If you’re one of the many golf-loving British holiday makers heading for the Costa del Sol this summer for a villa holiday, then the resort of Benahavis might just be the ideal destination for you. Situated close to Marbella and lying between Ronda and Estepona, the mountain village of Benahavis is idyllic. It has every facility you’ll ever need, great food, spectacular views and is within a 5 minute drive of the coast. Best of all, Benahavis is currently home to 12 of the Costa del Sol’s finest golf courses, though that number will soon expand to 15. Benahavis truly is a golfer’s paradise.
Atalaya Golf & Country Club
Atalaya Golf & Country Club has been one of the most popular clubs on the Costa del Sol since opening in 1968. Located between Marbella and Estepona, you’ll pass the courses whilst driving up to Benahavis village. It’s suitable for all levels of play, from beginners to seasoned professionals, because of the flexibility of its tees. The older course is one of the more forgiving golf courses in Benahavis: the new course is more undulating. Atalaya also has one of the most extensive driving ranges in Spain.
Benahavis Golf Club
The Benahavis Golf Club was founded in 1991, and was aimed at local Benahavis residents who wanted to play a round of golf at a reasonable price. Over these years many improvements have been made to the facility, so much so that the village now has its own driving range and regularly hosts tournaments.
El Higueral Golf Club
El Higueral is part of the Marbella Club Golf Resort. It’s a beautiful 9 hole golf course built around a group of apartments, along the Guadalmina River. Because it’s a shorter course it’s one of the most walkable in the region, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s an easy course to play. There are numerous obstacles and plenty of trees and water for balls to stray into; let alone the canyons on either side of the fairways. The prices at El Higueral Golf Club are reasonable, but golfers should note that there’s no Clubhouse.
El Paraiso Golf Club
Designed in 1973 by Gary Player, El Paraiso is one of the best and more established courses on the Costa del Sol. El Paraiso is built partly on Benahavis territory, and partly on Estepona soil. The course is situated 14 km from Marbella in a valley surrounded by hills with magnificent views of the coast. El Paraiso was carefully designed and hosts an abundance of trees and plants and strategically positioned lakes and bunkers. Competitions are held weekly.
La Quinta Golf Club
Situated in the “Golf Valley”, La Quinta Golf Club commands fine views of the mountains and the Marbella coastline. It consists of three combinable courses. The courses are deceptive: they might look relatively easy at first sight, but they are in fact very demanding, due to the layout of the fairways and the excellent quality of the greens.
La Zagaleta Golf Club
La Zagaleta Golf Club is home to two golf courses, designed by the American Bradford Benz. Offering spectacular views over Gibraltar, La Zagaleta is regarded as Europe’s answer to Augusta, as play is limited to members and their guests. Located in a fabulous resort of almost 900 hectares, at the start of the road from Marbella to Ronda, La Zagaleta Country Club is one of the most exclusive in Europe. The surroundings of the golf course are outstanding, and the fairways are set in a nature reserve which is home to numerous species of flora and fauna.
Los Arqueros Golf Club
Los Arqueros, the first golf course designed by Severiano Ballesteros on the Costa del Sol, is located in Benahavis region, only 5 km from the village centre. It is accessed by the new bridge road over the Guadalmina River. Los Arqueros is a challenging course which will be enjoyed by all players, whatever their level of skill, though it should be said that it is rightly regarded as probably the most difficult course in Benahavis. The variation in its holes and the magnificent views of the sea and the mountains, make Los Arqueros well worth visiting.
Los Flamingos Golf Club
Set in beautiful natural surroundings, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, Flamingos Golf Club offers everything a golfer could want. Flamingos Golf Club has already attained well-deserved international renown for the high level of quality it offers and for having been, for three consecutive years, the venue for the European Senior´ Final, ‘The Daily Telegraph European Seniors´ and the “Match Play Championship’. The club currently has three courses, ‘Flamingos Golf’, ‘Alferini Golf’ and ‘Tramores Golf’, the last being a par63, but the other two are best suited for long hitters, having respective lengths of 5714 and 6641 metres.
Marbella Golf Club
Marbella Golf Club is set in an exceptional location. It’s a course similar to the ones you’ll find in the States, and every bit as good. It boasts perfect greens and fairways.
Montemayor Golf Club
Nestling in the mountains of Benahavis, behind Marbella, Monte Mayor is one of Andalusia’s most spectacular Golf courses. Designed by Jose Gancedo, the course, which has six bridges linking tees, fairways and greens, is ideal for the experienced player. Be warned though, Montemayor is also an unforgiving golf course.
