Dona Julia was intended to be the centre piece of sparkling 5 star resort with a plush hotel/clubhouse owned by sheraton. Sadly the economic climate from 2007 onwards has not been kind to this part of spain and so the golf club remains very much on its own, albeit with a very comfortable temporary clubhouse.
The 18 here is enjoyable if rather bland resort golf and once again this is not one to be attempted without a buggy, the distance and terrain from green to tee often takes several minutes to negotiate. The designer here has had to work hard to weave a playable course through difficult and challenging terrain, without doubt the best land has been used for the acres of empty apartments and villa's that line many of the fairways on the front 9.
Extensive landscaping and mounding make for attractive and inviting tee shots on the first 2 holes but these are relevtively easy holes with room for error on both. The par 3 3rd is short par 3 played along the hillside and helps you cross the valley that splits the site in two. Anything way right will be a lost ball and long will find very heavy scrub land.
Holes 4-7 are medium length par 4's and one long undulating par 5 that takes you to the highest point on the course. There is often a a firm breeze coming over the hilltop here which cannot be felt on any other hole on the course. A following wind is much needed for the 8th hole, this is one of the longest holes in spain and heads steeply downhill to a long narrow green, bearly visible over 600 yards away. Despite its length it plays much shorter and long hitters may be able to negotiate the huge fairway bunkers and the cork trees to reach the green in two.
Inviting and challenging tee shots follow on the 9th and 10th, the 10th green hidden behind a huge lake and calls for a medium to long iron depending on the wind to find this huge putting green. Finding the green is no guarantee of making par.
11 and 12 are back to back par 3's, unusual and this set up is supposed to be temporary until the resort is finished. The remaining holes offer a chance to open the shoulders as they play over mostly flat ground with views over the med. The par 5 17th is a dog leg left requiring a brave line close to the villa's to set up the chance to go for the green in two. Anything too firm and left will find the water behind.
The 18th provides a grandstand finish, a par 3 over water to a two tier green with out of bounds right should you bail out. If the flag is on the bottom tier, club selection needs to be spot on to find the right level and not be short in the water.
As mentioned the clubhouse is currently temporary but it provides all the facilities a visiting golfer would need. A spacious and well stocked pro shop, locker room facilities and large bar and terrace. The staff are friendly and helpful and most knowledgable on their golf, this is a nice way to finish the round and a pint of the Estrella is a must in this good company.
VFM-fair: Value For Money: Fair
Mark: 7 Andrew Oliver August 8, 2011
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