Opinions

Good course, but we were advised that we couldn't take buggies onto fairways. On reflection, when we play this year we 'll take the electric trollies that can be hired. There was too mucc faffing around picking a club and walking right across the fairway to hit your shot. Great condition though and a good test of golf with a card wrecking 18th..

Another visually impressive design from Cabell Robinson, designer of nearby Finca Cortesin and La Reserva. Valle Romano is sadly reminiscent of many new courses in this area of spain. This is hugely difficult topography not suited to golf and the need to create plentiful, yet desirable Real Estate to pay for the course development is evident here, on some, if not all of the holes. The resort itself (i.e Clubhouse, practice facilities and surrounding accommodation) is undoubtedly of a high standard and one could not wish for better practice facilities, however these are of such a high standard that the course itself comes as some disappointment. There are some spectacular golf holes, however they do not play all that well and genuinely good golf shots can often be penalised due to the design. In particular the 1st hole, a long sweeping downhill par five that dog legs to the left. The only play here (from any of the 5 teeing options) appeared to be to hit the ball as hard as one could towards the left edge of the fairway and hope for a generous bounce and roll down the severe slope and in between the gaping bunkers. Likewise the par 4 12th. A hugely dramatic, but ultimately unfair golf hole where good shots were punished and poor shots rewarded such was the severe sloping off the right and the water hazard short and left of the green. Perhaps the only safe option was to play a mid iron down the hill and hope it didn't get too much roll forward. Despite the difficulties posed by the terrain (which makes a buggy an absolute must and five hour rounds almost unavoidable) there are also some tough, but very enjoyable golf holes. There is a good mix of long and short 4's, including the excellent 5th which is played towards a large water hazard on the right of the fairway which comes into play for those hitting driver. The reward for going with the big stick and hitting the fairway is a much more manageable wedge to a narrow green, with a bunker and water to the right and run off area's to the left. The par 3's are all strong, sadly they lack variety though and all are pushing the 200 yard mark (much much further if you play from the Championship Black's as i did), the pick of these being the Par 3 13th. A fantastic greensite with a lagoon all the way down the right and a green that sits angled to the tee shot. Play safely left and hope to catch some of the green for the best chance of a 3. Whilst this is certainly not the best course in the region, it is better than most and its conditioning is excellent. To get the most from the experience schedule a full day here to enjoy all the facilities to their maximum including a grassed practice range and premium range balls, wonderfully manicured putting and chipping area's and a clubhouse amongst the most comfortable and spacious you are likely to find anywhere.

I've played many courses on the costa del sol and this course is one of best value for money courses out there. They would not play the senior masters here if it were not top class. Fairways and greens were in immaculate condition. A testing course but not overly daunting. A pleasure to play and whilst not the cheapest on the coast, it is certainly great value.

Having played Rio real twice each year over the last 20 years, I couldn't recommend a more wonderful course. Beautiful condition on every visit, amazing scenery and great golfing experience. Can't wait for my visit in 2013.

Played course Sept 2012. Beautiful layout and greens in very good nick but spoilt by very poor fairways. In fairness club aware and trying to remedy. Cheap golf for 4 and buggies as a result of fairways.

This is a nice course and worth visiting it, warm welcome from friendly staff and proffesional. In few words excellent conditions!! We will recommend this golf course to others.

steady away,nice comfortable course, good views, friendly staff , cold beer decent food no rush i always enjoy playing there

Played here last week,caddy master Jose very welcoming,course was in awesome condition booked straight away for next year..do not miss this gem