Consistently ranked as the number 1 course in Europe, Valderrama is a masterclass in precision. Known for its immaculate conditioning and fast greens, it famously hosted the 1997 Ryder Cup. For a stay that matches the prestige of the course, book into the SO/ Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort, a high end lifestyle hotel that offers a chic, rebel luxury take on traditional Andalusian style just a few minutes from the first tee.

Widely regarded as Javier Arana’s masterpiece, El Saler sits in a protected nature reserve and combines links style holes along the Mediterranean with parkland sections through pine forests. The best way to fully experience it is to stay at the Parador de El Saler, a stunning, glass fronted hotel integrated directly into the course, allowing you to walk from your breakfast table to the practice range.

Host of the 2023 Solheim Cup, Finca Cortesín is the gold standard for modern luxury in Spain. The course is demanding and sprawling, with every hole feeling like a private sanctuary. The definitive stay is the on site Finca Cortesín Hotel Golf & Spa, an award-winning boutique retreat known for its massive suites, three Michelin starred dining and an exclusive beach club.

This clifftop course near Bilbao is another Javier Arana gem. It offers dramatic views of the Bay of Biscay and a classic, members club atmosphere. To match the northern elegance, stay at the Hotel Carlton in Bilbao, a landmark luxury hotel that has hosted royalty and remains the most prestigious address in the city.

A regular winner of Spain’s Best Golf Course at the World Golf Awards, Las Colinas is a Cabell B. Robinson design set in a secluded valley surrounded by lemon and orange groves. For a high end, independent stay, book one of the Las Colinas Residences, which offer modern, luxury villas and apartments with access to a private beach club on the Mediterranean coast.

This club was Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s first European design and remains a favourite. It features wide, rolling fairways and elevated greens, which has been recently restored to their original 1964 glory. Stay at the Encinar de Sotogrande, a sophisticated and modern hotel that provides a peaceful retreat overlooking the nearby countryside with easy access to the Sotogrande golf hub.

Formerly known as PGA Catalunya, this course was built with the purpose of hosting the Ryder Cup. It is a gruelling, beautiful test of golf through oak and pine forests with several daunting water hazards. You must stay on site at the Hotel Camiral, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, which offers modern design, a world class wellness centre and high end Catalan gastronomy.

Designed by Greg Norman, El Prat is a 45-hole club that has hosted the Spanish Open ten times. The Pink layout is the most prestigious, winding through beautiful woodland near Barcelona. For a luxurious city and golf trip, stay at the Hotel Majestic & Spa on the Passeig de Gràcia in Barcelona. It offers a Golden Age hotel experience and a dedicated concierge to manage your transfers to the club.

The newest of the great Sotogrande courses, La Reserva is carved into a hillside and offers some of the largest greens in Spain. It features a unique inland beach club and a very exclusive feel. For a stylish base, stay at the MIM Sotogrande (by Lionel Messi), a sleek boutique hotel in the marina that is perfect for enjoying the local nightlife after a day on the fairways.

Located in the heart of Marbella’s Golf Valley, Las Brisas is famous for its botanical garden feel, featuring rare plants from all over the world. It is a highly technical course that rewards strategy over power. For the ultimate Marbella experience, stay at the Marbella Club Hotel, an iconic beachfront property that offers a refined atmosphere.

For many travellers, the Costa del Sol is the preferred choice for Spanish golf holidays because it’s promoted as having over 325 days of sunshine each year and more than 70 golf courses. It’s a great fit for golfers who want reliable weather, plus a good selection of tee time options on a single trip.

The golf season usually starts in mid February and runs until early July. Between July and August, the temperatures rise and Spain takes a break from golf. The season resumes again from September until late November when most golfers start to get ready for the Christmas period. Overall, the weather in Spain is generally good all year round, making it the perfect spot for your golf holiday.

With airports in Malaga and Seville in the South, Madrid in the Centre, Murcia, Alicante and Almeria in the East coast, it has never been easier to get to Spain for your golf trip. Most UK airports all fly into mainland Spain.

Spain has a large tourism ecosystem where golf spending flows into hotels, restaurants, transport and other services. One published study notes that 7 euros out of every 8 spent on golf benefits other sectors. This is one of the reasons why Spain works well for golf trips, the country is well set up with brilliant facilities for golf visitors.

Yes, Spain ended 2024 with 305,603 golf members, up 2.2% year on year, which was the sixth consecutive annual increase in participation. For customers booking golf breaks in Spain, growth is a useful signal that the sport and the supporting infrastructure remains active and invested in.

Spain is one of the world’s favourite destinations for a golf holiday. Between the world class resorts of Malaga and Marbella, to the tranquil countryside in Murcia and Andalucia, the perfect golf holiday is waiting for you with plenty of fantastic locations to choose from.