Spain has been a successful golfing nation for many decades, achieving great successes in major championships and consistently playing an important part within European Ryder Cup teams every two years. From the legendary Seve Ballesteros and José María Olazábal to the well-loved Sergio García and the new star, Jon Rahm, the country has contributed significantly to the list of alltime most celebrated players.
As regular hosts of important competitions in the annual golfing calendar, it is unsurprising that Spain has an impressive portfolio of golf courses. The jewel in the regional crown must surely be the autonomous region of Andalucía, an area that can unashamedly flaunt some of the best courses in Europe today.
Golf is also an important reason why many people visit Andalucía every year, and it’s one of the highlights of the enviably happy lifestyle that makes people want to move or buy a second home here. From the famous immaculate greens of Valderrama to the more windswept coastal fairways of the Alcaidesa Links Golf Resort, Andalucía has a course to suit every taste and player level; here we look at four of the finest.
Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, Cádiz
Opening its doors in 1964, Real Club de Golf was the first course designed in Europe by the respected architect Trent Jones and is an important landmark in Sotogrande. Built to integrate perfectly with it’s natural and stunning, surroundings Real Club de Golf offers both a challenge to competent players but can also be enjoyed by people at every standard of the game.
Real Club Valderrama, Cádiz
Famous as a past venue of the Ryder Cup, Valderrama is the course where Tiger Woods first played in the competition that sets America against Europe in the most popular team event in golf. This beautiful, august course has also been host to the Volvo Masters and Spanish Open, and is arguably the place that most golfers would like to play in Andalucía.
Real Club Las Brisas
Generally considered to be the club with the best facilities on the Costa del Sol, the Real Club Las Brisas delivers a fantastic service in all areas, from the pristine conditions of the course to the excellent facilities and staff in the clubhouse. Its fairways and greens are set within vibrant, colourful surroundings that have been designed with inspiration from botanical gardens and resultantly include plants and trees from all over the world.
Alcaidesa Links Golf Resort, Estepona
The only true links course in southern Europe, Alcaidesa Links was inaugurated in 1992 and designed to flow across the landscape of Andalucía, and alongside the Mediteranean Sea. As many of the holes on this course are situated by the beach, players sometimes need to contend with prevailing winds coming in off the sea. Challenging fairways and incredible views towards Africa are just two elements that help make the Alcaidesa Links Golf Resort one of the most iconic in the region.