GOLF:
A round of golf on the Costa del Sol can be enjoyed at any time of the year. The climate is warm to hot all year round and mostly dry, with statistics quoting around 300 days of sunshine throughout. The stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the inland mountains, as well as being able to play on some of Europe’s most renowned golf courses make this picturesque part of the world the perfect setting for a golfing holiday. Indeed, since The Ryder Cup was hosted at Valderrama in 1997, the Costa del Sol has also been known as the “Costa del Golf”. After the success of the Ryder Cup, the Costa Del Sol made its mark on the map of serious golfing destinations. With the new universal recognition and interest, development of the opportunity was taken to new levels and accordingly even more quality courses have been constructed to supply the ever increasing demand for Golf in southern Spain.
This concentration of quality courses coupled with an enviable climate has made the Costa del Sol one of Europe’s top golfing destinations to a plethora of northern European golfers each and every year. Many thousands of golfers head to this stretch of coastline in the south of Spain to play with their friends, families or golf societies.
There are over 60 golf courses along the stretch of coast, 4 of which are ranked in the Top Ten in Europe, but whatever your standard and whether you want a full golfing holiday, or just a round or two, there is a course to suit you to a tee..
There are 15 courses between Marbella and Fuengirola, which means there are 15 courses within a 20-30 minutes’ drive of the villa...
*La Siesta Golf
La Siesta Golf is closest to the front door and actually within Calahonda. It is a Par 3, 9 hole course and has an undulating landscape, a challenging array of bunkers and trees, and players of all ages and levels can enjoy a round for a very reasonable rate. |
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siestagolfcalahonda
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Tel: (00 34) 952 933 362.
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Distance from villa : 1.5km
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*Cabopino Golf
Next door; adjoining the west side of Calahonda. Opposite the charming port of Cabopino and just on the border of the Marbella district, this is an 18-hole par 71 course with beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding pine forests. The course encompasses streams and lakes and even has one tee on a cliff. The club comprises a golf academy (lessons available) plus a driving range, and offers buggies, pull + electric trolleys, showers, restaurant, and buggy bar. |
*Miraflores Golf
Also next door, but to the east of Calahonda. This 18-hole par 71 course is enjoyed by golfers of all abilities. The course follows the natural contours of the valley it is situated in, and each hole offers a different challenge. The club includes a purpose built driving range and golf academy providing a friendly environment in which all levels of golfers can practise. There are two professionals based at the range – lessons and schools are available to all levels. The club also comprises a restaurant plus informal bar serving drinks and tapas all day. |
*Santa Maria Golf
A little further down the road towards Marbella. This is a very popular 18-hole par 70 course, with the first 9 holes being designed by Antonio Garcia Garrido. It is suitable for high to medium handicap players. One of the shorter courses (5,325m), it offers a number of water hazards and a couple of doglegs. Two holes have a hard climb to the green, and there is also a steep and difficult path from the 5th tee to the 6th green, so really not suitable for the unfit golfer! The terrain is mostly parkland, buggies optional. Requirements are Men : 28 and Ladies : 36. Pro-shop, restaurant, practise range, buggies etc., all available. |
*Calanova Golf
18 hole, par 72. Although one of the newer and less lauded courses on the Costa Del Sol, Calanova is becoming increasingly popular and offers enjoyable golf at good value. The greens have an average area of 500m2, which together with the extraordinary shaping and US Golf Association design of the course allows for a wide selection of pin positions and a diverse range of skill levels. The first tee involves a lake water hazard, and the course encompasses varying levels with stunning views of both the sea and mountains. Pro-shop, bar, restaurant, club hire etc… usual amenities available. |
*Marbella Golf & Country Club
This is a well established 18-hole par 72 course over 5,827m of flat and hilly terrain. Buggies are necessary and included in the green fees. It is an impressive layout with a number of cleverly placed bunkers and lakes set in the natural contours and olive trees of the surroundings. Suitably challenging to players of all levels. Facilities include Clubhouse, restaurant, practise range, club hire etc. |
*El Chapparal
Located in an enviable setting only 700m from the beach and surrounded by lush pine forest this golf course is considered technical and is the only one on the Costa Del Sol made up of 6 par 5’s, 6 par 4’s and 6 par 3’s. The course requires skill and accuracy yet offers a large variety of holes enjoyed by players of all levels. The greens are some of the fastest on the coast and the course boasts beautiful views of the Med as well as a large ravine challenge on the very first hole. Facilities include a charming clubhouse in a tranquil and natural setting overlooking pine forest, the first tee and 18th green, plus all the usual amenities. |
*Santana Golf Club
18 hole par 72 and ranked by players as one of the best on the Costa Del Sol, this course is set in 138 acres of tranquil countryside, formerly an avocado plantation. Given the terrain’s former use it is no surprise that the course is pretty level with wide and well defined fairways, in magnificent natural surroundings. The course is scattered with numerous indigenous trees, including avocado (obviously!) and an enclave of cork trees over 500 years old at the 5th hole. There is also a healthy bird population including the native Calzada eagle. The course is technically described as demanding, but that said, players of middle to high handicaps will equally enjoying playing it. Buggies are available but it is recommended that players walk the course to fully enjoy the beauty and tranquillity it offers. |
*La Cala Golf Resort
La Cala Golf and Hotel Resort is renowned as one of the finest golf resorts in Andalucia, and one of the largest golfing complexes in Spain. The golf side of the business comprises 60 holes over three separate courses; Campo Europa, Campo America and Campo Asia, each par 72. There is also a 6 hole par 3 executive course. These are considered some of the toughest on the Costa Del Sol and are more appropriate for medium to low handicap players. Being set in the beautiful rolling mountain range of the Sierra de Ojen above the coast, each course is described as hilly with buggy hire preferable. Each championship course offers a variety of challenges as well as dramatic and spectacular views of both mountain and sea. Facilities at this resort are numerous and top quality. |
*Santa Clara Golf
18 hole par 71. This is one of the newer courses in the direction of Marbella. Popular with high and medium handicappers, it is an ideal course for holiday golf. The terrain is a mix of flat and hilly within a real estate development so not as spacious as some of the other courses, and views less far reaching. Some of the hills are quite steep and the climb can prove to be an uncomfortable and difficult walk for those not used to playing in warmer conditions. Facilities are impressive, as is the clubhouse which has a nice restaurant and bar with terrace. |
*Mijas Golf
This well established and popular resort comprises two 18 hole courses set in the Mijas valley above Fuengirola. “Los Lagos” at 6,007m is a par 71, and “Los Olivos” at 5,601m is a par 70. Both are described as parkland / flat. Los Lagos is the elder of the two, dating back to 1976, and is one of the largest on the coast, offering wide open fairways, large raised greens and more than a sprinkling of bunkers. It was completely renovated in 2012, and re-opened 2013. It is very popular as it is considered one the easiest courses on the coast. Los Olivos is shorter and narrower with smaller undulating greens well protected by bunkers, and a distracting presence of olive trees along the fairways. As you would expect from a significant golf resort, the amenities are plentiful. |
*Alhaurin Golf Resort
18 hole par 72 plus a 9 hole par 3. Designed by the late and very revered Seve Ballesteros, this course is arguably one of the most visibly spectacular courses on the coast with fantastic views looking down to the sea, mountains and wild surrounding countryside. It nestles into the south west side of the Mijas mountains and snuggles perfectly into the natural terrain. There are up to six different teeing areas at each hole and accordingly the course is suitable for players of all abilities. It is very hilly, but equally very picturesque. The 9 hole par 3 is lauded as good value for money and excellent for practise. Courses described as hilly, with buggies optional. |
*Torrequebrada Golf
18 hole, par 72. Host to the 1977 Spanish Open, this course is recognised as one of the most well established and beautiful courses on the Coast. A challenge to players of all levels, your game will need to overcome trees, woods, the rough, bunkers, and water hazards, all of which litter the course. Despite recent tourism development compromising some of the original stunning views the course is still very intimate and proudly retains thousands of established native trees along its borders and enhancing the holes. With a full complement of facilities, this course is a real gem on the coast. |
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Apart from the La Siesta 9-hole course right next to the villa, there are four others within a 15-20 minute drive. They are all suitable for a quick practise round or a short game if you have limited time. |
*La Noria
La Cala, Mijas Costa. Picturesque and very level. Quite challenging with 3 lakes and an integral wide river bed that must be crossed a number of times. The course is suitable for all standards of players; comprising 4 par 3’s, 4 par 4’s and 1 par 5. Easily walked it is suitable for all fitness levels and can be played in under 90 minutes. Considered good value, and popular with local residents. |
*Greenlife Golf
A fun 9 hole course in the hills of Elviria, between Marbella and Fuengirola. 1.142m set amongst abundant vegetation including palm trees and oaks. Narrow well prepared fairways provide for a range of distances and large greens offer a good choice in pin placements. Well placed water features make this quite a demanding course. |
*Cerrado del Aguila
Located in the hills above Fuengirola this course boasts being recognised as one of the best 9-hole courses on the Costa del Sol. Easy going terrain, American style wide fairways with lakes, sea and mountain views and spacious greens make this an attractive course to all level of golfing abilities. The facilities are comprehensive as there are plans to develop an 18 hole course at the resort in the near future. |
*El Soto Golf
Set in a hillside location to the Marbella side of the villa, this course is one which players of all levels will enjoy, although it is said to be particularly good for those wishing to better their short game. Each hole offers tees and greens at different levels with lakes and ravines lying between. |
For the die-hard golfer willing to travel a little further afield, there are four prestigious courses along the Costa Del Sol, where golfing Masters have played, and you can swing along with the elite….
San Roque
Just outside Andalucia and into the province of Cadiz; this is truly one of the best courses in Spain. It consists of two 18 hole courses, each of par 72. “The Old Course” is widely recognised as a “must play” for the serious golfer, but at the top end of the price bracket, it is not for everyone to afford, however, if your budget can stretch, it really is worth travelling the distance. |
Valderrama
Probably the most renowned, and is certainly one of the top ten and best known courses in Europe. The 1997 host to the first Ryder Cup to be played on continental Europe is also Golf Ranking’s No. 1 maintained course in Europe since 1989. The Volvo Masters made this course its home from 1988-1996, and 2002-2008. Located in Sotogrande (a few miles from Gibraltar) the course comprises an 18 hole par 71 plus a 9 hole par 3, and is described as a testing course on parkland terrain. |
La Quinta
27 holes in a combination of three 9 hole courses, this golf resort was designed by Ryder Cup winner and triple world champion, Manuel Pinero. One of the most attractive courses, it is popular with golfers of all levels of play, and the combination of the three 9 hole courses affords a wide and varied choice of rounds. Remodelled in design and technical installations in 2015, the course now hosts European Tour events. Seve Ballesteros, Chema Olazabal and Manuel Pinero have all competed here. |
Los Naranjos
18 hole par 71. Designed by world famous Robert Trent Jones, Sr. this course is considered one of his finest designs in Europe, and has hosted many international tournaments. Located close to the famous marina of Puerto Banus with its jet-set clientele, it is a course that appeals to many golfers of all abilities. |
The above mentioned courses are but a few of the numerous ones along the stretch of the Costa del Sol, and this list is for information and guidance purposes only. For accurate prices and more detailed information please contact the Clubs direct. Happy Golfing!
