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Low-Cost Golf on the Costa del Sol

Low-Cost Golf on the Costa del Sol

Kelly Summerell Kelly Summerell
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Low-Cost Golf on the Costa del Sol

The Costa del Sol is a golfing paradise that attracts over 500,000 visitors each year, with options for everyone, from budget golf courses to the most luxurious golf resorts. With over 70 golf courses along the sunny coast, this southernmost part of Europe has become the "field of dreams" for the global golfing community.
The Ryder Cup at Valderrama, The World Match Play, and soon the Solheim Cup at Finca Cortesin, as well as European Tour events, Ladies European Tour events, Challenge Tour events, and various Q schools are held at prestigious courses like San Roque, Torrequebrada, Valle Romano, Atalaya, Villa Padierna, Mijas Golf, among many other international competitions, have all been held on the Costa del Sol.

Due to the Costa del Sol's extensive golfing heritage, locals and tourists can play these same courses and follow in the footsteps of the greats. Visiting some of these elite golf courses can indeed be costly. Mediterranean Homes on the Costa del Sol hope to achieve some balance with this article by compiling a list of the top 10 low-cost golf courses on the Costa del Sol.

view of golf course from terrace

In 2023, Spain will play host to the Solheim Cup for the first time in history. From September 18 to September 24, 2023, it will take place at Finca Cortesn on the Costa del Sol. The 2023 organisers have been working for months to promote the event with various actions, including creating a group of ambassadors (nearly 100 in number) who help give women's golf visibility. Players, businesspeople, and club representatives from all over Spain are included among the ambassadors.

How many golf courses are there on the Costa del Sol in Spain?

Here's an interesting fact - The Costa del Sol has the highest density of golf courses per km/sq! There are over 70 golf courses on the Costa del Sol between Torre del Mar and Sotogrande. Golf has grown in popularity in the area since its introduction nearly a century ago, to the point where the Costa del Sol now ranks as a top golf destination worldwide.

Which golf course is the cheapest on the Costa del Sol?

Please don't mistake a low-cost green fee for a poor standard of golf. We can assure you that when it comes to finding a great golf course on the Costa del Sol, you can't go wrong! All 70+ golf courses along the Costa del Golf compete for your visit with other destinations internationally, and among themselves.  Because of the fierce competition, all the Costa del Sol golf courses are run, managed, and maintained to very high standards. Many factors influence the pricing policy of golf courses on the Costa del Sol. A new course, for example, may set a low green fee price to attract visitors. Some of the less expensive courses on the Costa del Sol are located on smaller plots of land and thus have lower operating costs.

Other factors that can allow a golf course operator to offer a low green fee include location and playability. One thing is for sure: all the golf courses on the Costa del Sol will have excellent playing conditions, with tees, fairways, and greens designed to make your experience a memorable one!

If you're just starting to play golf and you're looking to practise on golf courses that don't cost an arm and a leg, it may be a good idea to find cheap golf courses. So without further ado, let's take a look at some of the more inexpensive golf courses on the Costa Del Sol.

 

Ten Low-Cost Golf Courses on the Costa del Sol

(All prices quoted below are correct as of February 1, 2023)

Golf Anoreta

Location - Website

2023 Price Range: is 52 to 137.50 Euros for two green fees plus a buggy. Anoreta Golf is located 15 minutes east of Malaga city from Malaga airport. Marbella, Fuengirola, and Nerja are all nearby. Sergio de Céspedes, national coach of the Spanish Royal Golf Federation, has established a Golf Academy at the resort (RFEG).
It has innovative facilities, making it one of Europe's most important schools.

Additional Services: Whilst Golf is the main activity at the Aoreta Resort, it is not the only one. You can also enjoy our Paddle Club, water sports, and horseback riding. There's also Free parking, Wi-Fi, an airport shuttle, and a bar.

Summary

The first 18-hole golf course in the La Axarquia region, which is east of Malaga and close to the town of Rincon de la Victoria, was called Anoreta Golf.

The first nine holes, designed by the great Spanish golfer Jose Maria Canizares, opened in 1990, with the second nine following a year later.

This course is not particularly long, measuring 6000m from the White tees. It has wide fairways, landing areas, and fast Bermuda greens. If you miss the fairways, you will certainly be penalised and must work hard to save your par.

A mature parkland course with excellent facilities and breathtaking views. Anoreta Golf is a low-cost course on the Costa del Sol worth exploring off the beaten path! “The Anoreta course is a good challenge for all players whatever level”.

Antequera Golf Club

Location - Website

2023 Price Range: is 33 to 38.50 Euros (9 Holes) and 42.90 to 64.50 Euros (18 Holes) Men + Green Fee + Buggy (min 2 pax). Although few people have heard of Antequera Golf, this course in the heart of Andalucia has become a standard of excellence. The course is only 30 minutes from Malaga, an hour from Cordoba and Granada, and only a few hours from Sevilla, making it accessible from anywhere on the southern coast. Antequera has views that make you envious. The fields run between the hills preceding the Natural Park El Torcal on its northern side, visible above the Antequera Vega.

Summary

Antequera Golf, another Jose Maria Canizares design on this list, opened in 2003. Antequera Golf is unique in its proximity to the El Torcal Nature Reserve, a Unesco World Heritage site.

A challenging golf course with a slope rating of 145 and 6100m from the White Tees, only Valderrama has a higher slope rating among the Costa de Sol golf courses. Antequera course is known for being a demanding golf course with a slope rating of 145. Each hole tests the skill, precision, and experience of its players.

The playing surfaces are always in great shape. The clubhouse and hospitality have received positive feedback. This gem of a golf course, located approximately 30 minutes inland from Malaga, is worth finding. Antequera Golf Club is well worth a visit. As one player mentioned, “It is a demanding golf course”.

Golf and Country Club Alhaurin

Location - Website

2023 Price Range: is 46 Euros (early bird) to 145 Euros for two green fees and a buggy. This well-established golf facility is in the Sierra de Mijas mountains, midway between Mijas Pueblo, Alhaurin el Grande, Coin, and Fuengirola. This course features an 18-hole par-72 course and a nine-hole par-three layout designed by the legendary Seve. On-site facilities include a four-star hotel and one of the best practice ranges in the area, complete with an academy and all the services you would expect from a premier golf resort. The course is genuinely daring and impressive, leaving no one unimpressed. 

Summary

Alhaurin Golf, designed by Severiano Ballesteros and opened in 1993, provides a fantastic range of facilities for golfers on the Costa del Sol.

The practice area is one of the best on the Costa del Sol. If you are looking for a quick game of golf, the 9-hole par 3 course is a wonderful place to work on your short game.

The 18-hole par 72 layout is challenging, but it's one of Seve's designs, so I wouldn't expect anything less!

This course is impossible to complete at 6000m from the White tees unless you are incredibly patient and always play safe off the tee.

Alhaurin Golf is a spectacular location with a clubhouse with breathtaking views. Someone else commented and said “One of the most spectacular golf courses in Spain”.

Mediterranean Homes have a wide range of properties for sale in Alhaurin el Grande and surrounding areas, suitable for avid golfers that are within range of a five-iron!

Lauro Golf Resort

Location - Website

2023 Price Range: from 53 Euros (twilight) to 152 Euros 2 Green Fees + Buggy. Lauro Golf Resort is Located between Alhaurin el Grande and Alhaurin de la Torre. The Club enjoys a privileged position within the natural environment of the Alhaurin hills just a short drive away from the city of Malaga. There are 27 holes in this immaculate facility, which winds through the stunning Andalusian countryside. Famous bullfighters are honoured in the names of the holes, and citrus, pine, cork, and olive trees line the fairways. Golfers of all skill levels can play the course thanks to the layout. There are three separate ways to play the course, all of which are par 72.

Summary

The late Folco Nardi created the course with the intention of making it technically difficult without being overwhelming. Since its inception, the course's design and operation have been based on respecting nature and the surroundings by not only preserving and caring for the existing trees but also by planting thousands of new trees, the majority of which are native Andalusian species, the relatively flat course is very well-liked. A restaurant, locker room, and pro shop are available at the clubhouse, which is housed in a stunning, historic Andalusian building. The club also has a swimming pool that is open to both members and visitors. On the course and at the base of the mountain, there are two openings that provide a magnificent view of the Guadalhorce Valley and the Mediterranean Sea.

As one player mentioned “One of the best greens on the  Costa del Sol, great staff, good value for money”.

New Course at Atalaya Golf and Country Club

Location - Website

2023 Price Range: is two green fees and a buggy in 2023 is between 70 and 135 euros (old course). Near the main A7, halfway between Marbella and Estepona, you'll find the Atalaya Golf and Country Club. Its two outstanding 18-hole courses, the Atalaya Old Course and the Atalaya New Course are framed by the breathtaking Sierra Blanca mountains and surrounded by mature eucalyptus trees, cacti, and palms as well as pink and white azaleas that release unforgettable and alluring scent.

Summary

One of the most aesthetically pleasing golf courses on the Costa del Sol is the Old Course at Atalaya Golf and Country Club, completed in 1968. Peter Krings created the brand-new course, which debuted in 1990.

The views from the high points of the New Course, situated in the hills surrounding the Old Course, are breathtaking and quickly walked. However, it can become steep in places.

This course's length from the back tees is only 5279 metres, and the longer hitters may reach many Par four holes. However, the sloped fairways' elevation changes and the proximity of the rough to either side of the fairways make it a challenging, if occasionally frustrating, game.

Cabopino Golf

Location - Website

2023 Price Range: 55 euros (early bird - twilight) to 95 euros for 18 holes and a buggy. The course is located on the A7 autovia, halfway between Calahonda and Marbella, close to Puerto Cabopino, and only 30 minutes from the airport in Malaga. There are three par 3, two par 5, and the remaining holes are par 4. The 14th hole is the longest, a 456-meter par 5 with a broad, undulating green surrounded by lakes on the front and back sides. The third hole, a par 4 with a high exit and a green encircled by bunkers at about 80 metres, is undoubtedly the most impressive. This hole has received many accolades for being one of the most beautiful on the Costa del Sol. 
The 13th and 15th holes, par 3s protected by lakes, and the 10th, with expansive views of the Mediterranean Sea, are also noteworthy.

Summary

This parkland public golf course on the Costa del Sol was designed in 2001 by Juan Ligués Creus. Despite being only 5190m in length, this course is thought to have a tight layout. You will have a fantastic day if you can hit 200-meter tee shots and keep them straight. Long hitters who cannot keep the ball in the fairway will suffer!

The par-4 third, the golf course's signature hole, is one of the most memorable holes on the Costa del Sol. After your game, a detailed discussion about the 80m vertical drop from the tee to the green will occur in the bar!

Baviera Golf

Location - Website

2023 Price Range: is 47 euros (twilight) to 80 euros (18 holes) Baviera Golf is in the seaside community of Caleta de Velez, just 30 minutes east of Malaga Airport and close to Nerja, Velez Malaga, and Malaga itself. The Course is located in a valley with an ideal microclimate for golf, bordering the Sierra Tejada mountain range and the Alhama & Almijara Nature Park, only 55 kilometres (35 miles) east of Malaga Airport. The Course is surrounded by tropical mango and avocado orchards, and if you're lucky, you might see a few peacocks roaming the greens. The 18-hole Course was created by José Mara Caizares and is relatively flat, with open fairways that encourage movement and a variety of challenges.

Summary

Baviera Golf, a dedicated pay-and-play golf course, has more than 30,000 green fees paid annually and is highly successful. The Course's 5600m length, measured from the White tees, is maximised by Jose Maria Canizares' superb layout.

To make your second shot easier, you should give each tee shot some thought. If you can carry out a disciplined plan, you will succeed.

The Costa del Sol is home to this excellent, reasonably priced golf course, which features a fantastic clubhouse for your post-round activities.

Cerrado del Aguila Golf

Location - Website

2023 Price Range: The typical cost is 30 euros (9-hole green fee) situated in the hills between La Cala and Fuengirola in the centre of the Mijas Golf valley. The airport in Malaga is 25 minutes away. The Cerrado del Aguila Golf is unquestionably one of Andalusia's top 9-hole layouts. It was created by Francisco Navarro and offered breathtaking sea views while being close to the former Mijas Racecourse. This easy course has flat, comprehensive, open fairways and medium-sized greens. There are two par 5s, the second and ninth holes, measuring 520 and 555 metres, respectively, for a Par 35 that will appeal to golfers of all skill levels.

Summary

Cerrado del Aguila is one of the best value courses in the Mijas Golf Valley. A true treasure.

A nine-hole course with 9 excellently designed holes ranging from a monstrous 600-yard par five to a delicate 150m par 3 over water. I recommend playing it twice to get the whole 18-hole experience.

With a gym, football field, and padel tennis court, this golf course's clubhouse is among the nicest of all those on the Costa del Sol. Here, a quick 9-hole round takes just 80 minutes.

Golf Dona Julia

Location - Website

2023 Price Range: 79 Euros (low season) to 80 Euros (high season) (high season) 18 Holes for 1 plus a Player Buggy included. This course, which is located in Casares, first opened in 1989. It's grown into a lovely established course with stunning views of the Mediterranean and surrounding mountains. The tees, drainage, bunkers, and greens have all been built to USGA standards.  Large greens and a variety of tee positions can be found on the more than 6,000-metre-long course. The first nine holes are more challenging as they wind around local trees, rivers, and lakes, and the second nine holes have a mild incline and are more straightforward. The amenities include a driving range, putting green, gym, and jacuzzi.

Summary

The prestigious Club de Golf Finca Cortesin, the highly regarded Valle Romano Golf, and the recently opened Azata Golf are all close to Casares and Estepona. Ideally situated to give you a fantastic golfing schedule and only 45 minutes from the airports in Gibraltar and Malaga.

Dona Julia Golf features a nice balance of long holes and narrow fairways in lovely surroundings. The course was built and opened in 2005 by Antonio Garcia Garrido, famous for creating the La Quinta and Flamingo golf courses on the Costa del Sol.

It has grown beautifully over the past 15 years and is incredibly well-liked by local and out-of-town golfers. They claim the course is a beautiful parkland setting that will fairly test every aspect of your game.

Golf and Country Club Los Arqueros

Location - Website

2023 Price Range: is 61.50 Euros for the twilight slot (low season) to 89.00 Euros (high season)

Severiano Ballesteros, a countryman and one of the top professional golfers in the world, created the difficult 18-hole, par 71 Los Arqueros Golf course, which debuted in 1991. He has shared his knowledge and contributed to developing nearly 30 golf courses worldwide. Los Arqueros Golf was designed to create a course that closely followed the topography and blended with the surrounding environment. When creating the front and back nine holes, each with its own unique personality, Seve fully utilised this concept. As a result, the course is challenging for more seasoned golfers and an actual test of a beginner's abilities.  Los Arqueros Golf and Country Club are positioned in the middle of the Costa del Golf, close to San Pedro de Alcantara and halfway between Marbella and Estepona.

Summary

Los Arqueros Golf and Country Club, the second Seve Ballesteros-designed course on our list of the Top 10 Cheap Golf Courses on the Costa del Sol, opened its doors in 1991.

Los Arqueros Golf and Country Club has achieved remarkable success by providing services to its members and guests worldwide.

This golf course is short, measuring only 5700 metres. It adheres to Seves' design philosophy of aligning the fairways and greens with the terrain's natural contours. It simply means that the layout is challenging.

An actual test of your golfing prowess as well as your moral character!

Miraflores Golf Club

Location - Website

2023 Price Range: range from 56 to 68 euros. The Falco Nardi-designed par-71 golf course, completed in 1990, has a length of 5148 metres for men and 4479 metres for women. The Golf Course has undergone changes and presents a genuine challenge to golfers of all skill levels. The 18 holes present a variety of challenges. The golf course is much flatter than its outward appearance would imply and follows the valley's natural contours. Many elevated tee boxes offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Costa del Sol's coastline and mountain ranges. The Miraflores Golf Club is situated in the middle of the region, halfway between Marbella and Fuengirola. It is perched on a hillside above the well-known urbanisations of Calahonda and Riviera del Sol.

Summary

Miraflores Golf Club has grown to be a famous members club that welcomes outside golfers.

This parkland course, which is 5148 metres long, winds through apartments and villas, giving residents spectacular views of the lush oasis. Although short, the course is challenging.

Because of the clever use of dogleg holes, navigating this challenging layout requires weighing risk versus reward. If you want to improve your score, I have always found that Miraflores Golf Club rewards discretion over valour.

golfer in mid swing

Golfing on the Costa del Sol on a Budget

We all want different things from a golf trip to the Costa del Sol, such as great golf, great food, great beaches, and great weather. Playing the courses mentioned in this article makes a golf trip to Andalucia affordable, leaving you with money in your budget to enjoy the fantastic après golf after your game.

Golf Tee Times and Prices - Costa del Sol Spain

Tee Times, Green Fees, and Golf Bookings - Malaga, Mijas, Marbella, Estepona, Sotogrande, and San Roque, Spain, are available via the link provided here.

The closest airports are in Gibraltar and Malaga (AGP) (GIB)

Cheap flights to the Costa del Sol via Gibraltar

Fancy a bit of golf in the sun, looking for the best return flight to Gibraltar or a cheap last-minute deal? Search here.

Cheap flights to the Costa del Sol via Malaga

Looking for the best return flight to Malaga or a cheap last-minute deal? The most significant discounts on one-way and round-trip tickets can be searched here

Weather on the Costa del Sol

Check out the next 14 days weather on the Costa del Sol here

Exchange Rates: Here you can compare the live inter-bank currency rate with competitive travel money exchange rates offered by overseas currency markets using the Pound to Euro conversion tool.


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Whether Buying or Selling property on the Costa del Sol. Contact - Kelly Summerell and her team at Mediterranean Homes with over 30 years of combined experience you won’t be disappointed.

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