Discover the fascinating history of golf courses on the Costa del Sol, a paradise for golf enthusiasts. From its beginnings with the Real Club de Campo in 1926 to its current status as the leading golf destination in Europe. Explore the most renowned courses, their influence on tourism, and the international reputation that has earned this region the name “Golf Coast“.
History of Golf Courses on the Costa del Sol
The first golf course founded on the Costa del Sol was the Real Club de Campo in 1926, now known as El Parador. The 1960s marked a significant boom in golf clubs with the strong influx of tourism. During this decade, courses such as Guadalmina Club de Golf (1959), Real Club de Golf de Sotogrande (San Roque, 1964), Golf Río Real (Marbella, 1965), El Candado (Málaga, 1968), Atalaya Golf (Estepona, 1968), and Las Brisas (Marbella, 1969) were founded, all catering to high-end tourism.
In the 1970s, twelve new facilities were inaugurated along the Costa del Sol in towns like Estepona, Marbella, Benalmádena, and Mijas.
In 2018, the Costa del Sol was awarded as the Best European Golf Destination by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), which comprises highly experienced tour operators in the industry.
Costa del Sol or Costa del Golf (Golf Coast)
In addition to its beaches, people, cuisine, and climate, the Costa del Sol stands out for its magnificent golf courses. It boasts the highest concentration of golf courses, and the demand is so high that new courses continue to be built along the coast. The abundance of golf courses combined with the stunning coastal landscapes has earned it the name “Costa del Golf.”
Golf has become a way of life for many people and is particularly popular among tourists. The favorable climate of the area allows these golf courses to remain open year-round.
Málaga, Golf Paradise
Currently, there are over 50 golf courses throughout the Costa del Sol, representing almost 70% of all golf courses in Andalusia. It is the top destination in Europe for golf enthusiasts. The majority of these golf courses are located in the province of Málaga, specifically in Marbella (21), Mijas (11), Estepona (10), Benahavís (6), San Roque (6), Málaga (3), Casares (2), Rincón de la Victoria (2), Benalmádena (2), with one in Vélez-Málaga, Fuengirola, Nerja, and Manilva, and three more in the interior of the province in Alhaurín el Grande, Alhaurín de la Torre, and Antequera.
In Marbella, golf courses cater to all levels of difficulty. In the interior of Puerto Banús, there is an area known as the “Golf Valley” with prestigious courses designed by internationally renowned professional golfers. One of the most exclusive golf courses in Málaga is the one designed by Severiano Ballesteros, the Club de Campo La Zagaleta.
