While the lockdown restrictions may have put your travel plans on hold for the time being, there’s no harm in looking forward to the future and planning where you’d like to go once the pandemic is finally over.
There is only so long you can carry on improving your golf swing while self-isolating, after all. Eventually, you just need to get out there and play.
So, if you’re a big golf fan, we have good news – there are hundreds of great places to visit on a post-pandemic trip, home to some of the best golf courses the world has to offer.
One such place is the Costa del Sol – a beautiful coastal strip in the South of Spain, comprising many well-known cities and an abundance of sights, scenery and cultural attractions to enjoy.
But we’re not here to talk about any of those sights or landmarks today. Instead, we thought we’d give you a quick run-through of the best places to play golf throughout the Costa del Sol – all the way from the Strait of Gibraltar to the province of Granada.
Let’s get started!
Valderrama Golf Club
Designed by the golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Snr, Valderrama Golf Club is arguably his masterpiece.
Set in from the coast, the course has been used to host both the prestigious Spanish Masters as well as the Ryder Cup back in 1997.
As such, the course is definitely not one for beginners, as it has been designed in such a way to test both a golfer’s physical capabilities as well as their tactical nouse, winding its way through a variety of trees and lakes.
La Reserva Golf Club
The second youngest golf course on our list, La Reserva was only opened back in 2003 but, in that time, it has gone on to become one of Costa Del Sol’s best offerings. In fact, the course is now viewed by many as one of the leading golf courses across the world.
This has largely been due to the incredibly picturesque setting that its architect – Cabell Robinson – designed it in, within the Sotogrande region.
Overlooking both the dramatic mountains and stunning Mediterranean sea, La Reserva features several cleverly designed greens that provide even the most novice of golfers with a real test. As such, it really is one of the most incredible places you will ever enjoy a round of golf.
El Chaparral Golf Club
Located in Mijas, the El Chaparral Golf Club is the youngest golf course on our list, having only been established back in 2005.
Skirting along the incredible coastline Southern Spain has to offer, it goes without saying that the views golfers enjoy here are second-to-none, with wide expansive views across the Mediterranean sea.
What’s more, the course itself is one of the more unique on our list, with each of the 18 holes (six par threes, six par fours, six par fives) deliberately designed by Pepe Gancede to be different from each other.
This, in turn, provides golfers with a fascinating golfing experience, keeping you on your toes on how best to navigate each hole you get to.
San Roque (Old Course)
Another of the Costa del Sol’s best golf courses is the San Roque Old Course located in Cadiz.
Designed originally by the legendary Dave Thomas back in 1990, and then partially redesigned by the well-known Spanish golfer Seve Ballesteros 15 years later, the course is a firm favourite of professional golfers worldwide and has played host the Spanish Open in recent years.
Therefore, if you’re looking to experience 18 championship quality holes once the lockdown restrictions are lifted, the Old Course needs to be added straight to the top of your Costa del Sol golfing bucket list.
Aloha Golf Club
If you’re looking for a course which will not only provide you with a great round of golf but is also located close to some of the best nightlife the region has to offer, the Aloha Golf Club is the choice for you.
Situated between the buzzing towns of Marbella and Puerto Banus, this par-72 course will find yourself winding your way through trees, mountains and lakes on one of the more established options on our list, designed back in 1975 by Javier Arana.
Then, once the lights have gone down and you’ve finished golfing for the day, you will only be a short drive away from the local towns where you can eat, drink and party long into the night.