Fancy doing something a little bit different in the lead-up to Christmas this year? How about planning a trip to the Costa del Sol to play the area’s many courses? The golf courses in the Costa del Sol are usually quiet during this period, and the clubs tend to lower their green fees. The perfect opportunity for a getaway with friends or your loved one to indulge in your favourite game and have the courses practically to yourself.
Known around the world as the Costa del Golf, the province of Malaga has a wide range of golf courses for players of all levels and preferences. So how many courses are there in the Costa del Sol? There are 70, guaranteeing that you will find the perfect one for you. We recognise that the choice might seem overwhelming so in this post we’re going to take you through a number of courses that are notable for their design, scenery and prestige.
Nine unmissable golf courses
1. Villa Padierna Golf Club
One of a kind in Europe, Villa Padierna Golf Club is a luxury golf resort swept up in beautiful scenery.
It is located in the golfing heart of the Costa del Sol, between Estepona and Marbella. With sweeping vistas over the coast and the mountains, the resort has no fewer than three courses: Alferini Golf (which recently hosted the Open Femenino, the final of Race to Costa del Sol), Flamingos Golf and Tramores Golf. There is also an academy and world-class facilities.
2. La Cañada
La Cañada is renowned for its short and entertaining fairways and fast greens. Founded in 1982, the course initially had nine holes designed by David Thomas. Later, a further nine holes were added. These were designed by Trent Jones. La Cañada course offers players plenty of woodland and views over the Mediterranean. It also has an excellent academy, which trained great players of the likes of seven times European Tour winner Álvaro Quirós.
3. Estepona Golf
Estepona Golf affords views over Sierra Bermeja. Located in the town of the same name, it is known for being a friendly place to play. The 5,546m course has 18 holes for a par of 71. You can expect wide fairways, tees that will force you to think carefully about your shot and greens worthy of applause.
4. Campo Parador de Golf
Campo Parador de Golf is one of the most historic courses in Spain. Located on the coast, the course has hosted European Tour tournaments and seen champions be crowned, including the winners of the British Open, Paul Lawrie and Louis Ostuizen. A links course just a stone’s throw from Malaga city that is calling out to be played.
5. Club de campo La Zagaleta
La Zagaleta’s incredible facilities draw in players from all over the world. The course is located in Benahavís, in the midst of the Mediterranean woodland, and with vistas over the Alborán Sea, Africa and Gibraltar. Of all the golf courses in the Costa del Sol, this is perhaps the most peaceful. The club has two courses: the Old Course and the New Course.
6. Real Club de Golf de Sotogrande
Real Club de Golf de Sotogrande was designed in 1964 by Robert Trent Jones, one of the most famous golf architects of all time. The passing of time has not changed the natural beauty of the scenery enveloping the course, which is just steps from the Mediterranean. The course is ideal for players of all levels with low-pars believing it to be one of the best courses in Spain.
7. Valle Romano Golf & Resort
Valle Romano Golf & Resort was built to meet the highest quality standards provided by the United States Golf Association of America. The grass is the Tifsport variety of Agrostis, which is certified by the University of Georgia. Year on year, it hosts countless tournaments and competitions.
8. Real Club de Golf Las Brisas
Real Club de Golf Las Brisas is an exclusive club with a social atmosphere. It has been open for some fifty years and has 18 holes over 6,090m. It is characterised by its scenery, which features plants from all four corners of the world, transforming it into a sort of botanic garden. Wherever you go in the club, it breathes history: great players such as Gary Player and one of the best golfers of all time, Jack Nicklauss, have played here.
9. Benalmádena Golf
Benalmádena Golf is one of the most entertaining courses in the Costa del Sol. Renowned around the world, the golf academy is formed of qualified trainers who played at the Andalusian and even national level. If you’re keen to start playing, there’s no better way than learning from the best.
If you’d like to find out about the other courses in the Costa del Sol, take a look at our golf courses page, which are organised by location, to find even more quiet places to play before Christmas. Marbella, Estepona, Mijas and Benahavís are home to the majority of the golf courses in the Costa del Sol, though there are others in different parts of the province too.
To further personalise your experience, download our guide to the golf courses in the Costa del Sol for free. The destination’s 70 plus courses have got more than you could possibly dream of.
