Benahavis Golf Courses

Benahavís and Estepona are home to some exceptional golf courses, thanks to which any golfer resident in these areas will find themselves spoilt for choice. Each course and its accompanying clubhouse offers something slightly different and after testing them all out, avid players will no doubt find the one that best suits them.

Los Arqueros Golf and Country Club

This is the first course designed by Spanish superstar golfer Steve Ballesteros. Opened in 1991, Los Arqueros in Benahavis is a challenging par-71, 18-hole course that follows the lie of the land and blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The result is a golf course that presents an exciting challenge for the experienced golfer, while newcomers to the game will find it a real test of their skills.

Marbella Club Golf Resort

Located within a luxurious country club in the Benahavis hills, the Marbella Club Golf Resort is an 18-hole course designed by Dave Thomas that’s a favourite with both professional and amateur golfers. This stunning golf course offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean coastline, Gibraltar and North Africa as well as the surrounding mountain scenery. It is a limited play course with 12-minute intervals between tees and gentlemen players must have a handicap 28 and ladies 36.

La Zagaleta

La Zagaleta is famous for its luxury residences and its La Zagaleta and Los Banancos golf courses are naturally of a similar quality. American designer Bradford Benz created the residents-only course in the hills of Benahavís, where golfers can enjoy superlative views of the coastline, Gibraltar and North Africa from its greens. There are two courses available but the club is only open to members and their guests, not to green fee players.

Monte Mayor Golf and Country Club

Designed by José Gancedo in 1989, who is renowned for his creative approach to course design, the course sits within a valley of outstanding natural beauty in Benahavis and is considered to have some of the best greens in Spain. It is a popular practice course with a number of professionals. The 18-hole, 71-par course has maximum handicaps of 28 for gentlemen and 36 for ladies.

Alferini Golf Resort

This 18-hole, par-73 golf course is only a five-minute drive from Monte Mayor. It is renowned for its exceptional beauty and conservation of Benahavis’ natural scenery. This pretty course is suitable for both competition golf as well as relaxed, informal rounds.

Los Flamingos

Antonio García Garrido designed this 18-hole, 71-par course located within the Los Flamingos residential development. Its beautiful surroundings make it a pleasure to play a round of golf here and its fairways of varied width encourage precision golfing. Although this is one of the newer golf courses in the Benahavís area, it has quickly become renowned for the quality of game it provides and has already hosted the European Seniors Championship and the Spanish Women’s Open.

El Paraiso

Gary Player designed this well-established golf course in 1973, which lies within a ten-minute drive of Benahavís village. This golf course benefits from exceptionally tranquil surroundings and fantastic views of the mountains. It is an 18-hole course with plenty of water features and well-positioned bunkers.

El Higueral

This nine-hole course is part of the Marbella Club Golf Resort in Benahavis, and is built along the banks of the Guadalmina River. Its excellent views plus clever use of lakes and fairways make it a delightful course for golfers of all levels of experience.

Atalaya Golf and Country Club

One of the most popular courses on the Costa del Sol for both experienced golfers and those learning the game. Like El Paraiso, Atalaya is well established and opened in 1968. It has two 18-hole courses – Atalaya Old and Atalaya New –and offers a variety of challenges and a parklike setting that makes it suitable for every golfer.

El Campanario Golf and Country House

El Campanario Golf has one of the most beautiful clubhouses, with a spa, gym, restaurant and bar, for use by golfers and non-golfers. There is a Golf Academy for all ages, but with emphasis on teaching young players. The nine-hole course designed by Manuela Piñero opened in 2003 and is suitable for all levels of golfers. The resort also offers Footgolf, an increasingly popular pastime.

El Coto Club de Golf

The Coto de la Serena nine-hole course is located adjacent to a residential development between San Pedro Alcántara and Estepona. The layout, with twisting streams and bridges, has a distinct Japanese influence. It is situated just to the south of La Resina Golf Club.

La Resina Golf and Country Club

A charming nine-hole course and clubhouse that was founded in 2006, it is located near Los Flamingos in Benahavis. The course is open to members only and the luxurious clubhouse offers a true country house feel. The course is suitable for both professionals and amateurs.

La Quinta Golf and Country Club

This exceptional course, and its many amenities, is located on the eastern edge of the Benahavís area. It is an exclusive golf club with a 27-hole course designed by Manuel Piñero and a golf academy. La Quinta Golf is known for being one of the most attractive courses in the area and is suitable for all levels.