There are 336 dimples in a golf ball, which is roughly the number of sunny days per year on the Costa del Sol. This coincidence is hard to ignore, especially as the area around Marbella – the capital of luxury holidays on the Sunshine Coast – is packed with golf courses, and not just any courses!
Anyone who loves downswings, doglegs, pitches and putts and would like to enjoy superbly maintained greens while taking in the extraordinarily beautiful views should head there – to the south of Spain.
Costa del Golf – a mecca for hole lovers
Golf connoisseurs will know that the Andalusian coast is often referred to as the Costa del Golf. Not without reason! The first Golf Society in Andalusia was founded in 1926, and the 1960s were a veritable explosion of golf – it was then that many clubs that are still famous today were established. However, the most significant moment for the region’s golfing tradition was the selection of the Valderrama course, located in the resort of Sotogrande (famous for the Volvo Masters tournament), to host the prestigious Ryder Cup intercontinental tournament in 1997. A year later, Valderrama Golf Club was voted Europe’s best golf club by Golf World magazine.
Since then, the number of golf courses on the Costa del Sol has steadily increased – today there are more than 70! From San Roque in the west to Parador in the east, more than 100 kilometres of picturesque coastline are dotted with stretches of golf clubs with phenomenal logistical facilities. Some are part of hotel complexes, others are completely independent; some are open only to club members, others are open to anyone – what they all have in common is an absolutely perfect infrastructure and the undeniable beauty of the surrounding landscape. Some of the golf courses also have their own beach!
Top quality for professionals and amateurs
What attracts golfers from all over the world to the Costa del Sol is the lack of winter, the long days and the moderately strong winds (professionals who like to face stronger breezes will certainly delight in the Alcaides course – what sets it apart is the breathtaking view of the African Atlas Mountains). All this allows the sport to be practised all year round. Another undeniable advantage is the great variety in terms of the required level of players. Among the facilities present here, there are courses that only seasoned golfers can handle, such as the Torrequebrada Golf Club, La Cala Golf Course, Marbella Golf Country Club or Guadalmina Golf Club. However, there is also something for those just starting out in the sport – among the courses recommended for beginners are: Benalmádena Golf, Rio Real Golf, Santa Clara Golf, Artola Golf, El Soto de Marbella, Monte Paraiso Golf. Whatever your skill level, at each of these places you will find highly qualified coaching staff, well-equipped equipment hire and perfectly trained staff.
Prestigious designers in collaboration with Mother Nature
The golf courses on the Costa del Sol are in themselves an attraction for anyone who likes to feast their eyes on beautiful views – the designs for these facilities were created by personalities such as Robert Trent Jones, Cabell B. Robinson Peter Aliss, Clif Clarke, Severiano Ballesteros and Manuel Pinero. In addition, the fields are set amidst olive groves, chestnut trees, pine forests and orange trees, all under a blue sky overlooking the azure sea and picturesque mountains.
The best accommodation for golfers
To fully enjoy the attractions of the Costa del Sol, it’s important to choose the right base – a place that will become our true Andalusian home. Today we are recommending three fantastic properties – each of which will be perfect as a cosy, exclusive refuge.
Luxury in Nueva Andalucia
This spacious villa is located in a picturesque golf valley with panoramic sea and mountain views. The capitally designed interiors (including but not limited to: five luxurious bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen, TV room, dressing room, bathrooms and sauna) provide extraordinary comfort and guarantee blissful relaxation. An additional asset is the spacious, edgeless swimming pool beautifully integrated into the tropical nature.
Details can be found here.
Overlooking an Andalusian paradise
Offering three bedrooms, this villa is located between Marbella and Benahavis – on a hill with stunning views of the sea and protected mountain areas. It is the perfect place for anyone who appreciates tranquillity, privacy and loves to sip their eyes on the beauty of the landscapes. Modern design, the highest quality materials, exclusive solutions and unconventional design are the undeniable advantages of this masterpiece property.
Details can be found here.
Cult property in Rio Real
This flat is a unique part of the iconic Torre Real building, a well-known landmark in the picturesque Rio Real. The spacious terrace offers impressive views of the sea, Marbella and the famous golf course. Spacious interiors, modern décor, luxurious furnishings and proximity to the region’s main attractions are just some of the highlights of this prestigious property.
Details can be found here.
