Nestled between the sea and the mountains, with 325 days of sun a year and average annual temperatures around 20°C, Malaga is the ideal destination for a golfing holiday all year round. The Costa del Sol boasts delicious cuisine, fascinating culture and plentiful leisure activities. And that’s not to mention the sun-kissed beaches, spectacular scenery enveloping the courses and the excellent connections by air (Malaga international airport is the third largest in Spain), land (motorways and high speed trains) and sea. It should really come as no surprise that the Costa del Sol is one of golfers’ favourite destinations in Europe. In this post, we will take a look at the incredible golf courses that are located close to Malaga city.
El Candado
Situated to the east of Malaga city, El Candado is a 9-hole course. This members’ club has a practice tee (with night lighting), courses for adults and children, lockers, a club room, electric trolleys and a kids’ academy. There is also a bar-restaurant as well as a pool, tennis court, padel court and gym in the social club. The facilities extend for a total of 120,000m2 while the course challenges gentlemen to 2,241m and ladies to 2,013m of play. The restaurant is run by chef Javier Hernández and boasts the accolade of having won the best ensaladilla rusa award in Spain.
Guadalhorce Club de Golf
Offering 6,194m of play, Guadalhorce Club de Golf is not only a long course but also one of the best close to Malaga. The course has 18 holes whose greens were redesigned by the prestigious golfer Miguel Ángel Jiménez, an honorary member of the club. The club also has a 9-hole par-3 course, a practice course with 2 tee lines, putting green and putting area. Guadalhorce Club de Golf also has 2 padel courts, 1 tennis court, 2 pools, a basketball court, 1 football pitch, a games room, crèche, chiromassage service and saunas.
Parador de Málaga Golf
Opened in 1925, the holes of Parador del Golf are steeped in history as the early golfing pioneers in the province took their first swings here. Sitting on the shores of the Mediterranean in the heart of the Costa del Sol, the course offers open and level terrain dotted with a couple of lakes. The 18 holes were designed by Tom Simpson and blend the dunes of a links course with a number of great eucalyptus trees, forcing players to hit the ball in a straight line from the tee. The golf academy here is ideal for anyone wanting to learn how to play golf in Malaga. There is also a special golf programme for people with disabilities. The course is peaceful and offers private access to the beach, a restaurant, shop, pool, tennis and padel courts, as well as other services.
Torrequebrada Golf
Torrequebrada is one of the finest golf courses in the Costa del Sol. It was designed by José Gancedo, known as golf’s Picasso, offering you a diverse range of different holes that will put your skills to the test. The course has 18 holes, lakes, pretty subtropical plants and affords incredible views over the sea. The impressive Club House, also boasting vistas over the course and the Mediterranean, offers a plethora of services and facilities, namely a shop, changing rooms, a terrace, bar-restaurant and meeting rooms. Just for fun, put the course into Google Maps: it looks like a horse.
Lauro Golf
Defined by its relatively flat parkland terrain, Lauro Golf has no fewer than three 9-hole courses that can be played individually or together. The course is technical, though not difficult, and the design respects the natural landscape. When you’ve finished your game, you can unwind on the beautiful patio in the Club House, which is housed in a renovated Andalusian property, complete with restaurant, bar, kiosk, shop and changing rooms. Beyond golf, the club offers a padel club and lawn bowls. There is also a residential area that sits in lovely grounds with pools. A new hotel resort is set to open soon.
Añoreta Golf
Designed by José María Cañizares, Añoreta Golf is an 18-hole course with five lakes and greens with a wide range of flag positions. The course is ideal for all levels of player, offering a diverse range of holes and stunning views over the Mediterranean, which is just a kilometre away. The course also offers a restaurant, golf shop, practice area, golf academy, 4 padel courts and private parking.
Baviera Golf
Also designed by José María Cañizares, Baviera Golf opened its second nine holes in 2002, which are more technical and complex than the first nine. In reality, the two function as separate courses. Water obstacles, in the form of a river and lakes, come into play throughout the course. The social club recently opened a great restaurant in the Club House and a snack bar next to the practice area. There is also an academy (with a special programme for people with disabilities), sauna, jacuzzi, golf shop and even a personalised golf fitting service.
Alhaurín Golf
The 18-hole course at Alhaurín Golf is defined by the verdure of the mountains and the leafiness of the Mediterranean woodland, comprising pine, oak, cypress and orange trees as well as all sorts of different shrubs and bushes. The course is relatively technical with elevated greens that will reward players who have dominated their short game. There is a golf academy, pitch & putt course and one of the best practice areas in the Costa del Sol. There is also a four-star hotel on-site.
Miguel Ángel Jiménez Golf Academy
Miguel Ángel Jiménez Golf Academy is one of the best places to learn how to play golf in the Costa del Sol. The academy reflects the values of its founder and the sport in all areas of the school. It has one of the best practice areas in the province in addition to a 9-hole practice course. Some of the holes are modelled on the design of iconic holes, such as the 12th at Augusta. The greens present a challenge in terms of speed and size. The academy has a snack bar that serves tasty daily menus and a golf shop.
Have you already got an idea of which golf courses close to Malaga you’re going to visit? We know: given the quality and diversity on offer, it is no easy task. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. Across the province there are over 70 world-class courses where you can enjoy great games, amazing weather and stunning views. Discover the Costa del Golf, a haven for lovers of golf.
