Since it opened in 1965, Rio Real Golf & Hotel has been one of the pioneering golf courses on the Costa del Sol. With 18 holes and designed by Javier Arana, Rio Real Golf has become a benchmark course in Spain over the years and places quality, service and versatility at the heart of its philosophy. In line with this, resort has just completed a new project designed to meet demands from both players and golfing enthusiasts to reduce playing time.
In 2016, the R&A, the world’s golf governing body with its headquarters in St Andrews, wanted to know what golfers thought worldwide so they created a survey. The results revealed that the majority of golf players (60%) wanted to take less time to finish a game of golf. However, as is often the case, golfers differ in their opinions and points of view about this. Some believe that time spent playing means less time for practice while others think that golf should be played at a leisurely pace.
Despite personal opinions and preferences, the pace of golf is affected by certain factors related to the difficulty of a golf course and conditions. Taking this as its starting point, the recently completed Rio Real Golf & Hotel project offers a solution to golfers and enthusiasts who want to reduce the time they spend playing.
The latest addition aims to create a versatile golf course that can adapt to a much faster pace of game depending on the weather conditions, particularly in the summer when it’s hot and there are lots of tourists.
The original design inspired by Javier Arana made Rio Real Golf & Hotel a reference golf course on the Costa del Sol.
To this end, Rio Real Golf & Hotel has built two more top quality holes along the course. Both maintain the original design inspired by Javier Arana, the golf course designer and therefore remain true to the traditions and values that have made Rio Real Golf & Hotel a reference golf course on the Costa del Sol.
The changes at Rio Real Golf mean the course can be configured to suit demand and golfers’ circumstances, bringing innovative changes that adapt to players’ needs. In addition, it solves the problem of the excessive time required to complete an 18-hour game, usually four and a half hours. With this latest upgrade to its golf course, Rio Real Golf & Hotel maintains its commitment to excellence and to providing the best possible golf experience for players.
Rio Real Golf & Hotel, just 3 minutes’ drive from Marbella and 10 from Puerto Banus, enjoys an idyllic location in an oasis of peace and quiet despite being in the midst of the Costa del Sol. The tranquility of the fairways gives the impression that you are in the heart of the countryside and the highest holes offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. As well as a world-class golf course, the resort also has a Boutique Hotel with 30 rooms and suites, a wellness area, a pool with chill-out zone, tennis and paddle tennis courts, and a superb restaurant with frontline views of the Mediterranean. As well as a world-class golf course, the resort also has a Boutique Hotel with 30 rooms and suites, a wellness area, a pool with chill-out zone, tennis and paddle tennis courts, and a superb restaurant with frontline views of the greens.