Golf On The Costa
There are over 70 courses on the Costa del Sol, catering for both the occasional holiday golfer and the more serious player alike. Here are details of the most popular courses.
There are over 70 courses on the Costa del Sol, catering for both the occasional holiday golfer and the more serious player alike. Here are details of the most popular courses.
Mijas Golf International
Los Lagos - Par 71 - 6,367 Metres
Los Olivos - Par 70 - 5,840 Metres
Mijas Golf International is the most popular golf complex in Spain and rising fast throughout Europe. The courses, Los Lagos and Los Olivos, are situated in the valley of Mijas, north of Fuengirola, only twenty minutes from the Málaga international airport and Marbella, and 3.5 kms. from the sea.
Los Lagos is based on hazards of water and sand, Los Olivos is strategic narrow tree lined fairways and elevated greens. Both courses pay homage to the architect's philosophy "difficult Par, easy Bogey", as they have very little rough, plenty of water and are relatively flat.
The Club House is an old Andalusian cortijo (farmhouse), and beside it, one can feel the continual buzz on the terraces of the restaurant, with a variety of clientele. Mijas Golf has managed to mix, with success, the residents on the area with visitors from all over the world.
Los Lagos - Par 71 - 6,367 Metres
Los Olivos - Par 70 - 5,840 Metres
Mijas Golf International is the most popular golf complex in Spain and rising fast throughout Europe. The courses, Los Lagos and Los Olivos, are situated in the valley of Mijas, north of Fuengirola, only twenty minutes from the Málaga international airport and Marbella, and 3.5 kms. from the sea.
Los Lagos is based on hazards of water and sand, Los Olivos is strategic narrow tree lined fairways and elevated greens. Both courses pay homage to the architect's philosophy "difficult Par, easy Bogey", as they have very little rough, plenty of water and are relatively flat.
The Club House is an old Andalusian cortijo (farmhouse), and beside it, one can feel the continual buzz on the terraces of the restaurant, with a variety of clientele. Mijas Golf has managed to mix, with success, the residents on the area with visitors from all over the world.
Torrequebrada
Par 72 - 5,806 Metres
"Why move earth when a golf course should follow the natural contours?" was the philosophy of Pepe Gancedo, when he designed Torrequebrada. Not surprisingly the course is tortuous but the panoramic views vary at each hole making up for the undulating terrain. As for natural hazards, there are plenty of trees and bushes, six holes are affected by water and the course has numerous strategic placed bunkers. One of the most difficult aspects of Torrquebrada is the strong wind that usually blows in that area.
Par 72 - 5,806 Metres
"Why move earth when a golf course should follow the natural contours?" was the philosophy of Pepe Gancedo, when he designed Torrequebrada. Not surprisingly the course is tortuous but the panoramic views vary at each hole making up for the undulating terrain. As for natural hazards, there are plenty of trees and bushes, six holes are affected by water and the course has numerous strategic placed bunkers. One of the most difficult aspects of Torrquebrada is the strong wind that usually blows in that area.
Almenara Golf
Par 72 - 9,232 Metres
Situated in the privileged area of Sotogrande, next to Valderrama and San Roque, Almenara is with no doubt the hottest new course on the coast. Dave Thomas, who also designed the San Roque golf club, left a few of his trademarks in this astonishing scenery. Pine and cork trees surround the course, the holes are cleverly arranged with a perfect spread of short and long holes that will challenge every aspect of your game. Beautiful and fast greens guarded by well-designed bunkers. Remember that they have a soft spike policy.
Par 72 - 9,232 Metres
Situated in the privileged area of Sotogrande, next to Valderrama and San Roque, Almenara is with no doubt the hottest new course on the coast. Dave Thomas, who also designed the San Roque golf club, left a few of his trademarks in this astonishing scenery. Pine and cork trees surround the course, the holes are cleverly arranged with a perfect spread of short and long holes that will challenge every aspect of your game. Beautiful and fast greens guarded by well-designed bunkers. Remember that they have a soft spike policy.
Cabopino Golf
Par 71 - 5,170 Metres
It's one of the Costa del Sol's newest courses.The course, which is short (2 par-5's and 3 par-3's), has large greens and offers a stiff challenge for players. Lakes affect play on the 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th holes.
Par 71 - 5,170 Metres
It's one of the Costa del Sol's newest courses.The course, which is short (2 par-5's and 3 par-3's), has large greens and offers a stiff challenge for players. Lakes affect play on the 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th holes.
Los Flamingos Golf Club
Par 72 - 5,926 Metres
The Flamingos Golf is situated on one of the most beautiful sites in the Marbella area. From each of it's 18 holes, players can enjoy breathtaking views of the sea, Africa and Gibraltar. A small river passes through the course and ends in a lake, each hole is defined by it's own trees such as cypress, orange, olive and pine trees, carob, chestnut and pomegranate trees.
Par 72 - 5,926 Metres
The Flamingos Golf is situated on one of the most beautiful sites in the Marbella area. From each of it's 18 holes, players can enjoy breathtaking views of the sea, Africa and Gibraltar. A small river passes through the course and ends in a lake, each hole is defined by it's own trees such as cypress, orange, olive and pine trees, carob, chestnut and pomegranate trees.
Guadalhorce
This course has 2 different 9 hole styles. The first 9 ones, rolling terrain and tricky greens, are rather English in style, whereas the last ones are more American with lakes, tropical vegetation and raised greens. The greens are generally extremely large. Near the 7th and 9th hole, there are refreshments.
This course has 2 different 9 hole styles. The first 9 ones, rolling terrain and tricky greens, are rather English in style, whereas the last ones are more American with lakes, tropical vegetation and raised greens. The greens are generally extremely large. Near the 7th and 9th hole, there are refreshments.
Lauro Golf
Par 72 - 5,971 Metres
Something special at Lauro Golf is that each hole bears the name of a famous Spanish bullfighter. The course has been planted with pine, orange and lemon trees. Many of the fairways are cut between lines of olive trees and there are several challenging water hazards. The club house is an old "cortijo" built around a shaded central patio.
Par 72 - 5,971 Metres
Something special at Lauro Golf is that each hole bears the name of a famous Spanish bullfighter. The course has been planted with pine, orange and lemon trees. Many of the fairways are cut between lines of olive trees and there are several challenging water hazards. The club house is an old "cortijo" built around a shaded central patio.
Marbella Club Golf Resort
Par 72 - 6,176 Metres
This new course winds between pines, cork oaks and has wonderful views down to the sea and across to North Africa. The course demands precision due to the variety of the layout. On the 3rd there is a wide lake in front of the green, on the 9th there are 2 trees in the middle of the fairway which will give you pause for thought before hitting the ball.
Par 72 - 6,176 Metres
This new course winds between pines, cork oaks and has wonderful views down to the sea and across to North Africa. The course demands precision due to the variety of the layout. On the 3rd there is a wide lake in front of the green, on the 9th there are 2 trees in the middle of the fairway which will give you pause for thought before hitting the ball.
Montenmedio Golf & Country Club
Par 72 - 5,931 Metres
Montenmedio is not only a golf course, it's a natural park with galloping horses all kinds of birds and wild animals such as eagles, deers and foxes. The course itself is challenging when a wind is blowing,the fairways are wide but features many bunkers and water hazards.
Par 72 - 5,931 Metres
Montenmedio is not only a golf course, it's a natural park with galloping horses all kinds of birds and wild animals such as eagles, deers and foxes. The course itself is challenging when a wind is blowing,the fairways are wide but features many bunkers and water hazards.
Parador Málaga del Golf
6,204 Metres
It's the Costa del Sol's oldest course and was opened by the Spanish Royal Family. It is part links with seawater lagoons and part parkland with the fairways forming avenues between the trees crowded with parakeets. It is suitable for players of all levels of ability, however some holes present a real challenge.
6,204 Metres
It's the Costa del Sol's oldest course and was opened by the Spanish Royal Family. It is part links with seawater lagoons and part parkland with the fairways forming avenues between the trees crowded with parakeets. It is suitable for players of all levels of ability, however some holes present a real challenge.
Santa Clara
Par 71 - 5,878 Metres
It's the Costa del Sol's newest course and was designed by Mr Enrique Canales. The course is suited for all levels of player even if some holes can be a challenge .You will have the pleasure in ending up your round of golf in a beautiful and relaxing Club House.
Par 71 - 5,878 Metres
It's the Costa del Sol's newest course and was designed by Mr Enrique Canales. The course is suited for all levels of player even if some holes can be a challenge .You will have the pleasure in ending up your round of golf in a beautiful and relaxing Club House.
Santa María
Par 70 - 5,622 Metres
Designed by Antonio Garcia Garrido, who worked with Manuel Piñero on La Quinta, the course traces the contours of two valleys in which the natural vegetation, streams and four lakes form natural hazards and offer distracting views over the Mediterranean. Since 1996 it is a full 18 hole golf course and this is the most successful expansion of the recent coast designs. The first nine are shorter and more complicated than the last nine, which are flatter and have wider fairways They used 419 tiffway Bermuda grass (the same used in Augusta National, venue of the Masters) on the fairways to ensure the good quality throughout.
Par 70 - 5,622 Metres
Designed by Antonio Garcia Garrido, who worked with Manuel Piñero on La Quinta, the course traces the contours of two valleys in which the natural vegetation, streams and four lakes form natural hazards and offer distracting views over the Mediterranean. Since 1996 it is a full 18 hole golf course and this is the most successful expansion of the recent coast designs. The first nine are shorter and more complicated than the last nine, which are flatter and have wider fairways They used 419 tiffway Bermuda grass (the same used in Augusta National, venue of the Masters) on the fairways to ensure the good quality throughout.
Royal Club Golf Sotogrande
Par 72 - 6,224 Metres
Sotogrande is considered one of the best courses in Europe. The course has improved with age and Robert Trent Jones is justly proud of it. Fairways are marked and separated by a wonderful variety of cork oaks, eucalyptus, pine and palm trees offering at the same time wonderful views. It is a long course where water hazards play an important role. There is a beautiful corner at the 7th with a lake on the right making this dogleg one of the most challenging holes. On the back nine the lakes are larger and have to be watched on holes 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18. It is the venue of many national & international tournaments.
Par 72 - 6,224 Metres
Sotogrande is considered one of the best courses in Europe. The course has improved with age and Robert Trent Jones is justly proud of it. Fairways are marked and separated by a wonderful variety of cork oaks, eucalyptus, pine and palm trees offering at the same time wonderful views. It is a long course where water hazards play an important role. There is a beautiful corner at the 7th with a lake on the right making this dogleg one of the most challenging holes. On the back nine the lakes are larger and have to be watched on holes 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18. It is the venue of many national & international tournaments.
Valderrama
Par 71 - 6,400 Metres
Many times the Valderrama course is named the "Augusta" of Europe, the fact is that it is one of the best courses of the world and one of the toughest in Europe. World famous because of the many editions of the Volvo Masters, as the historic venue of the '97 Ryder Cup and the site chosen for the World Championships of Golf in 1999 and 2000.
Although it might seem like a gentle and agreeable course at first sight, it's actually very hard, its difficulty can test the nerves of the calmest of players. The fairways have been thought out with care and, apart from the elevated greens, there are also nearly a hundred bunkers dotted throughout the course.
The secret at Valderrama is to position the ball correctly. A drive of 250 Yards will be worthless if it lands on the wrong side of the opening through the green. There are cork, olive and pine trees everywhere. Only soft spikes are allowed on the course and players must be at least 16 years old.
Par 71 - 6,400 Metres
Many times the Valderrama course is named the "Augusta" of Europe, the fact is that it is one of the best courses of the world and one of the toughest in Europe. World famous because of the many editions of the Volvo Masters, as the historic venue of the '97 Ryder Cup and the site chosen for the World Championships of Golf in 1999 and 2000.
Although it might seem like a gentle and agreeable course at first sight, it's actually very hard, its difficulty can test the nerves of the calmest of players. The fairways have been thought out with care and, apart from the elevated greens, there are also nearly a hundred bunkers dotted throughout the course.
The secret at Valderrama is to position the ball correctly. A drive of 250 Yards will be worthless if it lands on the wrong side of the opening through the green. There are cork, olive and pine trees everywhere. Only soft spikes are allowed on the course and players must be at least 16 years old.
Aloha Golf
Par 72 - 5,936 Metres
Open since 1975 designed by Javier Arana. A beautiful slightly hilly course, many trees, flowers and lakes and some of the quickest greens on the coast. Always well maintained and many people's favourite.
Par 72 - 5,936 Metres
Open since 1975 designed by Javier Arana. A beautiful slightly hilly course, many trees, flowers and lakes and some of the quickest greens on the coast. Always well maintained and many people's favourite.
Alhaurin
Par 72 - 6,221 Metres
Open since 1995. Severianno Ballesteros designed the course respecting the natural shape and beauty of the landscape resulting in a very demanding ondulating course. Spectacular views from almost every hole.
Par 72 - 6,221 Metres
Open since 1995. Severianno Ballesteros designed the course respecting the natural shape and beauty of the landscape resulting in a very demanding ondulating course. Spectacular views from almost every hole.
Los Arqueros
Par 72 - 6,221 Metres
Open since 1990. The first Severiano Ballestero's design on the coast and yet again he left the natural shape of the landscape dominate its design. This course will need you to apply all your course management.
Par 72 - 6,221 Metres
Open since 1990. The first Severiano Ballestero's design on the coast and yet again he left the natural shape of the landscape dominate its design. This course will need you to apply all your course management.
Atalaya Old Course
Par 72 - 6,142 Metres
Open since 1966 Architect : Baron Von Limburger. The most international course on the coast, it has 24 different nationalities represented within their membership. It is a flat course with a lot of elevated greens and the fairways surr1 with eucalyptus and pine trees. It is the venue for the European teaching pro championships.
Par 72 - 6,142 Metres
Open since 1966 Architect : Baron Von Limburger. The most international course on the coast, it has 24 different nationalities represented within their membership. It is a flat course with a lot of elevated greens and the fairways surr1 with eucalyptus and pine trees. It is the venue for the European teaching pro championships.
Atalaya New Course
Par 72 - 5,325 Metres
Open since 1993. A course built in the mountains with many uneven lies, it has some magnificent views over the Mediterranean, however a buggy is recommendable.
Par 72 - 5,325 Metres
Open since 1993. A course built in the mountains with many uneven lies, it has some magnificent views over the Mediterranean, however a buggy is recommendable.
Alcaidesa
Par 71 - 5,708 Metres
Open since 1992. Peter Allis and Clive Clark are responsible for this unique Links course in the coast. As with all links courses the wind will play a major role, this together with breathtaking views and very rich flora and fauna means this course is a delight for all levels.
Par 71 - 5,708 Metres
Open since 1992. Peter Allis and Clive Clark are responsible for this unique Links course in the coast. As with all links courses the wind will play a major role, this together with breathtaking views and very rich flora and fauna means this course is a delight for all levels.
Las Brisas
Par 72 - 6,163 Metres
Open since 1968. One of the most successful Robert Trent Jones designs on the coast. A course with an impressive tournament history; Spanish Open 1970, 1983, 1987, the 1973 World cup was won by Jack Nicklaus and John Miller. Bermuda fairways, pencross greens, plenty of bunkers and 10 lakes will assure you a great round on a great course.
Par 72 - 6,163 Metres
Open since 1968. One of the most successful Robert Trent Jones designs on the coast. A course with an impressive tournament history; Spanish Open 1970, 1983, 1987, the 1973 World cup was won by Jack Nicklaus and John Miller. Bermuda fairways, pencross greens, plenty of bunkers and 10 lakes will assure you a great round on a great course.
Coto La Serena
9 holes - 936 Metres
Open since 1990. Coto la Serena is a short layout built in the gardens of a residential development. There is a general incline towards the sea giving good views and a water hazards on 3 holes.
9 holes - 936 Metres
Open since 1990. Coto la Serena is a short layout built in the gardens of a residential development. There is a general incline towards the sea giving good views and a water hazards on 3 holes.
La Cala South
Par 71 - 5,960 Metres
Open since 1991. The south course is quite undulated and will give you a pleasant game far away from any road or city and you will be able to enjoy some spectacular views specially from the 6th tee.
Par 71 - 5,960 Metres
Open since 1991. The south course is quite undulated and will give you a pleasant game far away from any road or city and you will be able to enjoy some spectacular views specially from the 6th tee.
La Cala North
Par 72 - 6,160 Metres
Open since 1993. More undulating than La Cala South, this is a long course made in such way that you can still enjoy it whatever level you might have. Note the view on the 15th tee towards Mijas. Both courses are highly recommended.
Par 72 - 6,160 Metres
Open since 1993. More undulating than La Cala South, this is a long course made in such way that you can still enjoy it whatever level you might have. Note the view on the 15th tee towards Mijas. Both courses are highly recommended.
La Cañada
9 Holes Par 35 - 2,599 Metres
Open since 1991. This 9 hole course was designed free of charge by no one less than Robert Trent Jones Sr.!! Located on the hills adjacent to Valderrama, it is open to the prevailing winds and the first hole a long par 5 sets the tone for the tough round of golf ahead.
9 Holes Par 35 - 2,599 Metres
Open since 1991. This 9 hole course was designed free of charge by no one less than Robert Trent Jones Sr.!! Located on the hills adjacent to Valderrama, it is open to the prevailing winds and the first hole a long par 5 sets the tone for the tough round of golf ahead.
La Dama de Noche
9 holes par 36 - 2,728 Metres
Open since 1992. The "Lady of the night" was the first course illuminated by infra-red controlled lighting system in Europe. The course is manly flat and with water hazards playing an important role. On the 4th a par 3 hole of 141 metres you need to carry the green in a shot across a lake.
9 holes par 36 - 2,728 Metres
Open since 1992. The "Lady of the night" was the first course illuminated by infra-red controlled lighting system in Europe. The course is manly flat and with water hazards playing an important role. On the 4th a par 3 hole of 141 metres you need to carry the green in a shot across a lake.
La Duquesa
Par 72 - 6,142 Metres
Open since 1985. One of the difficulties of La Duquesa is the always present wind, this together with it's undulating tight fairways and difficult greens converts this course as a challenge for even the most experienced golfer.
Par 72 - 6,142 Metres
Open since 1985. One of the difficulties of La Duquesa is the always present wind, this together with it's undulating tight fairways and difficult greens converts this course as a challenge for even the most experienced golfer.
Estepona Golf
Par 72 - 6,001 Metres
Open Since 1991. This 18 hole course has relatively short and narrow fairways because of the designer's wish to preserve the rolling landscape. It's continuous ups and downs make it hard for players who aren't too keen on walking. Many palm, eucalyptus and wild olive trees and plenty of water hazards.
Par 72 - 6,001 Metres
Open Since 1991. This 18 hole course has relatively short and narrow fairways because of the designer's wish to preserve the rolling landscape. It's continuous ups and downs make it hard for players who aren't too keen on walking. Many palm, eucalyptus and wild olive trees and plenty of water hazards.
Guadalmina South
Par 71 - 6,025 Metres
Open since 1959. It is a flat easy to walk course with the 8th hole going until the coast line, giving great views to the Mediterranean and a tough par 3 following. This course is used on various occasions for the P.G.A. qualification school.
Par 71 - 6,025 Metres
Open since 1959. It is a flat easy to walk course with the 8th hole going until the coast line, giving great views to the Mediterranean and a tough par 3 following. This course is used on various occasions for the P.G.A. qualification school.
Guadalmina North
Par 71 - 5,825 Metres
Open since 1983. Although shorter - it is not easier, some well paced trees and an occasional tight fairway together with it's fast greens makes it a challenge for all golfers. Again an easy to walk course.
Par 71 - 5,825 Metres
Open since 1983. Although shorter - it is not easier, some well paced trees and an occasional tight fairway together with it's fast greens makes it a challenge for all golfers. Again an easy to walk course.
The Golf Club Marbella
Par 71 - 6,518 Metres
Open since 1990. Mr Robert Trent Jones respected the natural beauty of the environment. A long course from the back tees and crossed by revines and gullies requiring some accurate and brave tee shots.
Par 71 - 6,518 Metres
Open since 1990. Mr Robert Trent Jones respected the natural beauty of the environment. A long course from the back tees and crossed by revines and gullies requiring some accurate and brave tee shots.
Miraflores Golf
Par 70 - 5,635 Metres
Open since 1990. A golf course for all levels with beautiful sea and mountain views. Beware of the 12th hole, a par 5 from 570 meters with a lake in the middle of the fairway, it will leave you with a very tricky second shot.
Par 70 - 5,635 Metres
Open since 1990. A golf course for all levels with beautiful sea and mountain views. Beware of the 12th hole, a par 5 from 570 meters with a lake in the middle of the fairway, it will leave you with a very tricky second shot.
Monte Mayor
Par 71 - 5,593 Metres
Open since 1992. It is the most spectacular course on the coast. Nestled in a high mountain valley, they built six bridges at Monte Mayor, not as pretty adornments or to cross some quiet meandering streams, but because without them there would be no way to get from tee to fairway to green! It is advisable to carry some extra balls and a camera.
Par 71 - 5,593 Metres
Open since 1992. It is the most spectacular course on the coast. Nestled in a high mountain valley, they built six bridges at Monte Mayor, not as pretty adornments or to cross some quiet meandering streams, but because without them there would be no way to get from tee to fairway to green! It is advisable to carry some extra balls and a camera.
Los Naranjos
Par 72 - 6,457 Metres
Open since 1977. The first nine holes are played over undulating terrain well guarded with pine and eucalyptus trees. The back nine cover flat terrain planted with orange trees which give the course it's name, the par 5 18th is one of the most demanding and spectacular finishing holes on the coast.
Par 72 - 6,457 Metres
Open since 1977. The first nine holes are played over undulating terrain well guarded with pine and eucalyptus trees. The back nine cover flat terrain planted with orange trees which give the course it's name, the par 5 18th is one of the most demanding and spectacular finishing holes on the coast.
El Paraiso
Par 71 - 6,116 Metres
Open since 1974. The Gary Player designed course is well laid out with wide fairways bordered with quite heavy rough and traversed by streams which in many cases are out of sight.
Par 71 - 6,116 Metres
Open since 1974. The Gary Player designed course is well laid out with wide fairways bordered with quite heavy rough and traversed by streams which in many cases are out of sight.
La Quinta
Course A (9 Holes) - Par 36 - 2,939 Metres
Course B (9 Holes) - Par 36 - 2,858 Metres
Course C (9 Holes) - Par 36 - 3,006 Metres
Open since 1989, the course has been laid out following a rational design. The distances between greens and tees are short enabling a continuous flow of play. Tees at the La Quinta are generally elevated giving excellent visibility. Fairways widen to receive tee shots and narrow to penalise bad shots.
Course A (9 Holes) - Par 36 - 2,939 Metres
Course B (9 Holes) - Par 36 - 2,858 Metres
Course C (9 Holes) - Par 36 - 3,006 Metres
Open since 1989, the course has been laid out following a rational design. The distances between greens and tees are short enabling a continuous flow of play. Tees at the La Quinta are generally elevated giving excellent visibility. Fairways widen to receive tee shots and narrow to penalise bad shots.
Rio Real
Par 72 - 6,057 Metres
Open since 1965. The trees here were planted 20 years ago and have had time to grow and take shape and give much appreciated shade. Generally speaking the course is flat although there is a gradual inclination down towards the sea.
Par 72 - 6,057 Metres
Open since 1965. The trees here were planted 20 years ago and have had time to grow and take shape and give much appreciated shade. Generally speaking the course is flat although there is a gradual inclination down towards the sea.
San Roque Club
Par 72 - 6,440 Metres
Open since 1990. San Roque's first nine have a woodland look about them and the back nine are very much influenced by water hazards.San Roque has clearly been designed with top class competition in mind. The 18th provides an exciting finish for all standards of players.
Par 72 - 6,440 Metres
Open since 1990. San Roque's first nine have a woodland look about them and the back nine are very much influenced by water hazards.San Roque has clearly been designed with top class competition in mind. The 18th provides an exciting finish for all standards of players.