What better way to bask in the sunshine on a beautiful Sunday than on the lush, well-manicured fairways of a golf course, surrounded by great friends? Golf is the sport that offers the perfect mix of outdoor beauty and social company. It’s no surprise that golf dominates the rankings of popular sports in Marbella and on the Costa del Sol, with its plenty of options of exceptional courses and the perfect golfing climate in this region. The Costa del Sol has been a distinguished host for numerous world golf championships, making it a cherished and acclaimed sport. Here are our top five golf courses for you to explore!
The Real Club de Golf Las Brisas
Designed by the renowned architect Robert Trent Jones and later updated by Kyle Philips, this golf club sets and maintains exceptionally high standards, ranking among the top golf clubs in Spain. It is known for its excellent service, meticulously kept facilities, outstanding dining options, and a wide range of social events and recreational activities available to both members and their guests.
The club offers an amazing restaurant with a lovely ambiance, serving exquisite cuisine. The golf course itself is a sight to behold, featuring stunning beauty that perfectly complements its design. The lush landscaping, thoughtfully created by Englishman Gerald Huggan, resembles a botanical garden, adorned with plants and trees sourced from all corners of the globe. From rare species like the Cape Chestnut and Spiny Acacias from Africa to the Indian Laurel and Mysore Ficus from Asia, the course is a rich tapestry of colours and textures.
The Real Club de Golf Sotogrande Golf Club
This course stands as a testament to Robert Trent Jones’s mastery, being his very first European golf course designed in 1964 and personally recognized by him as one of his top five favourites among the 500+ courses he designed worldwide. In 2016, it was thoughtfully restored by Rulewich & Fleury.
Located merely 150 metres from the Mediterranean, this fascinating golf course showcases courses perfectly blending in with the surrounding natural beauty, offering a captivating challenge for even the most seasoned golfers while remaining inviting and enjoyable for players of all skill levels.
The calibre of the course is well mirrored by the lineup of champions it has attracted over many years. Renowned golfers like Severiano Ballesteros, Jose María Olazabal, Roberto de Vicenzo, Sergio García, Padraig Harrington, and Rory McIlroy and many more. Worth mentioning is also that they just hosted the Spanish Open on the European Tour 2023.
Santana Golf (hidden gem)
Santana Golf Club is a hidden gem among golf enthusiasts. Its slightly more remote location means fewer crowds and better pricing. Interestingly, the course’s history is unique, it was built between 2002 and 2003 on the grounds of one of the largest avocado plantations in Europe. This unexpected feature proved to be a natural solution to various challenges during the course’s design and construction.
The end result is a magnificent golf course characterised by its broad and well-defined fairways, set on level terrain that is easily walkable. Water features are thoughtfully integrated into the design, adding to the course’s overall appeal without overwhelming it.
Los Naranjos Golf and Country Club
Los Naranjos Golf Club is another exclusive establishment designed by the renowned golf architect Robert Trent Jones. The course rapidly gained worldwide recognition due to its championship-level layout and masterful design, which led to hosting prestigious events like the World Cup and the Spanish Open.
This club contains exceptional facilities, a prime location, and an exquisite restaurant. It’s not just about golf, Los Naranjos is a hub for social gatherings and events, offering a tremendous sense of community. With a substantial number of Swedish members, the club even celebrates the Swedish tradition of Midsummer every summer, adding a unique cultural touch to its vibrant social scene.
Real Club de Golf Guadalmina
Guadalmina Golf Club is a prominent institution, home to two exceptional golf courses. One of these courses offers a unique experience by the Mediterranean Sea which allows you to inhale the fresh sea breeze as you tee off. With a membership of over 2,000 people from seventeen different nationalities, Guadalmina is celebrated for both its golfing excellence and vibrant social life on the Costa del Sol.
Since 2013, a dedicated team of professionals, led by Director Castor Gomez Lopez, has been introducing countless young talents to the world of golf in their golf school. And in 2008, the club received the Royal Appointment from His Majesty, becoming the “Real Club de Golf Guadalmina.” With fifty years of golfing heritage, it combines tradition and youthful vigour, creating a welcoming and prestigious presence in the region.
Doesn’t this reading awaken the desire to don your golfing attire, grip your trusty club, and head to the golf course for a day of exhilarating play? Whether you’re seeking to establish your roots in this golfing paradise or planning a relocation, we offer a wide array of magnificent homes for you to explore. Your dream lifestyle is within reach, so get in touch with us, and we’ll work to transform your housing dreams into reality!