La Cañada Golf Club – Mastering the Back 9

Golf on Costa del Sol
4 hours ago
4 min read

After exploring the strategic front nine in our previous guide, we now move to the back nine of La Cañada Golf Club — the Robert Trent Jones Sr. masterpiece that elevates the round from enjoyable to unforgettable.

If the front nine, designed by Dave Thomas, rewards careful positioning and patience, the back nine demands creativity, shot-making precision, and mental resilience. With stunning elevation changes, panoramic views of the Mediterranean, and a perfect blend of risk and reward, this second half captures the true spirit of golf on the Costa del Sol.

Hole 10 – Par 4 (360m)

A challenging start to the back nine. This gentle dogleg right sets the tone for what’s ahead. The fairway is framed by trees on both sides and slopes subtly from left to right. A well-struck tee shot to the left half opens a clear angle to the green.

The approach shot plays slightly uphill to a raised, two-tier green that rejects anything short. When the pin is on the upper tier, take an extra club.

Pro Tip: A controlled drive with a fade shape is ideal. Avoid the right rough — recovery from there is almost impossible.

Hole 11 – Par 4 (340m)

Deceptively short, but placement is everything. A fairway bunker on the left and trees tight on the right make this a true test of accuracy. The green is guarded by subtle slopes that feed everything toward the front-right.

Pro Tip: Play an iron or hybrid off the tee to the widest part of the fairway. A wedge in hand here is better than a long iron from the rough.

Hole 12 – Par 5 (495m)

A magnificent risk-and-reward par 5. From an elevated tee, players face a fairway that dips before rising toward the green. A diagonal ravine around the 250-metre mark forces a decision — lay up short or take it on for a chance to reach in two.

The green is elevated, tiered, and narrow, with steep run-offs on both sides.

Pro Tip: Unless you’re confident with the carry, lay up to 100 metres and attack the flag with precision. Bogey lurks for the greedy.

Hole 13 – Par 3 (160m)

One of the most picturesque holes on the course. Played over a natural valley to a green surrounded by mature trees and deep bunkering, this hole demands solid ball contact and nerve.

Pro Tip: Take one more club than you think — the valley short of the green swallows weak shots. Centre of the green is always safe.

Hole 14 – Par 4 (380m)

Arguably one of La Cañada’s toughest holes. The fairway narrows between trees and bunkers, and the approach must carry a deep front trap to a small, sloping green. The prevailing wind often plays into the player’s face, adding to the difficulty.

Pro Tip: Play for position off the tee and take an extra club into the green. Walking away with a par here feels like a birdie.

Hole 15 – Par 4 (350m)

A beautiful downhill hole that offers a short respite. From an elevated tee, the fairway opens up invitingly, but beware of the right side — anything too bold can kick toward the trees. The green is large and receptive, framed by bunkers short and right.

Pro Tip: Keep your tee shot left-centre for the best angle in. When the pin is on the right, avoid attacking it directly.

Hole 16 – Par 3 (175m)

The longest and most dramatic par 3 on the course. From a high tee box, players face a full carry over a ravine to a green perched perfectly on the opposite ridge. It’s one of those “stand-and-stare” moments that define the Costa del Sol golf experience.

Pro Tip: Take at least one more club — the visual intimidation makes many under-club. Better long and safe than in the ravine.

Hole 17 – Par 5 (520m)

A spectacular par 5 that sweeps downhill toward the Mediterranean. The fairway bends gently right, with fairway bunkers dictating strategy. Aggressive players can reach in two, but the landing area narrows dangerously near the green.

Pro Tip: Second shot placement is key — keep it left to open up your angle. Approach from the right side, and bunkers come directly into play.

Hole 18 – Par 4 (390m)

A classic Trent Jones finishing hole. The drive must find a fairway guarded by two bunkers and bordered by out-of-bounds right. From there, the approach rises gently to a well-defended green directly in front of the clubhouse terrace — where spectators often watch incoming groups.

Pro Tip: Take enough club for your second. Anything short will roll back into the fairway — finish strong and enjoy the applause.

Back Nine Summary

The back nine at La Cañada Golf Club showcases Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s design mastery — strategic, elegant, and full of natural drama. From the demanding tee shots to the subtle greens, every hole requires decision-making and shot control.

Together, the front and back nines form one of Andalusia’s most enjoyable courses — a perfect balance of playability and technical challenge. Whether you’re chasing a score or simply taking in the views, La Cañada reminds you why the Costa del Sol has earned its reputation as Europe’s Golf Capital.