If you have been watching the sports channels throughout 2023, you would get the impression that golf is as divided as it has ever been in its history. The PGA Tour had been battling against LIV Golf before an apparent alliance, while the Ryder Cup will soon take place in Italy without all but one of the players who opted to take the millions on offer at LIV Golf. However, despite the courtroom wars and constant jibes between rival players, golf remains as one of the sports that has increased its participation around the world since 2020, likely leaving newcomers and the more experienced player to consider taking on the joys of a golf holiday in a different country.
For its weather, variety and all-round enjoyable lifestyle, Spain is always going to prove to be a popular choice for a golf holiday. According to a study by Spain-Holiday, the top 20 areas of Spain were identified using a range of options, the idea being to give golf players a way of making informed decisions by exploring each of the important factors if they want to maximise enjoyment and relaxation. Overall scores were generated, and the study generated a clear winner in what still proved to be a hotly-contested list.
The municipality of Marbella came out with a perfect score of 10, while the Andalusia region have four municipalities ranking in the top seven of the standings. In terms of distance, Marbella ranks poorly in comparison to its competitors with the area sitting 39km away from the airport, yet Marbella claws back its ratings through being able to offer a remarkable total of 21 courses. Travelling players will want availability at all times - rather than relying on a few unsociable times to get your 18 holes in for the day - while the variety is there for you to take on the challenge of different courses, whether that be courses within walking distance of your hotel or if you would prefer to move further inland to reduce the effect of the wind from the coast.
What is the best golf course in Marbella is going to be open to interpretation, whether you are after difficulty or scenery. The Los Naranjos Golf Club rarely leaves anyone feeling disappointed for a combination of the aforementioned reasons - the views ranging from nearby mountain ranges to overlooking Marbella itself - while the Marbella Golf and Country Club is located just five minutes away from the centre of the city and may leave you with the impression that you are on the beach given the amount of testing bunkers that it has to offer.
San Roque and Mijas are also based in the Andalusia region and are located considerably nearer the airport if you would like to stay outside of Marbella. You will not find as many courses in those area, but if you are a golfing purist, the San Roque Club is a must-visit. The course is designed by Perry Dye - the son of his more famous father Pete Dye - and legendary Spaniard Seve Ballesteros had an input in its creation. The venue offers two courses and comes with the history of hosting years of European Tour Schools to determine who would join the elite on a season-by-season basis.
Despite the attractive ratings of Andalusia, you should consider all regions of Spain, with the Canary Islands also boasting a wide range of courses. The distance to the airport is, on average, shorter and average temperature - regardless of the time of year - is generally higher, and should come under consideration if they are your preferences. There are a total of six golf courses in the San Miguel De Abona region, the Golf Costa Adeje arguably the best option if you want to combine all factors and value for money with a nine-hole course also on offer if you would like to spend just two hours or so out on the course.
Madrid, the Valencian Community, Murcia and the Balearics also have municipalities that feature on the top-20 list and should come under consideration. With its inland location, Madrid gives golfers a different perspective of playing in the vicinity of one of the most historic cities in the world and, as you can imagine, players are not short of courses to play and the average distance to the airport is just 12km.
If you wanted to mixed the city lifestyle of Madrid with the coastal delights of the Valencian Community, the two areas are separated by a two-hour journey on the train, a journey which can sometimes be made for as low as €8, and staying in one city and visiting the other to play golf or experience the location is a viable option if you want a break from trying to achieve pars and birdies.
