15 best golf courses in Marbella

The Costa del Sol in Spain can boast not only an abundance of sunshine, a beautiful climate and fashionable resorts for any taste. This region of southern Spain is a paradise for golf players. There are 70 of the 437 courses - the leading concentration of Spanish golf tourism in Europe. And of all the regions of the Costa del Sol, Marbella, with its 21 golf courses and beautiful frontline golf properties, is the centre of attraction for the fans of the game. 85% of tourists visit Marbella annually just for the opportunity to enjoy the game and the highest level of service at the golf resorts.

In this article, we will tell you the reasons for this popularity and review the best golf clubs in Marbella.

• Table of contents
• A brief history of golf on the Costa del Sol and Marbella
• 6 reasons for the popularity of golf in Marbella
• 1. Real Club de Golf las Brisas
• 2. Aloha Golf Club
• 3. Los Naranjos Golf Club
• 4. Marbella Golf and Country Club
• 5. Real Club de Golf Guadalmina
• 6. La Quinta Golf
• 7. Santa Clara Golf
• 8. Santa Maria Golf
• 9. Río Real Golf & Hotel - Marbella
• 10. Finca Cortesin
• 11. La Zagaleta Golf Club
• 12. Real Club Valderrama (Sotogrande)
• 13. Flamingos Golf
• 14. Atalaya Golf & Country Club - New Course
• 15. El Paraiso

The first Spanish golf course was the Real Club de Golf de las Palmas in Gran Canaria, which appeared in 1891. In Malaga, the first golf courses started to be built in the 1920s. At that time, the game was the main summer entertainment for the British royal family, who regularly spent vacations at the local resorts.

In fact, the first "designer" of the golf course in Malaga was the daughter of Queen Victoria and the great-grandmother of King Felipe of Spain - Beatriz de Battenberg. She designed a small 9-hole course, wherein 1925 the first and one of the most prestigious golf clubs in Marbella - Parador del Golf opened.

The glory of the best place in Spain to play golf came to the Costa del Sol in the late 1950s - early 1960s. At this time the region was discovered by international celebrities and members of European high society; many of them were excellent golf players. To meet the steadily growing demand from wealthy tourists, the area began to actively develop with premium golf courses.

The first golf course in Marbella was the Guadalmina Club de Golf, which appeared in 1959 in the western part of the resort. Rio Real Golf opened in the east of the city in 1965. The Atalaya Golf opened here in 1968 and Las Brisas opened in 1969.
The best designers in the world worked on Marbella golf courses:

• Tom Simpson expanded the famous Parador de Golf in Spain to 18 holes
• Severiano Ballesteros designed Los Arqueros Golf and Alhaurín Golf
• Robert Trent Jones designed most of the golf courses of the Costa del Sol, including Sotogrande Golf and Las Brisas
• Javier Arana was responsible for the Guadalmina Club de Golf and Rio Real Golf, and he is also the founder of the Spanish Golf Federation

The feature of the design of these golf course designers was the closest attention to every detail of the course. For example, they used stress-resistant varieties of grass and uniform automatic watering. Each golf course in Marbella fits in its surroundings perfectly. The 18-hole Rio Real course, for example, follows the natural curves of the Rio Real river, because the course is on the coast.

1. The vegetation of the golf course creates a special microclimate throughout the year, making the temperatures milder in summer, due to evaporation, and in winter, due to the accumulation of daytime heat on the wide green areas.
2. People on the courses are respectful of the environment and nature. Living in front of the golf course allows you to enjoy the views as well as the fauna that inhabit it.
3. The local golf courses are about healthy lifestyles at nearby country clubs because they offer all kinds of health and wellness services besides golf.
4. The golf course is always close to a good restaurant where you can enjoy healthy and quality gastronomic delights.
5. Each golf course has its own clubhouse, where there are events for members of the same social status. This is a great opportunity to meet and make friends with new people.
6. The golf courses are usually located in protected and very quiet urbanizations with complete security. It is perfect for families.

Interesting statistics:

• Three out of ten golf players who come to the Costa del Sol are tourists over the age of 60. And the average age of players who actively play golf is 51.2 years.
• The average duration of stay for tourists on the Costa del Sol courses is 7.02 days.
• During this time, tourists spend about 230 euros a day on visits to golf clubs.
• 8 out of 10 tourists, besides playing golf, say that the desire to enjoy the sun and beach, local cuisine and a cultural program are the reasons for going to Marbella.
• 4 and 5-star hotels are the leaders in terms of accommodation for guests of the resorts. Nine out of ten tourists in Marbella stay there.
• One active golf player comes onto the course on average 4.6 times a week.
• On average, these players come to Marbella 4.7 times.
• The peak of the golf players activity is in October, February, November and March.

Here is our latest rating of the best golf courses in terms of condition, views and guest services:

• Official Website
• Phone number: +34 952 90 8187
• Designer: Robert Trent Jones
• Difficulty: medium
• Length of the course: 6203 m
• 18 holes, 71 pars

Founded in 1968, the Real Club de Golf Las Brisas is recognized as one of the best golf courses not only in Spain, but also in Europe. This course regularly holds regional and national competitions and has hosted the World Golf Championship twice.

The course landscape is designed in a way that the guests of the club feel like they are playing in the middle of a botanical garden. There are trees and plants from different parts of the world, creating a unique atmosphere of beauty and harmony.

Local players claim that every hole on the Las Brisas course gives a unique playing experience. The difficulty increases gradually - from hole number 3, the course requires maximum focus and concentration.

The club will please you with the first-class service, excellent cuisine at the local restaurant and various recreational activities. There is a professional store in the territory of the club, where you can buy golf equipment and accessories.

• The 10 holes green fee is 165 euros
• Club membership cost 20 000 euros
• Annual membership fee is 2500 euros.

A golf cart is included.

• Official Website
• Phone number: +34 952 907 085
• Designer: Javier Arana
• Difficulty: medium
• Length of the course: 6293 m
• 18 holes, 72 pars

Aloha Golf Club is one of the top three golf courses of Nueva Andalucía along with Las Brisas and Los Naranjos. One of the best golf course designers in Spain, Javier Arana, has created a unique landscape that resembles a picturesque English park. Low hills, green spaces, water obstacles and bushes create challenging conditions for players and provide a rich and fascinating game.

Aloha Golf Club often holds world championships, such as the Spanish Amateur, the Spain-England Amateur and the Open de Andalucía European PGA Tour.

An 18 hole green fee is 150 euros during the high season.

A golf cart is included.

• Official website
• Phone number: +34 952 81 52 06
• Designer: Robert Trent Jones
• Difficulty: medium
• Length of the course: 6116 m
• 18 holes, 72 pars

Los Naranjos Golf Club is located in the golf valley of New Andalusia, near Puerto Banus and Marbella. This course is ranked 19th in the top 100 courses of southern Spain, and it has been a frequent place for world golf championships since its founding in 1977. The club is famous for its wide fairways with strategically designed obstacles, bright emerald lawns and magnificent mountain views.

The highlight of the club is a restaurant with premium cuisine and fantastic views from the terrace. Guests can also take advantage of the golf store, hairdressing salon and beauty studio.

18 holes green fees

• High season: 150 euros
• Medium season: 87 euros
• Low season: 80 euros

9 holes green fees

• High season: 103 euros
• Medium season: 47 euros
• Low season: 47 euros

A golf cart is included.

• Official website
• Phone number: +34 952 83 05 00
• Designer: Robert Trent Jones Sr.
• Difficulty: medium
• Length of the course: 6000 m
• 18 holes, 72 pars

Marbella Golf and Country Club offers an 18-hole, 72-par course five minutes east of Marbella city center. Built in 1989, the course is one of the best and most challenging on the Costa del Sol. The fact is that the first nine holes are located on the top of the hill, defying not only beginners but also experienced players. In addition, the course has a unique combination of bunkers and water obstacles.

Located among the hills, the course with its natural landscape offers players the most spectacular views of the surrounding hills, olive groves and the warm sea. Marbella Golf and Country Club facilities include a stylish ClubHouse restaurant with a seasonal menu, conference rooms, a boutique with the latest clothing collections, a golf academy and three tennis courts.

18 holes green fees

• High season: 110 euros
• Medium season: 92 euros
• Low season: 92 euros

9 holes green fees

• High season: 76,50 euros
• Medium season: 63,50 euros
• Low season: 63,50 euros

A golf cart is included.

• Official website
• Phone number: +34 952 883 375
• Designer: Javier Arana
• Difficulty: medium
• Length of the course: 6683 m
• 18 holes, 72 pars

The Real Club de Golf Guadalmina is one of the oldest and most respectable golf clubs in Marbella, founded in 1959. The club includes the South course and the North course with 18 holes each. The most experienced golf players come here to test their skills on the challenging narrow fairways with dense grass and deep bunkers.

Players especially love the area from the 10th hole. There is the most picturesque view of the Nueva Andalucía surroundings.

• 18 holes green fee (North) – 96 euros
• 18 holes green fee (South) – 155 euros
• The golf cart costs 34–45 euros

• Official website
• Phone number: +34 (0) 952 762039
• Designer: Manuel Piñero
• Difficulty: medium
• Length of the course: 5602 m
• 27 holes, 71 pars

La Quinta Golf was built in 1989 in a quiet residential area of Nueva Andalucía. To this day it incarnates the true atmosphere of an elite Mediterranean resort.

The uniqueness of this course is the layout of the holes. There are 27 holes in total, and the entire course is divided into three zones of 9 holes each. This layout gives golf players the opportunity to combine fairways and reveal their individual styles of play. The course is not too long and it has areas of high and low difficulty, so La Quinta Golf is suitable for both golf beginners and experts.

In addition to the main course, La Quinta Golf also has a practice area, underground parking, golf store, golf academy and a fashionable restaurant.

San Pedro, Ronda and Guadayza green fees: 90 euros.

A golf cart is included.

• Official website
• Phone number: +34 952 850 111
• Designer: Enrique Canales Busquets
• Difficulty: medium
• Length of the course: 5878 m
• 18 holes, 71 pars

Santa Clara Golf is one of the youngest clubs in Marbella, it opened in 2001. Thanks to its location in the middle of the residential complexes of the eastern part of the resort town and its convenient layout, it is a favourite destination not only for single players but also for families.

The most important golf publications regularly single out Santa Clara Golf for its respect for the environment and the local flora and fauna. Experts not only praise the course itself, but they even think that the practice area is one of the best in Marbella.
Santa Clara Golf will please its guests with a luxury boutique, a local restaurant, a golf school, as well as a state-of-the-art golf cart and equipment repair shop.

18 holes green fees

• High season: 100 euros
• Low season: 65 euros

9 holes green fees

• High season: 65 euros
• Low season: 50 euros

A golf cart is not included.

• Official website
• Phone number: +34 952 831 036
• Designers: Antonio Garrido and Collin Mosley
• Difficulty: medium
• Length of the course: 5562 m
• 18 holes, 70 pars

The Santa Maria Golf course in Elviria is one of the most well maintained and landscaped golf courses on the Costa del Sol. The golf club is located in the middle of a picturesque valley, surrounded by majestic pine trees and cork oaks. It attracts not only golf players but also lovers of sunbathing – it’s only a couple of hundred meters to one of the best beaches in Marbella.

The feature of the course is fairly steep hills, so it’s not doable without a golf cart here. Despite its proximity to the N340 freeway, here you will experience absolute peace and tranquillity, due to the authentic Spanish countryside atmosphere. In addition to the main golf course, Santa Maria Golf offers a training fairway, a bowling alley and a premium restaurant with a large and beautiful terrace.

18 holes green fees

• High season: 110 euros
• Medium season: 80 euros
• Low season: 70 euros

9 holes green fees

• High season: 60 euros
• Medium season: 50 euros
• Low season: 50 euros

A golf cart is not included.

• Official website
• Phone number: +34 952 765 732
• Designer: Javier Arana
• Difficulty: medium
• Length of the course: 6166 m
• 18 holes, 72 pars

Opened in 1965, Río Real is one of the top 40 golf courses in Spain according to Top100GolfCourses.com. The view on the 4th and 8th holes is particularly stunning.

The experts of the Royal Spanish Golf Federation note the unique beauty of Río Real and the impressive layout of the course. The holes run along the banks of the river and provide the most spectacular views. Although the course is challenging, it is adapted to the players of all levels. For example, beginners can try their hand on the high holes, while more experienced players can try to overcome bunkers and water obstacles.

18 holes green fees

• High season: 104 euros
• Medium season: 82 euros
• Low season: 78 euros

A golf cart is included.

• Official Website
• Phone number: +34 (0) 952 93 78 83
• Designer: Cabel B. Robinson
• Difficulty: high
• Length of the course: 6802 m
• 18 holes, 72 pars

Finca Cortesin is located in Casares, between Estepona and Sotogrande. The unique course is one of the longest in Europe. The playing area has a great variety of natural vegetation, including olive and cork trees. The course follows the complex contours of a large valley with all the elevation differences. There are more than 100 bunkers, lots of difficult rafts and water obstacles. All of it makes the game truly challenging and fascinating.

This is where one of the world's most prestigious golf tournaments, the Volvo World Match Play, was held. According to Golf Digest magazine, Finca Cortesin is one of the best golf courses in Spain, taking fifth place in Spain and 25th place in Europe.
Players are served free cold water and fresh fruit on the course. After a busy game, you can enjoy haute cuisine in the club's Michelin award-winning restaurant. The prices at Finca Cortesin are comparatively high, but they fully match the first-class service.

18 holes green fees

• High season: 305 euros
• Medium season: 290 euros
• Low season: 260 euros

9 holes green fees

• High season: 163 euros
• Medium season: 155 euros
• Low season: 144 euros

Golf club rental

• Taylormade: 56 euros
• Honma: 125 euros

A golf cart and golf balls are included.

• Official Website
• Phone number: +34 952 85 54 53
• Designer: Old Course - Brad Benz; New Course - Steve Marnoch and Jonathan Gaunt
• Difficulty: High
• Length of the Old Course: 6,010m, 18 holes, 72 pars
• Length of the New Course: 5,391m, 18 holes, 70 pars

La Zagaleta is situated in the luxurious surroundings of Marbella. With its privileged setting, it offers one of Marbella's top golfing experiences, making it a favorite among the elite.

Boasting two courses, the club promises panoramic views of the coast and mountains. Both the Old and New Courses are set in a serene environment exclusive to members. The Old Course, designed in 1991 and redesigned in 2016, provides a challenging yet entertaining game with its strategic bunkers, water features, and gradients. The New Course, designed in 2005, offers a technically demanding game with well-thought-out obstacles and doglegs.

La Zagaleta has played host to several significant events, including the 2023 PING Junior Solheim Cup on the Old Course. It remains a top pick for many tournaments and private competitions.

Amenities:
Players at La Zagaleta can enjoy post-play relaxation in one of two clubhouses, each equipped with exquisite dining options, lounges, and terraces. Moreover, the club offers a fine blend of luxury and functionality, with facilities like an organic gourmet food store in the Old Course clubhouse.

Membership & Access:

• Golf Membership: Residing in La Zagaleta requires a golf membership, costing €11,000 annually with a registration fee of around €100,000.
• Access for Non-Residents: While the Old Course is exclusively for residents, the New Course does welcome outside players during specific hours on selected days.

• Official website
• Phone number: +34 956 791 200
• Designer: Robert Trent Jones Sr.
• Difficulty: High
• Length of the course: 6356 m
• Holes: 18 holes, 71 pars

Location & Overview:
Situated in the heart of Sotogrande, the Real Club Valderrama stands out not just for its championship layout but also for its storied history and iconic beauty. The course has witnessed many historic moments in the golfing world, the pinnacle being its selection as the host venue for the Ryder Cup in 1997.

Course Description:
Every fairway and green at Valderrama is a testament to Robert Trent Jones Sr.'s genius. The course is meticulously designed, with each hole requiring a blend of strategy and skill. The cork trees that dot the course not only add to its beauty but also represent a unique challenge, often influencing shot selections. Moreover, the greens, known for their speed and undulation, are consistently rated among the best-maintained greens in the world.

Notable Features & Events:
Valderrama's reputation extends beyond its exceptional design. It has been a regular fixture on the European Tour, hosting the Volvo Masters for over a decade and the Andalucía Masters in recent years. This rich tournament history has solidified its place among the elite golf courses globally.

Beyond the game, Real Club Valderrama is deeply committed to environmental stewardship. It has set industry standards in water conservation, biodiversity, and sustainable management, earning numerous accolades for its green initiatives.

Fees & Services:

Green Fee for 18 holes: €500
Valderrama Day: €850 (It's advisable to inquire directly about the conditions of this offering.)
PGA Professional: €250
Caddy/Forecaddie: €60
Buggy: €60
Electric Trolley: €25
Hand Trolley: Courtesy (no charge)
Rental Clubs (Callaway brand): €50
Range Balls: Courtesy (no charge)

Additional Information:
For those keen on a holistic golf experience, the club offers comprehensive practice facilities, including a driving range, putting greens, and a short game area. The clubhouse, mirroring the course's elegance, provides top-tier amenities, from fine dining options to a well-stocked pro shop.

• Official website
• Phone Number: +34 952 889 157
• Designer: Antonio Garcia Garrido
• Difficulty: medium
• Length of the course: 5714 m
• 18 holes, 71 pars

The Flamingos Golf course offers players an elaborate landscape, a variety of green areas and spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. The greens here are quite significant, but in the first half of the course, the thin fairways require great accuracy from the players.

A special feature of Flamingos Golf is the Arroyo del Taraje stream, which runs through the course and flows into a small lake next to the 1st and 10th holes. Antonio Garcia Garrido has thought out every square meter of the course to the smallest detail. For example, each hole here is planted with its own species of trees. That's why, on the course, you are among cypresses, chestnuts, pomegranates, oranges, and olive trees.

18 holes green fees

• High season – 155 euros
• Medium season – 115 euros
• Low season – 115 euros

9 holes green fee

• High season – 93 euros
• Medium season – 169 euros
• Low season – 169 euros
• Golf cart rental – 45 euros

• Official website
• Phone number: +34 952 882 812
• Designer: Paul Krings
• Difficulty: medium
• Length of the course: 5325 m
• 18 holes, 71 pars

Atalaya Golf & Country Club was opened in Benahavis between Marbella and Estepona in 1990. Designer Paul Krings designed it to resemble a cosy park, with gently curving fairways and manicured lawns, cool fountains and dense stands of eucalyptus, palms and azaleas. Experienced golf players have favoured Atalaya Golf since its inception due to its narrow fairways and abundance of water hazards.

The Atalaya Golf invites guests to have dinner at a restaurant that serves excellent local cuisine. Two kiosks with freshly baked goods and fruit juices offer refreshments during the game.

18 holes green fees

• High season: 120 euros
• Medium season: 80 euros
• Low season: 70 euros

9 holes green fee is upon request

A golf cart is not included.

• Official website;
• Phone number: +34 952 88 38 35
• Designer: Gary Player
• Difficulty: easy
• Length of the course: 6131 m
• 18 holes, 71 pars

The feature of El Paraiso is that its own members, who continually improve and upgrade their favorite place to play golf, run the club. Guests note that even those who are not members are treated with great care and friendliness.

9 holes out of 18 make a full round, so the player returns to the clubhouse at some point. The local greens and fairways are maintained in excellent condition. As guests of El Paraiso assure us, the most picturesque views are from the 6th and 8th holes.

18 holes green fees

• High season: 100 euros
• Medium season: 80 euros
• Low season: 65 euros

A golf cart is not included. However, you don’t need it, thanks to the comfortable and elaborate tracks.

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