What’s better than teeing off with a bunch of mates on your favourite local course? Well, teeing off with a bunch of mates under the Spanish sunshine, of course. And boy does Spain have some excellent golf courses. Golf holidays in Spain are a popular choice for those looking to expand their European playing experience. Here at Direct Golf Holidays, we like to go above and beyond to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. We know all about the best golf breaks in Costa Del Sol, the best golf resorts in Murcia and also where to go for the best golf courses in Costa Blanca.
Golfing in Spain is the perfect way to escape the seemingly ever-present cold and wet weather that golfing in the UK is famous for. Imagine stepping out of your villa under a clear blue sky, the gentle morning sun is already shining down and rather than packing an umbrella, all you need to remember are your sunglasses! After the round it’s onwards to the bar for a beer with a view, and then the next day you can do it all over again.
Where Are The Best Golf Courses in Spain?
Sound like a dream? Think again. Direct Golf Holidays have been helping customers to enjoy golf holidays in Spain for many years and we’d be more than happy to do the same for you too. If you’ve been toying with the idea of golfing in Spain but haven’t quite made your mind up, check out our handy list of the top golf courses in Spain for a bit of inspiration.
1. REAL VALDERRAMA
Most famous for hosting the legendary 1997 Ryder Cup, this top golf course in Spain is one not to be missed for those embarking on a European golfing holiday. Taken over in 1985 by industrialist billionaire Jaime Ortiz-Patino, the course went from fairly average to one of great renown. Definitely worth a visit whilst golfing in Spain.
- ARCHITECT: Robert Trent Jones
- LOCATION: Sotogrande, Cadiz
- LENGTH: 6,390m
- TOTAL HOLES: 18
- PAR: 71
2. EL SALER
Campo de Golf El Saler was opened in 1968 to a standing ovation from locals and international golfers alike. Shortly after its inception, it was acclaimed the No.1 golf course layout in all of continental Europe. The course of El Saler is widely regarded as architect Javier Arana’s pièce de résistance, being the 9th out of 10 Spanish courses that Arana designed. No golfing holiday in Spain is truly complete without a trip to El Saler.
- ARCHITECT: Javier Arana
- LOCATION: Valencia
- LENGTH: 6,042m
- TOTAL HOLES: 18
- PAR: 72
3. PGA CATALUNYA
Just a 45-minute drive north of Barcelona is the exquisite PGA course of Catalunya. This particular course took over 10 years of planning before it finally opened in the final months of 1998. Since opening it has hosted the 1999 Gene Sarazen World Cup as well as the 2000, 2009 and 2014 Spanish Open. This beautiful Catelonian region often seems a world away from Southern Spain and is a nice respite from the hotter climate; perfectly suited for golf holidays or weekends away.
- ARCHITECT: Angel Gallardo and Neil Coles
- LOCATION: Girona
- LENGTH: 6,226m
- TOTAL HOLES: 18
- PAR: 72
4. REAL SEVILLA
Set in the historic capital of Andalucia, you might find yourself enjoying more than just a golf holiday in Spain with this course. You can practice your swing by day and explore the rich history of the region by night. The course opened nearly 30 years ago and played host to the World Golf Championships back in 2004. On first glance Real Club de Golf de Sevilla may look flat and open, but it can be a rather testing course. Well worth a visit during a golfing holiday in Spain for a strategic test of your skill and ability.
- ARCHITECT: José Maria Olazabal
- LOCATION: Seville
- LENGTH: Men – 5,637m / Ladies – 5,305m
- TOTAL HOLES: 18
- PAR: 72
5. LA RESERVA
La Reserva is the latest addition to the existing courses already well established in this part of the Costa del Sol. Despite its relatively short life, many already consider the course capable of hosting international championships. Little wonder, then, that La Reserva was designed by world-renowned golf architect Cabell. B. Robinson. The prolific architect has done a wonderful job of moulding the course into a Y-shaped valley, taking special care of any plants and trees of ecological interest. Several water features can also be found dotted about La Reserva, making it a very interesting course to play.
- ARCHITECT: Cabell Robinson
- LOCATION: Sotogrande, Cadiz
- LENGTH: 6,721m
- TOTAL HOLES: 18
- PAR: 72
6. FINCA CORTESÍN
Currently rated the 5th best golf course in Spain, Finca Cortesîn is also one of Europe’s longest. Measuring almost 7,000 metres, Robinsons dream of creating championship quality for every single hole is fast becoming a reality. Finca Cortesîn is located through a scenic valley and therefore doesn’t suffer the surrounding property development that many other courses struggle with. The relaxed atmosphere and quality customer service you receive here is worth the trip alone; golf holidays in Spain don’t get much better than this.
- ARCHITECT: Cabell Robinson
- LOCATION: Malaga
- LENGTH: 6,800m
- TOTAL HOLES: 18
- PAR: 72
7. REAL CLUB DE LA PUERTA DE HIERRO
The final choice for our list of top golf courses in Spain is Real Club de la Puerta de Hierro (or Royal Club of the Iron Gate). If you think the name alone exudes hints of history and exclusiveness, you’d be right. Opened in 1904, Real Club de la Puerta de Hierro is one of the oldest and most traditional courses in Spain. The club only opens its doors to members and their guests, so although you may struggle to get on and play a few rounds, we thought it at least needed a special mention. The course has hosted the Madrid Open 19 times in the past, so even if you’re not lucky enough to get on their yourself, you can always admire it on-screen. Either that or try to befriend a member; Madrid pub crawl, anyone?
- ARCHITECT(S): Tom Simpson, Harry Colt, John Harris, Kyle Phillips
- LOCATION: Madrid
- LENGTH: Arriba 6,347m / Abajo 6,504m
- TOTAL HOLES: 36
- PAR: 72
Golf holidays in Spain are becoming more and more popular with international players as accessibility and prices begin to look more financially favourable. Direct Golf Holidays are one of the leading golf tour operators for European golf holidays. With our key focus on professionalism and low prices, we aim to beat any other like for like package offered to our destinations. If you’re looking for a recession beating golf holiday then book online today or call us on (+34) 656 561530 and we will be happy to help.