Select Benal Beach sits at the heart of the Costa del Sol – better known as the ‘Costa del Golf’ since Team Europe’s famous Ryder Cup win under the captaincy of Severiano Ballesteros in 1997.
Golfers visiting the resort on holiday will be spoiled for golfing choice, with no fewer than 50 courses available within just an hour’s drive. Below, we have listed a few of those closest to the resort. Enjoy your round!
Golf Torrequebrada – 4.8km/10 minutes drive
A relatively long-standing Costa del Sol course, Torrequebrada opened in 1976 and was designed by José ‘Pepe’ Gancedo, one of Spain’s best ever amateur golfers. Mature and picturesque, with sea and mountain views, the course is a good test for players of all levels, but don’t be misled by the infamous short third hole which, at just 80m, can look deceptively easy. As you stand on the tee, bear in mind that the great Seve Ballesteros once carded an incredible 7 on the hole you’re about to play! There is a driving range, pro-shop and restaurant available on site.
Parador de Málaga Golf – 12.5km/15 minutes drive
Right on the sea shore adjacent to one of the hotels belonging to the famous Spanish group, the Parador course is Andalucia’s oldest. Long and relatively flat, with stands of tall trees forming driving ‘canyons’ on several holes, it is a course ripe for big hitters, although strong winds coming off the sea can play havoc with airborne shots on the back nine! Good range of facilities available at the clubhouse and in the hotel, and watch out for the resident flock of green parrots that live on the course.
Lauro Golf – 25km/30 minutes drive
With its 27 holes, Lauro Golf is a popular choice with both resident and visiting golfers. The original 18 holes were built on a former fruit farm and the course still features many varieties of fruit and nut trees, while the three 9-hole courses can be played in different combinations to offer a new and interesting experience every time. Charming clubhouse and restaurant built in an old stable block, with a huge rubber tree providing welcome shade on the lovely terrace.
El Chapparal Golf – 24km/30 minutes drive
Renowned by locals as being a ‘tough track’, El Chapparal provides a stern challenge even for regular club golfers. Narrow fairways are lined by tall pine trees, and the course topography means care must be taken when approaching the super-slick, manicured greens. Gorgeous mountain views and natural surroundings make this course a real treat to play and the elegant clubhouse terrace is a popular meeting place for many resident golfing and non-golfing celebrities.
Alhaurin Golf – 26km/35 minutes drive
Designed by the legendary master himself – Severiano Ballesteros – Alhaurin is a course that is especially popular with visiting societies and tour groups. From its vantage point high in the foothills of the Sierra de Mijas mountains, there are stunning coastal panoramas twinned with a range of golfing hazards that could only be found on a mountainside course! Fun to play – but notably tricky to conquer – Alhaurin can be both challenging and frustrating, but the superb clubhouse and restaurant will more than make up for any potential on-course disasters!
