If you visit Marbella, don’t miss out on its magnificent golf courses. Whether you’re away for the weekend or on vacation, combining sightseeing and the beach with a game of golf is the icing on the cake of a successful stay.
This part of the Costa del Sol is literally a paradise for golfers from all over the world. Every year, 85% of visitors to Marbella come to take advantage of the 21 golf courses located around the city, as well as the upscale facilities (hotel, villas, country club) offered on site.
Before we tell you which are the 5 best golf courses in Marbella on the Costa del Sol, we’ll explain what makes Marbella so attractive to golf lovers from all over the world.
- Climate: Marbella and the Malaga region are renowned for their mild, sunny climate all year round. Marbella’s microclimate remains relatively cool in summer thanks to a unique evaporation phenomenon. And if winter is mild too, it’s because daytime heat accumulates in the vast green spaces. This makes Marbella an ideal destination for golfing in Spain all year round.
- Quality golf courses: Marbella boasts some of Spain’s finest golf courses (9 and 18 holes) with first-class facilities and spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. Marbella is known and appreciated for the quality of its golf courses, and has been since the 1950s, when international celebrities set their sights on this beautiful, sport-friendly region.
- The location: situated on the Costa del Sol, Marbella is easily accessible from many parts of Europe, making it a popular golf destination. There is a wide variety of welcoming golf resorts to enjoy a pleasant stay.
- After-golf activities: Marbella offers many options for entertainment after a round of golf, from relaxing and swimming on beautiful sandy beaches to gourmet restaurants offering Spanish and international cuisine, luxury boutiques and discos.
- Culture: Marbella is rich in history and culture, with museums, art galleries and historical monuments to discover when you’re not on the golf course.
In short, Marbella is a leading golf destination, offering a unique combination of pleasant climate, quality golf courses, after-golf activities and culture.
Let’s take a look at the 5 most interesting golf spots in Marbella.
1. Real Club de Golf Las Brisas
The layout of the course has been designed to give club users the impression of playing in the middle of a veritable botanical garden. If you’re lucky enough to play here, you’ll find yourself in a magical landscape, with trees, plants and flowers from different parts of the world. This gives the course a truly unique, elegant ambience. The fairways are superb.
The Real Club de Golf Las Brisas was founded in 1968. Its reputation among golfers is well established, both in Spain and throughout Europe. The club is very dynamic and often organizes regional and national competitions. It has also hosted the World Golf Championships on two occasions.
Players who play this green say that every step of the Las Brisas golf course provides an exclusive playing experience. It’s extremely well thought-out in the sense that the difficulty builds to a crescendo. So stay focused, because I hear that from hole 3 onwards, the going gets tough!
The Las Brisas golf course is a top-of-the-range venue, which is particularly evident in the first-class service you’ll find here. The table at the golf restaurant is very good.
If you’re short of equipment, there’s a pro store on site where you’ll find the right clubs, clothing and golf accessories.
2. Santa Clara Golf Club
Santa Clara Golf is one of Marbella’s newest clubs. It was opened in 2001. Situated in the eastern part of the resort, surrounded by residences, it is very convenient and attracts not only individual players, but also families. It’s a destination of choice thanks to its ideal location.
The golf press frequently praises Santa Clara Golf for its respect for nature and local species. Experts in the field also consider Santa Clara Golf to be an excellent training ground, and one of the best in Marbella.
In addition to the golf course, Santa Clara Golf offers guests luxurious facilities such as a pro-shop, restaurant, golf school and state-of-the-art golf cart and equipment repair shop.
3. La Quinta Golf Club
La Quinta Golf Club is the golf course of the luxury 5* La Quinta Resort hotel. Just a few minutes from Puerto Banus, it lies in the heart of Marbella’s “golf valley”.
This course is ideal for golfers of all levels. Comprising 3 loops of 9 holes, it’s an exciting course to play. It also features a driving range that can accommodate up to 100 golfers at a time. The course offers great deals in summer, with a very relaxed and calm environment. Just contact the golf course to find out about green fees.
La Quinta Golf Club is a must for any golfer visiting the area, as it boasts one of the best golf courses in Marbella.
4. Aloha Golf Club
Aloha Golf Club is an entertaining course that demands both complex shots and precision. With numerous strategically placed obstacles and rugged terrain, it will challenge even the most skilled players from tee to green.
The golf course offers beautiful panoramic views and excellent facilities. The course is open to the public at certain times, with private members having access every day.
5. Los Naranjos Golf Club
Los Naranjos Golf Club is a superb 18-hole course that will challenge you from start to finish.
It was designed by the famous golf architect Robert Trent Jones and inaugurated in 1977. The course is renowned for its challenging layout and beautiful surroundings. It is ideal for golfers of all levels. However, this does not make it an easy course, as you need to be aware of the bunkers and water hazards designed to surprise the unwary and the bold!
Los Naranjos Golf Club offers numerous facilities for golfers, including a driving range, putting green, chipping green and golf academy. There’s also a clubhouse with restaurant and bar, and a pro shop.
This golf course is a popular destination for golfers from all over the world and is considered one of the best courses in Spain.
If you’re curious about golf courses other than those in Marbella, head a few kilometers away to Estepona, where you’ll also find a range of courses that are very popular with golf enthusiasts.