Discover the best Marbella golf courses & country clubs

By Julia Nilsson on - 10m. reading time

Discover the best Marbella golf courses & country clubs

For decades, Marbella has lured endless visitors to its sunny shores and charmed them with its fun-loving culture and climate. But another stream of fans flock to this seaside paradise for a more rarefied pastime: golf. Boasting courses designed by world champions, Marbella has turned many a passionate player into a resident, including none other than the late, great Sean Connery. Read on to discover more about Marbella´s best golf courses.

Monte Paraiso Golf

Marbella’s Golden Mile is considered the main area of classy luxury in Spain. It boasts high-end villas, apartments and penthouses for sale, ideal for all year round living, or investments with excellent rental potential.

Just a few of them, like Monte Paraiso residential complex, have a golf course on the doorstep. Designed by Manuel Piñero, the 9-hole Monte Paraiso course winds over the gentle slopes of the rolling hillside and is beautifully laid out around lakes.

Interested in properties for sale in Monte Paraiso?

Marbella Club Golf

The world-famous Marbella Club Hotel has its exceptional 18-hole golf course with a very unusual layout designed by Dave Thomas. Guests of Marbella Club and Puente Romano Beach Resort have the privilege to enjoy the exclusive benefits of complementary green fees and shuttle service to the Marbella Club Golf Course. Situated amidst the hills of Benahavis only 20 min from the Golden Mile, this magnificent golf course and the luxury properties around it boast spectacular views of the mountains, sea, Gibraltar – all the way to the African coastline. Surrounded by plenty of water and cavernous bunkers, the golf course that´s called a “delicious challenge” will bring the very best out in you.

Read here about properties for sale in Marbella Club Golf Resort 

Real Club de Golf Guadalmina

Real Club de Golf de Guadalmina
The stunning ocean view of Real Club de Golf Guadalmina

Guadalmina is a prestigious residential area in San Pedro, Marbella, with prime infrastructure, lush greenery and elegant 'old-school' atmosphere. Its high-end properties along with the Guadalmina Hotel, beach and two golf courses attract countless people from Madrid and other cities. For the most, they purchase properties in Guadalmina Baja or Guadalmina Alta, or swing by for holidays and golf breaks.

Wide fairways winding between pine and jacaranda trees tempt you at Guadalmina Sur Golf Course. Completed in 1959, the Javier Arana-designed masterpiece is the Costa del Sol's second oldest golf course – after Málaga Parador. Among many celebrities, it has welcomed Dukes of Windsor, Henry Ford, the Krupps, the Agnellis, Aristotle Onassis, and Mr. Bond himself: Sean Connery.

Completed under the supervision of Folco Nardi in 1973, Guadlmina Norte is considered less difficult than the Southern Course. The lakes, streams, fountains and Guadalmina river transform golf at Northern Course into a very refreshing experience.

Guadalmina now has a total of 45 golf holes, two 18-hole courses and a 9-hole pitch and putt course. Most competitions are played on Guadalmina Norte.

Find out all about properties for sale in Guadalmina Baja and Guadalmina Alta

Nueva Andalucia – The “Golf Valley” of Marbella

Once an orange grove, Nueva Andalucia today is a homeowner’s paradise with luxury properties and top-quality golf courses that gave the area its famous nickname.  Frontline properties to the golf courses sport amazing views and are constantly in high demand both for sale and rent. This neighbourhood offers a variety of architectural styles, from the most current contemporary and minimalistic trends to traditional Andalusian.

Discover a wealth of properties in Nueva Andalucia

Real Club De Golf Las Brisas

Designed in 1969 by Robert Trent Jones Senior in the lowest part of the valley, the course is recognised as one of Europe's finest. It has hosted the World Cup, Spanish Open and Mediterranean Open. It´s said that playing at Las Brisas represents an achievement in any golfer's yearbook. As enjoyable as it is challenging, it gives players of all levels an exceptional golfing experience. This most exclusive club on the coast also offers its members fine service, fine dining and a variety of social and recreational events.

Adding even more lustre, Las Brisas golf course is surrounded by luxury developments and stunning villas with unique features such as cinema rooms, private gyms, wine cellars, indoor heated pools and outdoor infinity pools.

Discover properties for sale in Las Brisas

Los Naranjos Golf

Los Naranjos Golf Club in Marbella
The view of Los Naranjos Golf Club

Los Naranjos Golf Club is regarded as one of the best achievements of Robert Trent Jones Sr. in Europe. The course, with its great wealth of flora, generous fairways, well placed bunkers and water hazards, ranks as one of the best in Spain. Several times it was voted “Course of the Year” on the Costa del Sol.  Los Naranjos’ philosophy states, "Golf means more than just sport". The spectacular clubhouse with lovely terrace, excellent restaurant and vibrant social life attracts players from all over the world.

If this appeals to you, look no further to find beautiful private homes, built in a contemporary or traditional style.

Properties for sale in Los Naranjos 

Between Los Naranjos Golf and Las Brisas Golf rests an exclusive gated community: La Cerquilla. Ranked among the most private and secure in Marbella, this select residential area is made up exclusively of luxury villas. Little traffic passes this haven of peace. Yet it lies just a few minutes away from all amenities and other world-class golf courses. The views across the Golf Valley towards Puerto Banús and the sea probably rank among the finest in the area.

Here you can see some awe-inspiring properties for sale in La Cerquilla

Aloha Golf Club

Created by Javier Arana, Aloha Golf is a prestigious and well-established course that has hosted the PGA European Tour 3 times. Its well-balanced design and beautiful landscaping are a true delight to play and a real challenge to golfers of all levels. The Club also offrs its members fine dining at the superb restaurant, along with recreational facilities including a swimming pool and sauna.

Aloha area with its lovely gated communities of villas and townhouse is ideal for both golfers and families. Green, peaceful and secure, it features all amenities, Aloha College (one of the most popular international schools in Marbella) and the stunning Turtle Lake, making it an ideal location for families to enjoy picnics and relaxing walks.

Discover these marvellous properties for sale in Aloha

Marbella East

This part of Marbella is defined by the best beaches, famous beach clubs, lush golf courses and luxury real estate. The high-end residential complexes offer both Mediterranean style properties and chic contemporary houses including brand-new developments. The properties for sale in Marbella East attract not only golf and beach enthusiasts but also families, since all amenities are located nearby including British, Spanish and German schools, hospitals, supermarkets, a wide range of leisure and sports facilities including tennis clubs and the Adventure park.

Read about houses for sale in Marbella East

As well as the marvellous villas available there.

Santa Clara Golf Marbella

Located just a few minutes from the heart of Marbella, Santa Clara Golf Marbella is another jewel in the golfing crown of Costa del Sol. This 18-hole par 71 golf course was designed by Enrique Canales Busquets and opened in 2001, offering a meticulously maintained course that's accessible for players of all levels.

Set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea, Santa Clara Golf Marbella is renowned for its fast greens and straightforward layout, offering a more relaxed game compared to some of the other challenging courses in the area. The first nine holes are easier with more par-4 and par-5 options, while the back nine present more water hazards and technical difficulties. This diversity in gameplay adds to its appeal, allowing golfers to either ease into their game or face a challenging test of skill.

The club offers premium services, including a modern driving range, short game facilities, and a stylish clubhouse with all the amenities one could ask for, such as a pro shop, locker rooms, and a fine dining restaurant. The course also features a golf academy, making it an excellent choice for families and players looking to improve their game.

Río Real Golf

Rio Real Golf Club
A treat for the eyes: Rio Real Golf club

Another design of Javier Arana and enclaved in one of the most privileged spots in Marbella, the 18-hole Rio Real Golf was opened in 1965 as part of the luxury Los Monteros development. Part of this unique course is the river that flows down to the sea, to offer breathtaking views. Nestled on the golf course, Rio Real Golf Hotel has a spa, outdoor pool and stylishly decorated rooms overlooking the greens. Other facilities include tennis courts, terraces, clubhouse and restaurant. The ever-present Sean Connery once took part in a particularly memorable charity summer golf tournament, when it was one of Marbella’s brightest points of high society.

All said, buying a property in prestigious Rio Real is a great opportunity for those yearning to enjoy luxury life in a serene setting in the picture-perfect Mediterranean surroundings.

Grab a glimpse of these properties for sale in Rio Real

Cabopino Golf

Designed by Juan Ligués Creus and inaugurated in 2001, this scenic 18-hole course with breath-taking mountain and sea views caters to both amateurs and professionals. It offers perfect conditions, good availability and high-quality services. Cabopino Golf Academy is open to those who want to learn and enjoy the golf experience. Cabopino beach is only minutes away, running alongside the protected Artola sand dunes – much-loved by people after natural beaches.

This privileged area is famed for modern luxury and the incredible views it provides for residents and visitors. Not to mention the host of sophisticated new developments with unforgettable sea panoramas on the rise in Cabopino.

Interested in properties for sale in Cabopino?

Greenlife Golf

Greenlife is a picturesque golf complex nestled just 10 km from Marbella town centre. It includes a regular 9-hole par-3 course for beginners and more expert players to enjoy. It also has a practice range, clay tennis courts and clubhouse with gym and sauna. The Michelin-star El Lago restaurant is an idyllic eatery in the heart of Elviria Hills.

Elviria´s wide range of properties on sale include luxury traditional villas, modern houses, as well as apartments and townhouses.

Here you can admire some properties for sale in Elviria

Marbella Golf & Country Club

5 min away (1.9 km) from the prestigious area of Los Monteros, you´ll find Marbella Golf & Country Club. Once very private but now open to visitors, it presents a solid but enjoyable challenge. Designed by Robert Trent Jones in the late 80’s, the long 18-hole course requires brave tee shots and provides one of the best golfing experiences on the Costa del Sol. Beautiful nature and luxury properties surround the golf course with views to take your breath away.

Grab a look at some stunning properties for sale in Los Monteros

and Los Altos de Los Monteros

 

Julia Nilsson
Lead Editor Julia Nilsson

Cosmopolitan since birth, Julia is multilingual and has a doctorate degree in international auxiliary languages as means of intercultural communication.…