English Golf Courses

Golf in Marbella

Marbella is a city that offers not only an internationally renowned jet-set scene, but a typically and much-loved Andalucian ambience. Host to the Volvo Masters Andalucia, the season-ending tournament on the European Tour, the area is frequented by not only mere amateurs but by the cream of Europe's professionals.

Tour pros forever wax lyrical about Marbella and it's pulling power yet, more recently, it's been travelling golfers from around the world that have been singing the its praises.

With a wonderful selection of courses - there are around 30 - and all have been touched by some of world's best-loved architects. With the likes of Robert Trent Jones, Seve Ballesteros, Peter Alliss, Dave Thomas and Tony Jacklin having had their fun in designing a number of Marbella's layouts, the temptation to come and see for yourself just how first-rate this golfing den really is can prove very tempting.

The Golf Marbella winds its way through spectacular valleys. Tough par threes are a major feature of this Trent Jones-designed course. The Rio Real Golf Club is another wonderful example of just how much fun 18 holes here can be. Real is a beautiful Mediterranean course that winds it way through tall palms yet, surprisingly, is not far from downtown Marbella.

There is also a selection of new courses in the area, the Cabopino Golf being the favourite, built to cope with the increase in golfers flocking to the region throughout the year. In fact, Spain has experienced somewhat of a golfing revolution in the past 20 years due mainly to the all-conquering talents of the county's greatest-ever player, Severiano Ballesteros.

The fiery Spaniard's layout, Alhaurin Golf, is a picturesque 20-minute drive into the mountains from Fuengirola. It is reasonably long at over six and a half thousand yards, yet it is still enjoyable for the more modest golfer. Being as straight as possible from the tee will go a long way to helping you shoot a decent score.

Marbella is also home to Premier Golf - Europe's leading golf show - where anyone who is anyone in the golf industry sets up camp for the week. Most, however, tend to mix business with pleasure and who can blame them when you look at the beauty of the surroundings.

There are numerable hotels that befit all corners of the market. Plus, the nightlife is rumoured to be among the best in Spain for welcoming golfers who wish to put their feet up, beer in hand of course, after a hard day's slogging it out on the sun-drenched course.

Marbella is ideal for families, couples or large tour parties as the hotels all have friendly and knowledgeable staff that will see to your every need. They also take the trouble to find you the best deals for your money, both on and off the course.

Advise on the best method of travel to the courses and the best ones to play is available at the drop of a hand. The locals, even with their laid back attitude and way of life, are very serious about their golf and consider it an honour for visitors to come and play their courses. Being treated like royalty, therefore, is par for the course.

In the evening you can wine and dine or relax in any of the homely little bars and restaurants that line the streets of what is a beautiful and inspiring part of Spain.