El Chaparral Golf Club

El Chaparral Golf Club sits in the hills above Mijas Costa on Spain's Costa del Sol, approximately ten kilometers west of Fuengirola. Designed by Spanish architect Pepe Gancedo and opened in 1973, the course occupies rolling terrain that rises and falls through Mediterranean pine and cork oak forest. The layout takes advantage of the natural topography, with elevation changes throughout the round and views toward the sea from higher points on the property. The routing moves through relatively narrow corridors carved from the wooded hillside, placing a premium on accuracy from the tee. Several holes play across or along ravines and gullies, and the terrain creates uneven lies and approach shots to greens set at various angles and elevations. Water comes into play on a handful of holes, and the bunkering follows a traditional style consistent with courses built along the Costa del Sol during the 1970s development period. El Chaparral has served as a venue for regional professional events and remains a fixture in the Mijas golfing community. The club operates as a members' club with visitor access, and the course is known locally for its mature tree-lined character and the challenge presented by its hilly terrain. The setting retains a quieter, more wooded feel compared to some of the flatter, more open resort courses found closer to the coast.