Lauro Golf

The verdict

Lauro sits a little inland from the coast at Alhaurin de la Torre, in the Guadalhorce valley between Malaga and the hills of the Sierra de Mijas. It opened in 1993 with two nines laid out by Folco Nardi, and a third nine designed by Mariano Benitez followed in 2003, giving the resort its current 27 hole spread. That extra loop is the appeal: golfers can mix the three nines into different 18 hole combinations, each playing to a par 72, which keeps the golf fresh over a few days based here.

The setting is unmistakably Andalusian, with rolling fairways threading between groves of olive, citrus and pine and several lakes adding both beauty and strategy. It is a relaxed, holiday paced course rather than a championship monster, and it is priced accordingly, which makes it one of the better value rounds in the Malaga area. With its rural calm and its proximity to the airport, Lauro is an easy, enjoyable addition to a Costa del Sol itinerary, particularly for a group that values atmosphere and value over a brutal test.

The holes worth the trip

The character of Lauro comes from its countryside setting and its 27 hole flexibility. The fairways roll through groves of olive, citrus and pine, and the mature planting gives the holes definition and shade, a welcome feature under the Andalusian sun. Several lakes are woven into the routing, bringing water into play at the key strategic moments and asking for committed decisions on the approach without ever overwhelming the round.

Because the resort has three nines that combine into different 18 hole layouts, a group staying for a few days can play a fresh course each round, which is part of what makes Lauro a relaxed and varied base. None of the loops is a long, punishing test; instead the emphasis is on enjoyable, manageable golf that rewards sensible course management and a tidy short game. The greens are fair and the conditioning is dependable, completing a package that suits mixed groups and higher handicappers as much as it does the better player looking for a gentle round.

Lauro suits a buddies trip or a couples break where the golf is part of a relaxed holiday rather than the whole of it. It pairs naturally with the nearby Malaga and Costa del Sol courses for a varied few days, and its value and rural calm make it a popular choice on a longer itinerary.

Where to stay nearby

Lauro has its own resort accommodation, and its inland position near Alhaurin de la Torre keeps it within easy reach of both the city of Malaga and the coastal resorts toward Torremolinos and Fuengirola. A base anywhere in this western corner of the bay puts Lauro and a string of other courses within a short drive, with the airport only a little way down the valley.

Lauro is best built into a multi course Costa del Sol itinerary. Pair it with the airport side parkland at Guadalhorce, the two layouts at nearby Mijas Golf, Los Lagos and Los Olivos, and the scenic hillside round at Calanova Golf. See our Golf on the Costa del Sol hub and our best courses on the Costa del Sol ranking, or browse Costa del Sol golf holidays.

Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near Alhaurin de la Torre.