Best Cabell Robinson golf courses

Cabell B. Robinson, a disciple and protégé of Robert Trent Jones Sr., has left an indelible mark on European golf. Known for his flair for dramatic landscapes, coastal panoramas, and strategic shot-making, Robinson’s courses are a blend of challenge and beauty.

From Spain to Cyprus, here are some of the finest Cabell Robinson-designed golf courses to inspire your next golfing adventure.

Location: Casares, Spain | Type: Resort | Par: 72 | Opened: 2006

Rated the #24 course in Europe by Top 100 Golf Courses

One of Spain’s most heralded designs, Finca Cortesin is arguably Robinson’s crown jewel. Close to the bustling city of Marbella, and host to multiple Volvo World Match Play Championships as well as the 2023 Solheim Cup, the course is a masterclass in elevated design.

With wide fairways, perfectly contoured greens, and views of the Mediterranean, it’s a demanding but fair test of golf wrapped in luxury. With all this, it’s no surprise that the venue continues to be one of our customer favourites.

Architectural insight: Generous fairways and large, undulating greens create a strategic test. Robinson integrated elevation changes naturally, with water hazards placed to influence rather than punish.

Travel tip: Best visited in spring or autumn for cooler temps. Stay at the on-site five-star hotel for access to one of Europe’s most prestigious golf resorts. Nearby airports: Malaga (1 hour), Gibraltar (40 minutes).

Location: Obidos, Portugal | Type: Links/Woodland | Par: 73 | Opened: 1997

Rated the #4 course in Portugal by Top 100 Golf Courses

Perched on Portugal’s Silver Coast, the Praia D’El Rey course blends Atlantic Ocean views with dense pine forest routing. The front nine winds through pines while the back opens up to dramatic oceanside holes – the best of both worlds!

Robinson used the terrain brilliantly to create variety, with several holes flirting with the cliffs and dunes. One of Portugal’s most picturesque courses, it continues to grace Top 10 lists in the country and is perfectly paired with some of its neighbouring layouts and on-site accommodation options to create an ideal golf getaway.

Architectural insight: The front nine moves through forested dunes, while the back nine bursts open onto clifftop Atlantic views. It’s a tale of two landscapes, with coastal winds demanding shot control.

Travel tip: Combine with West Cliffs (no.3 golf course in Portugal) and Royal Obidos (top 20 golf course in Portugal) for a three-course destination. Lisbon Airport is 1 hour away, and the on-site villas and Marriott hotel make it perfect for a golf and leisure trip.

Location: Sotogrande, Spain | Type: Parkland | Par: 72 | Opened: 2003

Rated the #13 course in Spain by Top 100 Golf Courses

Located amongst some of the most enviable golfing terrain in Spain, La Reserva is a spacious layout with bold bunkering and immaculate conditioning. Set in the hills above the Costa del Sol, this is where Robinson’s strategic philosophy shines—wide landing areas tempt aggression, but approach shots demand precision.

It’s a quieter, more refined sibling to neighbouring Valderrama, with many Golfbreaks customers preferring Robinson’s golf course for a high-end fixture in their itinerary.

Check out our visit to La Reserva and Finca Cortesin on our recent Sotogrande golf tour!

Architectural insight: Wide fairways tempt aggressive lines, while bold bunkering and sloping greens reward thoughtful approaches. Elevated tee boxes frame expansive views of the Andalusian countryside.

Travel tip: Ideal for a high-end golf trip. Stay at SO/ Sotogrande Resort and play both La Reserva and Valderrama. Malaga Airport is 1.5 hour drive away.

Location: Alicante, Spain | Type: Parkland | Par: 71 | Opened: 2010

Rated the #20 course in Spain by Top 100 Golf Courses

Robinson has a knack for finding interesting topography on which to lay out golf courses, and his routing at Las Colinas is no different. Nestled in a protected natural reserve near Alicante, Las Colinas Golf & Country Club was once a true hidden gem – although thanks to its quality is now becoming one of our more popular courses in the area.

The 18-holes meander through a valley, creating a secluded, serene environment, with Robinson making the most of the elevation changes and native vegetation to shape a thoughtful, modern parkland experience.

Architectural insight: Routed through a secluded valley, the course leverages elevation changes and natural vegetation to create visual drama. Strategic bunkering and multi-tiered greens demand precision.

Travel tip: Alicante Airport is just 45 minutes away. Combine with nearby Lo Romero or Villamartin for a full Costa Blanca golf itinerary.

Location: Paphos, Cyprus| Type: Parkland | Par: 71 | Opened: 2002

Rated the #2 course in Cyprus by Top 100 Golf Courses

Overlooking the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, this Cyprus course combines ancient history with contemporary golf design. Aphrodite Hills is split dramatically by a gorge, with cliff-top holes offering cinematic views of the Mediterranean.

Robinson used the natural landscape to full effect, making it as scenic as it is strategic with panoramic views across the sea. The course is the centrepiece in the wider Aphrodite Hills Resort, and the layout at which most of our guests will add an extra round, due to its sheer quality.

Architectural insight: A gorge divides the course, influencing strategy on several holes. Elevated tees and ocean-facing holes provide both visual drama and wind-based complexity.

Travel tip: Best played from October to May. Paphos Airport is 20 minutes away. Stay at the Aphrodite Hills Resort for on-site dining, spa, and additional sports facilities.

Location: Costa del Sol, Spain | Type: Parkland | Par: 72 | Opened: 2004

Situated further inland between Fuengirola and Marbella, Santana Golf is a pure golf experience with no real estate distractions. Carved through an old avocado plantation, it’s walkable and beautifully routed with wide fairways and rolling greens.

It’s a player-friendly layout that quietly showcases Robinson’s understated brilliance. Opened in 2004, the course is still relatively new in comparison to others in the region, however, the strategic use of original orange and avocado trees gives it a maturity beyond its years.

Architectural insight: Wide fairways and open sight lines make it friendly to all levels. The use of native trees and gentle slopes provide both character and walkability.

Travel tip: 30 minutes from Malaga Airport. Combine with La Cala Resort or Chaparral Golf for a value-packed golf trip.

Location: Madeira| Type: Mountain | Par: 72 | Opened: 1993

Stunning clifftop views of the Atlantic Ocean

High in the hills above Funchal (Madeira), Palheiro Golf offers one of Europe’s most unique golf experiences. The layout twists through botanical gardens and forested hillsides with sweeping views over the Atlantic.

Elevation changes and swirling winds make it a test of club selection and creativity. The island of Madeira is often referred to as the ‘Pearl of the North Atlantic’, and from the fairways of Palheiro, it’s easy to see why. Madeira is becoming an increasingly popular Portuguese golf destination for groups that have enjoyed other regions of Portugal and are seeking new experiences, and we couldn’t recommend it enough!

Architectural insight: Weaving through botanical gardens and hillside terrain, it features dramatic elevation changes and constant wind, demanding precise club selection.

Travel tip: Madeira Airport is 20 minutes away. Best visited in spring or early autumn for calm conditions. Pair with Santo da Serra Golf, local hiking and sightseeing for a full island tour.

Location: Mijas, Spain| Type: Resort | Par: 71 | Opened: 2005

Located at a leading European resort

Part of the trio of courses at La Cala Resort, one of our best-selling venues, the Europa Course is a fun, forgiving alternative to its siblings. Robinson designed it to be a more beginner-friendly course, with wide fairways and gentle contours, but the rivers and ravines still demand attention.

It’s a great representation of his ability to design for all skill levels without compromising quality. La Cala itself has long been one of the most notable golf resorts in Europe, with everything you need for an incredible golf trip within the resort.

For those that do want to head out, the resort is just 30 minutes from both Malaga Airport and the busy beaches at Marbella, although we’d forgive you for kicking back by the pool after a morning on one of the three courses here…

Architectural insight: Wider fairways and gentler slopes make it accessible, but ravines and water hazards still test accuracy. Elevated greens and open vistas enhance the experience.

Travel tip: Located just 30 minutes from Malaga Airport. Stay on-site for access to all three courses, spa, and restaurants. Great for groups and beginners.

Cabell Robinson has quietly shaped some of the finest golf experiences in Europe. From alpine lakes to Mediterranean cliffs, his ability to adapt classical design principles to diverse landscapes sets him apart.

Whether you're chasing a signature event like the Solheim Cup or seeking tranquil fairways in Portugal or Cyprus, Robinson’s designs offer more than just beautiful views – they offer thoughtful, rewarding golf that’s worth the trip.