Marbella is one of the best golf destinations in Europe to play at some of the world’s most famous courses. Not only is this southern, tropical paradise rich in cultural heritage, offering an exquisite culinary experience and wonderful nightlife, it is also a golfer’s paradise without a doubt.
Nestled in one of Spain’s most picturesque landscapes, Marbella offers golfers challenging greens with sensational sea and mountain views in year-round sunshine. Let’s have a look at the top golf courses in Marbella and the surrounding area.
La Reserva Club Sotogrande
La Reserva Club, designed by an American golf course designer Cabell B. Robinson is a 6,721-metre 18-hole par 72 course offering an exciting challenge for any golfer – both professionals and amateurs. Nestled in Sotogrande, the course boasts spectacular views of the area and its natural surroundings. La Reserva Club is known as the elitist hideaway.
Finca Cortesin
Finca de Cortesin, yet another golf course designed by Cabell B. Robinson is a stunning 18 hole championship golf course. The course is world renown as one of the best golf courses on the Costa del Sol. Its spectacular design consists of well-groomed greens that blend into the natural, Mediterranean vegetation, lush forestation, and rich flora of the area.
La Zagaleta Golf Club
La Zagaleta Golf Club was first designed by Bradford Benz in 1991. However, in 2016 this magnificent 18 hole course was re-designed by Marc Westenborg. This is a member’s only club, nestled in one of the world’s most prestigious address, La Zagaleta – a gated estate, home to some of the most exclusive properties. ILa Zagaleta Golf Club is known for its challenging yet world-class golf experience complete with demanding bunkers.
Real Club de Golf Sotogrande
Real Club de Golf located in Sotogrande is the first golf course Officially Robert Trent Jones designed in Europe. The layout incorporates Trent’s design philosophy — blending into the natural environment, highlighting wide fairways, and long tees. In fact, this fascinating par-72 course offers features enjoyable for everyone and still challenging even for advanced players.
Real Club de Golf Guadalmina
Guadalmina is an area of Marbella divided into two – Guadalmina Baja and Gyadalmina Alta. Guadalmina Baja is on the south side of the coastal highway, and its beautiful 18 hole championship golf course is nestled among the prestigious villas along the Mediterranean seafront. Golfers can enjoy some breathtaking views of the sea, the rock of Gibraltar in the distance as well as the North African coastline in the horizon. It is unique in its location and provides a memorable golfing experience. Guadlamina Alta is home to Guadalmina North, the other 18 hole golf course that sits on the north side of the coastal highway. It was designed by Folco Nardi. This golf course is slightly shorter than Guadalmina South and features more water hazards.
Marbella Golf & Country Club
Marbella Golf & Country Club was designed by the famous Robert Trent Jones Senior. Set amongst rolling hills of the region’s beautiful landscape, the course offers exciting downhill and uphill shots. The combination of daring bunkers and tricky water hazards makes for a challenging course. This golf course is not for the faint at heart.
Los Arqueros Golf & Country Club
Designed by the legendary Severiano Ballesteros, Los Arqueros Golf & Country Club is a stunning 18 hole layout nestled in the valleys of Marbella’s mountain range, close to San Pedro de Alcantara. This particular course demands accurate play and curated precision.
La Quinta Golf & Country Club
Nestled in the very heart of the Golf Valley, La Quinta Golf & Country Club was laid out by one of Spain’s golf ambassadors, Manuel Piñero. This 27 hole layout blends into its natural surroundings with views of the sea and the spectacular mountain range of the area. Its surrounding area offers golf lovers a first-class retreat in a golfer’s paradise.
Rio Real Golf & Hotel
Rio Real Golf is one of the oldest established in the Marbella region, existing since 1965. The layout was designed by the world-renowned Javier Arana. The Royal Spanish Golf Federation considers Rio Real Golf as one of the most prestigious golf experiences in Marbella and one of the best in Spain. Just a short distance away from the city centre, Rio Real is an incredible 18 hole course that runs alongside the Rio Real River.
Marbella Club Golf Resort
Marbella Club Golf Resort is an 18 hole course, designed by the renowned Dave Thomas. Carved with carefully contoured fairways, strategically placed bunkers, alongside the beautiful views of waterfalls and lakes, this golf course provides its guests with a memorable experience.
Real Club Valderrama
The Real Club Valderrama is one of the best-known golf clubs in the world. It is located in the resort of Sotogrande, San Roque in the Andalusia region of southern Spain, a few miles from Gibraltar, and has a single 18-hole course, along with a 9-hole par 3 course. Home of 1997 Ryder Cup, the 16 VOLVO Masters, 2 Amex Championships Real Club Valderrama became the best golf club in the entire country – Spain. Though set further afield, it is well worth taking the drive down to Real Club Valderrama when in Marbella, looking for some exceptional golf.
