For centuries, golf has remained one of the world’s most played sports. The modern version of the golf game originated in Scotland in the 15th century and from there it spread worldwide. Currently, there is an impressive number of almost 40.000 golf courses available all over the world. Spain with almost 500 golf courses belongs to the top 20 golfing countries with the largest number of golf courses. The Costa del Sol is the Spanish area with the highest concentration of golf courses not only in Spain, but also in Europe. This acclaimed holiday destination, also known as the Costa del Golf currently boasts over 60 golf courses of exceptional quality and variety. What else makes The Costa Del Sol stand out for the golf vocation and compete with the world golf superpowers such as England, United States or Germany? Essentially, the weather – pleasant temperatures with an average year-round high close to 20 degrees and with almost 300 sunny days without rain. Luxurious weather conditions combined with authentic Andalusian traditions and gastronomy; a rich culture with a variety of museums in Malaga; beaches with excellent facilities and surrounding inland natural areas; diversity for leisure activities, extraordinary shopping and health & beauty options; exciting night life; personal security; quality of services and transport; and last but not least a fascinating choice of accommodation – golf hotels, apartments and villas. More than one could wish for on an unforgettable golf holiday.
THE COSTA DEL SOL’S GOLF FAME
The internationally most renowned golf course on the Costa del Sol is Valderrama Golf Club located in Sotogrande, not far from the Rock of Gibraltar. After hosting The Ryder Cup in 1997, Valderrama put Andalucía on the worldwide golfing map. Since then, it regularly appears in the international golf rankings, for example among “world’s 100 greatest courses” according to The Golf Digest or among “the 8 golf courses to play before you die” from Golf Monthly. Designed by Trent Jones Senior, this golf club is one of the most prestigious clubs in Europe and second in Spain. This American designer of international fame also designed several other legendary golf courses on The Costa del Sol: Real Club de Golf Sotogrande; and Las Brisas and Los Naranjos in Nueva Andalucía. Quite a few golf courses on the Costa del Sol appear in the Top 100 Golf Courses of Spain: Real Sotogrande, Finca Cortesin, already mentioned Las Brisas, Aloha, Rio Real, Guadalmina Sur, Mijas, Atalaya, Alcaidesa and many others…
GOLF TOURISM ON THE COSTA DEL SOL
The arrival of mass tourism in the 60s’ and 70s’ inspired the building of some of the most important golf courses of the Costa del Sol such as Guadalmina (1959), Rio Real of Marbella (1965), Atalaya Golf of Estepona (1968); and Aloha and Los Naranjos of Nueva Andalucia (70s’) etc… Over the years the golf tourism has become one of the main attractions on the Costa del Sol and one of the tools to accompany the higher seasons, economically impacting the area with over 1.500 million euros made each year. The golf season usually starts around mid-February and runs throughout until early July. After the summer break due to the hot temperatures the season resumes again from September until late November. The main form of travel for golf tourists is “travelling with friends” or “as a couple”. The leading area for the Costa del Sol; offering the highest concentration of golf courses and golf accommodation is Marbella and its surroundings.
THE GOLF PROPERTIES IN MARBELLA AND SURROUNDINGS
When speaking about the accommodation for golf lovers we cannot forget to mention some of the exceptional hotels and resorts specializing in golf such as the spectacular beachside 5 star Hotel Guadalmina Spa & Golf Resort with the last hole of the golf course finishing right on the beach or Villa Padierna Palace Hotel, a luxury fairytale venue inspired by a Tuscan Palace immersed in the unique green of the golf and enjoying breathtaking sea views. However, a hotel cannot provide that homey and cozy feeling that a private apartment or villa with personalized touches and unique features can. Properties set within the golf resorts add more value as they offer magnificent views of the manicured golf courses with beautiful trees, ponds and lakes. Being part of this type of residential complex comes with a golf membership, a clubhouse with restaurant, bar and lounge, sometimes even with spa and additional sport facilities. Frontline golf properties seem to have endless gardens; their own private gardens continuing to the golf course. Many golf courses in the Marbella area boast adjacent residential resorts and offer plenty of choice in terms of location, property type and price range. Marbella Unique Properties is happy to guide you through the exciting and diverse options of the best frontline golf properties. To be continued…