Following up on our article the Top Ten Budget golf courses on Costa del Sol we thought we would take a closer look at the other end of the scale!
Today’s Top 10 is “Top 10 Luxury Golf Courses on Costa del Sol”.
We are not aiming for the most expensive green fees here, although all of our Top 10 picks are high on that list, we are compiling a Top 10 of the most desirable courses to play along Costa del Sol.
Costa del Sol Golf Courses Bucket List
As golf fanatics most of us would want Augusta or Pebble Beach on our once in a lifetime Bucket List of courses to play.
The Costa del Sol boasts not only some of the most prestigious courses in Spain but also in Europe. Located in close proximity to each other it makes for a perfect opportunity for golf nuts from across the world to enjoy that Bucket List golf experience here on the Costa del Sol.
Villa Padierna Golf and Hotel
Designer: Alferini Cristobel Guerrero Opened 2008 Par 73 White 6641 m
Designer: Flamingos Antonio Garcia Garrido Opened 2001 Par 71 White 5714 m
Designer: Tramores Cristobel Guerrero Opened 2003 Par 63 White 3468 m
Tournaments: European Seniors 2002, 2003, 2004, Spanish Ladies Open 2010
Price: From 92 Euros
Located close to San Pedro this Hotel and Golf resort is only a few minutes form Marbella and within easy reach of Malaga.
Overview
54 Holes of superb golf. The Alferini course is a beast, 7260 yards of unrelenting challenge! If you are considering a golf break on Costa del Sol, Villa Padierna will make a terrific base.
The hotel and facilities are outstanding, and the jewel in the crown for me is the Flamingos course. I found the layout to be very difficult but equally very fair. As you can imagine the condition of the courses is exemplary. The quality of service and attention to detail ensures that guests continually give glowing feedback.
Club De Golf Aloha
Designer: Javier Arana
Opened: 1975
Par: 72
Length from the White tees: 6293m
Tournaments: European Tour 2007, 2008, 2012; Ladies European Tour 2016, 2019
Price: 225 Euros. Buggy 50 Euros.
Situated in the heart of the Marbella Golf valley. Aloha Golf Club is easy to reach from anywhere on the Costa del Sol.
Overview
One of the most prestigious names in Spanish Golf, this private members club welcomes visitors on a daily basis.
The designer Javier Arana is also responsible for other famous golf courses in Spain El Prat and El Saler.
Real Club De Las Brisas
Designer: Robert Trent Jones Senior
Opened: 1970
Par: 72
Length from the White tees: 6464m
Tournaments: Spanish Open 1983
Price: 250 Euros. Buggy 40 Euros
Located in Marbella, Las Brisas Golf enjoys easy access for its members and guests.
Overview:
The Robert Trent Jones design is held in the highest regard. Many Tournament winning professionals consider Las Brisas to be amongst the finest golf courses they have played. It is a fantastic luxury golf course on Costa del Sol.
La Reserva
Designer: Cabell B. Robinson
Opened: 2003
Par 72
Length from the White tees: 7053m
Tournaments: European Tour NH collection Classic 2014, LET Tour 2019
Price: From 140 Euros
Package deal: 1060 Euros 1 round at La Reserva, Finca Cortesin, Sotogrande and Valderrama.
Situated in the acclaimed Sotogrande Estate 30 minutes from Gibraltar airport and 90 minutes from Malaga.
Overview
This is another Cabell Robinson masterpiece. An exquisite golf course that will bring profound pleasure to all that play here.
3 x Nine hole
Course A San Pedro: 2690 Yards
Course B Ronda: 2673 Yards
Course C Guadaisa: 3167 Yards
Designer: Antonio Garrido and Manuel Pinero
Opened: 1989
Tournaments: LET Open of Spain 2018, European Seniors 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
Price: Ranging from 84 Euros to 130 Euros.
Located close to Marbella and Puerto Banus this delightful luxury golf course on Costa del Sol is located centrally on the coast.
Overview
Three 9 hole loops of stunning beauty offer a beguiling experience. This remarkable golf course is one of the jewels of golf on the Costa del Sol.
Real Club De Golf Sotogrande
Designer: Robert Trent Jones
Opened: 1964
Par 72
Length from White tees: 6304m
Tournaments: Spanish Professional Championship 1987, European Tour Q School 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
Price: 250 Euros on weekdays; 280 Euros at Weekends walking; Package deal 1060 Euros 1 round at La Reserva, Finca Cortesin, Sotogrande and Valderrama
The first course built in Sotogrande many consider this to be the finest golf course in Spain.
Overview
This is Robert Trent Jones first golf course in Europe. Built in 1964 and restored in 2016 Real Club de Golf Sotogrande is considered by many to be as perfect as golf can be. A place of serenity, beauty and grace, RGC Sotogrande is peerless amongst the luxury golf courses on Costa del Sol.
San Roque Golf Club – The Old Course
Designer: Dave Thomas
Opened: 1990 and re-built during 2020.
Par 72
Distance from the White tee: 6508m
Tournaments: European Tour Q School 1995 to 2003
Price: TBA
Another prestigious golf course located in the Sotogrande estate. Within the comfortable reach of both Gibraltar and Malaga airports.
Overview
The San Roque Club has been a byword for great golf and great lifestyle since its opening. The Old Course became the long time home of the European Tours Q School where some of the most talented golfers in the world found themselves coming up short when measured against this fabulous luxury golf course on Costa del Sol.
The Old Course went through total restoration during 2020, tees, fairways, greens, irrigation – everything. It re-opened in December 2020.
New clubhouse, restaurant and driving range are waiting to give you a remarkable experience.
Designer: Perry Dye and collaboration from Severiano Ballesteros
Opened: 2003
Par 72
Distance from the White tees: 6497m
Tournaments: Spanish Open 2005, 2006, European Tour School 2003 -2007
Price: From 156 Euros for 2 players and a buggy
Another prestigious luxury golf course on Costa del Sol located in the Sotogrande estate. Within the comfortable reach of both Gibraltar and Malaga airports.
Overview
This long and tight golf course offers a tough test of your golfing skills in a beautiful setting. Considered amongst the most prestigious luxury golf courses on Costa del Sol, the green fee prices represent incredible value.
Finca Cortesin
Designer: Cabell B. Robinson
Opened: 2009
Distance from the White tees: 5884m
Tournaments: Volvo World Matchplay 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, Solhiem Cup 2023
Price: From 260 Euros; Package deal 1060 Euros 1 round at La Reserva, Finca Cortesin, Sotogrande and Valderrama
Situated near the town of Casares, Finca Cortesin is centrally located on the Costa del Sol, 30 minutes from Sotogrande, 45 minutes from Gibraltar and 1 hour from Malaga.
Overview
I remember my first visit here. I felt in awe. As you enter the clubhouse you see a plaque bearing Cabell Robinsons name, then as you approach the driving range Jack Nicklaus’ signature is written large across the wall of the academy. You immediately know that you are in a special place.
The attention to detail, the level of service, everything about Finca Cortesin is elegant, opulent and yet in perfect taste.
Playing golf here is an occasion. To be walking in the footsteps of the greatest players in the game facing the same challenges is an incredible experience. Playing Finca Cortesin is a must.
Valderrama
Designer: Robert Trent Jones
Opened: 1974
Par: 71
Distance from the White tees: 5921m
Tournaments: World Golf Championship (WGC) 1999, 2000, Volvo Masters 1988-1996 and 2002-2008, Andalucia Valderrama Masters 2010/11- 2017/19 , Open De España 2016, Ryder Cup 1997
Price: From 375 Euros; Package deal 1060 Euros 1 round at La Reserva, Finca Cortesin, Sotogrande and Valderrama
40 Minutes from Gibraltar, 50 minutes from Marbella and 90 minutes from Malaga, many consider Valderrama to be the golf centre piece of Sotogrande and the star amongst luxury golf courses on Costa del Sol.
Overview
Originally known as Los Aves when it opened in 1974, Valderrama has become regarded as one of the best golf courses in the world under the visionary leadership of Mr Jamie Ortiz Patino. Valderrama was created in 1985 since then it has been the stage upon which some of the best golf ever seen has been played.
Home to the Ryder Cup in 1997 Valderrama has continued to enchant and enthrall visiting golfers from across the globe.
A day at Valderrama will almost certainly be the highlight of your golfing holiday to Costa del Sol.