Time is right for golf on Spain’s Costa del Sol
Three golf courses for any type of player.
If you’re a golf lover, make sure you circle September 2023 on your calendar. For one thing, Europe hosts the Americans from 30 September to 2 October at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Guidonia Montecelio near Rome for the Ryder Cup. But a week before that, an even more heated event takes place in Andalusia when Europe’s top female golfers take on their US counterparts in Finca Cortesin, just a one-hour car ride from the Malaga airport, for the Solheim Cup.
“Finca Cortesin is world class and the overall experience at the resort is absolutely fantastic,” says Suzann Pettersen.
Do you recognize the name? The Norwegian won over 20 tour titles, including two majors, on the world’s biggest stages, then put an exclamation point on her storied career by sinking the winning putt to snatch victory from defeat for Europe in 2019 at the Solheim Cup in Scotland. While Ms. Pettersen helped Europe successfully defend the title on American soil in 2021, she’s now serving as captain of the European team as they try to defend the latest title against their American counterparts.
For golfers, it’s a region that offers endless playing options on a variety of courses.
With over 70 courses from Torre del Mar in the north to Sotogrande in the south, Costa del Sol is Europe’s most popular golf destination. The mild climate and abundant selection of golf courses make this area perfect for Scandinavian golf lovers.
“For golfers, it’s a region that offers endless playing options on a variety of courses. Some of them are more of a championship nature while others are designed for everyday golfers,” says Ms. Pettersen.
In other words, there are plenty of beginner courses – and more affordable options like El Parador de Malaga Golf. The very first golf course on the Costa del Sol, El Parador was designed in the 1920s by Harry Colt, the legendary golf course architect. Located right next to the airport, it may lack the panoramic scenery of other courses, but with green fees under Euro 100, it’s the perfect place to just land and book a tee time before continuing your golf expedition along the Costa del Sol.
Three courses to play on the Costa del Sol
Valle Romano Golf & Resort
Why? An extremely rare find on the Costa del Sol when it comes to the quality, design, and green fees (Euro 55–85). Not to mention, the breathtaking Mediterranean views!
Los Naranjos Golf Club
Why? A Swedish-owned course that offers a satisfying playing experience. Can play without a golf cart as it’s not as hilly as many of the other courses in the region. You can even order Swedish meatballs and Skagen shrimp toast in the restaurant! Green fees around Euro 100.
Real Club de Golfe Sotogrande
Why? If you want to play on a prestigious course in the Costa del Sol, make this the one. Challenging holes, wonderful atmosphere, a storied history, and an elegant clubhouse. An incredible experience if you want to treat yourself to a little luxury. Green fees around Euro 250.
Text by Oskar Åsgård