With over 70 golf courses in the Costa del Sol there is no wonder it is known as the Costa del Golf. There are courses from Nerja in the South to Sotogrande further up the coast with prices and designs to suit all tastes and classes of golfer.
The Top Costa Del Sol Golf Courses:
- Real Club Valderrama
- Finca Cortesin
- La Reserva Golf
- Santana Golf
- Torrequebrada Golf
- La Cala Golf Resort
- Marbella Club Golf
- Rio Real Golf Hotel
- Los Naranjos
- Santa Maria
The jewel in the crown is without doubt Valderrama which should be on everyone’s bucket list. It’s definitely quirky with trees in the strangest places usually just in the way of where you want to hit the ball, greens that can be devilishly difficult to read and fairways that can be hard to find but it has that special magic that you feel as soon as you arrive. In that sense its similar to St Andrews, its history and tradition as one of Europe’s top venues for Professional tournaments gives it that mystique that makes it special. It’s expensive but there is no substitute for quality, and it is an unforgettable experience.
- Par 71
- 6555 Yards
- Re -Opened in 1974
- Designed by Robert Trent Jones
If Valderrama is the premier league of golf courses there is no shortage of places to play that are on the next level. Quite close to Valderrama there are two spectacular golf courses, Finca Cortesin and La Reserva. Finca Cortesin is a Cabell Robinson design stretching to nearly 7700 yards from the Championship tees and came to prominence when it hosted the World Matchplay Championship. Its scenically spectacular and sits so naturally in its surroundings that it is hard to believe it opened in 2007 and it is easy to see why its regularly ranked in the top 20 courses in Europe. The fairways wind through a valley and one of the joys of playing is that you are at one with nature as there are no properties around the course.
- Par 72
- 6945 Yards
- Opened in 2006
- Designed by Cabell Robinson
La Reserva is another Cabell Robinson design as are many of the better new courses in the region and it sits high in the hills with the spectacular clubhouse offering fantastic views over the surrounding countryside. It is a long course from the very back tees but the fairways are wide and the greens are also a reasonably sized target but the trick is to hit the greens in the right place otherwise you are left with an extremely difficult put
- Par 72
- 7051 Yards
- Opened in 2004
- Designed by Cabell Robinson
There are a whole batch of very good quality courses around the Mijas area with Santana being one of the newest but also one of the best. There are some really well-designed holes and its one of those courses that you can remember most of them at the end of the round which is always the sign
- Par 72
- 7200 Yards
- Opened in 2004
- Designed by Cabell Robinson
Torrequebrada is one of the old favourites for many visitors to the Golf Coast and its classic design having opened in 1976 is still relevant today. It’s a delight to see how the holes fit so naturally into the landscape and the more than 100 different types of tree give a luxuriant tropical feel to the course. It’s a great course to play with wide fairways and large greens that are protected by both sand and water that has been expertly placed to catch the wayward shot. The Clubhouse is also a great place to sit and watch fellow golfers struggle up the demanding eighteenth hole.
- Par 72
- 6300 Yards
- Opened in 1976
- Designed by Jose Gancido
Next door to Santana there is three courses at La Cala which are great examples of what Spanish golf can offer. Spectacular teeing grounds that give great views of the surrounding area and fairways that have to be found to have any chance of making a score and greens that are very well guarded are characteristics of all three courses.
- Asia Course: 6400 Yards / Par 72
- America 6400 Yards / Par 72
- Europa 6600 Yards / Par 71
- Designed by Cabell Robinson
Marbella Club is often missed out by visitors to the area, but this Dave Thomas design is a gem. The simplicity of its design belies its quality and as well as being a very good golf course it has great views of Gibraltar, Africa and the Mediterranean and each hole seems to fit naturally into the landscape. The undulating fairways are usually in very good condition and wind through native trees and shrubs and the excellent greens need accuracy to avoid the bunkers that protect them.
- Par 72
- 6866 Yards
- Opened in 1999
- Designed by Dave Thomas
Another old favourite that has been enjoyed by golfers over the years is the Rio Real Course that is one of the best Parkland designs in the Region. One of the oldest courses just a short drive away from the centre of Marbella it’s been a must play for experienced visitors to the Coast for many tears. Situated alongside the Rio Real river which comes into play on several holes the front nine demands accuracy from the tee and whilst the back nine are a little more open it is still very much a course where strategy from the tee is very important.
- Par 72
- 6743 Yards
- Opened in 1965
- Designed by Javier Arana
There are so many other clubs that could be included in any list of top ten courses that it’s virtually impossible to pick one but Los Naranjos just edges out the competition. It is one of the older courses in the area and is a very traditional design by Robert Trent Jones Senior. The fairways are generous and generally flat but strategically placed bunkers and water hazards provide a test for golfers of all abilities. It’s a good enough course to have been the venue for the Spanish Open and is well worth a visit.
- Par 72
- 7061 Yards
- Opened in 1977
- Designed by Robert Trent Jones
The tenth course could be any one of several high-quality designs and with all these lists it comes down to personal choice. One of our favourites is Santa Maria as its enjoyment factor is very high and there are some memorable holes without being too demanding. Every tee shot demands a bit of thought and the clubhouse is a lovely traditional design to enjoy a post round drink.
- Par 70
- 6100 Yards
- Opened in 1991
- Designer Antonio Garrido
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