Costa Ballena Ocean Golf Club

The first hole presents a challenging start with out of bounds to the right, requiring players to exercise caution and precision, especially when the poniente wind from the West is in full force. The second shot demands even more precision as two lateral bunkers guard a receptive green. Players must carefully strategize their approach in order to land the ball on the right level on the green.

This particular hole is a lengthy par three that may require the use of a hybrid or a wood. The green is guarded by bunkers on the left and behind, and it is split in two levels, making this a true challenge. It is especially important to pick the right club for the distance and take the wind in to account. It is definitely better to be short than long on this hole.

This particular hole is characterized by its relatively short distance and a subtle dog-leg to the right. However, golfers must exercise caution, as a shot veering to the right can pose a significant challenge for the second shot. The presence of olive and palm trees along the line of the shot further adds to the complexity of the hole. The green itself is notably intricate, boasting two levels that demand keen awareness of the current pin position.

This is a particularly challenging hole that demands careful consideration of the out-of-bounds area on the right. This hole needs a well-executed drive for a chance at success on the subsequent approach to the green. Approach from the left side of the fairway is less complicated, as opposed to the right where there is a bunker just in front of the green.

This hole presents a strategic challenge for all golfers. While a long drive may be advantageous, it is important to keep in mind that there are out of bounds to the left and fairway bunkers on each side of the fairway to consider. Furthermore, the second shot requires a thoughtful approach due to the presence of a lake on the right side of the fairway. The lake extends all around the back of the slightly raised green which is guarded by a bunker on the left.

A challenging par 3 that requires precision and distance control. The presence of a lake increases the difficulty and requires careful club selection in windy conditions. Players exercising caution may choose to avoid the lake by aiming to the left. The green has two levels with a significant break to take into account.

This is a challenging par 4 that requires a good drive to make the second shot manageable. It features a dogleg to the right and a two-level green that is guarded by a bunker on the right-hand side. This particular hole is rated as the most difficult on the entire course.

After the challenging hole 7, it's time for a moderate par 5. The fairway on hole 8 bends to the left, and there is a bunker on the left side that can trap an inadequate drive. For players who can hit long drives, attempting to reach the green in two shots is possible. But it requires precise execution due to the water hazard on the left side of the fairway. This hazard continues to be a potential threat all the way to the green, making careful planning and execution essential.

The ninth hole is a relatively simple par 4, unless the Levante wind is blowing from the East, which can push the ball towards the out of bounds on the right. The approach shot to the green is relatively easy, and an aggressive approach may be rewarding. However, it is important to be aware that long putts on this green can be challenging due to a significant slope from right to left.

With out of bounds to the left and right and water ahead, this hole begins with a complicated tee shot. You may, however, be able to reach the green in two if you hit a good drive and have a chance at eagle. The green is well-protected by 2 bunkers, one in front of the green and another one behind.

This is a captivating challenge of precision and skill. It demands a flawless tee shot between the lurking water hazard to the left and the out-of-bounds to the right. The real intrigue lies in the second shot to a green guarded by two bunkers, sloping significantly from right to left.

The 12th hole offers a relatively easy tee shot to a generous fairway with out-of-bounds to the right. The green is situated in a serene setting next to the beach, heavily guarded by a large bunker, making it a high-risk venture trying to reach it on the second shot.

The 13th hole has panoramic views of the Atlantic that compel a pause for appreciation. This fairway arches subtly to the left, making a well-placed tee shot on the right ideal. An overly ambitious draw could land among the palm trees, making the approach challenging. From the fairway, the shot to the green is straightforward, but beware the bunkers poised on the left and at the rear.

The 14th hole delivers a formidable test, particularly when faced with a headwind that makes the hole seem unending. A forceful tee shot with a long club is a must, aiming for a complex green that is guarded by a large bunker on the right. This hole poses a significant challenge, even for the most proficient players, making it a defining moment.

Hole 15 is a relatively short par-4, offering a chance for recovery. Its primary challenge is the water hazard lurking at the right side of the fairway. Given that the second shot is short, an aggressive approach could result in a gratifying birdie. For long hitters, the green is reachable from the tee, especially when the wind is helping.

Hole 16 is a captivating par-3 challenge, featuring an island green encircled by a lake and guarded by two sand traps. Selecting the right club is paramount to align with the pin's position, given the green's dual-level design with noticeable inclinations.

On hole 17 it's crucial to avoid the water hazard on the left and the bunker to the right of the fairway. So, it might be a good choice to leave the driver in the bag for the tee shot. The approach shot is short and targets a slightly elevated green, guarded by bunkers on both flanks. Accuracy, not distance, is key on this hole.

Hole 18 provides a memorable finish. The fairway dog-legs to the left, with a lake on the same side demanding a precise tee shot. The subsequent approach entails a long iron shot towards a green with 2-levels, encircled by bunkers. This finale, challenging and unpredictable, often brings unexpected twists.

On hole 19, the out-of-bounds area to the left is due to the hotel pool located adjacent to the fairway. The green slopes gently towards the player, and an aggressive approach shot can be rewarded. This feature, combined with one of the course's largest greens, enhances the strategic intrigue of this hole.

Hole 20 is a strategic par 3 that requires careful club selection. The green, which slopes from right to left towards the tee, is guarded by bunkers at the front-left and on the right side. These fortifications frame a narrow entrance at the center, providing a unique challenge and encouraging players to approach this hole with a blend of strategy and finesse.

Hole 21 is a par 5 that offers an intriguing risk-and-reward tee shot. Long hitters have the option to carry over the imposing bunker on the left, with the enticing possibility of reaching the green on the second shot. For those not attempting to reach the green on the second shot, aiming at the right-hand side of the fairway is essential, as it slopes deceptively toward a vast bunker on the left. The raised green, shared with hole 23, is protected by two expansive bunkers.

Hole 22 requires a well-executed tee shot. The elevated green is cleverly shielded by three bunkers at the front, leaving only a narrow opening at the center. This layout underscores the necessity of accurate club selection, as overshooting the green will almost certainly lead to a bogey.

Hole 23 is a short par 4 that entices long hitters to aim directly for the green. For those opting for a more conservative strategy, a tee shot with a five wood or long iron is advised. The green is protected by bunkers at the front-right and to the left, and features a gentle slope from right to left, leading towards the player on the short approach.

Hole 24 in the Los Ficus section stands out as the easiest hole on this stretch of the course. The primary challenge comes from the out-of-bounds on the left. With a large green that slopes gently towards the player on the approach, this hole invites an aggressive play towards the flag, creating an opportunity for a birdie.

Hole 25 is a subtly deceptive short par 3 that requires a very precise tee shot to avoid the risk of a three-putt. The undulating green, which slopes towards the tee, is guarded by a large bunker at the front. This hole can be easily underestimated, adding to its intrigue and challenge.

Hole 26 is a strategic test that calls for meticulous planning from the tee. Two bunkers, strategically positioned to guard the fairway, are in play for long hitters, posing a clear challenge. The second shot demands pinpoint accuracy to approach a complex green, which is diligently protected by two bunkers in front.

Hole 27, the concluding hole of this nine, presents a challenge with a water hazard to the left and trees lining the right side of the fairway. While the second shot is quite short, it calls for precision towards a raised and narrow green, protected by bunkers both in the front and back, with a slope that moves away from the player. For long hitters with exceptional accuracy, reaching the green with a well-executed drive is a tempting possibility.