For those who love to whack a small ball into the distance and then spend hours trying to find it, the Costa del Sol is the place to be. There are numerous golf courses in Málaga province, attracting enthusiasts from all over the world.
Alcaidesa
Alcaidesa, designed by Peter Alliss and Clive Clark, opened in 1992 and it is the only links course in Spain
Alhaurin
There are 45 holes altogether, an 18 hole night course, a nine-hole short course and the only 18-hole par three course in Andalucia. The Alhaurin Golf hotel opened in 1998 and there is also a riding centre, swimming pool, tennis courts and other facilities.
Almenara
Designed by Dave Thomas and opened in 1998.
Aloha
A private golf club but visitors are always welcome.
Añoreta
A course designed by José Maria Canizáres and featuring loads of water hazards!
Atalaya
A 36 hole parkland course suitable for all levels. It is 7kms west of Puerto Banus.
Atalaya Rosner
An 18 hole course located on Ctra.Benahavis km 0.7, Estepona.
Baviera
Approximately 2 km east of Torre del Mar, near Caleta de Vélez, this golf course opened in 2001 and was designed under the directions of José María Cañizares. A challenging course for a all levels, from beginner to professional.
Cabopino
Opened in April 2001, the course is located west of Cabopino between Marbella and Fuengirola on the N340.
Coto de la Serena
A nine-hole par three course set amongst Japanese style gardens.
El Candado
A short, par 70 nine-hole course.
El Parador
A 6,024 metre course opened by the Royal family in 1925.
El Paraiso
An 18 hole course located on the Ctra Cadiz- Malaga at km 167. It has fast greens and palm lined fairways and was designed by Gary Player in 1974. It is a member’s club where visitors are welcome and a golf school available to visitors.
Estepona
An 18 hole, par 70 course located at km 150, Estepona.
Greenlife
A 9 hole, par 3 course in the Elvira hills.
Guadalhorce
An 18 hole course.
Guadalmina Norte
Located in San Pedro de Alcantara, Guadalmina has two 18 hole courses and a 9 hole pitch and putt.
Guadalmina Sur
The more difficult of the two courses in Guadalmina.
Lauro
Located at Los Caracolillos, Alhaurin de la Torre, there are 27 holes which can be played in different combinations.
Las Brisas
An 18 hole course in Puerto Banus which has hosted the World Cup twice, the Spanish Open three times and the Mediterranean Open. Water is a major feature and must be crossed or avoided on twelve holes.
La Cala Campo Norte
An 18 hole course in La Cala de Mijas, Mijas Costa.
La Cala Campo Sur
The South Course opened in 1990 and its undulating terrain provides various degrees of difficulty.
La Cañada
An 18 hole course in Urb. Guadalmina, San Pedro del Alcantara, in the hills near Valderrama.
La Dama de Noche
A 9 hole corse in Rio Verde, Marbella, which operates 24 hours per day and has lighting designed not to cast shadows.
La Duquesa
An 18 hole course in Urb. El Hacho at km 150, Manilva, about 10 kms from Estepona. Other facilities include tennis, squash, gym, sauna, jacuzzi, bowls and a yacht harbour.
La Quinta
A challenging course opened in 1989 and designed by Manuel Pinero, it is accessible from Puerto Banús or the San Pedro-Ronda road. There are 27 holes with three 9 hole loops.
La Siesta
La Siesta is a purpose built, 9 hole golf course located at Calahonda and, although a private club, visitors are welcome.
La Zagaleta
This 18 hole course is La Zagaleta, on the San Pedro to Ronda Road, and is strictly members and their guests only.
Los Arqueros
An 18 hole course designed by Seve Ballesteros in 1991 and located at Finca Torre, Ctra Ronda at km 42.9, Benahavis.
Los Flamingos
An 18 hole course situated between El Paraíso, Monte Mayor and the Marbella Club Resort. Green fees are quite high.
Los Naranjos
An 18 hole course in Nueva Andalucia, 7kms from Marbella, and a favourite of Sean Connery.
Marbella Club
A new 18 hole course near San Pedro de Alcantara.
Mijas – Los Olivos
An 18 hole course with a pay-as-you-play policy and regular competitions.
Mijas – Los Lagos
An 18 hole course at Los Caracolillos, Alhaurin de la Torre which is eminently suitable for long hitters and those with an incurable slice.
Miraflores
An 18 hole course located at km 199, Mijas Costa, about 14 kms from Fuengirola.
Monte Mayor
An 18 hole course which is signposted from Benhavis and where any lost ball is considered to be in a side water hazard.
Rio Real
An 18 hole course on Ctra de Cadiz Km 185, 3 kms from Marbella.
San Roque
A challenging 18 hole course in San Roque, km 126, near Gibraltar.
Santa Clara
Opened in 2001, this 18 hole course is situated next to main coast road opposite Los Monteros and behind Marbella hospital.
Santa Maria
An 18 hole course designed by Antonio Garcia Garrido and located on Ctra de Cadiz Km 192, urb. Elviria near Marbella.
Sotogrande
An 18 hole course which was opened in 1964.
Torrequebrada
An 18 hole course which hosted the Spanish Open in 1977. It is located on Ctra de Cadiz Km 220, Benalmadena Costa, 12 Kms from Malaga airport.
Valderrama
An 18 hole course which hosted the Volvo Masters (1988-96), the Ryder Cup (1997) and the World Golf Championships (1999-2000). Considered to be one of the best in Europe.