The Costa del Sol is now also known as the Costa del Golf with over 100 golf courses and golfing resorts, four of which are ranked in the top 10 in Europe. It now offers courses of every size, shape and description, ranging from great-value and relatively unknown pay-and-plays to the lofty heights of many courses that have hosted European Tour events.

It is now half a century since it reinvented itself as Europe`s first and foremost winter golfing destination. Blessed with just the right climate, the region became the first such stronghold, bursting on to the scene in 1964 when Robert Trent Jones designed his first course this side of the Atlantic, the Real Club de Golf, Sotogrande. In 1997, the Valderama Golf was chosen for the Ryder cup; in 2007 the same club celebrated in style as the Volvo Masters commemorated its 20th anniversary, the longest-running single sponsorship in European golf. Due largely to the success of the Ryder Cup, golf was taken to new levels on the Costa del Sol as it gained universal recognition and along with it came even more quality courses which have been constructed to supply the ever increasing demand for Golf in southern Spain.

The constantly improving La Reserva, was designed in 2004 by Cabell Robinson, a former student and employee of Trent Jones. After branching out on his own, he became responsible for many highly rated courses, including the excellent Finca Cortesín up in the hills at Casares, which has hosted two Volvo World Match Play Championships. There are superb views of sea and mountain, and the accompanying luxury hotel and spa are particularly fine. Other well-known names are Atalaya, El Paraiso, Estepona and Torrequebrada. There are two particularly good courses at Mijas Golf, the Lakes and the Olives, and in December and January you can play either for less than £50 – excellent value when compared with rates elsewhere in Europe. Many of the clubs also offer very attractive replay rates, a substantial discount for playing a second round within a set time. Also, there is very often a beneficial green fee for booking and paying online in advance.

Close to the Puerto Banus marina in Marbella are several excellent courses, including the 27-hole complex at La Quinta, designed by Manuel Pinero and set in natural surroundings. It has panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the Sierra Blanca mountain range that surrounds its valley location. Sloping fairways and deep bunkers add to the challenge but water also regularly comes into play.

Close by are two of the finest and best-known golf courses in the district. Las Brisas hosted the World Cup of Golf in the early Seventies which was won by an American pair including Jack Nicklaus; and Nick Faldo won the Spanish Open there in 1987, the same year as the first of his three Open victories.

Right alongside is Aloha, one of two courses in the region to host European Tour events in 2012. Many consider it to be one of the best in the area. While these superior clubs have green fees that are a little pricier, this reflects the superb quality and conditions on offer at all three.

By contrast, and just a short drive away, La Cala has not one but three interesting and enjoyable 18-hole courses with a variety of quite modest green fees that include replays from £25, as well as discounted group rates and season tickets to play all three.

There is also a good selection of nine hole courses which have sprung up to satisfy golfers. These courses offer very good value whilst maintaining a high standard of golf course. The top nine hole courses include the newly opened and increasingly popular El Higueral club situated near Benahavis and the Cerrado del Aguila Club located in Mijas Costa just 10 minutes from Fuengirola.

80% of golfing visitors will repeat the same course as well as trying others. Over the past 30 years Spain has built upon a credible, sustainable and high quality golf tourism which even in these economically difficult times is managing to hold its head high and continues to be an affordable and popular golf tourism hotspot. 16 new courses are planed on the Costa del Sol with a further 19 in the Cadiz region which includes the increasingly popular Costa de la Luz. This means huge investments in Spain and the creation of hundreds of Jobs.

Note:
A word of advice for anyone using an airline that charges extra for transporting your golf equipment. Clubs to Hire has an outlet inside Málaga Airport that offers premium-brand clubs for hire at prices which very often make it cheaper than taking your own.