Dona Julia Golf Club

Welcome to Doña Julia Golf Club, a magnificent 18-hole, par-71 course perfectly integrated into the breathtaking natural landscape of Casares on the sun-drenched Costa del Sol. Designed by Antonio Garrido—a renowned Spanish golf pioneer and one of the first non-British players to represent Europe in the Ryder Cup—this 6,021-meter layout offers a truly unforgettable golfing experience. What makes Doña Julia truly special is its spectacular location nestled between the mountains and the coastline, providing players with panoramic views over the Mediterranean Sea, the Sierra Bermeja, and the Serranía de Ronda from almost every vantage point. Strategically situated just 18 kilometers from Sotogrande and 46 kilometers from Marbella, the club is easily accessible for traveling players. With its sweeping sea views, a fully equipped Pro Shop, and the inviting Green House restaurant to relax in after your round, Doña Julia Golf Club is an essential destination for any golfer visiting southern Spain.

Why play at Dona Julia Golf Club?

• Designed by legendary Spanish golfer Antonio Garrido, a pioneer of the sport who won the first-ever official European Tour event and represented Europe in the Ryder Cup alongside Seve Ballesteros.
• Strategically located in Casares on the Costa del Sol, offering magnificent panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea, Sierra Bermeja, and the Serranía de Ronda mountains.
• Features a challenging Par 71 championship layout stretching up to 6,021 meters (Slope 131) from the white tees, seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape.
• Experience breathtaking views from the elevated tee of the Par 3 3rd hole, which overlooks the entire front nine and features a heavily sloped, bunker-protected green.
• Home to the competitive 'Race to Doña Julia' open golf league, where players compete for an annual buggy membership valued at over €2,100.
• Fully equipped Pro Shop featuring top brands like Callaway, Ecco, and Glenmuir, alongside the 'Green House Doña Julia' restaurant offering daily menus, tapas, and event hosting.
• Highly accessible location just 100 meters from the A-7 highway, placing the course only 18km from Sotogrande and 45km from Marbella.
• Flexible playing options including 9-hole, 18-hole, Early Bird (Amanecer), and Twilight (Atardecer) rates, with shared buggies conveniently included in the green fee pricing.

Course layout and design

Dona Julia Golf Club is perfectly integrated into the natural landscape of the Costa del Sol. Situated primarily in the municipality of Casares, a portion of its perimeter directly borders the neighboring municipality of Manilva. The course layout is strategically positioned between the sea and the mountains, with its southern zone located just a few meters from the coastline. This unique routing strategy allows players to enjoy panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the spectacular mountain ranges of Sierra Bermeja and the Serranía de Ronda from virtually any point on the course. The overall layout philosophy emphasizes harmony with the surrounding environment, offering a challenging yet beautiful terrain characterized by undulating fairways, elevated tees, and strategic elements such as carefully placed bunkers and lateral water hazards.

Signature holes and challenges

The course features a variety of distinct holes, each presenting unique challenges and design features that require careful strategic planning.

• Hole 1: A slight uphill challenge well-protected on both sides of the fairway by a large number of trees. The first shot to the fairway is guarded by a bunker at the back right. Players are advised to aim slightly to the left to facilitate entry to the green, while being careful not to miss the fairway to avoid penalties. Out of bounds is marked along the entire right margin and the first section of the left.
• Hole 2: An undulating uphill hole where both the drive landing area and the green entrance are heavily protected by a series of bunkers. The elongated green features a downward slope, making the calculation of the second shot critical to secure a comfortable putting position. Out of bounds is marked on the left by a metal fence and on the right by the curb next to the path.
• Hole 3: This par 3 boasts an elevated tee that provides spectacular panoramic views of the front nine, making the green visible in its entirety. The green itself has steep slopes and is well-protected by bunkers. Players must navigate out of bounds on the left and lateral water on the entire right side.
• Hole 4: A large dogleg to the left that demands a strategic first shot to secure the fairway and avoid the bunkers and trees lining both sides. The second shot is more accessible, requiring a short iron to an elevated green with a downward slope. Out of bounds is on the right from the gutter, and lateral water on the left extends past the green.
• Hole 5: Features a narrow tee shot demanding a straight and secure drive. The second shot should favor the right side, as the fairway slopes toward the left and is guarded by water. The third shot approaches an uphill green, where players should aim to putt uphill to avoid three-putts.
• Hole 6: A narrow, uphill fairway where the ideal tee shot uses the center tree as a reference point. The green features a steep downward slope and is protected by bunkers. Lateral water lines the left side, and out of bounds is on the right.
• Hole 7: An uphill hole tightly protected by trees on both sides of the fairway. A successful drive leaves a short second shot into a wide and deep green, with out of bounds along the entire right margin.

Technical specifications

Dona Julia Golf Club is a Par 71 course. The technical specifications vary depending on the chosen tee box, accommodating players of different skill levels. Distance markers are placed at 200 meters, 150 meters, and 100 meters to the entrance of the green.

Tee Color | Total Length | Course Rating | Slope | Par --- | --- | --- | --- | --- White | 6021 meters | 72.3 | 131 | 71 Yellow | 5654 meters | 70.1 | 132 | 71 Blue | 5261 meters | 73.8 | 126 | 71 Red | 5025 meters | 72.4 | 122 | 71

Facilities and amenities

Dona Julia Golf Club provides a comprehensive range of facilities designed to meet the needs of all players and visitors. The Clubhouse (Casa Club) features men's and women's locker rooms, administrative offices, and a dedicated Caddie Master desk. The Caddie Master and staff are available to assist with inquiries regarding course characteristics and golf practice. Operating hours for the Caddie Master are 8:00 am to 6:00 pm (January to March 26 and October 31 to December 31) and 8:00 am to 8:00 pm during the warmer months (March 27 to October 30).

• Pro Shop: Centralizes customer service, green fee bookings, and rentals for buggies, trolleys, and golf clubs. It stocks essential equipment including clubs, bags, balls, markers, pitch repairers, and shoe spikes. The shop also offers premium apparel brands such as Daily Sport, Callaway, Ecco, Cutter & Buck, Glenmuir, and Bridgestone.
• Restaurant and Cafeteria: Located within the golf club, the restaurant operates daily from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm. It offers a daily menu, tapas, breakfast, and take-away services. The venue is also equipped to host events, birthdays, communions, and business dinners.

Green fees and booking

The club offers structured seasonal rates and a variety of membership options. High season runs from February 16 to May 15 and September 16 to November 15. Low season covers January 1 to February 15, May 16 to September 15, and November 16 to December 31. A standard 18-hole round for one player with a buggy is €95 in high season and €84 in low season. For two players, the rate is €177 (high) and €153 (low). A 9-hole round for one player with a buggy costs €65 (high) and €59 (low). Twilight (Atardecer) rates start at 1:00 pm in summer and 1:30 pm in winter, priced at €159 (high) and €142 (low) for two players with a buggy. Early Bird (Amanecer) rates are available, excluding July and August, for €168 (high) and €147 (low) for two players.

• Individual 125 Membership: €2,500 annually for 125 rounds with a shared buggy.
• Couple 125 Membership: €4,800 annually for 125 rounds per person (couple must play together).
• Individual 115 Membership: €2,200 annually for 115 rounds (time restrictions apply in March and October).
• Short-term passes: Options include a 6-month pass (62 rounds), a 2-month pass (50 rounds), a 1-month pass (€1,080), and a 1-week pass (€440).
• Golf Booklets (Talonarios): Available in packs of 5, 10, 20, or 50 green fees, valid to be consumed within 12 months of purchase.

Getting there

Dona Julia Golf Club is strategically located at Autovía A-7, km 146, 29690 Casares, Málaga, Spain. The course is situated less than 100 meters from the A-7 highway. There is a direct exit leading to the club's avenue, located on the side of the A-7 heading towards Manilva or Algeciras. This exit is approximately 100 meters after the roundabout that connects the coast to the town of Casares. An excellent landmark right at the exit is the 'La Choza' Restaurant.

• 45 kilometers from Marbella
• 18 kilometers from Sotogrande
• 35 kilometers from Gibraltar
• 96 kilometers from Malaga (equipped with an airport and AVE high-speed train links)
• 134 kilometers from Jerez
• 221 kilometers from Seville

Best time to visit

The Costa del Sol offers excellent golfing conditions year-round, but seasonal variations provide different experiences. Autumn is highlighted as an ideal time to visit due to mild temperatures. Summer is also popular, offering extended daylight hours perfect for outdoor activities. Visitors planning a spring trip should note that essential course maintenance, specifically the aeration of greens ('pinchado de greens'), typically takes place in late April to prepare the course for the warmer months.

History and heritage

Dona Julia Golf Club was designed by Antonio Garrido, a prominent Spanish golfer born in Madrid on February 2, 1944. Garrido is recognized as one of the forerunners of Spanish golf and the country's first internationally recognized figure in the sport. He played on the European Tour from its inception in 1972 until 1995, famously winning the first official event in the tour's history before securing four additional circuit victories. His best year was 1977, when he finished third in the Order of Merit and won the World Cup of Golf alongside the young future star Severiano Ballesteros. In 1979, Garrido and Ballesteros became the first two non-British players to represent Europe in the Ryder Cup. Garrido later joined the senior circuit in 1994, winning two titles.

• The club has a rich competitive history, hosting numerous events such as the Race to Doña Julia open golf league, where players compete for an annual membership valued at over €2,100.
• It hosts the annual Green House Doña Julia tournament, featuring live music and barbecues.
• The course is a venue for the Heineken Circuit, which includes charity tournaments collaborating with the Fundación Intheos for cancer research.
• The club has also been associated with Solheim Cup promotional events in the region.