Costa Ballena Golf

We weren't sure whether to include Costa Ballena in our most recent golf holiday. We had four courses that we all agreed must be included and then we had to choose a fifth course from a selection of three or four that none of the group had ever visited.

First impressions were not promising. As a seaside course, obviously it was going to be flat. No problem as we had read that water hazards and bunkers were adequate compensation for the lack of variation in height. We had no problem with the quality of the facilities, the food or the staff. All were good quality and the staff when we visited were particularly welcoming. The changing facilities and showers were of a good standard, as was the pro shop.

The course itself was well maintained and the greens and fairways were well watered and good quality with plenty of grass. The course is littered with many quite old olive trees, all cut back to distinguish the fairways from one another and not to give too much of a hazard. As a high handicap player, I found Costa Ballena a reasonable challenge, perhaps on a par with a medium quality home course. Some of my lower handicap companions felt the course was a little easy and uninteresting. Certainly the views were nothing like as spectacular as some of the courses we visited which had more elevations available. Al our scores were reasonable and the course was not overcrowded, so we were able to play at our own (reasonable) pace.

If I had to make a recommendation to anyone travelling to Costa Ballena, or thinking of including Costa Ballena in a golfing week, do have it as a first reserve and include after you have made sure you will be able to play courses like Montecastillo, Sherry and Arcos Gardens. You would not choose it in preference to any of these. And if someone who knows Costa Ballena and played another course recommends the other course over Costa Ballena, take their suggestion. But in preference to an unknown random selection - do include Costa Ballena.