Best Golf Courses On The Costa Del Sol In Spain

Best Golf Courses On The Costa Del Sol In Spain

Nestled between Granada and the Strait of Gibraltar in Southern Spain lies one of the world’s top golf destinations: the Costa Del Sol, or Sun Coast in English. The Costa Del Sol is home to some of the world’s best golf courses and with good reasons.

The sunny Mediterranean weather makes for perfect golfing conditions and many of the golf courses are situated with views of the spectacular Andalusian coast while the ‘Brisa Del Mar’ or sea breeze ensures the heat never gets too unbearable.

One of the reasons the Costa Del Sol has become a golfing mecca is because it has the highest concentration of golf courses in Europe. Players make the trek to this golf haven every year and play some of it’s most coveted courses. But which courses are the best?

If you are planning a trip to the Costa Del Sol, don’t start packing your bags until you read our list of the best golf courses on the Costa Del Sol.

 

#1 – Marbella Golf & Country Club – The Best Overall Golf Resort

 

The Marbella Golf Course was designed by the renowned Trent Jones Sr. It is known as one of the most challenging courses on the Costa Del Sol. You get sweeping views of the coast and stoic, giant mountains loom in the background while you play.

 

Best Holes:

The 5^th hole is a tight par 4 with a sunken bowl green that many players find they have to club down for. Hazards to the right and left of the green call for straight shots and accurate roll.

Location:

The Marbella Golf Country Club is located just five minutes from the Marbella city center so it’s close to the action off the course as well.

Facilities:

The club restaurant offers more spectacular views and fine dining. You’ll be surrounded by olive groves and have access to a pro shop with the most modern gear.

You can book your tee time on their official website here for the entire 18-hole course.

Overall Ratings:

• Cost Rating: 90/100

• Difficulty Rating: 95/100

• Overall Rating: 98/100

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#2 – Golf Torrequebrada – Best Course To Play

The Torrequebrada Golf Course was designed by Jose Gancedo and is located close to the Malaga airport: one of the most important hubs on the Costa Del Sol. Like our first entry, Golf Torrequebrada offers spectacular views of the mild Mediterranean Sea and the regal Andalusian mountains.

Key Features:

This is a great golf course for casual players. The fairways are wide, the greens are inviting and the lakes and bunkers are challenging but not too challenging. Players often remark that the shape of the 18-hole course resembles a horse.

Key Holes:

The 8^th hole is a pronounced dogleg par 4 with the green jealously guarded by bunkers on either side. This is known as one of the more challenging holes on the Torrequebrada course.

Even Severiano Ballesteros failed to make the cut at the 1979 Spanish Open because he stroked out on this hole.

Key Ratings:

• Cost Rating: 75/100

• Difficulty Rating: 65/100

• Overall Rating: 97/100

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#3 – Valderrama Golf Club – Best Course Design

Another fine creation by master designer Robert Trent Jones Sr. the Valderrama Golf Club plays host to events such as the Ryder Cup, the Spanish Open and the Andalucia Masters.

Key Features:

Founded in 1985, the Valderrama Golf Course saw Tiger Woods claim a championship at the 2000 Amex World Championships. Hole 15 is a par 3 that has been known to challenge players of all skill levels. Riddled with traps and dense vegetation, there is little room for error on “La Piedra.”

Bookings:

Booking your tee time is a bit tricky. You have to contact the green fee director by email and times are limited for this world famous course.

Key Ratings:

• Cost Rating: 80/100

• Difficulty Rating: 85/100

• Overall Rating: 96/100

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#4 – Villa Padierna – Best Luxury Golf Course

 

If you’ve got some money to spend head over to the Villa Padierna Golf Club. Villa Padierna is home to  three world-class golf courses: Tramores, Flamingos and Alferini. The Tramores is home to the legendary Tramores Golf Academy headed up by Micheal Campbell.

Key Features:

Villa Padierna is known for it’s decadent accommodations as well as it’s pristine golf courses. With multiple luxury hotels on the grounds and unrivaled golf packages, Villa Padierna is a must for anyone who loves to play in total comfort.

You can also enjoy golf tours that include some of the most popular courses on the Costa Del Sol. 5-star restaurants and pristine scenery highlight your stay at Villa Padierna whether you golf or whether you never manage to actually step foot on one of it’s courses.

Key Ratings:

• Cost Rating: 95/100

• Difficulty Rating: 85/100

• Overall Rating: 95/100

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#5 – Golf Las Brisas

The majestic mountainscapes and colorful foliage make the Golf Las Brisas one of the most relaxing and visually stunning courses to play on the Costa Del Sol. It is a private club so be ready to present your valid handicap certificate.

Key Holes:

The 16^th hole of Golf Las Brisas is often noted as the most beautiful. With a placid man-made lake flanking the majority of the fairway and a waterfall close to the tee, you feel strangely at ease on this challenging downhill hole.

Bookings:

You can book your tee time if you are in Costa Del Sol by visiting their official website here. As a private golf course, an approved membership is required. Or you can be accompanied by an existing member if you know one.

Socializing:

Other than golf, there are plenty of social events year-round at Golf Las Brisas. Good food, drinks and times tend to be had by all who are fortunate enough to take part in the Real Club Las Brisas.

Key Ratings:

• Cost Rating: 97/100

• Difficulty Rating: 85/100

• Overall Rating: 95/100

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#6 – Santana Golf Club

The Santana Golf Club makes our list because of it’s killer location. It’s right between Marbella and a major town on the Costa Del Sol, Fuengirola. It’s also just a 20 minute drive from the Malaga airport. This means you can take in as much local culture as you want and still get in a few tee times.

Course Design:

The course was designed by Cabell B. Robinson who at one point in his earlier career, worked for none other than Robert Trent Jones. The course itself is a par 72 featuring 18 holes. Hole 14 is deceptively challenging.

Key Holes:

The fairway is nice and straight with little standing in the way. Where things get tricky is on approaches. The large, undulating green presents a challenge to even the most skilled players. Hole 14 stretches 295 meters and the green is beset on almost all sides by bunkers.

Bookings:

You can get some pretty decent deals on tee times if you book through the Santana Golf Club official website.

Key Ratings:

• Cost Rating: 85/100

• Difficulty Rating: 60/100

• Overall Rating: 93/100

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#7 – Los Naranjos Golf Club

 

Los Naranjos Golf Club is the perfect mix of luxury and serious golfing. This is another creation of legendary designer Robert Trent Jones Sr. and it plays host to some of the most high-profile international competitions.

Key Features:

The club restaurant offers stunning views of the course from the terrace. There are accommodations like a professional hairdresser on the premises, a world-class pro shop and luxury dressing rooms. Members enjoy lavish social events in the breathtaking club house.

History:

Los Naranjos has played host to major competitions like the Spanish Open. It is known for it’s classic Robert Trent Jones Sr. designs which include sneaky bunkers, water hazards and long tees.

Key Holes:

Hole 17 is a par 3 with a straightforward fairway and a green that is flanked by tall palm trees. It’s a bit disorienting but there are 189, 175, 166 and 140 yard tee options so everyone can enjoy the beauty of this hole. Online bookings can be made here.

Key Ratings:

• Cost Rating: 80/100

• Difficulty Rating: 80/100

• Overall Rating: 92/100

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#8 – El Paraiso Golf

 

El Paraiso has earned the reputation as one of the friendliest clubs on the Costa Del Sol. It was designed in 1973 by Gary Player which, make sit one of the oldest courses on the Costa Del Sol.

Key Features:

Like the best best courses in the region, it offers views of the Mediterranean sea to the south and mountain to the north. Many of the holes also offer awe-inspiring views of Spanish villas nestled in the foothills.

Key Holes:

Almost every hole on this course offers some kind of magnificent view which, adds to the overall enjoyment of every hole you play. This is a 71 par course that offers some of the most challenging holes on the Costa Del Sol.

Hole 6 is the course’s most notable. It’s a par 5 dogleg that features a water hazard right at the bend. Workability is key on this hole that features a hidden bunker on the approach and another at the beng of the dogleg just to make things interesting right from the tee.

Bookings:

While getting a tee time for the El Paraiso golf course can be tricky, your best bet is to try to snag one online, here.

Key Ratings:

• Cost Rating: 90/100

• Difficulty Rating: 90/100

• Overall Rating: 91/100

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#9 – Aloha Golf Marbella

Aloha is another well-established golf course on the Costa Del Sol. It has hosted the PGA Tour 3 times and is a favorite among golfing pilgrims.

Key Features:

This is a par 72 course and is nestled right in the Marbella Valley which, means that you get a great ocean view with the La Concha Mountain looming to the north.

Bookings:

Although Aloha is a members only course, they do allow public play. But as you can imagine, this makes tee times very limited. In order to vie for a tee time you must get in touch with the reception department via phone or email.

Views:

“Vistoso” which, roughly translates to “panoramic view” is the last hole on the back 9. Vistoso is a par 4 and it really lives up to it’s name. You get a clear, unobstructed view of much of the valley; a great way to end your round.

Key Holes:

The player is presented with a tough decision right from the tee: drive and inch dangerously close to the left-flanking water hazard, or use an iron and risk missing par. This is a two-tiered green presenting one last challenge for your round; but it’s a satisfying one.

If you go during the right time in spring, you will be greeted with vibrantly-colored foliage that highlight your trek down the course. Accommodations include a fitness center, sprawling club house, 5-star restaurants and golf coaching.

Key Ratings:

• Cost Rating: 85/100

• Difficulty Rating: 85/100

• Overall Rating: 90/100

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#10 – Calanova Golf

The Calanova golf club is situated just north of the La Cala De Mijas valley but it is still just a short distance from the Mediterranean Sea. This is a full 18 hole course with a par of 72. Romping around on the Calanova golf course in your cart that comes with your green fee is a real treat.

Views:

You will be privy to fantastic ocean views to the south and ancient mountains to the north. Plus, you are only a hop, skip and a jump away from some of the other world-famous courses we have mentioned here on our list.

Key Holes:

Hole number 12 is a par 4 that offers a robust challenge for ball strikers. You only get a narrow strip of fairway to work with from the tee as bunkers close in on the fairway close and on either side.

This is a hole that will challenge your driving skills but you will be rewarded with a clear sight to the green.

Facilities:

When you’re done with your round you can head over to the Calanova Restaurant and enjoy an expansive view of the coast and the neighboring valleys.

Fresh seafood and meats highlight the menu and it’s intimate setting is great for romantic dinners or drinks with friends.

Bookings:

Online booking can be done here, and you will find that the Calanova golf course has some of the most reasonable deals for green times in the region.

Key Ratings:

• Cost Rating: 55/100

• Difficulty Rating: 65/100

• Overall Rating: 89/100

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#11 – La Cala Golf

 

The La Cala resort has pretty much everything you need. It is one of the more expansive resorts in the region as it offers a lot more than just golf. It is located about 30 minutes from the Malaga airport and it is nestled right up to the Sierra de Mijas mountains.

Views:

You get a great view of the Andalusian countryside as well as the ocean from almost every point of this large resort. Speaking of the resort, there is a luxury spa that offers treatments ranging from hydrotherapy to hair dressing.

Facilities:

You can choose from a variety of restaurants that offer cozy indoor dining or world-class meals out in the Mediterranean sunshine. You can even inquire and view rental properties right on resort grounds.

3 Courses:

There are 3 golf courses on the resort grounds and all of them were designed by Cabell B. Robinson. The first is called Campo America. It’s a par 72 course with a total of five par 5 holes. The most notable being the 9^th and 16^th holes which, offer challenging yet awe-inspiring water hazards.

The next is Campo Asia which, is a 72 par course. The entire course places a premium on approaches and is highlighted by a short 18^th hole which, require delicate drives and skillful approaches.

Last is Campo Europa which, is a par 71 course. This is a great course for mid to high handicappers with it’s wide fairways, expansive greens and relatively flat architecture.

Key Ratings:

• Cost Rating: 95/100

• Difficulty Rating: Varies by course

• Overall Rating: 92/100

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#12 – Valle Romano Golf

Last but not least is Valle Romano golf which, features a resort replete with amenities and a golf course designed by Cabell B. Robinson. The resort features a luxury hotel, spa treatments, fine dining and classy bars.

Facilities:

For the golfers, you get a full practice area, access to the resort golf academy and a full pro shop.

The 18 hole course starts out with a spectacular yet challenging par 5.

Once you get to your approach, you are greeted by the grandeur of the Mediterranean Sea which, the green is set against.

Key Holes:

Stay sharp though, because this green is notoriously stingy.

Start strong from the tee but be gentle around the small green. You can book your stay at the hotel and your tee times on the official Valle Romano Golf website.

There are plenty of packages to choose from.

Key Ratings:

• Cost Rating: 75/100

• Difficulty Rating: 90/100

• Overall Rating: 88/100

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Final Words

 

While Marbella Golf would be our top overall recommendation, you can’t go wrong with any of the resorts/courses we have highlighted here on our list.

The grandeur of the Costa Del Sol alone is worth the visit; but if you love the game of golf, this is one destination you have to put on your bucket list.

The great thing is that Costa Del Sol has a course for every skill level. Every member of your family will find something to love about Costa Del Sol so book your trip very soon.