Costa del Sol Golf Courses  

Club de Golf Alferini ( Gran Flamingo )

A new name but the the same course, the layout of Gran flamingo golf has been described as a very technical course, with long fairways and wide greens. Each tee has 5 starting platforms, making it a good but fair test of golf for all players’ abilities. Furthermore, the course has breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and coast.  Set in a beautiful valley, it is isolated from buildings and noise and offers a peaceful and relaxed experience. Also, it features 2 lakes during the round and is surrounded by a stream that comes into play on the majority of the holes. 

Alhaurin Golf Club

 One of my favorites, a tough test of but Driector of golf Rafael has really took on the challenge and helped modify this great layout to help us higher handicappers get round and enjoy this course.

Designed by Severiano Ballesteros and opened in 1993, this 6221m long, international level course is beautifully nestled in the foothills of the Mijas mountains, just 20 minutes from the coast, with spectacular surrounding scenery, sea views and Africa visible to the south.

The 18 hole, par 72 course is set over hilly terrain amongst pine woods, olives, cyprus trees and natural herbaceous vegetation, which is cleverly used as wild growing roughs. The courses long narrow fairways demand a straight drive and although the water hazards, roughs and obstacles will challenge the best of players,  the multiple choice of up to 6 tee positions make it enjoyable for all players regardless of level. Due to its mountainous contours a buggy is also recommended.

Club de Golf Aloha Golf

Aloha Golf, is one of the best-known courses on the Costa del Sol, and features a wide variety of holes. Most of the fairways are wide, though danger lurks on either side for any stray shots. The greens are tricky, especially the par five 10th with its adjacent lake where a good accurate approach is needed. In recent years the club has benefited from several improvements, mainly replanted fairways and refurbishment of the clubhouse and changing rooms. Aloha is a private club but welcomes visitors all year round.

Antequera Golf Club

Antequera Golf is a great venue for a golf trip, I take many groups there for a few rounds of golf and a few beers. We always stay at the fabulous four star Antequera Golf Hotel which is two minutes away form the course. The food is on a buffet basis and very good value. Not an easy course to play but always in good condition and like I said very good value fo money.

Designed by Jose Maria Canizares and opened in 2003. It was the first course to be built in the northern area of Malaga province, in what was a highly successful bid to boost economy and tourism in the area.

Set on 55 hectares, right in the heart of Andalucia and yet just one hour’s drive from Seville, Cordoba, Granada, Ronda and Marbella, the 18 hole, par 72 course is bordered by the famous El Torcal Natural Park.

Club de Golf Anoreta 

Añoreta Golf is a seaside/ parkland course situated 20km east of Malaga, between km 257 and km258 on the N340/A7 just outside the town of Rincon de la Victoria. Designed by Spanish Ryder Cup player, Jose Maria Canizares and opened in 1990, the 18 hole, par 72 course stretches over 5673m and is very aesthetically pleasing from its elevated position; backed by mountains and overlooking the Mediterranean sea, inundated with tall palm trees and colourful flowers.

The course offers a challenging game suitable for all levels of players and its fast rolling greens, cleverly positioned bunkers and wide variety of holes usually demands the use of most of your clubs.

Club de Golf Atalaya Park, Old Course

Tucked away in the remarkably quiet and scenic Andalucian countryside between San Pedro and Estepona, within very close proximity of the beach, is the exclusive golfing complex Atalaya Park Golf and Country Club... an absolute haven for nature and sport lovers and of course the avid golfer searching out an unforgettable experience.

The 18 hole par 72 Old Course was originally designed by Bernard Von Limburger and opened in 1968. It underwent considerable renovations and attained sufficiently high standards to be made the general headquarters of the P.G.A. and many annual P.G.A. Meetings and conferences are now regularly held there.

Atalaya Park Golf ,New Course

Now well know as “The Golfer's Paradise”, the Atalaya Park Golf and Country Club resort is beautifully situated in a quiet sea side country setting between San Pedro and Estepona just 70km from Malaga airport. The 4 star Atalaya Hotel offers visitors the “Sports Inclusive Concept” with up to 58 sporting activities available at no extra cost.

There is a complimentary driving range and practice green for visitors within the grounds of the hotel. Free golfing lessons are available at the multi lingual Atalaya International Golf Academy, which has one of the largest practicing courses in Spain. Here, the serious golfer can also try out the new “Golf, Body and Mind Combined” courses, unique in Europe. The Atalaya Park Golf and Country Club is the official headquarters of the P.G.A. Buggies, trolleys and clubs can all be rented.

The 18 hole New Course was designed by Paul Krings and opened in 1992 and according to the experts is a genuine test even for established players, considerably more challenging than it's sister the Old Course. It begins deceptively straightforward around the flat fairways of the Old Course and then winds up into more difficult hilly terrain before wandering down again to the lower levels of the Old Course.

Club de Golf Almenara

Lying in the upper part of the Golden Triangle of Sotogrande, 5 minutes from the beach and next door to the well known Valderrama and San Roque courses, you will find the 27 hole Dave Thomas designed Almenara Golf course, immaculately presented by Aymerich Golf Management. The course opened in 1999 with 18holes and in 2001 opened an additional 9 holes and is a pay and play club only.

The first nine holes are known as Los Pinos y Los Alcornoques which wind through wooded areas of cork oak and wild pine. The 7th hole has been described in Golf Magazine as the most beautiful in the World. The second 9 holes, known as Los Alcornoques y Los Lagos, starts high and cuts down to the impressive central lakes with a more open setting, and the third 9 holes, Los Lagos y Los Pinos rise up again towards the 18th green and Clubhouse which is part of the bungalow arrangement hotel with central reception, bar and restaurant.

Club de Golf Alcaidesa

The Alcaidesa Links Golf Course, just west of San Roque, between Sotogrande and La Linea, was designed by Peter Allis and Clive Clark and opened in 1992. It is the Costa’s only official Links course and the layout, running alongside the Mediterranean, amid natural vegetation and rolling hills, beautifully reflects the intention of the designers to work with the impressive contours and features offered by the location.

The outline of the Rock of Gibraltar and the distant Atlas Mountains of Africa beyond provide an awe inspiring backdrop to this 18 hole, par 72 course which is full of light, space, colour and atmosphere, in a unique blend of sky, earth and sea.

Club de Golf Baviera

The most easterly golf course in the province, Baviera Golf is situated 2km east of Torre del Mar on the coastline municipality of Velez Malaga, with magnificent views of the Mediterranean and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Designed by twice World Champion Jose Maria Cañizares, this 18 hole, par 72 course was opened in 2000, is 5910m long and presents an ideal challenge for all types of handicap and both novice and professional players.

Baviera Golf consists of mainly level and wide fairways of 80 to 90 m wide without climbs or drops, with short holes, fast, large wide greens of an average 700m with slopes and swales and an abundant selection of interesting water features. The course has some surprises in store to keep players on their toes and intelligence and strategy are the name of the game here.

Club de Golf Cabopino

Opened in April of 2001, the 18 hole Cabopino Golf was designed by Juan Ligues Creus. It is 5170m long, par 71 and renowned as a short and sweet course that will have high handicappers using every club in the bag.

Situated almost exactly half way between Marbella and Fuengirola, Cabopino it is in a very scenic location between the mountains and the sea, overlooking Cabopino harbour. The course has three par 3’s, two par 5’s and thirteen par 4’s. The greens are large and usually in excellent condition thanks to the recycled water irrigation system which feeds lakes that come into play at the 12th to the 15th holes. The course is lined and dotted with umbrella pines, olives and acacias and mainly gently undulating with some elevated greens and large cleverly positioned bunkering.

The 3rd is the course’s signature hole, with a very unusual tee box cut into the cliff face with the fairway lying 200m below. Don’t forget to bring your camera! The green is elevated and protected by a large front bunker.

The 5th is the most challenging hole, at a stroke index 1, this 378m, par 4 hole consists of a very narrow fairway with lateral water stretching from the tee to the green on your right and an out of bounds on the left. Most recommend to play safe and to use 2 mid irons and a wedge to make par.

Club de Golf Calanova

Calanova, located in the Mijas Costa Valley is one of the Costa del Sol's newest 18 hole golf courses, having been opened in May of 2006. It was designed by D. Julian Garcia-Mayoral of Aymerich Golf Management and is a par- 72, 5866m in length course, set over hilly terrain and bordering its residential namesake, with several other renowned golf courses within close proximity.

Julian Garcia-Mayoral thoughtfully designed the course in accordance to U.S.G.A. rules and regulations concerning tees, greens, bunkers and drainage and gave it an extraordinary twist with some spectacular shaping which gives all players choices of all levels of pin positions.

The fairways give ample ball drop areas and as a general rule allow players to assess obstacles before hitting the ball. The course ingeniously uses elevated tees, water hazards, dog legs, the occasional hidden hazard, tiered well- protected greens, monster uphill par 5's and a various assortment of tricky short shots to keep players interest and enjoyment stimulated.

Club de Golf Caseras

In a corner of the province of Malaga, in Casares, there is hole that bears witness to extraordinary bets, Casares Costa Golf Club. It is a par 5.472 meters from the yellow tee markers, with narrow fairways, water and some out of bounds, the indisputable star of this 9-hole golf course.
The objective of the course is to entertain, and it entertains. Its 9 holes are spread out with a varied design over the flat terrain of a valley and stand out for their fairways, on which precision is one of the keys to a good game.
With three par 3 holes and one par 5, Casares Costa golf course offers golfers the possibility of playing all sorts of shots. The course is a par 68 quite short of a total of 4,476 metres from the yellow tee markers. Casares Costa course par 5, is of 472 metres, whereas the 4th hole is the shortest: just 100 metres from an elevated tee, but with a pond in front and in back of the green.

Cerrado Del Aguila

This newly opened 9 hole golf course is kept in top condition. It offers 2 par 5s and a range of challenging par 4s and tricky par 3s. The course also offers an excellent driving range and putting facilities. The holes vary from long par fives with wide fairways to short narrow par 4s, which will need to be decided if you play safe or go for the big one. This course is a great way to sharpen up your game and alternative tee positions offer the opportunity to play 18 holes.

Club de Golf El Chaparral

The El Chaparral Golf Club occupies a privileged part of Mijas Costa with all of its 18 holes having magnificent panoramic views of the coastline. After having been closed for 14 years, it was a long anticipated hat trick opening in February 2006 with the success of Spanish designer Pepe Gancedo, and his previously designedTorrequebrada Golf del Sur courses.

This delightfully sculptured par 72 course, which measures 5659m in length was created around some profuse pine forests and abundant indigenous vegetation which subtly dominate the landscape. The course comprises 6 x par 3's, 6 x par 4's and 6 x par 5's over wide varied greens that have been designed to allow all players from beginner to experienced to enjoy playing here.

It is known for its super fast greens, even after rainfall. The El ChaparralGolf course has been host to several important professional and amateur tournaments and is managed impeccably by Aymerich Golf Management.

Club de Golf Dona Julia

Dona Julia Golf is part of a huge leisure development and residential complex owned by Grupo Evemarina, which when completed will comprise three 18 hole golf courses, 2 luxury Hyatt Hotels; incorporating a 4000m2 spa, a variety of restaurants and bars, shops and supermarkets, sport and equestrian facilities, football pitches, a tennis centre and a kids club.

Situated at km 146 of the A-7, it is a few minutes drive from the quaint white pueblo of Casares and conveniently less half an hour from Marbella and Malaga Airport. Named after the original finca which stood on the 559,700m2 estate, Dona Julia was opened in December ’05 as a provisional 18 hole, par 71 course of 6021m. On completion, it will be par 72 and 6100m in length.

Club de Golf Estepona

Estepona Golf is a popular family run course, privately owned by Rory Leader and renowned as being the friendliest golf course on the Costa…the home from home of clubs. This 18 hole, par 70, 6001m course is 2km inland from Km 150 off the N340 and operates a pay and play system and offers golfers of all levels a pleasantly challenging game while on your

The course, which is dramatically flanked by the Sierra Bermeja Mountains, maintains the natural contours of its surrounds and makes clever use of the many mature, native trees within its boundaries. It was designed by Luis L. Martinez and opened in 1989 and is well known for its wide fairways and large greens. The most spectacular hole on the course is the third; known as “The Ski Slope” which is possibly the longest hole on the Costa Del Sol…standing at an impressive 568m long, with the green far below the tee tantalisingly out of reach. The 10th is a par 4 with a high tee overlooking the green 250m away bordered on either side by water. The downhill left curve on this hole is a challenge to players with a short drive. The 14th is a par 3 where players have to thread the needle uphill to find the green almost 200m across a ravine. There are numerous large lakes dotted around the greens to also keep players on their toes.

Club de Golf El Paraiso

El Paraiso Golf is situated at the Km167 turn off on the N340 motorway, between San Pedro de Alcantara and Estepona, less than one hours drive from Malaga Airport and within close driving proximity of Marbella and Puerto Banus.

El Paraiso was designed by Gary Player and opened in 1973. It was bought by its members in 1993 and has undergone many improvements and refinements over the years. It is an extremely beautiful course, both in its location and its layout, with mature groves of exotic plants and trees.

Set in a spectacular valley which rolls from the foothills of the Sierra Bermeja mountains towards the sea…there are several streams meandering throughout the course as well as 2 large lakes, which require a good drive to make safe landings on the greens.

Club de Golf Finca Cortesin

Finca Cortesin Golf Club is 80kn from Malaga International Airport, located between Sotogrande and Estepona and is considered one of the Costa’s most prestigious and beautiful courses. The entire resort covers 2.1 million m2 and encompasses the golf course, a top class Spa, fabulous luxury holiday villas, a sports club with pool and gym and one of the best 5 star hotels in Europe.

Flanked by the Estepona mountains and very close to the Mediterrenean Sea, in a privileged area of Andalucia, Finca Cortesin Golf was designed by Cabell Robinson and landscaped by Herald Huggan and is one of the best examples of a golf complex that fully observes natural environmental protection and environmentally friendly management. Players will find themselves submerged in a breathtaking green paradise, unspoilt by real estate development, where the quality of the immaculate greens and Bermuda 419 grass fairways truly blends with the surrounding flora.

Club de Golf Flamingos

The borders of Los Flamingos Golf course and the horizon of the sea almost become one along Marbella's New Golden Mile and when when this project is fully completed, it will actually comprise four golf courses. Los Flamingos 18 hole course at par 72, the Executive Course with 9 holes at par 64, the Gran Flamingo 18 hole course at par 72 and Flamingos Norte, an 18 hole par 72 course which will open in 2007.

The Flamingos course was designed by Antonio Garcia Garrido in a striking Tuscan gardens style. It has already been host several times to the Daily Telegraph European Senior Matchplay Championships.

Visitors are almost transported back in time to regal scenes of classical statues, Cyprus trees, marble bridges and Roman columns that adorn the 5906m grounds. The Arroyo del Taraje (river) flows through the Los Flamingos course into a lake at the 10th hole. Artificial lakes also play a role at the 15th, 16th and 17th. Garrido has made imaginative use of elevated tees, generous greens, large crushed marble bunkers and of course the stunning views from around the course of the Mediterranean, Gibraltar and Africa. Each hole is characterized by its own tree. The discerning eye will spot pomegranate, jacaranda, olive, pine, cypress, orange and chestnut trees among others along and around the fairways.

Greenlife Golf

Greenlife Golf has a nine-hole Par-3 golf course of 1.142 metres. Set in luxurious grounds with abundant vegetation of palm trees and oaks. The narrow well prepared fairways provide for a range of distances, the shortest hole being 89 metres to the longest of 169 metres, large greens offer a good choice in pin placing and the well placed water features make this a demanding course if needed. With water features on the first and second holes surrounding the clubhouse, this course provides a good challenge to sharpen up your game.

Club De Golf Guadalhorce

Conveniently located only 7km from Malaga airport, beside the town of Cartama, Guadalhorce Golf Club is renowned as a family orientated golf complex and attracts locals and visitors alike, with its attractive facilities including a swimming pool, tennis and paddle tennis courts, nursery, sauna and recreation area to ensure all day fun for everyone…even if they don’t play golf!.

The complex was opened in 1990 and the 18 hole, par 72 golf course is quite unique in its layout. Its Finnish designer, Kosti Kuronen, created two very distinctively different phases over the 6194m course. The first 9 holes are over parkland terrain with open rolling fairways making for relatively uncomplicated play and inviting long hitters to stretch themselves. Most of the greens are extraordinarily large and some are even shared between holes, such as the 6th and 9th and the 12th and 16th.

La Cala South ( Campo Asia) 

Campo Asia is not overly long at 5,925 metres but requires accuracy from all the tees. Drives that find the fairways will give the opportunity on most of the holes to attack the pins with the approach shots for potential birdies. Both the fairways and greens are well bunkered, and the majority of the tee shots, many of which are quite dramatic to comfortably wide landing areas, are either downhill or level. The four par fives, with the exception of the 1st, are reachable in two. Beware of the apparently concealed contours of the greens. The signature hole is the par-3 2nd, offering panoramic 360 degree views of the resort to Mijas village and the Mediterranean. Water is present on only two holes, the reachable par-5 fourteenth and the short par-4 third. Approximately half of the approach shots are to elevated well-defended greens. The four short holes offer tremendous variety, and although some require a carry over thick rough, all are easily reachable. This is an exciting course which puts a premium on accuracy and distance control.

La Cala North ( Campo Americas )

Campo America is a 6,009 metre par 72 with five par fives. The topography is similar to Campo Asia but the wide fairways make this a slightly easier driving course. There are fewer fairway bunkers as well but the changes in elevation put a priority on correct club selection.  The first three holes offer birdie opportunities to get the scoring going along nicely. After that, no two holes are alike requiring skilful shots to the greens. The finishing holes are a delight, from the spectacular short 16th with its lake and fountain, the 17th with a tricky narrow green to the downhill 18th, a fantastic par five. A par should be easily achieved on this hole but walking off with a birdie or even an eagle will provide a great talking point at the 19th Hole. Campo America requires accurate and well-judged shot-making on the approach as nearly three quarters of the greens are perched or slightly elevated. 

La Cala Europa

This course contrasts with Campo Asia and Campo America with multiple tee positions, wider fairways and bigger, more receptive greens. They are not severely contoured but are well-bunkered and will be easier for the average golfer. The par 71 course measures 6,014 metres. The layout of 14 of the holes is visible from the tees that also offer fantastic views of the resort and the mountains.  The Ojen river plays a part in eight holes, cutting across three fairways. There is one main bridge that measures 45 metres and four smaller bridges over the river. The 14th is at the maximum limit of what is allowed for a par 3 at 233 metres. The par-5 11th is the longest hole, measuring 524 metres. 

Course designer Cabell Robinson stresses the difference between the courses: “The three courses in La Cala Resort are all very different in character. The river Ojen features strongly in Campo Europa – the others are in the hills. They are three good challenges and none is over long. Yet they are all very different in character. It gives a great option to golfers to have three 18-hole courses to choose from.”

 La Cañada

La Noria golf opened in 2003, this nine-hole par-34 course combines precise holes as well as others encouraging bigger hitting. La Noria is completely flat and includes four bridges connecting tees, greens and fairways. Shots to the green are a real challenge, as they are well defended by three lakes and a creek that passes through the course from northeast to southeast. La Noria Golf Resort is located in the La Cala valley, a short distance from the beach

 

Club de Golf La Quinta

Course A:
San Pedro, 2884m, par 35, consists of 2 x par 5's, 4 x par 4's and 3 x par 3's.

Course B:
Rhonda, 2718m, par 35, consists of 1 x par 5, 6 x par 4's and 2 x par 3's

Course C:
Guadaiza, 3331m, par 36, consists of 2 x par 5's, 5 x par 4's and 2 x par 3's

With plenty of trees, water hazards and sand traps, not to mention the narrow fairways that roll downhill to meet fast greens, it is a reasonably straightforward course that demands attention to detail. The terrain is full of unforgiving ups and downs so buggies are recommended. 

The third loop of nine holes leads past the Golf Academy, headed by former World Cup champion Manuel Pinero, where golf lessons for groups or individuals are tailored to fit player's capacity.

La Reserva de Sotogrande

One of the Costa’s most exclusive golf clubs; La Reserva de Sotogrande is located in a stunning part of the heights of Sotogrande’s macro-urbanisation at the foot of the Sierra de Almenara Mountains. This superbly contoured, 18 hole, par 72, coastal course was designed by Cabell B. Robinson and opened in August 2003. Cabell designed the course under U.S.G.A. regulations and its 6700m length, computerised irrigation system and magnificent layout has many convinced, even at this early stage, that it will soon gain merit to play host to major European tournaments.

The course is set over a total area of 72 hectares of land, with native pine, olive and cork trees positioned in streamlined waves along the fairways. The idyllic scenery is set off by 4 lakes, with water on 6 holes but coming into play on just one.

Club de Golf Las Brisas

Las Brisas is recognised as one of the finest courses in Europe. It has hosted the World Cup on two occasions, the Spanish Open three times and the Mediterranean Open. For club golfers and professionals alike it represents one of the ultimate challenges. Playing here is a major event for any golfer. A typical Trent Jones design, Las Brisas features greens and numerous strategically placed sand traps. Water comes into play on no fewer than 12 of its holes. The three opening holes require particular concentration but not being overly difficult, which is a deceptive introduction to the rest.

Club de Golf Lauro 

Only 12km inland from Malaga airport, Lauro Golf is the ideal first or last course to play for holiday golfers Constructed in parkland style over a relatively flat plateau 1000 ft above sea level, the course overlooks the Mediterranean and is adjoined by the nature reserve of the Sierra de Mijas…. a truly breathtaking and peaceful location .Opened in 1992, this well matured course has 3 separate loops of 9 holes each.

The 1st to the 18th were designed by the late Falco Nordi, with holes 19 to 27 added later by Mariano Benitez, effectively giving the Los Caracolillos course, as it is also known, more appeal to a broader range of players. Both the Andalucian Junior and Senior Finals have been hosted here.

Club de Golf Los Arqueros

Located in the Sierra de Ronda hills, 5km north of San Pedro de Alcantara and overlooking the Puerto Banus valley, the stunning scenery of the mountainous Ronda road to the Los Arqueros Golf and Country Club is the perfect lead up to the beauty of the course itself.

Designed by Seve Ballesteros, this championship 18 hole, par 71, 5306m course was opened in 1991 and is more suitable for all golfers with tees that need a wide selection of clubs. Many of the fairways are bordered by steep ravines and the course is dotted with several streams, water hazards and strategically positioned trees, carefully positioned to demand careful calculation and accuracy rather than risk taking. The original layout offers impeccably kept fairways and spectacular scenery and an interesting feature is the S shaped bunker at the 9th hole created as a signature mark by the designer.

Club de Golf Los Naranjos

Los Naranjos Golf Course is beautifully situated just 7km south of Marbella in the golf valley. The 18 hole, par 72 course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Snr. Featuring his trademark long terraced tees and large rolling greens, it was opened in 1977. It has two distinctly different halves, with the first 9 holes set around rolling hills and surrounded by luxury real estate.

Many of the first holes were completely overhauled in 1999 and will challenge all level of players with elevated greens, dog legs and huge bunkers. The second half opens out flatter amongst the olive groves from which the course got its name.

The 10th hole is a long par 4, with a sloped green from right to left after a tricky narrow entrance. The 12th is closely guarded by huge bunkers and a lake and the 18th is a long par 5 of 525m where the player has to cross the lakes before heading home to the clubhouse. Ground keeping is a priority and a new computerized irrigation system keeps the course well booked all year around.

Marbella Golf and Country Club

Just 5 minutes drive from the glamorous town of Marbella and 20km from Fuengirola, is the Marbella Golf and Country Club, an 18 hole championship course designed by Robert Trent Jones Snr. and opened in 1994. It carries Trent's trademark sweeping fairways, abundant bunkers and large undulating greens.

The course is now under new management with David Steele now in charge of this wonderful club. Recently the course has had some slight modifications in design, four new holes have been built, if you havn't played the new lay out go and play it and let us at Spanish Golf Options know what you think.

Most of our favourite holes are stll there albeit in a different layout, the greens are still some of the best on the coast

Club de Golf Marbella Resort

Situated in the peaceful surroundings of Benahavis, the “Golden Mile” of Marbella, you will find the select Marbella Club Golf Resort. This regal estate, overlooking its lush tropical gardens, with views of Gibraltar, Africa and the Mediterranean was formerly private residence of Prince Alfonso Van Hohenlohe and retains all its splendid original character.

It is a hidden gem and one of the world's leading small hotels and spas, featuring in many international Travel and Leisure guides. Facilities include The Thalasso Spa, The Tropical Beach Club and the Puente Romano Fitness Center.

The 18 hole par 70 course, designed by David Thomas ranks amongst the finest in Spain and is 20 minutes drive from the hotel. You can leave your car at the hotel parking and take the complimentary shuttle bus directly to the course. The Club is exclusively for guests who enjoy more than adequate time between tee offs which in turn guarantees uncrowded, unhurried play. There is a required handicap of 36 for ladies and 28 for gentlemen.

Mijas Club de Golf 

Los Olivos and LosLagos

Just before you reach the village of Mijas, nestled in the hills above Fuengirola about 4km in from the Coast, along the Coin road you will find the Robert Trent Jones Snr designed, 18 hole Los Olivos golf course, which was opened in 1984 and renovated in 2000-2001.

The narrow fairways of the Los Olivos course are set with generous tastefully arranged linings of native trees (hence it's name) such as tall pine, ancient olive and soft wispy willows. This gives the course a very natural parkland feel. course!

The design of the course, which is built on a smaller piece of land than its twin and neighbouring Los Lagos, incorporates both flat and undulating areas and doesn't include much rough. The protection of the cleverly placed and numerous bunkers is challenging and requires a high level of technical ability and precision.  

Next door, Los Lagos, also an 18 hole course, aptly named for its abundance of lakes, shares the characteristic of having very little rough. This course has fewer trees than Los Olivos, giving it a very expansive open feel. It features wide fairways, large raised greens and water hazards. At 6,348m long, it is one of the coast. The designer has met the challenge of providing a course suitable for amateurs but remaining challenging enough for the best of players. Los Lagos requires concentration and skill because of it's obstacles, and is better suited to players with a strong swing. The old “cortijo” (farmhouse) style Club House building has a well stocked rentals and sales golf shop and a top class international restaurant 

Miraflores Golf Club

Miraflores Golf is part of the Miraflores Resort, one of the top golf holiday developments on the Costa, situated in the hills above Mijas Costa.The golf course was designed by Folco Nardi and opened in 1990.

It is an 18 hole, par 71, soft spikes only course, winding 5113m around the natural contours of the valley, with lush fairways, well maintained greens and beautiful sea views to enjoy. It is flatter than first appearances suggest but some of the greens are elevated, so the use of a buggy is recommended. Recent major repairs vastly improved the course and the three lakes now effect the 5th and 6th, where the tee shots must clear the water, the 12th where fairway is split in half by the lake and the 18th, which incorporates a moat around the green.

Club de Golf Monte Mayor

Legendary since is opening in 1989, the Monte Mayor Golf Course is known as Beauty and Beast and carries rather aptly a bull as its emblem. The course was designed by Malaga native Pepe Gancedo, whose philosophy was to respect the integrity of the naturally formed and shaped terrain and use it to create one of the most dramatic and technically demanding golf courses in Europe.

The tag line for the course is “it takes balls to play it” and few players remain unscathed by this hungry ball eating monster! This 18 hole, 5652m course, which sits in a natural amphitheater in the Sierra de Rhonda mountains entails cliffs, gorges, island fairways and streams, not to mention plenty blind shots and thick mainly inaccessible roughs.

Not for the faint hearted, this course will test your skill, patience and will to live! And is not for the high handicapper unless you can keep your shots straight. A rather novel and usually extremely welcome local home rule is that any ball in the rough within 5m of the fairway can be lifted and dropped back onto the fairway without any penalty! This is designed to keep play moving and possibly to avoid too many tantrums!A Club Pro tip is to leave your driver at home altogether.

Club de Golf Parador

The Parador Malaga Golf course is Spain’s oldest and was opened in 1925 by the Royal family. It is a slightly longer than most average courses, running 6204m in total. Designed by Scottish architect Tom Simpson who is acclaimed for his courses at Turnberry and Muirfield, the Parador is a beautiful, immaculately maintained course that has been host to several major competitions over the years including the Turespaña Masters Open de España in 1992 and 1999.

Originally it consisted of 18 holes, but a further 9 were added in an interesting link style in October 2004 making it more suitable for players of all abilities. Many players regularly find that the winds coming in off the sea can make a real challenge of some of the holes. Pines, olives, palms and huge flowering hedges, not only add to the scenery but also provide cover for the resident flocks of parakeets often seen flying overhead.

Club de Golf Rio Real

Standing in the beautiful valley of the Rio Real River, just 3km east of Marbella, Golf Rio Real is one of the oldest golf courses on the Costa del Sol, designed by Javier Arana and built in 1965.

The gently rolling grounds of this 18 hole, par 72 course which roll down towards the sea, truly meld with the stunning natural beauty of the location. Many mature and exotic trees lining the fairways give ample shade from the sun. The Sierra Bermeja mountains which protect it from north winds are also responsible for the subtropical climate in the region, which lends itself to all year round golf...no wonder this is such a popular course for people on their golf holiday.

Club de Golf Santa Clara

This exclusive 18 hole golf course, just outside of Marbella was designed by Enrique Canales and opened for play in the early summer of 2001. Its opening was long awaited as the course had been allowed sufficient time to settle and had been tantalizing passers by on the N340 for a year. This thoughtful time allowance meant that when the course did open it was particularly well finished and the attention to detail was impeccable.

The 5878m long course was also federated in the same opening year and by 2003, it had hosted the 58th Annual Spanish Professional Championships, demonstrating its quality and prestige in a remarkably short period of time. The course was built in Parkland style and adheres to U.S.G.A. specifications drawing interest from all levels of players.

Its wide fairways interchange with long par 3's and drives over water. The first nine holes offer 2 x par 3's and1 x par 5. The second nine holes are slightly longer, with 2 x par 3's, 5 x par 4's and 2 x par 5's. The 8th hole is commonly considered the most difficult, a par 5 at 506m. The tee box is at the highest level of the course and its narrow fairway runs all the way down to sea level. The layout is relatively flat, with the exception of the 8th hole and the course is considered to be of moderate difficulty.

Club de Golf Santa Maria

This Elite par 70 course of 18 holes was designed in part by Garcia Garrido and opened in 1996. It is situated in the heart of the beautiful countryside of Elviria, 10km from Marbella, world renowned for its rich and famous residents and up market lifestyle.

The lie of the land, through two valleys, dictated that the densely wooded course followed the natural windings of the river and the hazards in the Santa Maria course are mainly formed from the lakes, streams and natural vegetation on the grounds. At 5586m in length, with many elevated, lush fairways, well placed bunkers, lakes and a waterfall, some tiered greens and a superb view of the Mediterranean, the course starts along the flatter valley and winds up towards the mountains which lie behind it.

The variable terrain means that the first nine holes are shorter and more complicated and the second longer and more relaxing. A well thought out strategy for a days play! Use of buggies, which can be hired along with clubs and trolleys and advance booking are both highly recommended for the popular Santa Maria course and you are also advised to only wear soft spikes and to bring proof of your handicap.(28/36)

Santana Golf and Country Club

Designed by Cabell B. Robinson, the Santana Golf Club was opened in December of 2004. It was built retaining large parts of the original old avocado, orange and lemon plantation which stood on the grounds before it. Many of its original fruit tree groves have been used in the design, both as unobtrusive quiet buggy paths and as thoughtfully integrated obstacles.

The two rivers and small stream that meander along its fairways and play an interesting part in the water hazards and invite the player into feeling like they are in the heart of the country. The Santana Golf and Country Club is located in Mijas Valley and set over 138 acres of mainly level terrain with large undulating greens looking to the mountains.

It is beautifully situated close to the sea with good access from the motorway and good access to neighbouring hotels and Mijas and yet it remains tucked away from the usual hustle and bustle of the coast. This immaculate course gives a real sense of maturity and tranquillity.

Club de Golf San Roque Old

Sitting almost on the tip of the Iberian Penninsula, between Jerez and Marbella, in the foothills of the Sierra Bermejas, is the exclusive San Roque Club Old Course. This 6494m par 72 course designed by David Thomas in 1990 and redesigned by Seve Ballesteros sits on a very secluded and peaceful 340 acre estate of incredible natural beauty has two distinctive loops.

The first 9 holes wind through cork oak and pine forest, with beautiful mountain views. The back 9 holes are set over much more open rolling hills, where the plunging terrain will test the judgment of distance of any player as will the closing holes which incorporate expansive lakes.

The tight, sloped, tree- lined fairways demand nothing but straight accurate driving and the fast, true greens test the highest standard of golfer.

San Roque New

Found between Jerez and Marbella, tucked away in the heart of the Andalucian countryside at the foothills of the Sierra Bermejas, is one of Europe's most exclusive golfing resorts, The San Roque Club, home of the exceptional San Roque New course, opened in 2004 to further compliment the existing San Roque Old Course.

This 18 hole championship course was the creation of American designer Perry Dye who's mission was to provide an engaging course for all levels of players. It measures 6626m from the championship tees and gives players a choice of 5 tees from each hole.

There are 10 par 4's, 4 par 5's and 3 par 3's the shortest par 3 being 160m off the yellow tee. A good tip is to trust the posts that give distances at 100m, 150m and 200m, as distances on the course can be deceptive. The prevailing winds, the Levante and Poniente, can become a challenging factor at many of the holes which run east west or vice versa, the only exception being at holes 4, 5, 6 and 13 which run at right angles to the others.

Royal Club de Golf Sotogrande

Sotogrande regularly features among Europe’s top 10 courses. The course has matured beautifully and even though being a mostly member based course it has reserved times for visitors. Water hazards appear on a number of the courses holes and the moral of this course is old fashions meaning golf comes first. It is a rare pleasure to stand on the 12th tee with the broad unspoilt expanse of the fairways before you, the lakes in the distance and the flag fluttering in the breeze. This course is sure to give every golfer a pleasant experience.

Club de Golf Torrequebrada

Lying west of Benalmadena Costa about 2km inland, Torrequebrada is a 18hole, par 72 course designed by Malaga's favorite designer Pepe Gancedo and opened in 1976. Its beautiful design and layout earned it the honor of hosting the Spanish Open three years later as well as several other top championships in more recent years.

It is a very popular if somewhat technically challenging course with steep terrain, and sand and water hazards providing the player with many varied and interesting obstacles. Complimented by its magnificent views of the Mediterranean, this veritable oasis is home to over 100 species of native and tropical trees inhabited by a rich variety of bird life.

Each hole is hidden from the next by well manicured tree lined fairways. The tee shot is crucial here, the bunkers, roughs, woods and nine water hazards will leave you repentant of any wild shots! There are also 8 doglegs to be maneuvered, this is a short but demanding course for most players. A notable hole is the 11th, which is a 164m par 3. Players are faced with water in front of the green, bunkers surrounding it and having to navigate a split level green into the bargain.

Club de Golf Valderrama

This world renowned club near Sotogrande, San Roque was originally opened. In 1974 as Las Aves and was bought in 1984 by Jaime Ortiz-Patino who alongside with Robert Trent Jones Snr. completely overhauled the course, rebuilding it to full USGA regulations. It has a long established history of prestigious hosting to its name.

Between 1988 and 1996 inclusively, the Volvo Masters were played there. In 1997 it was host to the 32nd Ryder Cup. 1999 and 2000, the World Golf Championships, American Express Championships was held there, in November 2002 it was host to Volvo Masters Andalucia and it holds the No.1 European ranking in Golf World. It was also designed as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary and in 1997 it was one of only 543 courses in the world to receive this honour.

The first tee has 6 options, Professional, Championship, Executive, Ladies Championship, Senior and Ladies. Many of the holes were increased during the overhaul in size by 30%. The course is a well structured, immaculately presented challenge to all levels of golfers, with perfectly engineered fall away slopes, dog legs, elevated greens, water hazards and clever use of trees.

Points to Remember

Take a look at our list of golf courses in Spain and in particularly, the Costa del Sol.

• Slope rating which is not used in the UK gives an indication of the difficulty of the courses according to the play of an average golfer.The higher the number, the more difficult the course.
• Slopes go from 55 to 155 with the average being 113.
• Not all golf courses have been rated, but for those that have we show the slope for the course from the yellow tees.
• Many of the courses insist on the wearing of soft spikes & several request handicap certificates.
• All courses on the costa del sol are 18 holes unless stated otherwise.
• All courses have excellent facilities including restaurant, bar & showers etc.
• Travel times are only a guide and times of the day and heavy traffic need to be taken into consideration.