice. Barely a breath will have the ball skating to the pin, which makes the first few holes an interesting adjustment. Once gauged, the greens are very satisfying in terms of delivery.
The staff are very helpful and for a low cost round – it’s certainly worth a visit. All round recommended and a good game, the 18th landing in front of the clubhouse, where an ice cold “hara” was waiting.
Our Rating 3/5
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