Golfing Gems of the Costa del Sol: Marbella’s Must-Play Courses

Marbella stands as a premier golfing destination, captivating enthusiasts with its array of exquisite courses that promise an unparalleled golfing experience, set against the backdrop of Andalusia’s stunning landscapes and the warm Mediterranean climate. Here’s a closer look at some of the top golf courses in Marbella, each offering unique features and the highest standards of luxury and playability.

1. La Zagaleta

• Rating: 9.1
• Location: Andalucía, Spain
• Holes: 36
• Highlight: Synonymous with exclusivity, La Zagaleta offers not just a golfing experience but a lifestyle. With its grand restaurant and proximity to the beach, it’s designed by Bradford Benz and commands a starting rate of 225€.

2. Marbella Club Golf Resort

• Rating: 8.4
• Location: Andalucía, Spain
• Holes: 18
• Highlight: Known for its simplicity, style, and pedigree, this course offers a great setting near the beach, embodying the essence of parkland golf at starting rates of 100€.

3. Los Naranjos Golf Club

• Rating: 8.2
• Location: Andalucía, Spain
• Holes: 18
• Highlight: Close to the beach, this woodland course is available from 88€, offering a serene golfing experience amidst lush landscapes.

4. La Cala Resort

• Rating: 8.2
• Location: Andalucía, Spain
• Holes: 54
• Highlight: As one of Andalucía’s finest resorts near the beach, La Cala Resort features a hillside golf course with rates starting at 71€.

5. Calanova Golf Club

• Rating: 8.1
• Location: Andalucía, Spain
• Holes: 18
• Highlight: Offering an unparalleled golfing experience near the coast on a hillside course, starting from 80€.

6. El Paraiso Golf Club

• Rating: 8.0
• Location: Andalucía, Spain
• Holes: 18
• Highlight: Known as the most pleasant course on the coast, it offers parkland golf near the coast with rates from 81€.

7. Chaparral Golf Club

• Rating: 8.0
• Location: Andalucía, Spain
• Holes: 18
• Highlight: With its unique setting near the coast, this woodland course offers a blend of golf and nature starting at 80€.

8. Villa Padierna Golf Club

• Rating: 8.0
• Location: Andalucía, Spain
• Holes: 54
• Highlight: Home to three magnificent courses on the Costa del Sol, it’s close to the beach and offers parkland golf with rates starting at 58€.

9. Santana Golf and Country Club

• Rating: 8.0
• Location: Andalucía, Spain
• Holes: 18
• Highlight: Near the airport, this hillside course is available from 80€, providing a serene golfing escape.

10. La Quinta Golf & Country Club

• Rating: 7.9
• Location: Andalucía, Spain
• Holes: 27
• Highlight: Ideally located in the Golf Valley near the coast, this course offers a comprehensive golfing experience from 95€.

Adding to the prestigious selection of Marbella’s golf courses, it’s impossible to overlook the crown jewel not only of Marbella but of Spain and even Europe:

Real Club Valderrama

• Holes: 18
• Golf Courses: 2
• Rate: 500€ per person

Real Club Valderrama stands as the pinnacle of golf in Spain, nestled in Andalusia, the country’s southernmost and largest region, a mere stone’s throw north of Gibraltar. Its location is ideally placed, roughly two hours by car from Cádiz and an hour and a half from Málaga, boasting an all-year-round golfing climate.

The championship course, a Par 71 stretching 6,356 meters from the professional tees, is hailed by the world’s top professionals and golf writers alike as featuring the finest fairways in Europe, if not globally. Crafted in 1974 by the legendary golf course architect Robert Trent Jones, Sr., it was not designed to be forgiving but to challenge every stroke with its demand for precision and strategy. Initially named Sotogrande Nuevo, it was renamed Las Aves in 1981 before being christened Valderrama, a nod to the ancient estate upon which the course is sited.

Awards and Recognition:

• Golfers’ Choice 2023: #1 in Andalusia, #1 in Spain, and #5 in Europe.
• Overall Impression: 9.4
• Course Maintenance: 9.6
• Facilities: 9.4
• Clubhouse: 9.1
• Value: 8.0
• Hospitality: 9.2
• Surroundings: 9.1
• Restaurant: 8.8

Valderrama is not merely a golf course; it’s an emblem of golfing excellence. Its impeccable maintenance, first-class services, and the breathtaking beauty of its surroundings make it a must-visit for any serious golfer. The course’s design demands thoughtfulness and precision, making every round a memorable challenge. With amenities such as a practice range, chipping and putting greens, golf school, club and buggy rental services, and a clubhouse equipped with a bar, restaurant, and pro shop, Valderrama provides an unparalleled golfing experience.

Booking in advance is highly recommended due to its exclusive nature and limited availability. Valderrama offers a golfing experience that transcends mere play; it is a journey through the heart of golfing paradise, promising every golfer an unforgettable challenge and the ultimate in luxury golfing.

Golf in Marbella not only promises the joy of the game but also an escape into a world where luxury, beauty, and sport intertwine. Whether you’re looking to challenge your skills on varied terrains or simply enjoy the game in stunning settings, Marbella’s golf courses cater to every desire.