Spain - Golf Courses

The Marbella Area

The Marbella area of the Costa del Sol, possesses an interesting mix of old and new designs, as well as 'mountain' type courses and courses located right next to the beautiful Mediterranean. Whatever level and style of golf you wish to play – you are sure to find it among the many fine courses near Marbella.

ALOHA: Aloha is a private golf club, which welcomes visitors. The varied vegetation gives each hole its own distinct flavor. The large, often difficult, greens are a different matter however - none more so than the heavily guarded 10th, a par 5 whose bordering lakes make it memorable for its natural beauty.

LAS BRISAS: Real Club De Golf Las Brisas was founded in 1969. The course was designed by one of the world's greatest golf designers, Robert Trent Jones Sr. Las Brisas includes numerous water obstacles - there are ten lakes fed by two streams. The greens, the majority of which are raised, are amply protected by bunkers.

LA CALA RESORT: La Cala features 36 holes, a David Leadbetter Golf Academy and a six hole par 3 course, all designed by Cabell B. Robinson, a protege of Robert Trent Jones. Both the North (Norte) and South (Sur) Courses' meander through the surrounding hills, offering many spectacular views of the adjacent countryside and down to the Mediterranean Sea below.

GUADALMINA: There are 36 holes of championship golf at Guadalmina Golf Club. The South (Sur) Course is the older of the two layouts. The South Course was designed by Javier Arana in 1959 and is well known as a stern test of golf. The second course, the North (Norte), was designed by Folco Nardo and opened in 1973. It is shorter and hillier than the South Course and includes several lakes.

MIJAS GOLF: Mijas Golf has two Robert Trent Jones designed courses and is one of southern Spain's most popular clubs, with both resident and visiting golfers. Opened in 1976, Los Lagos, has wide fairways, large raised greens and an extravagant application of vast bunkers and water. In many ways, Los Olivos represents the antithesis of Los Lagos. It is younger (1984) and shorter than its sister course, with many raised greens. There is less water, the fairways are narrower, there are more trees and generally it is more undulating. This course favors the 'precision' hitter rather than the 'big' hitter.

MONTE MAYOR: Nestled in the mountains of Benahavis, Monte Mayor is one of Andalucias most spectacular golf courses. Designed by Jose Gancedo, it is a challenging proposition from the 1st tee until the 18th green. The quality of the greens, the natural beauty of the locale and its quietness will make your round of golf unforgettable.

LOS NARANJOS: Long terraced tees and large undulating greens are the unmistakable hallmarks of this Robert Trent Jones design. There is a significant difference between the front nine holes, which are set in broad sweeping fairways with gentle slopes and the back nine which are much flatter. The par five 18th provides a grandstand finish crossing water to a raised green in front of the imposing clubhouse.

LA QUINTA: Situated in what is known as 'The Golf Valley', this course commands the best panoramic views of the mountains and Marbella coastline. La Quinta has three combinable courses (27 holes). Although apparently straightforward, it is, in fact, very demanding due to the design of the fairways and the excellent quality of the greens.

RIO REAL: One of the oldest clubs on the Costa del Sol. Rio Real is situated in a very picturesque valley with sea views crossed by the Rio Real river that gave the course its name. It is conveniently located only two miles from Marbella. Again, it is a Javier Arana design, opened to the public in 1965.

GOLF TORREQUEBRADA: The 18 holes of Golf Torrequebrada are situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains. It is rich in tropical vegetation and birds. With the large number of lakes and strategic placed bunkers, every hole is a different experience for the player.

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Located a short forty-five minute drive from Marbella and close to the famous 'Rock of Gibraltar', Sotogrande is home to Spain's most famous course – Valderrama, as well as a collection of other fine old and new designs.

ALCAIDESA: Alcaidesa Links Golf Club, which opened in 1992, is an experience that cannot be found anywhere else in Spain. It is the closest you will come to a pure links layout. The course has benefited from an extensive program of remodeling, in which fairways were improved and widened and new tees and cart tracks were built. The result is a much more forgiving layout that is acceptable for golfers of all abilities. It has magnificent views over the Mediterranean and the Rock of Gibraltar.

ALMENARA: A new gem in the 'Golden Triangle' of Sotogrande. This Dave Thomas design opened in the Spring of 1998 and has rapidly become one of the most popular courses in the area. Almenara is a haven for the golf enthusiast providing fantastic golf in some of the most beautiful settings in Europe. Nine holes are set beside a lake and nine over rolling hills scattered with cork oak and pine trees.

THE SAN ROQUE CLUB: The San Roque golf course was designed by Dave Thomas and is the Winter HQ for the PGA European Tour. This course is like a stadium layout with water and large greens. It has hosted many professional tournaments over the years. At 6,440 yards and par 72, the course is tough and always in excellent shape. A delightful course to play, with excellent practice facilities and clubhouse.

SOTOGRANDE: An old master among clubs on the coast, Royal Sotogrande opened in 1964, and is still one of Continental Europe's top ten courses. As recognition during its thirtieth year, Sotogrande was awarded the 'Royal' prefix. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sotogrande's layout has well-established vegetation with pine, cork oaks, eucalyptus and palm trees.

VALDERRAMA: Valderrama, the current home of the final American Express World Championship event, is a Robert Trent Jones masterpiece. The club, consistently voted #1 course in Continental Europe landed the greatest prize of all - host to the 1997 Ryder Cup. The course is one of the Continent's toughest challenges and has only surrendered sub par scores on a handful of occasions during the many professional events played there.

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Jerez & Seville

While the Costa del Sol is rightfully known as the center of golf in Andalucia, both Jerez and Seville are home to some world class courses. They are also two of Spain's centers of culture and tourism, well worth exploring.

MONTECASTILLO: A Jack Nicklaus design located at the resort of the same name near Jerez de la Frontera. It is the current site of the season ending Volvo European PGA Tour Championship. With multiple tees, Montecastillo can be enjoyed by golfers of all abilities. Beware the many water hazards and ample bunkers!

ROYAL PINEDA: First opened in 1939, this course is layed out next to the Guadaira river. It has a combination of broad fairways surrounded by thick vegetation, palm trees and small, difficult greens.

SEVILLA ROYAL: This is a 1992 Jose Maria Olazabal design with wide fairways set between multiple water hazards. It is a well balanced layout known for possessing manicured fairways and speedy greens.

ZAUDIN: A Gary Player design characterized by wide fairways and few trees. A course in which water offers the real test on many of its holes. It is set in a beautiful location, certain to heighten your level of enjoyment – no matter how you play!

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