Top Rated Golf Courses: Costa del Sol

We were recently asked what we thought were the top courses to play in the Costa del Sol. Now, we've played a few but nowhere near enough to be considered an authority...this is why we're lucky to be able to default to our Hole19 golfers when it comes to the best places to book a round.

A few weeks back we shared which were the most played courses in the Costa del Sol by our Hole19'ers...now here are the 10 highest rated courses * as rated by our intrepid Hole19 golfers:

Real Club de Golf Sotogrande - 4.8 out of 5

Top rated course amongst our Hole19 App users, and considered one of designer Robert Trent Jones's most beautiful pieces work, is Real Club de Golf Sotogrande. With its wide fairways, fast greens and abundance of bunkers it's a challenging proposition for a golfer of any skill level.

Real Club Valderrama - 4.8 out of 5

Perhaps a little unsurprising to see the iconic Valderamma course in the top 10. The venue for the 1997 Ryder Cup, among a number of other high profile tour events, Real Club Valderrama is widely regarded as the best golf course in Spain...and for good reason. All of which are covered in more detail on our history of Valderamma blog post.

Villa Padierna Golf Club (Alferini) - 4.7 out of 5

One of three stunning courses at Villa Padierna (one of its sisters is actually up next on the list) Located in beautiful natural surroundings on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea, the Alferini golf course features some hazards that are so stunning you might find yourself hitting into them on purpose!

Villa Padierna Golf Club (Flamingos) - 4.6 out of 5

The Flamingos course at Villa Paiderna Golf Club was the second most played on our list of the most played golf courses in the Costa del Sol by our Hole19 users. The resort itself, which is wonderfully equipped, is the perfect place to spend a few days and give yourself the time to enjoy the three beautiful courses.

Marbella Club Golf Resort - 4.5 out of 5

With its unique view of Gibraltar, the African Coastline and the Mediterranean Sea, Marbella Club Golf Resort delivers some truly unique scenery to accompany your round of golf.

La Cala Resort Campo Europa - 4.5 out of 5

This course looks incredibly formidable but is actually pretty accessible for the average golfer, with wide fairways and larger greens than the Campo America course (featured below) and the Campo Asia course. A particular challenge is the par 3 14th hole which is the longest distance allowed for a par 3 at 233 meters (255 yards.)

Club de Golf La Cañada - 4.5 out of 5

Club de Golf La Cañada has the unenviable (or enviable, if you ignore the business aspect of it all) position of being located just 5 miles away from the popular Valderrama and Sotogrande, which often leaves it in the shadows somewhat. We're pleased to see it in our Top 10 as the 18th, which requires you hit the ball over a ravine and offers views of the Guadiaro river, alone makes it Top 10 worthy.

Santana Golf & Country Club - 4.4 out of 5

Santana Golf & Country Club was the most played golf course in the Costa del Sol by Hole19'ers. If you want to make a good score here you'll need to pretty much be solid from tee to green, a popular challenge and well-liked amongst our golfing community.

Río Real Golf - 4.4 out of 5

Río Real Golf Course is the ideal place to book a round if you're staying in, or nearby, the Marbella city centre - being that it's just 5 minutes drive to get there! The course is packed with interesting elevations and tee positions that will excite and engage golfers of all levels.

La Cala Resort Campo America (North) - 4.4 out of 5

With views of the Sierra de Ojén and the Mediterranean Sea, Campo America's hilly layout and neccessitates that you carry the ball a fair way off the tee or you'll find yourself hacking your way out of some pretty thick brush! Once you make the carry the challenge doesn't end, the greens are smaller than your average so you'll have to be accurate in your approach as well.

Have you played a course in the Costa del Sol that you loved? Head on to the Hole19 Golf App and leave a review for it

*To make sure we're giving a fair representation, we've only included golf courses with 15 or more reviews from Hole19 golfers. The scores/ratings reflected are the opinion of our Hole19'ers.