The Autonomous Community of Andalucía, and more specifically the Costa del Sol Riviera, is well-known as one of the best golfing destinations in the world. The Costa del Sol, aptly nicknamed the Costa del Golf, is home to over 70 of Andalucías 100-plus golf courses.
What makes the Costa del Sol the perfect golfing location?
With the Costa's mild climate, warm temperatures and sunshine, it's easy to see why our Spanish Riviera is a popular choice for golfers. The courses on the Costa del Sol are well-located and, with Málaga Province having one of the longest Andalusian coastlines, many courses offer sea-views.
The Costa del Sol's golf courses are recognised internationally as being some of the best in the world. The Valderrama Golf Course, one of the most prestigious courses and club houses on the Costa del Sol, hosted the 1997 Ryder Cup, as well as the local Volvo Andalucía Masters Cup, the latter being part of the European Tour, for many years. Another popular club, Finca Cortesín, hosted the Volvo World Matchplay for three years.
Novice or experienced golfer? The golf courses on the Costa del Sol are known for their outstanding quality, offering challenges for all levels of golfing enthusiasts.
Golf Properties on the Costa del Sol
Home to some of the most luxurious and challenging golf courses in the world, it's easy to see why many purchase golf properties on the Costa del Sol. Between the challenging courses and outstanding on-site facilities, it’s a no-brainer to choose the Costa as your favoured golfing destination. Several courses on our spectacular coastline have been designed by world-famous names in the golfing industry, such as Trent Jones, Jack Nicklaus and Seve Ballesteros.
For those with partners who aren't interested in the sport themselves, there are plenty of activities on-site to keep them happy. Many golf clubs also offer an abundance of other sporting facilities, including swimming or tennis. Alternatively, several club's are also home to luxurious spas and Michelin-starred restaurants.
Whether you’re looking for a holiday home, investment property, or to relocate or retire on the Costa del Sol, there are plenty of golf courses to choose from, offering properties for all budgets, so you can live right next to your favourite hobby.
History behind golf on the Costa del Sol
What is now one of the fundamentally attractive features of the Costa del Sol, it was the British who introduced the golf, as well as football, to Spain.
It was during the late 19th Century when British mine workers brought this sport to Spain, right here in Andalucía. Working at the Rio Tinto mines in Huelva, they played a number of sports during their free time, including tennis, cricket, polo, football and, of course, golf.
The first ever Spanish golf course, Corta Atalaya, was built on the grounds of the old Huelvan mine. When it was founded in 1914, it was named Club de Golf Filon Norte (North Lode Golf Club). Since then, a new golf course was opened at Corta Atalaya in 1992.
Costa del Sol: Home to One of the World’s Best Golf Courses
Valderrama, or known by its full name Real Club Valderrama, in San Roque, close to Gibraltar, is widely-known as being one of the best golf courses in the world. It is also acknowledged as the best golf course in Europe.
The resort features over two thousand ancient cork oak trees that were carefully preserved by English-American golf architect, Robert Trent Jones, when he designed the par-71 course in 1974. Seve Ballesteros, a Spanish professional golfer and one of the industry's leading figures between the 1970s and 1990s, redesigned the course's famously-challenging 17th hole.
Throughout the years, Valderrama has been through a number of name changes. Originally, it was named after the ancient estate that Colonel Joe McMicking purchased after World War II: Sotogrande New. Its name was then later changed to Los Aves, translating to 'The Birds', before being changed to Real Club Valderrama (Royal Club Valderrama in English).
In 2010, Real Club Valderrama was purchased by a consortium, headed by Australian professional golfer Greg Norman.
In November every year, Valderrama hosts the Volvo Masters, which has now been renamed to the Valderrama Masters. The Club also hosts the Andalucía Masters, with the first being held in October 2010.
Buying or Selling Property in Spain? Contact Costa Space!
Costa Space is an independent online estate agency based in Calahonda providing comprehensive property services for Marbella, Mijas Costa and Fuengirola areas in the Province of Malaga.
We are a progressive and innovative agency continuing to strive for excellence through providing sound property advice to our clients and using the latest in the next generation marketing. If you're interested in buying or selling your property on the Costa del Sol, please do not hesitate to contact us.