Home Clubs/Courses Best Golf Courses in Spain…

Best Golf Courses in Spain…

September 2, 2019

When it comes to knowing the best golf courses in Spain, there’s no better destination to ‘swat up’ on, than the most visited golf region in Europe…

Lush, rolling fairways, picturesque courses, an enjoyable climate and great cuisine combine to make the ultimate golf destination – and all of this only a few hours from London.

But with such a great selection of golf holidays in Spain, how do you choose a destination?

To make selecting your next golf break in Spain a breeze, here’s our pick of the eight best golf courses based on quality, value, and of course, player reviews.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at Spain’s best golf courses…

Best Golf Courses in Spain – #1 Real Club Valderrama, Torreguadiaro

One of the most famed golf courses in Spain, Valderrama famously played host to the 1997 Ryder Cup and is consistently voted among the best courses in Europe.

Thanks to the well-considered layout, conditions at Valderrama are perfect year-round.

Valderrama isn’t a course for the faint of heart, with plenty of doglegs to test your planning skills, and tree-lined fairways ready to claim any wayward drives.

As of 2019, the course has undergone extensive arborist work, removing many of the low-hanging branches that players had to contend with previously.

So if you haven’t visited recently, it’s well worth a return trip.

Year Built 1974
Par 71
Difficulty Hard
Designer Robert Trent Jones
Walkable? Yes
Clubhouse Yes
Length 6390 metres
Flat or Hilly Hilly in parts
Location Cadiz, Andalucia
Facilities Driving range, putting green, golf lessons, pro-shop, clubhouse, parking, bar and restaurant, changing rooms.

Best Golf Courses in Spain – #2 Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, Torreguadiaro

The first of Robert Trent Jones’ courses, Sotogrande is an undulating course that provides plenty in the way of challenges for the seasoned golfer.

With a number of elevated greens and a generous helping of hazards, Sotogrande is a course that will keep you on your toes.

Being a decade older than Jones’ Valderrama course, it isn’t as flawless and shows its age in places.

However, Sotogrande is a course not to be missed for the golfer who enjoys the thrill of the game.

Year Built 1964
Par 72
Difficulty Medium
Designer Robert Trent Jones
Walkable? Yes
Clubhouse Yes
Length 6224 metres
Flat or Hilly Hilly
Location Malaga, Andalucia
Facilities Driving range, putting green, golf lessons, pro-shop, clubhouse, parking, bar and restaurant, changing rooms.

Best Golf Courses in Spain – #3 Torrequebrada Golf, Malaga

Taking the top spot for our best value golf course in Malaga, Torrequabrada Golf is truly a hidden gem.

Once host to the 1977 Spanish Open, this often overlooked course represents great value and is comparable to some of the Costa del Sol’s top golf courses.

The third hole is only 90 metres long end-to-end but provides a good challenge and sets the scene for the remaining course.

An equally enjoyable course for keen amateurs and seasoned professionals, the (admittedly ageing) course of Torrequebrada is a diamond in the rough.

Year Built 1976
Par 72
Difficulty Medium
Designer Pepe Cancedo
Walkable? Yes though buggy advised
Clubhouse Yes
Length 5,852 Metres
Flat or Hilly Flat
Location Benalmádena, Malaga
Facilities Driving range, putting green, golf academy, group lessons, pro-shop, bar and restaurant, changing rooms.

Best Golf Courses in Spain – #4 PGA de Catalunya (Stadium), Girona

Only 45 minutes drive from Barcelona, a visit to PGA de Catalunya is a must when visiting the region.

This championship course has played host to a number of Opens but is one which will be enjoyed by the amateur golfer too.

This dramatic course features a number of tight holes and plenty of variety.

Construction has many underway on and off over the past few years to upgrade areas of the course, but this means it’s likely to be even better each time you visit.

Year Built 1998
Par 72
Difficulty Medium
Designer Neil Coles, Angel Gallardo
Walkable? Yes
Clubhouse Yes
Length 6226 metres
Flat or Hilly Flat
Location Girona, Costa Brava
Facilities Driving range, putting green, golf academy, group lessons, pro-shop, bar and restaurant, changing rooms, massage, gym, pool, sauna.

Best Golf Courses in Spain – #5 Santana Golf, Mijas

As well as being one of the newer golf courses in the area, Santana is widely considered to be one of the best golf courses in the Costa del Sol, particularly when factoring in its low price-point.

Santana Golf isn’t a championship course, but that is part of what makes it so enjoyable to a wide range of golfers. The generously wide fairways make for a forgiving course, while the hospitality adds to the laidback experience.

Year Built 2003
Par 72
Difficulty Difficult
Designer Cabell B. Robinson
Walkable? Yes
Clubhouse Yes
Length 6,207 metres
Flat or Hilly Flat
Location Malaga, Costa del Sol
Facilities Clubhouse, golf school, pro-shop, putting green, chipping green, pitching green, practice bunker.

Best Golf Courses in Spain – #6 Santa Maria, Marbella

One of the best things about a golf holiday in Spain is the weather, the second best are the views.

You’ll have your fair share of both with the Santa Maria golf course which looks out over the Meditteranean sea and the oak-covered mountains.

With a flat terrain and fairly short length of only 5,325 metres, it’s a great day out for golfers of all levels.

Year Built 1991
Par 70
Difficulty Medium
Designer Antonio García Garrido
Walkable? Yes
Clubhouse Yes
Length 5,325 metres
Flat or Hilly Flat
Location Marbella, Costa del Sol
Facilities Clubhouse, practice area, tennis, bar, snack bar, pro-shop, beverage cart.

Best Golf Courses in Spain – #7 Parador de El Saler, València

Set in the El Saler Nature Reserve, the Parador de El Saler course (also known as Campo de Golf El Saler) has a thoughtful layout, encompassing both links-like and forested areas.

El Saler is a challenging and lengthy course; if you’re teeing off the white tee box you’ll be covering a total distance of 6355 metres.

With all that space, it’s not surprising that the greens are extremely generous, averaging a length of 40 metres.

It’s not all open fairways and sprawling greens though, with over 100 bunkers spread across the course.

For a quality architectural layout, look no further than Parador de El Saler.

Year Built 1968
Par 72
Difficulty Medium
Designer Javier Arana
Walkable? Yes
Clubhouse Yes
Length 6042 metres
Flat or Hilly Flat
Location Valencia, Costa Blanca
Facilities Driving range, putting green, golf academy, group lessons, pro-shop, bar and restaurant, changing rooms.

Best Golf Courses in Spain – #8 Finca Cortesin, Marbella

If you’re looking for a golfing break in the Costa del Sol that offers tremendous value for money, you’re in for a treat with Finca Cortesin.

With the Costa del Sol is one of Spain’s best-golfing destinations, any newer course has to offer something truly special to compete with the likes of Torrequebrada.

Finca Cortesin does just that. Designed by award-winning golf architect Cabell Robinson, it sets itself apart with attention to detail.

One of the longest courses in Europe, Finca Cortesin gives you plenty of golf for your green fee. Each hole has been designed to be of standalone championship quality, and boy does it deliver.

One not to miss on your next holiday in Spain’s sunshine coast.

Year Built 2007
Par 72
Difficulty Medium
Designer Cabell Robinson
Walkable? Yes though buggy advised
Clubhouse Yes
Length 6808 metres
Flat or Hilly Hilly
Location Malaga, Costa del Sol
Facilities Driving range, putting green, golf academy, group lessons, pro-shop, bar and restaurant, changing rooms, massage, gym, pool, sauna.

There we have it, our list of the eight best golf courses to play in Spain.

How many have you crossed off your list?

By Sarah Todhunter