Rio Real, established in 1965, stands as the oldest golf course in Marbella, nestled on a compact site where the Real River meets the Mediterranean Sea. Originally secluded, the area has since seen residential development, with a nearby main road now occasionally disrupting play with its traffic noise.
Maintaining its classic charm, Rio Real features pine and palm-lined fairways that lead to slightly elevated, strategically bunkered greens, often crossing the river along the way. Over time, the mature trees have become both a scenic backdrop and occasional hazard, altering the intended play lines.
Noteworthy among its holes is the par four 4th, which doglegs left amidst the sound of traffic to the crashing waves near the coastline green. Another standout is the 8th, a challenging long par four that slopes downhill to a small green nestled into the hillside.
Designed as an adjunct to the prestigious Los Monteros hotel by businessman Ignacio Coca in the late 1950s, Rio Real was conceived following negotiations between Javier Arana and developers to fit eighteen holes into the limited 45-hectare plot. This resulted in a compact layout, with fourteen holes on flat terrain beside the river and beach, and four on higher ground offering panoramic Mediterranean views.
Despite its small greens lacking internal contours, Rio Real shines with its array of long and varied par fours, showcasing Arana’s skill in design and strategic play.
