The Best Golf courses in the World can be found in the Costa del Sol. Spain is one of the world’s leading golf destinations, and some of the most sought-after golf courses are on the Costa del Sol. The quality of the courses, the wonderful climate of the region, and all the leisure, culture, and tourism options make this Mediterranean region the perfect choice for golf enthusiasts and an increasingly important region for the sport. If you play golf and are looking for the best golf courses on the Costa del Sol, this article is for you. If you haven’t started playing yet, keep reading, because we’re sure you’ll want to start.
The Top 10 Iconic Golf Courses on the Costa del Sol
There are more than 70 golf courses on the Costa del Sol, which is why it is often called the “Costa del Golf”. With such a wide variety of options, it’s normal to seek information about each one, so we have prepared a list of what we believe are the 10 best golf courses on the Costa del Sol.
Santa Clara Golf Marbella
Close to the city of Marbella, you can find the Santa Clara Golf Club, where you can play golf, enjoy its clubhouse, rent equipment, and hire a caddie to help improve your game.
Los Naranjos Golf Club
A golf club with a restaurant and terrace, where you can enjoy yourself, even if you don’t want to play golf. It is important to highlight that the course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and is considered one of the best in Spain.
Marbella Club Golf Resort
Part of the Marbella Club Hotel, this 18-hole golf course is located between the mountains of Benahavís, with views of the Mediterranean Sea and a game time management system that prevents course saturation.
La Noria Golf
This flat 9-hole course combines more technical holes with others that require more power, making it ideal for both beginners and experts. It is located in La Cala de Mijas, so you can enjoy its beautiful beaches just steps away.
La Quinta Golf & Country Club
This golf course is located in the Golf Valley of Marbella, a beautiful area between the sea and the mountains. It has 27 holes, a restaurant, and a shop, accommodating you with the full package. This course is suited for all levels.
Cabopino Golf Marbella
A course with views of the Mediterranean is always a perfect place to play golf. This course, designed by architect Juan Ligués Creus, is a world of nature including 18 holes. It is ideal for experienced players and has a golf academy for anyone looking to improve their game.
Los Arqueros Golf & Country Club
In addition to its 18-hole, par 71 course, this club also has tennis, paddle tennis, and a gym to accommodate your leisure needs in other ways! There is also a large sports store, in case you need something to improve your game.
Club de Golf Dinamarca
Originally created to serve the Danes who came to play golf on the Costa del Sol, this club has grown over the years and has greatly promoted golf tourism in the region.
Chaparral Golf Club
The Chaparral Golf Club has one of the best golf courses in Málaga, with 18 holes and a Mediterranean forest that offers a beautiful landscape. It is located between Marbella and Mijas, about 25 minutes from the Málaga airport, making it easily accessible for the international crowd.
Miraflores Golf
Located between Fuengirola and Marbella is the Miraflores Golf Club, near La Cala de Mijas. It is a par 71 course with 18 holes and offers panoramic views of the Costa del Sol. It’s open 365 days a year!
Golf Events and Tournaments on the Costa del Sol
In recent years, the Costa del Sol has been the main stage for many of the great global golf events: Ryder Cup, Volvo Masters, and the World Golf Championship are some of the competitions that have taken advantage of the perfect conditions of the Costa del Sol for practising this sport. Let’s now look at some other important competitions that have taken place or are taking place in Andalusia:
Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España
This event traditionally closes the Ladies European Tour season and indicates the winner of the Race to Costa del Sol, the ranking of this circuit, hence its immense importance for athletes and fans. It is held in Marbella, so take the opportunity to also visit this fantastic Mediterranean city.
Solheim Cup
This is the most important women’s golf competition in the world and will pit the 12 best Europeans against the 12 best Americans. It’s a spectacular tournament, both for the quality of the participants and for the quality of the courses, in addition to the fantastic views, so typical of this region.
Andalucía Golf Challenge
This fantastic circuit includes 29 tournaments played in several Andalusian provinces, on golf courses throughout Málaga, Sevilla, Cádiz, Almería, and Granada, with most of them taking place on the Costa del Sol. Want to know the best thing about this tournament? The 5 winners will be entitled to a very special prize: playing golf on 4 of the best courses in the Dominican Republic!
Golf Lessons in the Costa del Sol
Are you interested in taking golf lessons on the Costa del Sol, whether to improve your game or to learn? We have the perfect recommendations for you! Here are the best clubs for golf lessons on the Costa del Sol:
At the academy of the Cabopino complex in Marbella, you will find the perfect conditions to improve your skills, with advanced technology and experienced professionals who will teach you all you need, as they cater to all levels. Here, you will find the ideal infrastructure and equipment for practising golf.
The Torrequebrada golf practice range has all the appropriate conditions for all types of players, making it a perfect choice for both beginner and professional players. With natural grass, 300 meters in length, and 15 spots on the tee line, plus a putting green, bunker, and short game area, you won’t be short of challenges. It is open every day, all day.
This golf academy is located at La Cala Resort in Mijas, and here you can rely on professionals who will help you improve your game, no matter your level. With views of the Mediterranean and quality infrastructure (including a grass practice range, putting, chipping, and bunkers), it is a fantastic option for all players.
In Torremolinos, you will find the academy named after the four-time Ryder Cup winner, Miguel Ángel Jiménez, which comprises a spectacular complex: a practice range, a short game area, a 9-hole course, and a par 3. You will have at your disposal one of the best greens on the Costa del Sol. If you are starting a golf course here, you can rent the necessary equipment, relax in the bar, and even purchase supplies.
This golf academy in Marbella is a modern complex with sea views and has an ideal field for starting your adventure in this sport, but even the most advanced players come here to enjoy its tranquillity and improve their technique.
This fantastic sports complex is a great option for those who are starting to play golf, as they offer club rental services, a school for adults and children, a two-tier tee line, a restaurant, and sea views. What more could you ask for?
A very exclusive golf club spanning over 70 hectares, featuring the Manuel Piñero Golf School and exceptional architecture. They offer golf lessons for adults and children, and their tee lines, high-quality ball pyramids, and excellent putting green will not leave you indifferent.
If you want to train at this prestigious academy with an 18-hole course, you just have to head to Marbella. You can choose individual, couples, or group lessons, as there are golf courses available for all ages and levels. Additionally, it features a beautiful boutique hotel, so you can rest between rounds.
Essential Equipment for Starting in Golf
Playing golf requires the right equipment, and while it’s true that you can rent most of it at the majority of courses and academies before your golf lessons (plus, if you’re just starting, you don’t need every piece of equipment), but it’s good to know about the equipment before you begin this sport.
- Golf clubs: This part of the equipment is the most obvious and the most influential in the game. There are iron clubs, wood clubs, and hybrids, each serving a different purpose.
- Bag: The bag is essential for carrying your golf equipment, including clubs and accessories.
- Glove: The glove is important for a good grip on the club, so you’ll wear it on one hand or the other depending on whether you are left-handed or right-handed.
- Balls: There are several different balls, some more durable, others less so, in various colours, and at various quality levels.
- Tees: Tees are the small stands where the ball is placed to start playing. They come in different materials and heights (to suit the different types of clubs).
- Shoes: You can play in normal shoes, but golf shoes have a better grip on the grass, which makes it easier to hit the ball without slipping. There are two types of soles – those with replaceable cleats and those with multiple cleats. While the former allows for the replacement of worn cleats, the latter does not, but as compensation, they tend to last longer.
Golf as a Lifestyle
Golf, although traditionally seen as a relaxed and slow activity, is actually a very exciting sport with a wide learning curve. It can be played simply for fun or more seriously, even professionally. It is also part of a healthy lifestyle, as it involves outdoor physical activity that helps to relieve stress. Whether you’re interested in taking it up as a hobby or intend to take it very seriously, we’re sure you’ll love golf.
Choosing the Right Golf School on the Costa del Sol: Key Tips
Look for a school that offers golf lessons and courses tailored to your level, as this will allow you to learn better and more quickly. With a golf course for a level below yours, it’s harder to progress, and if it’s for a much higher level, you’re likely to get frustrated. Try out various golf schools, meet the instructors, and find out where you feel most comfortable. There’s no magic formula: if you’re comfortable and feel that you’re making progress, you’ve found your place.
Discover the Costa del Sol Through Golf!
Playing such a relaxing sport like golf under the Andalusian sun is an experience not to be missed and that you should try at least once in your lifetime. Many factors help in choosing Andalusia as a golfing destination, such as the area, the level of difficulty, and the other leisure activities offered by some of the clubs. In this list, we have presented you with 10 golf courses on the Costa del Sol that are a hit, so don’t hesitate to book your next trip to this region.
You will need to stay near one of these golf clubs on the Costa del Sol, and we can also help you with that. Check out these accommodation options in Málaga, where you will find fantastic apartments, houses, studios, and villas, perfect for making your stay a memorable occasion.
