A Travel experience by a Golf Professional
My second part of three is about Costa del Sol if you want to experience it in a more normal way and maybe focus on spending the money on other things then luxury golf courses and 5 star hotels my suggestion would be as follow.
Everyone is different when they choosing golf for themselves. Some people like the wide courses and some like the more narrow courses. Around Marbella you can find it all from mountain courses to wider courses and also Links kind of courses. A small explanation below will hopefully make your choice easier for your next trip to Costa del Sol.
Los Naranjos is a very known course by Swedish people but it is also one of the better courses in the Marbella area overlooking everything from Golf Course, value for money, golf shop and restaurant. I have it all from having a nice drink before the round at the terrace to have a great dinner in the evening. Also if you need something for your golf I am positive to say they have the best golf shop in the area. As a golf course it is quite generous of the tee but once a while you need to think so you do not get into too much trouble. My favorite holes on the course is all on the back nine and its 12-15-18.
Atalaya Old is an old English lay out where the course is improving for every year. With great facilities for short game this is also a great course for the people who like to have an enjoyable walk instead of buggies. It is a typical parkland course, which is rather flat, and you will have a great day at Atalaya Old. My favorite holes on the course are 1-6-10-17. The course is not too long for the amateur but it has a few par 3s where you really need to hit good shots. Also a few par 4 with raised greens where you need accuracy.
Rio Real is a very nice park line course just east of Marbella where I always loved the fantastic shape but also the very nice three line holes. It has also a very nice kind of boutique hotel and they chef is famous for great food. If you want to spend a calm relaxing golf weekend this is a very good choice in my opinion.
San Roque New is for me an amazing golf course. It is a very good value for money but it can also be very difficult if the wind is blowing. After the experience after my win at the European Tour Q-School 2004 I am of course a little bit partial in this subject but the sense of playing a golf course, which can change so much in character from one day to another, is quite interesting. My suggestion is to play the morning at the old course and have a fun afternoon at the new course where we would be very happy to find you tee times.
All of these courses are a little bit more affordable but normally in great condition and with good layouts and great service. I will not rank the courses because I feel that everyone has their different like but if you thinking of coming to Spain for a golf holiday I think these are the ones that you shall include in your package. Then there is a lot of other courses also in the Costa del Sol area which I also think is very nice courses for all players. Below you can see those.
Valle Romano
Torrequebrada
Alcaidesa
Mijas Lagos
El Paraiso
Marbella Golf Resort
Flamingos (Villa Padierna)
Alferini (Villa Padierna)
In part 3 of my suggestions about Marbella I will highlight more what there is to do around the golf. A lot of people today want experiences and would look for excursions, great restaurants, and other sports and of course nightlife.
Until then have a great season on the golf courses and if you need more help feel free to email us or visit our website where you can find more interesting packages around the world. If you need more advance advice what might suite you and your friends you can reach us on
Happy golfing
Peter Gustafsson
+34616052160
