Why play golf in Andalusia?
Posted on 07 January 2025
Photo: Savannah Lakes Village en Unsplash
Andalusia, known as Europe’s golfing paradise, combines an outstanding range of golf courses with a privileged climate and unique tourist attractions. With more than 100 courses spread from the Costa del Sol to Cadiz or Almeria, it has established itself as an essential destination for amateurs and professionals alike.
In this article, we will explain why playing golf in Andalusia is a unique experience. From the wide variety of courses and tournaments, to the advantages of its climate, we tell you about the qualities that make the Costa del Golf a world reference.
Contents
Andalusia is a top golf destination
With its sunny weather, world-class courses, and stunning landscapes, Andalusia is a golfer’s paradise. Below are the top reasons why it’s the perfect destination for golf enthusiasts.
How many golf courses are there in Andalusia?
According to Statista, there are a total of 107 golf courses in Andalusia. This is the Spanish autonomous region with the most golf courses in Spain.
Moreover, this amount is far away from the second place of Castilla y León, with 47 golf courses distributed in its 9 provinces.
The Costa del Golf has 65% of the golf courses in Andalusia
The Costa del Golf, located on the Costa del Sol, is consolidated as the main golf area in Andalusia. This area includes a total of 70 golf courses, distributed in different golf towns such as Marbella, Mijas or San Roque, among others.
According to the Costa del Sol’s Golf Tourism in Andalusia report, this area has two out of every three golf courses in Andalusia, and a total of 1134 holes. This large number of courses means that the Costa del Golf offers a wide variety of options for players of all levels, from beginners to professional golfers.
Marbella, one of the world’s golfing capitals
We can’t talk about golf in Andalusia without mentioning Marbella, recognised worldwide as one of the best destinations for playing golf. Marbella, located just 30 minutes drive from Malaga, has a total of 15 golf courses and 243 holes.
Renowned fields such as Los Naranjos Club, Real Club de Golf Las Brisas and Marbella Golf & Country Club offer not only first class facilities, but also breathtaking scenery overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and a wide range of complementary services, such as luxury resorts, spas, fine dining restaurants and specialised shops.
Mijas, San Roque and Estepona, other golf highlights
As we have already mentioned, there are many towns on the Costa del Golf that stand out for this tourist activity. In addition to Marbella, other top favourites are San Roque, Mijas and Estepona.
San Roque, in the province of Cadiz, is one of the main golf destinations on the Spanish Mediterranean coast. Specifically, it is located in the Campo de Gibraltar, and is a municipality that offers high-level golf courses. According to the Leading Courses platform (specialised in golf), its best rated golf courses are Real Club Valderrama and La Reserva Club Sotogrande.
Mijas is another of the strong points of golf in Malaga. Just half an hour’s drive from the airport, it is a municipality in which there are 12 different golf courses, and a total of 189 holes. Highlights include Mijas Golf Club (with two different courses, Los Lagos and Los Olivos) and La Cala Resort (the largest golf course in Spain).
Renowned for its coastal charm, Estepona is another key destination for golf lovers. Among its best clubs are Estepona Golf and Valle Romano Golf.
The weather in Andalusia, a great ally for golf
Andalusia’s mild and sunny climate makes it an ideal destination for golf year-round. Each season offers unique conditions that enhance the experience, with spring being a standout favorite for many players.
Playing golf in spring in Andalusia
Playing golf in spring in Andalusia is a great alternative if you want to enjoy warm temperatures without being too hot. Among other advantages, in spring it starts to get dark later so you can enjoy golf more!
If you are also a nature lover, during the months of April, May and June the courses are full of colour with the new greens of the trees and flowers. Without a doubt, a unique landscape!
Playing golf in summer in Andalusia
With the arrival of summer in Andalusia, so do the high temperatures. These can reach 40 °C (104 °F) on some occasions. But don’t panic!
During the low season in summer, Golf Clubs change their timetable to avoid the hottest hours. It is the perfect opportunity to combine this sport with another of Andalusia’s great charms: the beaches.
Playing golf in autumn in Andalusia
We can define autumn in Andalusia as a time of warm temperatures (between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius). During this period, the golf courses start the high season, and most of them are very busy.
Playing golf in winter in Andalusia
The winter season is also another of the best alternatives for international golfers. And it is no wonder. While in other European areas the temperatures can be very, very low, in Andalusia you can enjoy a pleasant 12 °C.
Golf Tournaments in Andalusia
A clear reflection of the importance of Golf in Andalusia lies in the numerous international tournaments and competitions that take place every year in the area.
Without going any further, one of the biggest golf events in 2023 was the Solheim Cup. This tournament was held for the first time in Spain, specifically at Finca Cortesin (Casares, Malaga).
In the coming months, Andalusia will continue to have a busy schedule in terms of golf tournaments. Here are the upcoming dates and information about future golf events in Andalusia.
Andalucía Cup 2025 (from the 22nd to the 26th of January)
The Andalucía Cup 2025 is a golf event scheduled from January 22nd to 26th, taking place across three golf courses: Calanova Golf Club (La Cala de Mijas), Santana Golf (Mijas), and Santa Clara Golf Marbella.
This tournament offers both singles and team competitions, providing an exciting and dynamic experience for players and spectators alike. A fantastic way to kick off the new year for golf lovers in Andalusia!
Marbella Legends (from the 14th to the 16th of February)
Marbella Legends is the first tournament that will open the 2025 season at Aloha Golf Club in Marbella. As its name suggests, it is a tournament that will bring together legendary golfers at this course.
In addition, in this event fans will be able to play together with them in the Legends Experience, which makes it an even more unforgettable experience.
LIV Golf Andalucía
LIV Golf Andalucía will be held again from 11th to 13th July 2025. This competition will take place at Real Club Valderrama, one of the most important golf courses in Europe. The tournament will include individual and team competitions, activities for all ages and live music.
Andalucía Masters (from 17th to 20th of October)
The Estrella Damm Andalucía Masters tournament (part of the DP World Tour) will take place in the Real Golf Club of Sotogrande (Cádiz). This event stands out for its exceptional course presentation and its significance on the international golf calendar.
The DP World Tour of 2025 has announced the Acciona Open de España, scheduled for October 9–12, 2025, which will take place in Madrid. Updates on the Andalucía Masters 2025 are yet to be confirmed.
Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España (November 2025)
The Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España is the grand finale of the Ladies European Tour (LET), featuring top female golfers competing for the tournament title and the season’s Order of Merit.
The 2025 edition is expected to take place in late November, continuing its tradition as the LET season’s final event. Official dates and the venue are yet to be announced. Stay tuned for updates!
Car hire for golfers on the Costa del Sol
If you are thinking of playing golf in Andalusia, renting a car is a great alternative to get around comfortably. As well as making transfers easier, having a hire car in Malaga will allow you to explore the surrounding area and discover activities in the area.
At Helle Hollis, you will find a wide variety of vehicles with ample boot space, ideal for transporting your golf equipment without hassle – perfect for carrying your golf clubs in total comfort!
For groups of up to 5 people, we recommend the Opel Combo or Ford Tourneo (in group P in our fleet) or the VW Caddy model which is a 5+2 seater ( group J in our fleet). The VW Caddy you will find with automatic transmission.
If you would like to travel with a larger group, at Helle Hollis you can rent a van for up to 8-9 people. As well as being a comfortable option for groups, its luggage compartment allows you to transport all your golf equipment.
As you have seen, Andalusia is a destination that offers a complete experience for those looking to enjoy golf in an unbeatable setting. For more tips and news about the Costa del Sol, don’t miss our blog.