If northern Spain is the Mecca for travelling food lovers, then southern Spain has to be the epicentre for great golf. It’s not difficult to understand why those with a love of the game flock to the sunny nation to enjoy a round or two as the great weather combined with the area’s geographic diversity makes for some thoroughly enjoyable experiences.
With over 450 golf courses across mainland Spain and the islands and 70 along the Costa del Sol, between Torre de Mar and Stotogrande alone – making it the largest concentration of courses in Europe – beginners, amateurs and golfing pros alike are spoiled for choice. Whether you’re travelling for a dedicated golfing holiday – if so, there are some great Spain golf packages you can book – or you fancy taking in a round on a few different courses as part of your Spanish holiday this year, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we take a look at seven of the best golf courses in Spain that you should book a round at this year.
Club de Golf Finca Cortesin
Set on a luxurious resort in Malaga, a visit to the 18-hole championship golf course at Finca Cortesin is a must. Host to a number of big-name events, the design, landscaping and welcoming service is sure to please, and when your round is over why not check into one of the hotel’s suites and make use of the luxurious spa facilities and top-notch restaurants too?
Real Club Valderrama
A well-known and well-respected club, the Real Club Valderrama is known for hosting the 1997 Ryder Cup, while also being the home of 16 VOLVO Masters and two Amex championships. Located in the Andalusia region, the private club holds an 18-hole course and nine-hole, par three course which are open to the public daily between noon and 2pm.
Las Colinas Golf and Country Club
A multiple winner in the 2021 World Golf Awards, Las Colinas Golf and Country Club is an upmarket club with a challenging 18-hole championship, par-71 course on the Mediterranean coast. On site, there’s an academy, driving range, putting green, a short game area designed by Miguel Angel Jimenez, and you can even buy property here so that you can enjoy the game on a more regular basis. Add to that some fine restaurants, a health club and other sporting facilities and you needn’t go elsewhere.
Real Sociedad Hipica Espanola Club de Campo (North)
Redesigned in 1997, but with roots dating to 1901, golfing here promises an exciting experience with its undulating and hilly ground. Host of the 2007 Madrid Open and the Madrid Masters in 2010 among other tournaments, this course – 10km northeast of Madrid – is a great option for those staying near the capital.
Parador de El Saler golf course
Highly rated by professionals and amateurs alike, the golf course at Parador impresses with its location in the El Saler National Park boasting both beach links areas and Mediterranean forest. Javier Arana built the par-72 course in 1968, and the club also benefits from two approach greens, a pro shop, restaurant and three putting greens.
Real Club de Golf Sotogrande
Founded in 1964 and built by architect Robert Trent Jones, this par-72 course is regularly rated highly by those in the know. Expect a great round of golf here, complemented with a driving range, putting green, and a space for bunker, pitching and putting practice. Head to the club house if you need to top up on supplies at the golf shop and relax after your round in the swimming pool or bar/restaurant.
Real Puerta de Hierro (Arriba)
This is one of the oldest clubs in Spain having been established in 1895, and if you get the opportunity to enjoy a round here, thank yourself lucky, as only members and their guests are permitted to play on the course. There are 36 holes to be played here, with the course having been redeveloped over the years and the club, which sits 5km from the capital city, played host to the Madrid Open between 1972 to 1993 (excluding three years during this time).
