Many golfers still prefer to walk a golf course rather than whiz around in a buggy.
Here on the Costa del Sol we are fortunate to have a wonderful and varied choice of golf courses to play. Some require a buggy as they are located in and around the hills overlooking the coast, others are walking-friendly and are perfect for those of you who prefer to carry (or pull) your golf bag around 18 holes.
Many of our guests at Sunset Beach Club are keen golfers so we thought we’d put together a quick list of our favourite courses which don’t require a buggy. At the end of the post we’ve embedded a map which shows where each of the courses is located. 🙂
Here goes…
1) Mijas Golf
Mijas Golf is one of the oldest clubs on the Costa del Sol. Boasting two courses, Los Olivos and Los Lagos, Mijas Golf it’s also one of the most popular ones.
The Robert Trent Jones designed Los Lagos is the longer of the two courses (6536 metres) and was totally refurbished in 2012. It’s wide fairways make it appealing to higher handicapped golfers; however, it’s 6 large lakes also add a degree of difficulty to course, so bring lots of golf balls!
Los Olivos was originally designed by Trent Jones; however, in 2001 the course was completely refurbished by Cabell Robinson. The main feature of this course is the abundance of olive trees – hence its name. It’s a shorter course and with less water hazards but it’s smaller greens (well defended by bunkers) still make it a good challenge.
2) Santana Golf
This is one of our favourites. Designed by Cabell B. Robinson, this former avocado plantation provides a true test to golfers. Although its wide fairways may lead to overconfidence, the strategically placed water features and bunkers make for a demanding, yet entertaining, day of golf.
A couple of the par five’s are simply spectacular and you’ll need to pull out the big guns to get on the green in three! The 8th is considered the longest hole on the Costa del Sol; it’s 602 metres long!!!
3) Rio Real
Rio Real golf was built in 1965 making it one of the oldest and most established courses on the coast. Located just outside Marbella, the course runs alongside the river from which it takes its name.
At over 6000 metres in length and with a spectacular variety of trees throughout the course, it makes for a challenging round of golf. You probably won’t lose too many balls but you’ll need to hit them straight to avoid a high score!
One of our favourite features is the fact that the course runs all the way down to the sea offering amazing views over the Mediterranean Sea.
4) Los Naranjos
Los Naranjos is located in Marbella’s famous Golf Valley and is ranked as one of the best golf courses in Spain. Another Robert Trent Jones design, it reaches 6532 metres in length off the white tees. It has generously wide fairways; however, the strategically placed bunkers and water hazards do make for a tricky day on the course.
The quality of this course is undisputed and the fact that it has been host to major competitions, including the Spanish Open, is proof of this. Our friends at the Costa del Sol Golf Guide claim that its 4th hole is one of the best Par 3’s on the coast!
5) Parador de Golf
You’ve probably seen Parador de Golf as you’ve come in to land at Málaga airport. It’s officially the oldest course on the coast dating back to 1925.
It’s on our list because it’s easy to walk; however, bear in mind that it’s also one of the longest (6259 metres). Suitable for all levels of golfer it offers a mixture of links, seawater lagoons, open fairways and park land. You also get a good choice as the course has 27 holes.
It’s probably best to avoid playing here on days when the famous Levante (easterly) winds are blowing… unless you enjoy a good challenge!
6) Lauro Golf
Laura Golf is a technical course, although not particularly difficult. Golfers can enjoy spectacular views of sea and mountains as they make their way around a course which, thanks to the thousands of trees planted, is quickly maturing into one of the most beautiful on the coast.
Another of the advantages of playing Lauro Golf is that they actually have 27 holes on which to test your golfing skills.
Location Map with the 6 courses where you can play without a buggy
Well, there you have it, our list of 6 of our favourite ‘walkable’ golf course on the Costa del Sol. We hope you find it useful and that you’ll get to play them soon!
If you’re planning on heading down to the Costa del Sol for a golfing break, be sure to take a peek at our great-value golfing breaks available from just 235€ per person for a 4 night break including 3 rounds of golf => Click here for more information.
And if you fancy playing one of the above courses, just ask at our Golf Desk located on the 6th floor of the hotel. We’ve got agreements with all the major golf courses and you’ll get your green fees at discounted rates. 🙂
