Playing golf well isn’t just about practice. What’s for sure is that there is an underlying ritual element to golf in the most literal sense, where each golf swing leads you one step closer to becoming a better golfer. And of course, each player has their very own ritual when it comes to how to perfect their technique. This involves knowing how to place the golf ball on the tee correctly, the position of your body, how you hold the club, and finally your golf swing. Yet all this means nothing if you don’t have the right golf kit with you. Read on and discover the best golf resorts in the Costa del Sol that have golf shops on site so that you arrive on the golf course fully prepared. And what’s more, find out what equipment you need so that you shine the brightest in your next game of golf.
Golf club: a golfer’s best friend
When we talk about a golf kit, the first thing that comes to our mind is of course the club. Depending on the type of shot, the inclination of the course, how hard the ground is, and the obstacles in the way, the golf club you choose varies. You can go for a wooden, iron, or hybrid club, and the putter, the most important part, can also vary in material depending on your needs. Generally every golfer has a set of golf clubs in their bag that they take to whichever golf course they plan to play at. However, golfers that don’t have their own clubs, perhaps those who are just starting out, can rent or buy one in professional specialised shops at golf courses. In the Costa del Sol, the options are endless.
The glove: a useful and elegant addition
There are golf players that hold the club directly with their hands, and others who prefer to use gloves. Whether you use a glove or not when playing is totally up to you as it’s not compulsory, but those that do choose to find them helpful for getting a better grip on the club. In places with a warm climate like the Costa del Sol, gloves can be useful as they avoid sweaty palms interfering with your grip, preventing the club slipping from your hands as you go in for the swing. And you can’t deny that wearing golf clubs gives an extra touch of elegance to the game.
Golf apparel: a way to express yourself
What you wear when playing golf is also important. Even though traditionally it’s obligatory to wear trousers during a game, these days it’s not the case in most tournaments around the world. Now, golf apparel includes polo shirts, bermuda shorts, lightweight trousers, breathable lycra shirts, thermal socks, caps, and a wide variety of shoe types. There are players who prefer classic cotton polo shirts, but in the last few decades, the demand for technical golf apparel has increased massively, with breathable fabrics that allow you to play in comfort and avoid sweating a lot. Golf footwear deserves a mention more than any other piece of golf attire, as a golfer can end up walking several kilometres and needs shoes that are comfortable and have good grip.
Shops that specialise in golf apparel are highly valued by both golf amateurs and professionals. Not only because they provide the basic golf equipment needed, but they also stock products from some of the best brands in the golf world.
The tee and ball: the basics
It goes without saying that on top of the items already mentioned, there are other things that are also necessary for playing golf. If you don't have a golf ball nor tees (the pegs used to support the ball before it’s hit), simply head to the pro-shop on whichever golf course you find yourself and you can purchase them there. In some golf courses, they’ll even give you tees for free.
Few things are as annoying as when you go on a weekend golf getaway with friends, and you realise halfway there that you’ve forgotten a golf club. And when we say golf club, we mean your complete golf bag, clothes and all. In this situation there is a way out. Pro-shops found on most golf courses provide you with everything you need. We’ve put together a list of the main golf courses in the province that have a professional shop as one of their facilities on site. So when you’re next on a golf holiday in the Costa del So (where else?), save these spots on maps and find the closest one to stock up on golf attire.
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Hacienda Alcaidesa Links Golf Resort. The only Links golf course in the province that has a specialised shop so you’re not missing anything when you head out for your first game.
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Club de Golf La Reserva de Sotogrande. Don’t worry if your friends invite you to play in this stunning Andalusian golf course and you stick out like a sore thumb, as the pro-shop has everything you need to feel the part.
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The San Roque Club. Elitism and elegance define this golf course, whose facilities include a specialised shop with all the golf accessories imaginable.
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Los Naranjos Golf Club. As the site for big tournaments, this golf resort couldn’t function without its very own shop. If you’re playing here, check it out.
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Calanova Golf Club. Arriving to Mijas Valley for a game of golf without the right gear isn’t an option as this club has their own pro-shop to suit all your needs.
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Chaparral Golf Club. If the restaurant and golf academy weren’t enough, this course in Mijas also has a professional golf shop.
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Golf Torrequebrada. One of the best golf courses in the province located between the sea and the mountains, and of course, with a golf shop nestled between the two.
In addition to the shops above found on various golf courses, there are more options in the province if you’re still looking for more. Golf Friends in Marbella, Sunshine Golf in Cala de Mijas, and Casa del Golf are three sports shops where golf equipment and apparel are widely available. Don’t walk past without having a look inside.
Now you know what you need and where to buy it so that you shine the brightest on the golf courses in the province of Malaga, it’s time to plan your next golf trip in the Costa del Sol. Choose from more than 70 golf courses in the province and make the most of the services on offer.
