Best Golf Courses in Marbella: Your Ultimate Guide to Premier Golfing

Golf in Marbella

With its perfect year-round climate and world-class facilities, Marbella stands as a golfer’s paradise on Spain’s stunning Costa del Sol. Whether you’re searching for the best golf courses to play in Marbella or planning your next golf vacation, this guide will help you discover the region’s most exceptional courses.

 

How Many Golf Courses are there in Marbella?

 

With over 20 golf courses in Marbella, each offering excellent facilities and unique challenges, golfers are genuinely spoiled for choice. From exclusive private clubs to championship courses that have hosted international tournaments, the region caters to players of all skill levels. The vibrant golf community here includes international players, expert coaches, and passionate enthusiasts who make this corner of southern Spain their home.

 

Planning Your Golf Trip: Golf Club Rental in Marbella

 

Before we dive into our top 5 selections, it’s worth noting that most premier courses offer comprehensive services, including golf club rental in Marbella. Whether you’re flying in without your equipment or prefer to travel light, you’ll find quality rental options at virtually every course. Many golf clubs in the Puerto Banus area and throughout Marbella provide top-brand equipment rentals, ensuring you’re well-equipped for your round.

Our Top 5 Best Golf Courses to Play in Marbella

 

 

1. La Zagaleta Golf Courses (Old & New)

 

For those seeking exclusivity, La Zagaleta offers two exceptional courses within a luxurious residential estate. Both the Old Course (designed by Bradford Benz in 1991) and the New Course, Los Barrancos (designed by Steve Marnoch in 2005), rank among the best golf courses to play in Marbella for discerning golfers.

 

La Zagaleta - Old Course
La Zagaleta - Old Course

Old Course Highlights:

 

  • Stunning panoramic Mediterranean views
  • A mix of tight fairways, strategic bunkers, and water hazards
  • Secluded, peaceful setting with limited access
  • Impeccably maintained greens and exceptional service

 

La Zagaleta - New Course
La Zagaleta - New Course

New Course Highlights:

 

  • Dramatic elevation changes and undulating fairways
  • More open layout with breathtaking mountain vistas
  • Strategic water hazards and wind exposure challenges
  • Requires precision and thoughtful shot planning

 

2. Real Club Las Brisas

 

A historic gem among Marbella golf courses, Real Club Las Brisas was designed by legendary architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. and opened in 1968. This prestigious course has hosted numerous international tournaments and remains one of Spain’s premier golfing destinations.

Real Club de Golf Las Brisas
Real Club de Golf Las Brisas

What Makes It Special:

 

  • Strategic parkland-style layout featuring water hazards, bunkers, and tree-lined fairways
  • Lush vegetation, including rare species of trees and plants
  • Fast, undulating greens that challenge even seasoned golfers
  • Exceptional maintenance and high standards of service
  • Rich golfing tradition steeped in elegance

 

Website: https://realclubdegolflasbrisas.com/

3. Finca Cortesin Golf Club

 

Located near Casares, Finca Cortesin is widely regarded as one of the best golf courses in Marbella and across Europe. Designed by Cabell B. Robinson and opened in 2007, this award-winning course has hosted the prestigious Volvo World Match Play Championship, cementing its status among elite golfing destinations.

Finca Cortesin
Finca Cortesin

What Makes It Special:

 

  • Pristine course conditions maintained to championship standards
  • Wide fairways complemented by deep bunkers and large, undulating greens
  • Breathtaking Mediterranean Sea views throughout your round
  • World-class clubhouse with luxurious hotel and spa facilities
  • An actual test of golfing skill for players seeking both challenge and luxury

 

Website: https://www.fincacortesin.com/en/hotel

Honourable Mentions: More Best Golf Courses in Marbella

 

While our top 3 showcase the cream of the crop, several other exceptional courses deserve recognition:

Rio Real Golf & Hotel

Rio Real Golf: Located just 3 kilometres from Marbella’s centre, this picturesque layout by Javier Arana (1965) traces the Rio Real River to the Mediterranean shore, showcasing spectacular vistas of both mountains and coastline. Website: https://rioreal.com

Guadalmina Golf Course

Guadalmina Old Course – One of the oldest courses on the Costa del Sol (1959), offering traditional parkland golf with strategic challenges. Website: https://www.guadalminagolf.com

La Cala Golf Hotel Spa

La Cala Golf – One of Europe’s largest golf resorts featuring three distinct 18-hole championship courses in the hills of Mijas. Website: https://www.lacala.com

Anantara Villa Padierna Golf Club

Anantara Villa Padierna Golf Club – Luxurious destination with three 18-hole courses and five-star amenities in Benahavís. Website: https://www.anantara.com/en/villa-padierna-marbella/golf

La Cala Golf Hotel Spa

Why Marbella Golf Courses Stand Out

 

Beyond exceptional fairways and greens, a trip to Marbella offers the complete package. The region is renowned for its stunning coastline, breathtaking vistas, vibrant nightlife, and famous Spanish hospitality. The progressive golf scene here means you’ll encounter quality facilities, international players, expert coaching, and a thriving Costa del Sol golf community.

 

Planning Your Marbella Golf Experience

 

When planning your visit to play the best golf courses in Marbella, consider:

 

  • Booking in advance – Popular courses fill up quickly, especially during peak season
  • Golf clubs rental in Marbella – Most courses offer quality equipment rentals
  • Package deals – Many courses offer accommodation and golf packages
  • Weather – Marbella’s climate is perfect year-round, but spring and fall offer ideal conditions

 

Location – Golf clubs in the Puerto Banus area provide easy access to nightlife and dining

Guadalmina Golf Course
Anantara Villa Padierna Golf Club

Final Thoughts

 

With so many world-class Marbella golf courses to choose from, the only real challenge is finding enough time to play them all. Whether you’re drawn to the championship pedigree of Finca Cortesin, the historic elegance of Las Brisas, the exclusivity of La Zagaleta, the welcoming atmosphere of Aloha, or the classic charm of Rio Real, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable golfing experience.

 

Each of these top golf courses in Marbella offers something unique, ensuring that every round is a new adventure in one of Europe’s most stunning golf destinations. So pack your clubs (or arrange golf club rental in Marbella), book your tee times, and prepare to experience why this corner of Spain has earned its reputation as a true golfer’s paradise.

 

Ready to tee off at the best golf courses in Marbella? Start planning your Costa del Sol golf adventure today!

Luis Ponce Vizcaino
CEO at Marbella Mountain Resorts |  + posts

Luis is a very strong asset on Real Estate & Hospitality sector with more than 25 years experience. Having worked for international hotels companies such as Starwood Hotels & Resorts ( Actual Marriott ), Mandarin Oriental, Accors & McDonalds during more than 15 years, Luis dared to swift his life and joined a more personal venture as a CEO Founder of Marbella Mountain ResortsPartner Director of Ronda Mountain Think Tank.

In his personal life, he is an adventurous, passionate person with strong values. He is passionate about animals and boats. He doesn’t follow established rules and uses lateral thinking in all aspects of his life. He is single, childless, and enjoys free time and freedom as life’s most important treasure.

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