Costa del Sol: Marbella & Sotogrande
Golf Gourmet
The place
The “Costa del Sol”, is also called the “Golf Coast” in Spain.
With 300 sunny days guaranteed per year, this destination is a year round option for golfing. Marbella & Sotogrande in Spain, are recognized as the best golfing destinations in the Mediterranean for their luxury cuisine, nightlife and excellent accommodation options.
These great quality golf courses were hosts to some of the most important events of the European Tour and the Ryder’s Cup in 1997 when in Valderrama, Captain Seve Ballesteros led the European team to an unforgettable victory.
Golf
Costa del Sol has more than 100 golf courses from the city of Malaga to Cádiz with a great variety layouts, irregular landscapes, classic parkland paths, exquisite designs, views of the sea and even the Rock of Gibraltar. We recommend the famous “BIG FIVE”:
Valderrama
- Host of the 1997 Ryder’s Cup, won by Europe and led by Severiano Ballesteros
- This iconic and challenging design by Robert Trent Jones Sr. stands out for its fast greens, spectacular fringes and false fronts. Its pristine maintenance compares to the best private clubs in the US.
Real Club de Sotogrande
- Designed by Robert Trent Jones in 1964, its extraordinary greens and Club House are emblematic. Host of the Spanish Open, which in 1966 saw Roberto de Vicenzo lift its cup.
- While it’s a private club, Royal Golf Travel has access to booking tee times
- It also has a 9-hole par 3 course (ranging 100 and 220 yards distances) maintained at the same level as the main course. We highly recommend this “shortend golf program” after a good lunch at the Club.
Finca Cortesin
- Several times host the Volvo Match Play (European Tour), its terrain has unevenness resulting in a very challenging course.
- Excellent maintenance, very fast greens that become specially complicated to score on windy days.
La Reserva de Sotogrande
- Designed by Cabell Robinson, one of Robert Trent Jone Sr’s followers
- Its layout unfolds in the highest area of Sotogrande and it is exposed to wind and offers majestic views of the sea and Valderrama.
- We recommend having lunch at Club House, where you will find an amazing menu.
San Roque Old
- Its traditional Club House, inspired by Golf Clubs in the United Kingdom, has many items of golf memorabilia; take some minutes to walk through the halls and contemplate the walls filled with photos, plaques and more.
- Its design is picturesque and challenging so you will enjoy a fun round of golf with beautiful panoramic views.
Other recommended golf courses
Real Golf Club Las Brisas, Aloha, Los Naranjos, Alcaidesa (with views to the Gibraltar Rock), Valle Romano, Marbella, Río Real, Atalaya and El Parador.
Find very good golf courses in locations nearby like: Sevilla, Huelva, Granada, Almería y Córdoba.
Other things to do
- Sevilla and the Real Club Sevilla Golf: Excellent one-day program, take a luxury bus with Wi-Fi and snacks, play this fantastic José María Olazábal design that also hosts the Spanish Open.
- This European destination is full of nightlife, restaurants and bars open until late hours of the night. Visit Marbella, La Bahía de Sotogrande or Puerto Banús; take a ferry to Tangier, enjoy the Mediterranean beaches and the excellent Spanish food. You may also want to do a bit of sightseeing and visit historical nearby cities like Malaga, Cádiz, Seville or Tarifa.
Planning
Where to stay
Being the summer destination to the European upper class, Costa del Sol has excellent accommodation options: luxurious Golf Resorts like Finca Cortesín, boutique hotels in the Marbella area, mansions, houses and apartments for rent in the areas of Puerto Banús and Sotogrande Bay, and 5 star hotels.
Time to book
Although not much anticipation is required, if Valderrama and Real Sotogrande courses are on the playing list, we suggest booking 5 months in advance in order to confirm good tee-times and be able to choose accommodation.
When to travel
On Costa del Sol you may play golf year-round. October and November, and January until the end of May are high season. When planning your trip you have to consider the maintenance schedule posted by the golf courses to avoid unpleasant surprises. If you want to travel in the European summer, we suggest the second half of May until September. Avoid July and August which is when most European travellers go.
How to get there
Travel to Málaga by plane, car or railway. This destination has an international airport, with many direct flights from several capital cities in Europe.
Testimonials
Great destination to enjoy with friends. Finca Cortesín is amazing!
Santiago
I would return to Costa del Sol every year, the courses are incredible
Carlos
La Reserva de Sotogrande, a breathtaking course!
Horacio T
We had a lot of fun playing at Finca Cortesin
Ale B
Despite the weather, we had a really good time at La Reserva de Sotogrande