The best golf courses make the most of their natural terrain and bring out the natural features along their 18 holes. At Río Real golf course, water forms part and parcel of the landscape, and designer Javier Arana knew exactly how to use this to test the golfer’s skill. In this article, we take a look at the unique water features at Rio Real and the challenges they offer players.
King of the water – the Río Real river
Appropriately the biggest water feature at Río Real golf course is the one it takes its name from: Río Real river. It meanders through the entire course from north to south as it makes its way down from the mountains in nearby Sierra Blanca to the sea. In summer the river manages barely more than a trickle but for the rest of the year, it’s a force to be reckoned with especially if you don’t want to lose your golf balls.
Two holes at Río Real golf course involve actually hitting the ball across the river. This is a course that takes its challenges seriously and from the 1st you need to get across the water. The same applies at the 3rd where the pro tip recommends that you play long to the back of the green to avoid getting your ball wet.
Check out our pro tips for keeping your ball out of the river.
Always to the south – the Mediterranean
Río Real golf course is one of the privileged few on the Costa del Sol to enjoy a frontline beach position. And as well as two holes almost on the sands, Río Real offers views of the Mediterranean from wherever you are on the course.
The 4th and 5th have the best sea views, especially the 4th since you play the ball in a southerly direction towards the Mediterranean. Of course being right on the seafront comes with additional challenges – the ocean breeze can make it difficult to get your direction right – but having sea views more than makes up for it.
Discover how to factor the Mediterranean breeze into your shots at the 4th and 5th.
A stunning manmade water feature – the Rio Real lake
As if having its own river and sea wasn’t enough, Río Real golf course also provides a manmade water feature in the form of a stunning lake. Located in the northwest of the course, the lake has fountains and naturally forms part of the Rio Real golfing challenge. Yet again, you need to be on your toes to keep your golf balls dry.
At the 12th you’ll find the lake to the left and rear of the green. And at the 13th – the longest and most spectacular hole on the entire course – you tee off from the lake side. And although the other holes don’t include one of the water features in their fairways or greens, you never far from water in the river, sea or lake at Río Real.
Discover the Río Real water challenges for yourself – book a round of golf now.
