Golf in the area

Alcaidesa Golf Course: Alcaidesa Links Golf Club, it is the best links course in Spain. The course affords magnificent views over the Mediterranean to Gibraltar. The 13th tee is a classic 'postcard' view.

Almenara Golf Course: home to the renowned Almenara School of Excellence, Almenara is fully equipped to meet all your needs. The Almenara School of Excellence boasts the most modern golf practice facilities in Southern Spain. With a simultaneous practice capacity of 90 players, 3 normal size practice holes, separate approach and putting areas, and a video studio for swing analysis, this is a highly sought-after centre.

Las Brisas: Playing at Las Brisas represents an achievement in any golfer's yearbook. A challenging yet enjoyable experience. This Robert Trent Jones design opened in 1969 and is recognised as one of Europe's finest courses. It hosted the World Cup twice, the Spanish Open three times and as well as the Mediterranean Open. Water is a major feature and must be crossed or avoided on twelve holes.

La Cañada Golf Course: La Cañada is a fitting tribute to the people of Guadiaro who became golf addicts overnight with the emergence of Sotogrande. The full length Trent Jones course is located in the hills adjacent to Valderrama and is open to the smae winds. The long first hole sets the tone for a tough round of golf and the 4th is a trek into the unknown with no view of the green until the third shot.

Coto de la Serena Golf Course: Japanese style gardens in the Coto de la Serena create a tranquil atmosphere for a perfect round of relaxing golf. Pedro Moran designed the course which is to be found between San Pedro del Alcantará and Estepona. Bisected by a meandering stream, the course demands accuracy off the trees, especially on the par 3's which wind through lush vegetation.

La Duquesa Golf Course: La Duquesa Golf Course is a typical Trent Jones layout demanding concentration and straight driving. Winding around El Hacho beacon hill overlooking the Mediterranean to Africa, La Duquesa in terms of facilities, is probably the most complete club on the coast, with tennis, squash, gym, sauna, jacuzzi, bowls, yacht harbour and of course, golf. At the spectacular 17th, just 129 metres tee to green but 30 metres straight down, you should beware of the wind especially if the poniente is blowing from the west. The views may play havoc with your scoring.

Estepona Golf Course: A popular, family-run course with a challenging layout, particularly when windy.In contrast with larger, more manicured courses, the natural appearance is maintained with wild flora and fauna still much in evidence just off the fairways. The signature hole is the third, a very long par 5 known as "The Ski Slope", though the difficulties lie more in club selection when assessing ground relief. Greens are of good quality, well-designed and interesting to play. Since it opened in 1989, Estepona has invested to improve course drainage as the high clay content of the terrain is noticeable on rainy days.

Miraflores Golf Course: Miraflores is both beautiful and challenging, especially for those who enjoy their golf with elevated greens and water. Miraflores is one of the Costa del Sol's top leisure and resort developments. Located in the hills above Mijas Costa it offers breathtaking views of the countryside down to the sea. The course has a number of elevated greens which require some tough walking so a buggy is often a good idea. The 18th green is tricky with severe slopes. Watch out for the 15th hole, where water forms a moat around the green.

El Paraiso Golf Course: Good holiday course in a valley surrounded by hills and an abundance of vegetation. The fast greens and palm-tree lined fairways were designed by Gary Player as long ago as 1974. Member's club where visitors are welcomed.

San Roque Golf Course: San Roque course represents an exacting challenge for golfers of all ability, right up to the tricky 18th.The 8th hole is often the cause of many lost shots while the 18th requires a precise finish with a drive to the right to avoid water on the left then a long iron shot over a stream to the green, avoiding a lake on the right. Advance booking is advised.

Sotogrande Golf Course: The grandfather of clubs in Andalucía, Sotogrande only improves with age. No wrinkles are to be found on this immaculate course. Sotogrande opened in 1964 and is still voted amongst the top ten courses in Europe. It has well established vegetation with pine, cork oaks, eucalyptus and palm trees. Water hazards play an important role here, affecting holes 12, 13 and 14 and 16, 17 and 18.

Torrequebrada Golf Course: Since it first opened in 1976 this Pepe Gancedo masterpiece has been recognised as one of the most beautiful courses on the Costa del Golf. Venue for the Spanish Open 1977.Here, the tee shot is of prime importance. A wild drive and all may be lost as trees, woods, rough, bunkers and water are all very much to the fore. Should you be tempted to confuse short length with ease of play, the third hole - only 80 metres to a long and narrow contoured green - will soon disabuse you of this notion.

Valderrama Golf Course: Home to the Volvo Masters (1988-96), the Ryder Cup (1997) and the World Golf Championships (1999-2000), Valderrama surpasses its reputation as number 1 in Europe. Designed by Robert Trent Jones and lovingly attended by owner Jaime Ortiz Patiño, this is one of the continent´s toughest challenges. The 4th hole a par 5 of spectacular beauty ends on a raised green, next to a cascade of water on its way to the greenside lake. The famous par five 17th features a green with bunkers behind and slopes forwards to an emerald lake is the favourite of spectators and the hatred of championship players.