Choosing the best golf courses on the Costa Del Sol is no easy task. With more than fifty courses of varying style and design dotted into the stunning coastline and countryside, it’s an area of Southern Spain synonymous with quality golf. And, with its blue skies, long summers and lively resorts, restaurants and bars, it’s been a favourite destination for golf holidays for many a decade.
This is one of the golfing heartlands from the country that’s given us Seve and Olly, Jiménez, Rafa and Rahm. A region of iconic destinations on the European golfing map. Courses that test your game without ruining your morale, offering spectacular views, beautifully manicured fairways, slick greens and a constant sense of joy. As they say, your worst day on the course still beats your best day at work.
Let’s take a look at some of the best courses you’ll find in the Costa Del Sol, playing their significant part in making the region one of Europe’s top golfing destinations.
Real Valderamma
Arguably the most iconic golf club in Spain, Valderrama is one of the great ‘must play’ courses in all of Europe. The course has played host to a plethora of big events, from the Volvo Masters, WGC-American Express, Open De España and the Ladies Spanish Open.
And, of course, Valderrama was the first club in continental Europe to host the Ryder Cup in 1997, as a Seve inspired home side pipped the USA.
As you’d expect, the course is a challenge of stamina and decision-making, with fast greens, tight fairways, and daunting approaches like the signature 17th hole. A tough test? Absolutely, but a total thrill nonetheless. A course of the highest quality, this is a ‘bucket list’ destination and an experience most golfers ought to try at least once.
ARCHITECT: Robert Trent Jones
LOCATION: Sotogrande, Prov de Cadiz
LENGTH: 6356m
TOTAL HOLES: 18
PAR: 71
Real Club de Golf Sotogrande
There’s an air of tradition, sophistication and serenity as you step onto the grounds, yet there’s always a warmth to the welcome of visitors, who can savour the quality of the elegant surroundings with good food and drink, and exceptional facilities before and after your round.
On the course, you can expect another exciting challenge, a testament to the venue’s history as a course for would-be qualifiers onto the European Tour.
It’s not a course for wild thrashes off the tee, as you’ll find some interesting spots among the trees if you veer too far from the wide, lush fairways. And the fast and well-contoured greens require concentration on every hole. But plot your way around and use your shots, and the course will reward you.
Another masterpiece of design from Robert Trent Jones, Sotogrande is one of the older destinations on the Costa Del Sol’s golfing map. But it remains one of the very best.
ARCHITECT: Robert Trent Jones
LOCATION: Paseo del Parque, 11310 Sotogrande, Cádiz
LENGTH: 6491m
TOTAL HOLES: 18
PAR: 72
San Roque (Old Course)
Hugely popular among visiting golfers to the Costa Del Sol, the Old Course at San Roque is one of the best courses in the region for golfers of all abilities.
A Dave Thomas and Tony Jacklin designed course in the early-90s, the course played host to the Spanish Open in 2005, following a reworking of the bunkers by Seve Ballesteros.
Set among an abundance of cork trees and offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, this is one of the more scenic courses in the region and one of the more popular inclusions on a golfing itinerary.
Immaculately presented, each hole offers its own challenge, with undulating fairways rewarding accuracy off the tee. With the closing holes meandering towards the lakes at the heart of the resort, it’s a test but always fun to play.
ARCHITECT: Dave Thomas & Tony Jacklin
LOCATION: 11360 San Roque (Cadiz),
LENGTH: 6508m
TOTAL HOLES: 18
PAR: 72
Aloha Golf Club
Opened in the mid-70s during the first golfing ‘gold rush’ in the Costa Del Sol, Aloha is another gem situated at the epicentre of the region.
Offering sensational views of the nearby resorts of Marbella and Puerto Banus, the course couldn’t be more accessible for those looking to combine great golf with high-end evening entertainment.
The course, a three-time host of the Andalucian Open on the European Tour, can play every inch of its 6309m from the back tees, although casual golfers will more likely play further forward. Nevertheless, with some tight fairways and blind approaches, it’s not without its challenges. But it’s the immaculate settings and the ambience that really makes this course one of the great experiences of a golfing holiday in the Costa Del Sol.
ARCHITECT: Javier Arana
LOCATION: Marbella 29660, Andalucia
LENGTH: 6309m
TOTAL HOLES: 18
PAR: 72
Finca Cortesin
Only opened in 2007, this relatively new course has certainly muscled its way onto the favourite lists for many visitors to the region. And, with so many golf destinations vying for attention in the Costa Del Sol, that’s no mean feat.
Heading inland from the coast, the Finca Cortes course carves its way through an imposing, spectacular valley. The Cabell Robinson design was developed specifically to create a championship-level experience on every hole. And, at more than 6700m in length, with lush fairways and the refreshing absence of property development, it doesn’t disappoint.
There’s intrigue on almost every hole, from sloping greens, water hazards and thought-provoking doglegs, such as the exceptional par 5 12th.
As the host course for the 2023 Solheim Cup, it’s a course with a growing reputation and one that warrants a spot on any Costa Del Sol golf trip.
ARCHITECT: Cabell Robinson
LOCATION: Ctra. de Casares, s/n E29690, Casares, Malaga
LENGTH: 6736m
TOTAL HOLES: 18
PAR: 72
El Chaparral Golf Club
One of the most popular golfing experiences in the whole of the Costa Del Sol, Chaparral is, quite simply, one of those golf courses that’s just a sheer delight to play when on your holidays.
Offering amazing views of the Mediterranean, the course is an interesting mix of parkland play in a coastal setting. Beautifully presented, it’s a smorgasbord of a course, with every hole providing a unique golfing flavour.
Designed by Pepe Gancede, it’s not overly long, but it does deliver its own set of challenges while remaining friendly to the casual golfer. And, with the eighteen holes equally divided between six par-3s, six par-4s and six par-5s, there’s a lot of fun to be had for your society Stableford.
ARCHITECT: Pepe Gancede
LOCATION: 29648 Mijas Costa, Málaga
LENGTH: 5676m
TOTAL HOLES: 18
PAR: 72
The sheer joy of a golf trip to the Costa Del Sol is the choice of quality courses within touching distance of some of Europe’s premier holiday destinations. Courses that offer both coastal and mountain views, ranging from social fun to serious championship challenge.
And, while these courses represent some of our favourites in the region, there are countless others that deserve to be experienced as well.
Which is why golfers return to Costa year after year after year.
If you’re considering the Costa Del Sol for your next golfing break, then why not get in touch with our team at Direct Golf Holiday. We’re one of the leading golf tour operators for holidays in the UK, Ireland and Europe, and would be delighted to find the right trip for you, at the best prices. Visit our website to book online or give us a call on (+34) 656 561530.