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| ALCADEISA |
| The first links course on the Coast with spectacular views. a bit out of the way being much nearer Gibraltar than Malaga but OK for those staying anywhere around the Benavista Apartments. Recently modified making the fairways wider thankfully as previously it was nearly unplayable. |
| ALOHA |
| Established for over 30 years Aloha was extremely difficult to get onto as it was a private members course but their attitude seems to be changing and they are allowing a few green fees. Set amidst well established trees and flora it is a visual treat and is always in immaculate condition. The greens are lightening quick and although the first 9 has a few poorly designed holes the back nine is excellent. A superb clubhouse with terrace to enjoy a post round cerveza. |
| ALHAURIN |
| I have to declare an interest here as this is one of my favourite courses and one I always play whenever I go to the Coast. However I should add that I haven't got round yet without losing a ball but the last time I played there I got as far as the 16th and one day I will get all the way round. Spectacular mountain course designed by Seve Ballesteros who is probably the only man who can get round it. Love it or hate it play it at least once |
| ALMENARA |
| A new course opened in 1998 winding its way through cork and pine trees with streams crossing several holes. A real beauty but not easy to get on and a long way away from Malaga and Marbella. |
| ATALAYA |
| One of the longest established courses on the coast with excellent facilities including a really good driving range and teaching set up. There are two courses here and I must say that the last time I played there it was showing its age and wasnt in th ebest of condition |
| CABOPINO |
| A new course which has quickly matured and is now well worth a look. The front 9 features tight driving holes, with several from elevated tee's. The back 9 is more interesting with water coming into play on several holes. I would advise taking a buggy here. |
| CALA NOVA |
| A new addition to the La Cala area which is rapidly becoming the new golf valley on the Costa del Sol. You can see the course from the highway meandering its way around the hillside offering some spectacular tee shots from elevated tees. The par 72 course designed by Manuel Pinero offers an interesting challenge with several lakes and large bunkers and many of the holes are dog legs requiring precision from the tee. |
| DONA JULIA |
| Opened in January 2006 Dona Julia is in remarkable condition considering it suffered severe damage from the heavy rains in the winter. It is a very interesting course with some spectacular tee shots and amazing views over the Mediterranean. The fairways are quite narrow and the greens are large and very tricky with subtle undulations taking the ball away from the hole at the last second. The front nine has some spectacular holes noticeably the par 5, 660 yard 8th hole and just when you think you have mastered the course you come to the very narrow 16th with out of bounds on both sides and the last hole which off the white tees is a 230 yard par 3 over a large lake. Well worth a look. |
| EL CHAPARRAL |
| Once one of the best courses on the Coast it is great to see it reopen this year following a 12 year absence. Situated just off the old coast road inbetweeen Malaga and Marbella, El Chaparral is well worth a visit. It has a great advantage over other new courses in that having been opened in the past you are playing amongst mature olive and pine trees and the fairways and greens are in excellent condition. |
| EL PARAISO |
| Another well established and popular course with many golfers playing there. Designed by Gary Player you can certainly get round here without too many problems and the fairways are pretty generous. Again not the easiest course to get tee times on as the adjoining superb hotel reserves most of them. |
| ESTEPONA |
| Again one of my favourites as it's a really well run complex. Not the greatest course in Spain but a good enough challenge for most golfers and continually improved by it's enterprising English owners. Certainly worth a look especially at the price and the greens are some of the best you will play on. |
| GREENLIFE GOLF |
| If you are looking to fit in a quick nine holes, this par 3 course offers an interesting challenge. Situated in Elvira and easily accessible from many parts there is also an excellent driving range and golf academy. |
| LA CALA |
| With the third course now open this is one of the premier places to play. Spectacular views abound here with nearly every tee offering a photo opportunity. A buggy is definitely advisable as there are long walks from green to tea. Several golf ball vendors usually found on the road to the course. Probably best to stop and buy some as it is pretty tight. . The new course is called the Europa and although understandably not in as good as condition as the more established North and South courses it is a spectacular Cabell Robinson design with some sensational holes that will stay in the memory. Great clubhouse with large terrace bar to sit and ponder over what might have been with a cool beer in hand. definitely one resort not to be missed. |
| LOS FLAMINGOS |
| Another new course but already established as a venue on the seniors tour. A well designed layout with great greens and offering plenty of variety. Water in play on several holes and the odd Greek statue and artefact about the course make it an interesting place to visit |
| LOS NARANJOS |
| Long regarded as one of the better courses on the coast. The Trent Jones design offers two contrasting nines. The more open front nine is in sharp contrast to the tight second nine where you wind your way through the orange groves. Large undulating greens usually in good condition. Not always easy to get a tee time here |
| LA QUINTA |
| This tight 27 hole layout places a premium on accuracy and stamina as it is fairly hilly. Deep greenside bunkers and several water hazards are to be avoided. There is a good driving range and the clubhouse has excellent facilities. Tee times are at a premium. |
| MARBELLA |
| The clubhouse is just amazing, like something out of a Hollywood set and the course is much improved and one I like to play on. Some of the holes are a bit tricky but overall you will come away feeling satisfied. |
| MIJAS |
| Known by everyone as one of the pioneers of golf on the Costa del Sol the two courses have recently been updated. One of those courses where you should always find your ball yet still represents a challenge. |
| MIRAFLORES |
| Good views and well established having opened in 1990. An excellent two tier driving range is well worth a visit for those wanting to hone their game after a bad round during the day. Good value for money. |
| MONTEMAYOR |
| Wow is the only way to describe this course. Drive up a never ending twisting road and there before you is one of the hardest tests of golf you will find. Love it or hate it (generally depending on how you play) I would always visit here as it is a real challenge. Spectacular views, magnificent scenery and wild life make this a must though it is no longer as cheap as it was a couple of years ago. |
| PARADOR |
| Very near the airport and the setting for several professional tournaments this is not the greatest test of golf but more than adequate for a good start or finish to the holiday. |
| RIO REAL |
| Regularly requested by our customers I have never understood why. Extremely difficult to get tee times and again in my opinion overpriced I wouldn't be worried if I didn't play it again. Very good location is for me its only quality. |
| SAN ROQUE |
| With another 18 holes and a golf academy opened in 2003 San Roque is rapidly establishing itself as one of the Coasts main centres in golf. Not at the cheaper end of the market but an excellent course and the new motorway has put it within reach of Marbella residents. |
| SANTA CLARA |
| Opened in 2002 this is a welcome addition. The excellent clubhouse and facilities set the town for the round. The first few holes seem a little crammed together but the course gradually opens out with several interesting holes. Very good par 3's but not particularly cheap however a buggy is included in the green fee. |
| SANTA MARIA |
| A superb clubhouse and daunting first hole make this well worth a visit. Probably one of the most interesting layouts on theCoast with several holes where taking a driver is not the wisest choice. A lovely terraced bar to sit and mull over the days events after the round whilst nursing a nice cool Cervezza . |
| SANTANA |
| A new course located close to La Cala and well worth a visit although it is a little expensive. Considering it has only been open for little more than a year it is truly remarkable condition and fully justifies the managements policy of keeping the green fees high to reduce the number of people playing . Some great holes especially the par 5 4th |
| SOTOGRANDE |
| One of the greats. Very expensive and exclusive and increasingly difficult to get a tee time the course has stood the test of time and should be visited at least once though at this price it is not accessible to everyone. |
| TORREQUEBRADA |
| An old favourite that still stands the test of time. Several really good holes with several water hazards and many bunkers. The trees and boundary hedges are now of such a size that they cover up many of the houses that surround the course. Well worth a visit . |
| VALDERRAMA |
| The best of the best. No wonder it has hosted all the Ryder Cup. Absolutely immaculate you wont see a divot out of place. Is it worth the green fee of approx. £195 it depends how much you love your golf. Not for everyone and very difficult to get tee times but you wont play anywhere else like it. Amazing. |
