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"The Costa del Golf"
Home > Spain > Costa Del Sol > Marbella
Ever wondered what the top Marbella golf courses are? Playing golf on the Costa del Sol is something that most of us have experienced. The coastline now boasts over 70 courses from Malaga in the east down to Gibraltar in the west. However, the coastline has not always been the go-to destination for golf breaks in Spain.
Most of the development on the coastline started in the 1970s and was partly down the Robert Trent Jones, one of the most celebrated course architects of his time, perhaps of all time.
The problem that was faced by all course architects developing on the Costa del Sol was how to preserve and grow the grass in the fierce Andalusian summers.
It would be hard to argue that without Jones' success in growing grass in the local climate, it would have been a very tough task developing the game on the Costa del Sol. Many great architects have now developed and left their mark on the coastline and have made it a go-to destination for any golf addict looking to play in sunnier climates.
The first golf balls hit on the Costa del Sol were circa 1920, a pastime for the British Royal family who regularly took vacations to the Malaga area in the summer. Beatriz de Battenberg – Queen Victoria's daughter and the Spanish King Felipe's great-grandmother – took on the design of a 9-hole course, which was built on the site of the current Parador layout near Malaga Airport.
This makeshift small course sowed the seed and a desire to make the Costa del Sol the region with the largest concentration of courses anywhere in Europe.
This Blog concentrates purely on the Marbella and Estepona regions of the Costa del Sol, Known locally as the Costa del Golf and the Golden Mile.
Whilst Marbella as a region holds the largest concentration of golf courses on the Costa del Sol with 21 courses, Estepona is ranked third with a further 10.
In our opinion, the Marbella region is where the best quality of accommodation, Gastronomy, and nightlife is; it's not known as "Golf Valley" for nothing!
Guadalmina was the first course in Marbella, built-in 1959 on the west side of the resort. Rio Real in the east followed shortly afterwards in 1965. As demand grew, so did the number of courses, with Atalaya in 1968 and Las Brisas in 1969. Others followed suit, such as the Marbella Club Golf Resort and Mijas Club.
Today you are spoilt for choice; whilst ranking the very best will divide opinion, we wanted to share with you our top 10 Marbella & Estepona as well as provide you with some lovely accommodation options to truly tailor your break.
Los Arqueros Golf & Country Club
Design – Seve Ballesteros
Opened for play – 1991
The course itself was designed by Seve Ballesteros to give the average golfer the opportunity to play a good challenging round that is both enjoyable and easily playable.
Where to Stay: Fuerte Marbella
Design – Cabell B. Robinson
Opened for play – 2010
In Estepona, Valle Romano is an excellent 18-hole course fitted out to play host to the most demanding and prestigious tournaments. Its design guarantees the enjoyment of amateur golfers while being transformed into a challenging circuit for professionals.
Where to Stay: ONA Valle Romano
Design – Juan Ligués Creus
Opened for play – 2001
Cabopino has spectacular views of the Mediterranean, as well as beautiful vegetation with a profusion of magnificent wide-crowned pines.
Where to Stay: NH Marbella
Design – Antonio García Garrido
Opened for play – 2002
Flamingos has hosted prestigious tournaments such as the 2002, 2003 and 2004 European Seniors and the Women's Spanish Open in 2010.
Where to Stay: Anantara Villa Padierna
Design – Manuel Pinero
Opened for play – 1989
Having opened for play as an 18-hole course in 1989, La Quinta has since expanded and now boasts a 27-hole complex for visitors to enjoy. The 27 holes have been split into three nine-hole loops, and each offers tremendous views of the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. A & C (San Pedro and Guadaiza) would be our preferred 18-hole loop.
Where to Stay: Westin La Quinta Golf & Spa Resort
Real Club de Guadalmina South Course
Design – Javier Arana
Opened for play – 1959
This is the oldest course renowned for its difficulty, thus making it more suitable for experienced players.
Fairways are narrow and well-protected by old trees requiring more straight shots.
The Great Sir Henry Cotton named the long 7th hole 'Tipperary' as it's a long way to go!
Where to Stay: Hotel Guadalmina Golf & Spa Resort
Los Naranjos Golf Club
Design – Robert Trent Jones
Opened for play – 1977
Los Naranjos belongs to a select group of resorts on the Costa del Sol, designed by world-famous architect Robert Trent Jones and built when suitable and still available. The course quickly caught world fame thanks to its championship layout and design during the hosting of the World Cup, Spanish Open and other important competitions.
Where to Stay: H10 Andalusia Plaza
Design – Javier Arana
Opened for play – 1965
Javier Aranas, the legendary Spanish course designer, took the natural terrain and used numerous varieties of trees, Olive, Cypress & Pine to name but a few, to create a course that golfers of all abilities can enjoy.
Where to Stay: Rio Real Resort
Design – Cabell B. Robinson
Opened for play – 2006
Finca Cortesin has hosted numerous high-profile events, including the Volvo World Match Play Championship on three occasions, one of the world's most prestigious professional tournaments and ranked in the top courses in Spain by the Golf World Magazine.
Where to Stay: Finca Cortesin Resort
Design – Robert Trent Jones
Opened for play – 1968
Real Club de Las Brisas is one of the oldest on the Costa del Sol. Designed in the golden age of course architecture, Robert Trent Jones's course is a masterpiece that demands accuracy on the player's part, and it is not enough to hit long shots. Course management is paramount. The layout contains many water hazards, including ten artificial lakes and ample protection from bunkers and greens that are mostly raised. All of this lies in unique natural surroundings.
Robert Trent Jones had a fantastic philosophy when designing courses.
"If players are going to attack a course, I am going to defend it!!"
Where to Stay: Puente Romano Marbella
The Golf in Marbella is just incrediable, manicured fairways, wonderful layouts by some of Spain's greatest course designers, pure greens and a fantastic history. A great region for local tapas to Michelin stared resturants and award winning bars. It is hard to beat what is on offer in Marbella.
Thomas Hall - Spanish Sales Specialist - 360 Golf Holidays
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