Golf Courses
Magnificent Marbella – A True Golfing Mecca
Marbella is continental Europe’s premier destination for travelling golfers.
With more golf courses (15) than any other municipality in Spain, the popular international resort has some impressive numbers to attract golfers keen to play at various different clubs during their stay, but it is just as much (if not more) about quality as quantity.
Those 15 include some of the top courses not only in Spain but also at a global level. Several Marbella clubs have hosted numerous European Tour and other international events over the past half-century, attracting some of the greatest stars in the history of the game.
Royal Las Brisas, for example, hosted World Cups in 1989 and 1973 – the latter won by the US team of Jack Nicklaus and Johnnie Miller. Other players who have won major titles at Marbella clubs are Nick Faldo, Ian Woosnam, Lee Westwood, Curtis Strange and Málaga’s own Miguel Ángel Jiménez.
There are three other renowned clubs in the same Nueva Andalucía area as Las Brisas, popularly known as Marbella’s “Golf Valley”: Aloha, Los Naranjos and La Quinta (27 holes).
On the eastern outskirts of Marbella town centre, Río Real is one of Spain’s most venerable clubs, having been founded in 1965 and designed by the late doyen of Spanish golf course architects, Javier Arana. Four other 18-hole courses are located further east in this part of the municipality, Santa Clara, Marbella Golf Country Club (designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr.), Santa María and Cabopino – as well as the nine-hole par-three course Greenlife.
At the western end of Marbella municipality is Royal Guadalmina, with two courses, the South (opened in 1959) and North (1973), while one of the more recently opened courses, Marbella Club Golf Resort, is located just off the iconic Golden Mile.
There is also the nine-hole Magna Marbella course between Nueva Andalucía and San Pedro de Alcántara and another short par-three layout, Banús Executive, previously known as La Dama de Noche when it was inaugurated near Puerto Banús in 1991 as Spain’s first fully-illuminated 24-hour course.
Complementing these courses are modern golf academies and meticulously maintained driving ranges with the latest cutting-edge technology, while many golf clubs also offer players gourmet cuisine that rivals that of the finest restaurants in Marbella.
Speaking of which, four restaurants have attained prestigious Michelin recognition: Skina (in the Old Town) with two stars, and Messina and Nintai (Marbella town centre) and El Lago (at Greenlife in Elviria), both one each.
For travelling golfers who also like to spend time away from the fairways exploring the local attractions, Marbella’s Old Town offers a fascinating historical journey spanning several centuries, the Puerto Banús marina is renowned as one of Europe’s hotspots of glamour, and the municipality extends along 30 kilometres of coastline replete with luxury beach amenities and a wide array of nautical activities.
Getting to Marbella is convenient from just about anywhere in the world, with the Málaga-Costa del Sol international airport one of Europe’s major flight hubs. If renting a car on arrival, the municipality is serviced by a modern transport infrastructure, and it is an excellent base for visiting other parts of Andalucía including Granada, Córdoba and Sevilla.
Finally, Marbella is an exceptional five-star destination when it comes to hotels, with a superb choice of establishments both next to golf courses and in convenient urban areas – most with state-of-the-art spa and wellness amenities for relaxing après-golf and for non-golfing companions.
At Golf in Spain we can provide you with green fees at most of Marbella’s golf courses at preferential rates.
Time to look for your flights to Marbella and plan your next golf break to the Spanish golfing Mecca.
LIV Tour Event to be Held at Valderrama in Summer 2023
There had been intense speculation since this year’s decaffeinated Andalucía Masters, and now the rumours have been confirmed officially. LIV Golf has announced that Royal Valderrama Club will host one of the renegade tour’s 14 events in 2023, from 30 June to 2 July.
The announcement follows reports in recent months that Valderrama had become increasingly irritated with the DP World Tour (formerly European Tour) at the diminishing status of the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters, which attracted a second-tier field for the 2022 edition in October.
Now, that annoyance has culminated in Valderrama agreeing to host a LIV Tour event for the next five years.
Announcing that El Camaleón (Mexico) and Sentosa (Singapore) would also be hosting tournaments in 2023, as well as the previously confirmed The Grange in Australia, LIV Golf CEO and commissioner Greg Norman said, “LIV Golf is truly a global league dedicated to expanding the sport throughout the world, and these destinations for the league’s 2023 launch showcase our commitment to tournament play at the highest level. These venues have played host to signature moments in golf, and we’re excited to build new traditions for the sport while delivering a first-class fan experience at some of the world’s best courses.”
Valderrama chief executive Javier Reviriego said, “Royal Valderrama Club has a rich history of hosting extraordinary golf tournaments, and we are excited to initiate this new partnership with LIV Golf. The quality of players that will compete at Valderrama will no doubt attract many European fans that are eager to see some of the best golfers in the world. We will ensure that the golf course is presented in top condition and that it represents a true challenge, where precision and strategy will play a key role. There is no doubt that the five LIV Golf events that we will be hosting in the coming years will further position Andalucía as one of the top golf destinations in the world.”
5 Reasons Why Murcia is a Travelling Golfer’s Paradise
When considering a golfing trip to Murcia you can be sure that your key holiday bullet points are all well covered.
First, the weather will be superb for golf, in an area renowned for having more than 300 days of sunshine a year and justifiably known as the “Warm Coast” (“Costa Cálida”).
Second, you will be able to play at a different club every day, as the region has 22 outstanding courses – both inland and in its popular coastal resorts.
Third, away from the fairways you will have plenty of other leisure activities to keep you – and any non-golfing companions – fully entertained, from nautical activities to hiking in the mountains.
Fourth, the region offers a diverse and extensive selection of accommodation options, from five-star luxury hotels by the beach to rustic boutique hotels surrounded by stunning nature parks.
And finally, closing out our top five reasons for planning a getaway on the Costa Cálida, for golfing foodies and wine-lovers Murcia truly is a gastronomic jewel. The region was Spain’s official “Capital of Gastronomy” in 2020 and 2021, in recognition of its exceptional Mediterranean cuisine and three “Denomination of Origin” wine regions: Bullas, Jumilla and Yecla.
Spectacular New Opening Grandstand Hole for 2023 Solheim Cup at Finca Cortesín
Finca Cortesín has officially unveiled a new opening hole at the Casares course as the 365-day countdown to next year’s Solheim Cup begins. Announcing the change to the course – part of a general revamp and upgrade overseen by original designer Cabell B. Robinson – the tournament organisers said, “The ambience on the first hole of the Solheim Cup is unlike any other golf tournament. The atmosphere and the decibels created by the European and American fans with their chants, music and colours mean that at that moment, the spectacle is turned from the golfers to the stands.” Continue reading
Los Lagos and Los Olivos now open in Mijas Golf
Great news coming from Mijas Golf in Costa del Sol. Both courses, Los Lagos and Los Olivos will now again be fully operational after their maintenance ends. This means low season rates until September 19th and both courses available thereafter.
Good to see our friends in Mijas Golf fully operational again.
#spainisready
Discover the Best-Kept Secrets of Spain’s Desert Golf Courses
Spain is full of relatively unknown golfing holiday jewels just waiting to be discovered. Most international golfers, for example, would not be familiar with Águilas, on the south-eastern Mediterranean coast. If that includes you, we are offering the opportunity to explore this fascinating area of Spain.
These two packages include accommodation at the Hotel Puerto Juan Montiel and “desert” golf at nearby courses, as well as a special golfing treat: the chance to play at a course whose design was personally overseen by the legendary Jack Nicklaus. Of the 400-plus Nicklaus Design courses around the world, only an exclusive group are recognised with his coveted “Signature” status, and Alhama is one of them.
Alhama Signature is a spectacular desert-style course featuring five large lakes, more than 100 bunkers and native Mediterranean flora and fauna, and offering exceptional views towards the Sierra Espuña mountain range and nature park.
In addition to Nicklaus’s creation, there are three other golfing delights included in these two packages. Depending on whether you decide on a three-night, one-week or longer stay, your golfing options will include green fees at Aguilón, Desert Springs and Lorca Resort.
Aguilón in Pulpi and Desert Springs (also in Almería province) both vie for the honour of being “Europe’s finest desert course”, while Lorca is a challenging 18-hole course designed by Dave Thomas.
Águilas is a picturesque seaside town at the western end of Murcia’s Costa Cálida (“Warm Coast”), not far from the border with Almería province. The municipality (population: 35,000) extends along 25 kilometres of beach coastline, and the village itself is built on a small peninsula between two bays and overlooked by an 18th century castle on the site of a Carthagian fortification.
Conveniently located opposite the marina, the four-star Hotel Puerto Juan Montiel offers guests a sixth-floor spa with stunning views, a restaurant and tavern, mini-golf and pádel tennis courts. They can also organise boating trips, sailing classes and numerous other water sports and nautical activities.
Take a one minute look at Aguilon on oir vídeo. One for Desert Springs also available.
Spanish Women’s Open Returns to Royal Guadalmina
Later this year Marbella-born Azahara Muñoz will be be returning to the scene of one of the most cherished moments in her career. The Ladies European Tour has just announced that the 2020 Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España will be played at Royal Guadalmina Golf Club from 26-29 November.
It was at Guadalmina where a young Azahara learnt to play the game before becoming an international star, and US LPGA Tour champion, and also the club where she won a second consecutive Spanish Women’s Open crown in 2017.
The previous year, at nearby Aloha Golf, Muñoz became the first Spanish women’s golfer to win her home Open. She also finished second behind Dutchwoman Anne Van Dam in the 2018 edition at La Quinta, and was joint fourth when the event returned to Aloha in 2019, also being won by Van Dam.
This year’s Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España will be the final tournament of the 2020 Ladies European Tour, offering a €600,000 prize fund (double last year’s total) and setting the scene for an exciting finale of the Race to Costa del Sol (the new LET order of merit).
Golf Course re openings after COVID19
Which golf courses are open?
We are trying to keep you updated about the golf courses with which we collaborate that have already confirmed opening dates. Remember that right now it is mandatory to pre-book your green fee. You can do it by clicking on each link or calling us from 09:30 to 15:00. Keep in mind that these indications and dates are informative and will be subject to changes based on the government regulations.
Alicante
- La Sella Golf: May 11
- Las Colinas Golf & Country Club: May 11
- Bonalba Golf: May 11
- Vistabella Golf: May 11
- Lo Romero Golf: May 11
- Puig Campana Golf: May 11
- Campoamor: May 11
- La Marquesa: May 11
- Campo de Golf Villamartín: Open
- Font del Llop Golf Resort: May 18
- Altea Club de Golf: May 11
- El Plantío Golf: open
- Alenda Golf: May 22
New COVID-19 Protocol for Golf
Spain’s golf courses are preparing to re-open their facilities – and we couldn’t be happier! We believe this could help reactivate tourism in general, and promote and enhance the Spanish brand outside our borders.
A new golf protocol has been presented to Spain’s health authorities, incorporating a series of proposed measures and recommendations for golfers. Many other countries are already allowing golf to be played in accordance with similar protocols. Golf has specific characteristics which mean it can be both accessible and safe following the COVID-19 outbreak.
These include the fact it is a non-contact sport, so security measures can be maintained, it is played outdoors, and tee times can be booked online.
Valle Guadiana Links green fees available at GolfinSpain
The former Costa Esuri golf course was inaugurated in November by Isla Canela with the new name “Valle Guadiana Links by Isla Canela“.
This magnificent 18-hole course designed by José Canales is located on the banks of the Guadiana River. The layout enables golfers to enjoy an exceptional setting at the river mouth, with views of the Algarve region in Portugal. The course facilities include a driving range, pro shop and clubhouse with a café-restaurant.
From now on if you book your golf package at Isla Canela you can play at Isla Canela Golf as well as Valle Guadiana Links. You can also book your green fee with us via this link.