7 of the Best Golf Courses in Marbella

With great weather and stunning settings, it’s no wonder that Marbella, Spain, is a golfer’s haven. The wider Andalucía region is home to more than 100 courses, earning the nickname the “costa del golf.” Marbella offers 21 prestigious courses, with thousands of members visiting the clubs each year to enjoy world-class golf. Here are seven of the best courses.

Aloha

Aloha Golf Club is a members-only course in Nueva Andalucia with dramatic La Concha mountain framing the skyline. Designed by Javier Arana — considered to be one of the best Spanish course designers of all time — Aloha has hosted the PGA tour three times in recent years and is known as one of the most well-kept private members courses in Spain.

Zagaleta

Spanning over 2,000 acres, the prestigious members-only Zagaleta Country Club is known for hosting two of the most beautiful golf courses in Spain, simply called Old Golf Course and New Golf Course. Old Course offers a championship standard course in a park-like setting with wooded hills and views of Marbella, a verdant valley and the sea. New Course, opened in 2005, is a par 70 course offering a challenging gradient guaranteed to leave you feeling exhilarated.

Rio Real

Designed in 1965 by Javier Arana, Rio Real Golf Course is one of the most established courses on our list. It has been recognised by the Royal Spanish Golf Federation as one of the best courses in Spain in terms of beauty, layout and prestige. The course is just a five-minute drive from the town centre, alongside the River Rio which plays an integral part in its design.

Villa Padierna

Situated midway between Marbella and Estepona, Villa Padierna enjoys a sheltered, coastal environment flanked by mountains. The resort offers three courses with 54 holes for varying skill levels, from the challenging Alferini, to the rewarding and undulating Flamingos, to the fast and fun Tramores, there is something here for everyone.

Finca Cortesin

Finca Cortesin has been rated one of Spain’s best courses by Golf Digest. Olive and cork trees line the challenging 18-hole championship course designed by Cabell Robinson. The service here goes above and beyond to ensure members and visitors have a first-class experience. Players are treated to cold water and fresh fruit on the course and the resort features a Michelin-starred restaurant. The course has hosted many prestigious professional golf tournaments.

Las Brisas

Real Club de Golf Las Brisas – designed in 1968 by the celebrated Robert Trent Jones Snr — is the ultimate stalwart on the Marbella golfing scene. Having hosted two world championships and said to be a favourite among the Spanish royal family, the club is known for exclusivity. Prospective members must apply for an interview and prove a maximum handicap of 24 for men and 32 for women. Those lucky to be accepted can enjoy the botanical garden setting, excellent service and fine dining at the restaurant.

La Quinta

Designed by Ryder Cup winners Manuel Piñero and Antonio Garrido, La Quinta opened in 1989 as an 18-hole course and has since been updated and extended into a 27-hole complex. It’s situated in Benahavis, also known locally as Golf Valley, and offers a course that both amateurs and professionals can enjoy. Framed by a dramatic Sierra Blanca mountain range with Mediterranean Sea views, the course is divided into three nine-hole zones. ‘A’ course, or San Pedro as it is also known, has wide fairways for bold driving. ‘B’ course (The Ronda) is the shortest of the three nines with a tight course and challenging green, and ‘C’ course(Guadaiza) is the longest of the courses with a tournament layout. La Quinta has previously hosted the Spanish Open on the Ladies European World Tour.

Get in the swing with Pacaso

If you’re dreaming of a luxurious holiday home that’s close to some of the world’s most prestigious golf clubs, take a look at Pacaso properties in Marbella to find your dream destination.

Your guide to Marbella’s best golf courses