Andalusia brings to life one's stereotypical images of Spain—flamenco dancing, bullfighting, gypsy music and brilliant sunshine—thus imbuing a golf getaway with zesty Spanish gusto.

Near Marbella, La Cala, the largest golf resort in Spain, boasts three 18-hole courses, an executive par-three and the only David Leadbetter Academy in Spain with a TaylorMade Performance Lab.

La Cala's America, Europa and Asia courses play through the foothills of the Mijas Mountains, requiring that you calculate the angles and slopes and plan each shot from tee to green. It's a giddy test of golf.

After our round, a fellow in the pro shop recommended nearby Puerto Banús for dinner and drinks. Move over Saint Tropez! This is the gathering place for celebrities, the jet set and wannabes. Sleek yachts line a harbour crammed with vintage automobiles, trendy bars and eateries and shops displaying outrageous rhinestone sandals, designer bikinis and bling. We arrived back at our hotel at La Cala to find a troupe of flamenco dancers strutting their stuff in the lobby.

The following morning at La Quinta, designed by Antonio Garcia Garrido and former two-time World Cup champ Manuel Peñero, we enjoyed a gentler terrain and fabulous sea views on the last four holes. On a clear day you can see all the way to Africa.

The neighbouring five-star Westin La Quinta will wow you from its impressive marble lobby and handsome guestrooms to the fabulous breakfast buffet (complete with sparkling Cava Mimosas) overlooking the pool.

Further along the coast we discovered Guadalmina with two 18-hole tracks. Guadalmina's South Course, the second oldest course in Marbella and a real gem, features memorable ocean-side tenth and eleventh holes. The North course traverses over gentler terrain but many of the tight fairways demand accurate marksmanship. Guadalmina's resort offers an enviable beach location and spa for après golf R & R.

Undiscovered Huelva

In 1492 Christopher Columbus set sail from Huelva to discover The New World. Now it's time for Canadians to discover this charming stretch of pristine golden beaches and pine forests near the border between Spain and Portugal. (It's about 98 km from the Faro airport; 125 km from the Seville airport).

Compared to the hustle and bustle of the Costa del Sol, Huelva is a tranquil string of whitewashed towns and fishing villages—no traffic jams here, but plenty of good courses at bargain prices. In the winter season the Huelva Golf Pass costs 240 euros and gets you eight rounds all within a short driving distance of one another. There are also lots of "stay and play" packages that won't break the bank.

I suggest making your base the five-star El Rompido resort—a 36-hole facility with modern, spacious rooms, spa and good restaurant. Try the saffron-spiked paella.
Both courses take full advantage of the natural marsh area of Las Marismas del Rompido. Large greens, impeccable Bermuda grass fairways and a variety of unique holes will keep you challenged.

Opened in 2003, the South Course borders the clubhouse and is divided into two distinct nines with pine and olive trees and marsh demanding strategy and precision. The North Course boasts privileged views due to its hillside location. Its fairways, longer and wider than those in the South Course, put the player's technique to the test. Blissfully both El Rompido tracks take full advantage of the natural surroundings and there's not a real estate development in sight.

Nearby, take a swing at Isla Canela Golf, designed by Juan Catarineu. Gentle slopes formed by dunes, plenty of streams and lakes and fragrant eucalyptus and orange trees make this a lovely walking course for duffers and single-digit handicappers.

You must also visit the Islantilla Golf Course, a 27-hole parkland layout near the beach between Isla Christina and La Antilla with forgiving fairways and large greens.