We’ve just returned from our golf holiday to La Finca. Please find enclosed our feedback / review of it. La Finca is adjacent to the hotel. There is a nice pro shop and bar/restaurant. The course is fairly open with, generally, quite generous fairways. There is a bit of water on the course and a few ditches which, if you do not know the course, can surprise you as they are hidden from the tee. Out of the 3 courses this one offers the least shelter from wind. On each occasion we’ve played this course it was busy so a round, with buggy, was a rather slow 5 hours. Possibly because of the number of players the fairways and greens are not in pristine condition (I’ll never understand why players don´t repair pitch marks!) and sand in the bunkers hard and a bit stoney. The driving range is poor but there is an adequate practice putting and chipping area.
Villamartin is let down a bit on arrival as the changing room area is very dated but I believe it is to be refurbished. Probably the easiest of the 3 courses it has very little water that comes into play. There is a fair mixture of easier and more challenging holes with a few blind tee shots that could cause problems to high handicap players. Unfortunately on our February visit the greens had been heavily sanded however they were still playable. As with all 3 courses a buggy is certainly an advantage as there is a bit of walking between some tees.
Las Ramblas was my particular favourite of the 3 however it is a tight course with a lot of trees and sloping fairways which can punish good shots as well as bad. This view was backed up by an ex pro whom we met and who was playing the course for the first time! Certainly the trees and slopes and not the water are the main problem. Some very interesting holes and a lot of doglegs which are all left to right. A course that you could very easily loose a few balls! This course has a large pro shop and good practice area and lovely bar and restaurant. Also the only one of the three which had a drinks and snack trolley! Can be a very frustrating course regardless of handicap but an enjoyable challenge.
As I said, Michael, we had a fantastic time. The hotel and staff are excellent. There is a nice spa, outdoor pool (open all year but unless you are a polar bear only useable in the summer). It would be wrong to say the courses were of a really high standard in relation to their care. They are by no means manicured and there was a lack of green staff. Nevertheless enjoyable to play with a lot of variety and excellent value for money. We were there in December and in February (classed as low season and on each occasion the courses were busy). Maybe unfair to generalise after only two trips but we have had to allow almost 5 hours a round (we play at Alenda and can walk round in 3 and a quarter hours low season) and as a couple we were paired to play in a 4 ball. We have no problem at all with this however some clients may wish to play as a couple and that may not be possible.
For more information about La Finca golf and Costa Blanca golf holidays simply visit www.yourgolftravel.com or call 0800 043 6644.
