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Top 5 Golf Courses in Spain

One of the best destinations in Europe. Here are our top 5 courses in Spain so you can plan your next trip!

Spain is, without doubt, one of the best destinations for golf in continental Europe. With the perfect Mediterranean climate, several stunning championship courses and a host of golf resorts to choose from it is easy to see why so many golfing tourists flock to Spain every year. The Costa del Sol specifically, located on Spain’s south coast, remains a world-renowned golf destination.

 

There are now over 400 golf courses to choose from in Spain, offering options to suit every golfer. However, below is our pick of the top five must-play golf courses in Spain.

For keen golf fans it will be of absolutely no surprise that Valderrama is on this list. Having hosted the famous 1997 Ryder Cup with Seve Ballesteros as captain, several European Masters and other European Tour tournaments it is Spain’s most famous course and one of the most well-known in Europe.
Consistently ranking as one of Europe’s best golf courses, it is without doubt a bucket list course for so many golf fans. Located in Sotogrande within Costa del Sol, there are over 70 golf courses in this area of Spain, but Valderrama is probably the one every golfer wants to play. Designed by Robert Trent Jones first in 1975, then redesigned again in 1985, Valderrama is known for its immaculate condition and stunning scenery.
The PGA Catalunya was designed specifically to host professional Tour events and has hosted several Spanish Opens since opening in 1998. Surrounded by nature the Stadium Course is as beautiful as it is challenging, although several tees dp give the handicap golfer a chance.
When playing the Stadium Course you are immediately met with a tough tee shot from an elevated first tee, which sets the tone for the rest of the round. PGA Catalunya is well located just south of Girona and less than an hour drive from Barcelona. Close to Costa Brava and the Pyrenees, the cooler climate compared with southern Spain can be really appreciated in the summer months. PGA Catalunya also has another excellent 18 hole golf course called the ‘Tour Course’, which is one of the reasons many tourists consider this the number one golf resort in Spain.
Real Club Sotogrande is one of the oldest golf courses in the Costa del Sol, but is without doubt still one of the best. Located less than 5km away from Valderrama, this course is another Robert Trent Jones design from 1964. A thinkers golf course, Sotogrande is not the longest but rather one where golfers have to carefully plot their way around.
Tree-lined fairways, tricky greens and several well placed water hazards all add to the challenges faced throughout the round. Many golfers comment on the understated elegance when playing this course, provided through a combination of natural beauty and excellent course design.
Finca Cortesin is one of the more modern courses in the Costa del Sol, but it has already got quite the reputation amongst both professional and amateur golfers alike. Despite only opening in 2007 it has hosted several World Match Play Championships and has been selected as the host of the 2023 Solheim Cup.
Set in the heart of a valley, Finca Cortesin is designed to use its natural features to its advantage throughout the course, but is also known for its bermuda greens. The course has picturesque views and is set in a beautiful landscape. It is one of the longest courses in Europe when played from the tips, so most golfers recommend taking a buggy. The addition of a five star hotel and exceptional practice facilities makes Finca Cortesin somewhere all golfers should visit when in Spain.
Designed by Jose Maria Olazabal, Real Club Sevilla is set in the historic capital of Adalusia. It has previously hosted several Spanish Opens and the 2004 World Cup of Golf. Despite having a relatively flat and open layout, Sevilla provides a stern test through undulating greens, well placed bunkers and water hazards.

The flatter layout means Sevilla is walkable for most golfers all year around. Slightly further out the way for many golf tourists, but this course is definitely one you must play if you are visiting the beautiful city of Seville. 

El Saler


Previously laying claim to the number one golf course in mainland Europe, El Saler is renowned for its use of the natural land as well as its stunning Mediterranean views. You could be forgiven for thinking you are playing a British seaside links course on some of the holes, yet others feature local umbrella pines. A little south of Valencia it is out of the way for many golfing tourists, but if you are willing to make the drive El Saler will not disappoint.


Tecina


Tecina gets an honourable mention as one of the top courses to play for golfers visiting the Canary Islands. Set on the beautiful island of La Gomera, this hilltop golf course boasts spectacular views over the Atlantic and neighbouring Tenerife. It is definitely a full day-trip from Tenerife having to catch a ferry and shuttle bus, but the truly unique experience of this golf course will definitely make it worth your time.

Great Courses. Amazing Rentals. Golf in Lisbon.

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