Golf On The Costa del Sol

The Costa del Sol is often referred to as the Costa del Golf, not surprising with concentrations of top quality golf courses nearing the 50's and fabulous weather almost all year round – it's an idyllic setting. Popular with European golfers for many years, the area has become better known farther afield due to the 1997 Ryder Cup held at Valderrama. The demand is so great that many new courses are being developed and in the more popular courses, rounds need to be booked months in advance.

A little inland from Puerto Banus and Nueva Andalucia is the area known as "Golf Valley." With world-class courses designed by the likes of Robert Trent Jones and Seve Ballesteros the area, not surprisingly, is home to many luxury property developments, including some fine frontline properties on the courses. The course at La Zagaleta Country Club, designed by Seve Ballesteros, is one of the most exclusive on the coast and is strictly members and guests only.

Golf is far more popular with visiting tourists than the Spanish. A recent study estimated that a staggering 80% of golfing tourists had visited the Costa to play. Many golf courses have club tournaments running throughout the year, so phoning to check first and booking in advance is advised. Golf has played a great part in turning the Costa del Sol from a summer holiday destination to a year-round resort, with many northern Europeans escaping bleak winters to come to the Costa's mild winter climate to play golf.