Best golf course in Malaga

Home to some of the best golf courses in the Costa del Sol, Malaga is not only the largest city in the region but a golfing haven. It’s blessed with outstanding beauty, a sunny climate and is home to a large international airport with easy access from most UK airports. No wonder they call it the ‘gateway to the Costa del Golf’.

An amazing region hosting world-famous golf courses paired with bustling culture, mouthwatering cuisine and energetic nightlife making Malaga an ideal base for a Spanish golf tour. With that in mind, let’s explore what we believe to be some of the best golf courses in and around Malaga – ideal for your next Spanish golf holiday!

Designer: Kosti Kuronen (redesigned by Miguel Ángel Jiménez)| Par: 72 | Distance from Malaga: 7 miles

Home to the European Tour star Miguel Angel Jimenez, Guadalhorce Golf Club is set in the tranquil surroundings of the Guadalhorce valley. This championship course regularly hosts regional tournaments with the layout featuring two superb contrasting nines and is always in fantastic condition. A testing par 72 for any golfer, the meaty 6,800 yard course is a must visit for anyone who is visiting the region.

Insider tip: Post-round, enjoy tapas at the elegant Andalusian-style clubhouse.

Designer: Cabell B. Robinson | Par: 72 | Distance from Malaga: 25 miles

Set in the stunning Andalusian hills, the America Course at La Cala Resort offers wide, forgiving fairways and elevated tees that showcase breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the Mediterranean Sea.

The course rewards strategic play with its dramatic elevation changes, minimal rough, and large, undulating greens. With fewer water hazards than its sister courses, America provides a challenging yet enjoyable round for players of all levels.

Insider tip: Stay on-site at the four-star resort to enjoy its spa, hotel and panormaic views over the Mijas mountains.

Designer: Folco Nardi | Par: 72 | Distance from Malaga: 11 miles

Lauro’s original 18 hole golf course opened for play in 1992 with a further nine holes added ten years later, now offering three superb nine hole loops. Nature was at the heart of this design with the late Folco Nardi creating a course that respects the surrounding wildlife providing a delightful test amongst pine, cork, olive and citrus trees.

There are also a number of water hazards sprinkled across the course as well as two holes located on the side of the mountain from which, offer spectacular views over the Mediterranean.

Insider tip: Try the “Almendros + Olivos” loop for the best blend of scenery and challenge.

Designer: Cabell B. Robinson | Par: 72 | Distance from Malaga: 14 miles

Located just 25 minutes from Málaga, Chaparral Golf Club is a beautifully designed par-72 course by Pepe Gancedo, known as the “Picasso of Golf.” Set amid pine forests near Mijas Costa, it’s the only course on the Costa del Sol featuring an even mix of six par 3s, six par 4s, and six par 5s.

With stunning sea views, rolling fairways, and a strategic layout that rewards precision, Chaparral offers a scenic yet challenging experience for golfers of all levels.

Insider tip: Accuracy is key at Chaparral, the pine framed fairways leave little room for error and positioning is often more important than distance.

Designer: José “Pepe” Gancedo | Par: 72 | Distance from Malaga: 10.5 miles

Another course that resides 20 minutes from Malaga airport is known locally as ‘The Beast’ and for good reason!

Golf Torrequebrada offers a diverse range of fairways, large greens and numerous cleverly located lakes and hazards making this a challenging round with each hole offering something different.

Designed by Jose Pepe Gancedo, the course is a unique experience with eight dog-legs, stunning views across the sea and incredibly manicured fairways. We couldn’t recommend this course more for your next golf holiday.

Insider tip: Accuracy trumps distance here. Play conservatively on the front nine, then enjoy the spectacular coastal views as a reward.

Designer: Cabell B. Robinson | Par: 71 | Distance from Malaga: 25 miles

The Europa Golf Course is another championship course on the brilliant La Cala Resort. Considered the most forgiving out of the three, the Europa is just as dramatic and the longest with wide, spacious fairways and beautifully manicured Bermuda grass greens.

The River Ojén is the centerpiece of this golf course coming into play across eight holes whilst an abundance of local flora surrounds the course achieving a gorgeous setting for your next round of golf.

Insider tip: Make sure to factor in the slopes when picking your club, the course features large undulations that can oftne take your ball a long way form where it lands.

Designer: José María Cañizares | Par: 72 | Distance from Malaga: 12 miles

Añoreta Golf was the first 18-hole course built in the Axarquía region and offers a superb par-72 layout designed by the Spanish golfing legend José María Cañizares. The course winds through Mediterranean scenery, featuring several water hazards and spectacular sea views from numerous holes. Each fairway demands strategic play, rewarding accuracy and thoughtful club selection.

Insider tip: The 17th hole is a real highlight, a picturesque par 3 with an island green surrounded by water. Be sure to take in the views from the 7th tee, where the Mediterranean horizon frames your shot perfectly

Designer: José María Cañizares | Par: 71 | Distance from Malaga: 25 miles

Located near Caleta de Vélez, Baviera Golf is a welcoming and enjoyable course nestled between the sea and mountains. Designed by José María Cañizares, it features wide fairways, large greens, and a relatively flat layout that makes it ideal for golfers of all abilities.

The peaceful setting and stunning views of the surrounding countryside make every round memorable.

Insider tip: Take advantage of the generous fairways and focus on precise approach shots, the greens are spacious but filled with subtle undulations that can easily turn a birdie chance into a three-putt.

Designer: Cabell B. Robinson | Par: 72 | Distance from Malaga: 25 miles

The final of the three courses at La Cala and maybe the the most impressive, the Asia course is much shorter in distance compared to the other two and with quite a few blind tee shots, accuracy is vitally important.

Insider tip: Consider purchasing a course guide from the pro shop before your round to help you understand some of the blind shots you will encounter during your round.

Designer: Antonio García Garrido | Par: 71 | Distance from Malaga: 26 miles

Situated amongst dense pine and cork oak forests with beautiful views over the Mediterranean, Santa Maria Golf & Country Club is considered one of the best maintained golf courses in the Costa del Sol and it’s easy to see why.

The beautiful layout winds through the hilly terrain offering an entertaining mix of holes whilst still providing a challenge for golfers of all abilities and rewarding you for bold play. The club offers excellent facilities allowing golfers to practice their game as well as variety of leisure activities including tennis and bowling.

Insider tip: Combine a round here with a visit to nearby Marbella’s beaches or old town for a perfect day trip.

Best time to play golf: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer ideal golfing weather, with mid-20°C temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer can be hot, so early morning or twilight tee times are best.

Travel logistics: Fly into Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), which serves most major UK airports. Many resorts are within 30 - 40 minutes by car. We can organise airport and golf transfers for groups who prefer not to rent a car.

Q: How many golf courses are there near Malaga? A: There are over 70 golf courses within a 90-minute drive of Malaga, earning the region its nickname, “Costa del Golf.”

Q: Which courses are best for beginners? A: La Cala Europa and Baviera offer forgiving layouts with wide fairways and generous greens, perfect for improving players.

Q: Can I play golf year-round in Malaga? A: Absolutely. The mild Mediterranean climate makes Malaga one of Europe’s most reliable year-round golf destinations.

Q: What’s the dress code on Malaga courses? A: Smart golf attire: collared shirts, tailored shorts or trousers, and soft spikes. Jeans and sleeveless shirts are typically not allowed.

With its unbeatable mix of sunshine, scenery, and sophistication, Malaga is one of Europe’s finest golf destinations. From Torrequebrada’s challenging hilly terrain to the tranquil setting of Lauro Golf, there’s something here for every player and every budget.