Over 500,000 m3 of earth and 70,000 m3 of topsoil was moved in constructing the third 18-hole golf course at the La Cala Resort, Mijas, Malaga. The total area of land involved measures over 100 hectares. The actual golf course itself measures half of this. The par 71 course measures 6050 metres.
A lot of attention went into the protection of native plant species and indigenous plants such as Lavender, Rockrose, Rosemary and Palmettos were planted. Also planted were groves of trees, including Cork oak, Eucalyptus, Olives trees, Almond trees and Carob trees. In total 300 trees and 1,500 bushes were planted. No trees were removed and only one was transplanted.
The Ojen river plays a part in eight holes, cutting across three fairways. There is one main bridge that measures 45 metres and four smaller bridges over the river. The design also features four tunnels for golf carts and maintenance machinery. In total there are concrete golf cart paths measuring 20,000 m2.
The surface area of the greens is over 10,000 m2 and the fairways 22,000 m2. There are 40 km of ditches for pipes and cables and in total 111 bunkers.
Course designer, Cabell B. Robinson stresses the advantages of the new course for the average golfer: The new course is not only dramatic but will also be easier for the average golfer. The fairways are generous from the tees and the greens are slightly larger than on the existing courses. Cabell B. Robinson is one of the best regarded course designers in Europe. He worked with the legendary Robert Trent Jones in the USA from 1967 until 1970 when he was appointed to head up the Trent Jones operation in Europe. In September 1987, Cabell left Mr Jones office to establish his own design practice. His first projects were the La Cala South and North courses. During the ensuing years he has continued to work throughout the Mediterranean and the rest of Europe.
With the opening of the new course, the FBD owned La Cala Resort is the only resort on the Costa del Sol with three 18-hole championship courses.