With approximately 320 sunny days a year, the Sunshine Coast in Spain lives up to its name. But the coastal stretch is just as deserving of the nickname Golf Coast. If you have a car in Marbella, you’re easily within reach of 50 championship-standard golf courses.

“Some places let you live practically on the fairway of one golf course and have several others within walking distance,” says Erlend Sand. The Norwegian runs the real estate company DZTination in Marbella and understands the charm of holiday homes on the Costa del Sol better than most.

Quantity and Quality

However, it’s not just the density of golf courses that makes Marbella a golf paradise. The sky-high quality is just as crucial.

A prime example is perhaps La Zagaleta, one of the world’s most exclusive clubs, with two fantastic 18-hole courses accessible only to members and their guests. The courses weave through scenic hills, offering a unique golf experience considered among the very best on the continent.

A more accessible option is Villa Padierna Golf Club, with three high-standard 18-hole courses, each with its own profile: Alferini is challenging, Flamingos is more comfortable, and Tramores is fast and fun.

Another gem is Marbella Club Golf Resort. Dave Thomas’s design is a visual symphony with views of Gibraltar, the coast of Africa, the Mediterranean, and the surrounding mountains.

Or how about a round at the Old Course at Atalaya, one of Spain’s most venerable championship courses? It’s a strikingly beautiful park course designed in the late 1960s by the German master architect Bernhard von Limburger.

And so on, and so forth… Based in Marbella, you can play a new fantastic course every week throughout the year. The competition among all the exclusive clubs is so fierce that the standard is consistently high.

A golfer’s dream house

No wonder Erlend Sand reports a high demand from golfers from colder regions wanting to invest in property in the area. He always takes note of properties that would particularly suit golf enthusiasts.

“Right now, I have a newly built villa for sale, which is a dream for a golf-playing family,” he says.

The house, Villa Jefe, is neighbor to a cozy and family-friendly country club with a small nine-hole course, tennis courts, a spa, and a lovely restaurant.

And just a short walk away are another 54 championship holes: the aforementioned Atalaya Golf & Country Club, with its two 18-hole courses, and El Paraíso Golf, 18 holes designed by Gary Player, often featured on lists of the best golf courses on the Sunshine Coast.

“The house has five bedrooms and five bathrooms, and plenty of space both indoors and outdoors, so there’s plenty of room for the whole family, plus guests,” says Sand, as he showcases pictures of the house’s swimming pool, inviting seating areas, and a stylish outdoor kitchen.

With a price tag of just under two million euros, Sand is clear that the villa is not for everyone.

“You need the will and the means to invest in living the good life and buy yourself more sunny days,” he says. “But if you do, I have many options in various price ranges to choose from.”

Fantastic Andalusia

Marbella is also much more than just a golf destination. The city is located in Andalusia, a part of Spain rich in good food and wine, history and culture, with sights and experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Nearly 800 years of Moorish influence, from the 8th to the 15th century, is still evident in some of the most important attractions, such as the Alhambra fortress, the Mezquita mosque-cathedral, or the many “pueblos blancos” – white villages – dotting the landscape.

Within driving distance from Marbella, you’ll also find Roman ruins, the magnificent “El Caminito del Rey” (King’s Path), and the cliffs of Gibraltar.

One day you can ski in the Sierra Nevada, Europe’s highest mountain range after the Alps. The next day, you can surf in the Atlantic off the Strait of Gibraltar, swim in the Mediterranean, or visit Europe’s only real desert, Tabernas, where several of Clint Eastwood’s spaghetti western films were shot.

Luxury destination Marbella

But real estate agent Sand is clear that you don’t need to leave Marbella for great experiences.

The city is one of the most luxurious destinations in Europe, with offerings that attract well-heeled people from around the world. They come, of course, for the outstanding selection of beautiful golf courses, with good weather and fast greens all year round. But they also come for restaurants and shopping that can compete with the best of the best the world has to offer – and all within short distances.

“From Villa Jefe, for example, you’re only about ten minutes from the famous marina in Puerto Banus, world-class restaurants, and fashion stores, and luxury hotels along the beach in Marbella,” he points out. But then he quickly adds:

“But who needs luxury hotels when you have your own private paradise in El Paraíso?”

If you’re considering investing in property abroad and want to know more about Villa Jefe or other properties in or around Marbella, contact Erlend Sand at DZTination. You can reach him at sand@dztination.com.

The golfing world has been given a tantalising new glimpse of the challenge that awaits playing The Dunas Course at Terras da Comporta in Portugal as the final countdown begins to the launch of architect David McLay-Kidd’s first course in mainland Europe this summer. (The 10th and 18th hole pictured above, photo by ames Hogg).

he par-71 links-style layout, which is situated one hour south of Lisbon, is one of the most eagerly-anticipated golf course design projects that will be unveiled in 2023 and has been captured in a new light by up-and-coming English photographer and videographer James Hogg ahead of being unveiled in June.

One hour from Lisbon

Hogg, who has photographed many of north-west England’s finest courses including Royal Birkdale, Formby and Hillside, as well as the new-look Links course at La Hacienda Links Golf Resort in southern Spain, spent three days bringing The Dunas Course to life with a combination of images and videos as preparations continue ahead of the venue opening in June.

Rodrigo Ulrich, director of golf at Terras da Comporta, said: «David McLay-Kidd has done an amazing job designing a world-class course on the most spectacular piece of golfing terrain I’ve ever seen»

«With the project now nearing its conclusion, it’s vital that we have a set of photographic and video content that shows the course off in its full glory and demonstrates why we are so excited about its launch.»

Vanguard Properties, the largest real estate developer in Portugal, took ownership of the Terras da Comporta development in 2019 and the site features two plots: Torre, comprising 365 hectares of land in the Alcácer do Sal municipality, and Dunas, which occupies around 1,011 hectares of land in the Grândola municipality.

Situated in a secluded coastal setting on the edge of the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve, The Dunas Course is one of two 18-hole championship layouts that is planned at Terras da Comporta.

Club House and golf academy

Complementing The Dunas Course will be a new clubhouse and golf academy. Away from the fairways, an array of lifestyle activities will be available including horseriding, wellness and sailing, with a wide range of plots for hotels, tourist and residential condominiums also on offer

See more: video of The Dunas Course

Read more: www.comporta.com/

Located next to the iconic 9th hole of the America course at La Cala Resort, the Solana Village development will host a variety of two and three bedroom apartments, penthouses and duplexes, overlooking impressive panoramic views of the golf courses, distant Mediterranean and Spanish countryside.

The first phase of development for Solana Village will feature two types of housing. The East facing apartments will feature outdoor parking with access to the community pool and neighbouring golf course, while the South facing properties will include underground parking and storage room, along with first line golf course views and additional extras.

Featuring an elegant and functional design, every apartment at Solana Village is flooded with light, designed with selected high-end materials that incorporates the latest renewable and sustainable energy technologie

Solana Village offers stylish, modern amenities surrounded by a stunning natural setting including impressive extensions of communal gardens with native trees and an exclusive swimming pool of 600m2 designed as a lagoon. Beyond the pool and gardens, the residents will be able to enjoy an outdoor gazebo and children’s playground to provide the perfect social and family atmosphere.

Situated in the foothills of the beautiful Mijas Mountains with breath-taking views of the stunning Andalusian countryside, La Cala Resort offers an idyllic rural retreat for potential residents and hotel guests.

Read more: La Cala

Preparations for the opening of the Dunas Course at Terras da Comporta thhe summer of 2023 are moving into top gear with the new Portuguese golf destination investing €1.5m in the latest state-of-the-art greenkeeping equipment.

McLay-Kidd’s first design in mainland Europe – has carried out a major upgrade of its machinery ahead of the course officially opening next July, including spending around €1m with leading sports turf manufacturers John Deere.

As well as upgrading its utility tractor and bunker-raking vehicle, Terras da Comporta has also invested in John Deere’s latest green, fairways and rough mowing hybrid technology to deliver smooth playing surfaces using the best sustainable practices.

Rodrigo Ulrich, director of golf at Terras da Comporta, said:

— “We wanted a supplier who could cover all our course and greenkeeping requirements and John Deere fitted the bill perfectly. We’re delighted with the outstanding service that we have received and are looking forward to developing the relationship as The Dunas Course project comes to its exciting conclusion.”

Situated around an hour from Lisbon in a secluded coastal setting on the edge of the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve, The Dunas Course is one of two 18-hole championship layouts that is planned at Terras da Comporta.

Created over 84 hectares of natural, sandy terrain, the par-71 Dunas Course has been built using the highest sustainable practices and is predicted to quickly become of Europe’s must-play golfing venues when it opens.

Two Plots

Vanguard Properties, the largest real estate developer in Portugal, took ownership of the Terras da

Comporta development in 2019 and the site features two plots:

Torre, comprising 365 hectares of land in the Alcácer do Sal municipality, and Dunas, which occupies around 1,011 hectares of land in the Grândola municipality.

Complementing The Dunas Course will be a new clubhouse and golf academy. Away from the fairways, an array of lifestyle activities will be available including horseriding, wellness and sailing, with a wide range of plots for hotels, tourist and residential condominiums also on offer.

Read more: Terras do Comporta

Cascais, home to several of Portugal’s finest golf facilities, has t ushered in a new era with the launch of its Golf Passport – a first-of-its-kind digital solution to save golfers time and money.

Accessible from the Visit Cascais website, the Golf Passport by Cascais enables golfers looking to book 3-5 rounds across the city’s seven golf courses to do so in under a minute and at the lowest fixed prices available.

Cascais presents a collection of unique and picturesque championship golf courses, including Penha Longa, Estoriland Portugal’s top-ranked layout, Oitavos Dunes, as well as a number of public courses for those new to the game to enjoy as well, with each golf course painted by the panoramic Atlantic Ocean and Sintra Mountains.

Situated close to Europe’s most westerly point just 32km from the Portuguese capital, Cascais is renowned for implementing smart technology to improve the lives of residents and visitors to the city. The new Golf Passport is the city’s latest innovation; previous examples include: City Points, intelligent waste management, Cascais 360, and the implementation of 5G coverage for the city.

— Golfers can book with confidence knowing this the fastest, simplest and most cost-efficient means to play at multiple courses in Portugal.

Bernardo Corrêa de Barros, President at Visit Cascais

Close  to Lisbon Airport

offering direct return flights from over 100 major cities, including London, Paris, Munich, and New York – visiting one of Portugal’s most established and emblematic golf destinations has never been easier.

For more information about Cascais, and the Golf Passport, please visit: www.visitcascais.com /

In 2023, Spain will for the first time host the Solheim Cup. The toutnament will be in the Costa del Sol in Southern Spain. from September 18 to 23. I(12th Hole pictured above. photo by Steve Carr).

Most important womens golf event

The most important women’s golf even takes place every two years.

TheFinca Cotresin Resort is located between Marbella and Sotogrande, and overlooks the Mediterranean and the Casares mountain range, the Finca Cortesin houses, a five-star hotel and a magnificent 18-hole, 7,500-yard championship golf course.

The resort contains a state-of-the-art Jack Niclaus Academy. The course, designed by Cabell Robinson, is one of the longest in Europe and has previously hosted high-level tournaments, such as the Volvo World Match Play Championship on three occasions, one of the most prestigious professional golf tournaments in the world.

The tournament has become the most prestigious ladies team competition on the international golfing calendar, with some of the sport’s most memorable moments being seen in this competition.

The European team, captained by Suzann Petersen, will try to beat the American team again, as it has done so in four of the last six editions.

Costa del Sol is recognized as the best golf destination in Europe by the IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators).

READ MORE:

The Solheim Cup

Finca Cortesin

La Réserve Golf Links will be first and only contemporary links course in the Indian Ocean.

Heritage Golf Club in Mauritius will open the first and only contemporary links course in in December 2023.

DP World Tour venue

Alongside Le Château Golf Course,, La Réserve Golf Links will become a new host venue for the DP World Tour’s AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open from 2023, confirming Heritage Golf Club as one of the world’s most sought-after golf destinations.

La Réserve Golf Links will be reserved for club members and residents of Heritage Golf Club’s two luxury beachside resorts and villas. It has been co-designed by former Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen, alongside acclaimed course architect Peter Matkovich.

Inspired by the wild open spaces of the great seaside links, the course’s elevated tees, raised greens and spectacular views over Mauritius’ tropical bays and southern shores promises an exhilarating playing experience.

“It’s a challenging course and not for the faint-hearted,” said Louis Oosthuizen, who has created a signature set of back tees to challenge the very best players.

“We’ve worked with the land to create a strategic, undulating course that plays in the traditional links style, with running fairways, pot bunkers and long grasses. The location is breathtakingly beautiful with incredible views of the Indian Ocean.”

UNESCO Biosphere

La Réserve Golf Links plays hand-in-hand with nature. Mindful of its location alongside a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, home to a myriad of birds and wildlife, former sugar cane fields have been sensitively cultivated with native island grasses, creating new, species-rich grasslands, encouraging ecological diversity and valuable carbon sequestration.

All work is being carefully monitored, contributing towards future GEO Certified Development status, the global standard for sustainable course design and construction.

2,500-hectare estate

The addition of a second 18-hole tournament course, which will host its debut DP World Tour event in December 2023, makes Heritage Golf Club the Indian Ocean’s only 45-hole golf destination.

Heritage Golf Club is nestled within the 2,500-hectare Bel Ombre estate and benefits from two five-star luxury beach resorts, including Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort.

Guests also have the option of luxury villa accommodation or, for the ultimate experience, a private suite within Le Château, the 19th century plantation house overlooking the golf course. 

La Réserve Golf Links, reserved for members and Heritage Resorts residents only, will open in December 2023.

Read more:  https://heritagegolfclub.mu

The new Landmand golf course in Homer, Nebraska, will open for public play on September 3rd as the first eighteen hole course by the firm of King-Collins Golf Course Design, which came to attention as the creator of the nine-hole Sweetens Cove in Tennessee..

The Danish word for farmer

Developed by the Andersen family, which has farmed the surrounding land for four generations, Landmand (the closing ‘d’ is silent) is named after the Danish, word for farmer in reflecting the family’s Scandinavian origins.

The eighteen year old Karl Andersen came to the US from Denmark in the early 1920s, and settled in eastern Nebraska. Over four generations, the Andersen family has become a major farming operation in the area. The amily developed the Old Dane golf course in 2012, and Landmand will be its second such operation.

Tee times are now available for booking (see bottom of article) between September 3-30 (when the course closes for the 2022 season.

Anderson’s second golf course

The Andersen family already owns the nearby nine-hole Old Dane course, which it built in 2012. The initial contact with Rob Collins and Tad King came about with thoughts to renovate Old Dane, but the project became more ambitious after King and Collins visited Nebraska and viewed several parcels of land, but were captivated by a site in the Loess Hill, above the surrounding farmland, cleared of trees in the 1970s but essentially left fallow for more than twenty years. Now, this 580-acre parcel has become the Landmand course.

My goals have not changed,” “From the beginning until now, all I have wanted is a fun, playable golf course for the community. Anything on top of that is a bonus.”,says Will Andersen.

Finished grassing one year ago

Grassing of Landmand finished in September 2021 and the course has been growing in since then. Greens are 007 creeping bentgrass, while the through the green areas are a drought-tolerant mix of Kentucky bluegrass (poa pratensis) and ryegrass.

“We considered fescue fairways, but given the nature of the soil, decided that this mix was a better choiceIt can get extremely firm and fast, while also tolerating very dry conditions. Obviously Nebraska has a pretty extreme climate – very cold in the winter and both hot and dry in the summer, so that was a key factor in our decision making.,” says Collins.

The course will operate fifteen minute tee time intervals, to ensure that play flows well. The Andersen family has initially built four four bedroomed cabins by way of lodging for visiting golfers; these are also available to book on the website.

Read more or book times: Landmand Course

Champions UK is back as the official event organiser for the Farmfoods European Senior Masters Championships with Farmfoods returning as the Championship’s headline sponsor at La Manga Club, Spain .

The event is timed well as this year also marks the 50th anniversary of La Manga Club, with this golfing event being the perfect way to celebrate half a century of golfing excellence within the region of Murcia.

Big names

Consisting of four days of sunshine, impressive landscapes, and immense golfing action from some of the sports most renowned names, the Senior Masters event is set to be the a truly great tournament.

Peter Baker, Ryder Cup star and three-time winner on the European Tour, will return to host the highly anticipated tournament alongside a strong field of talent and expertise, with key names including Ian Woosnam OBE, Paul Lawrie OBE, Michael Campbell, Thomas Bjorn, Barry Lane, Peter Fowler and Spanish players Miguel Angel Martin and Jose Manuel Carriles – all of whom are expected to take to La Manga Club course to pit their skills against the reigning champion, Marcus Brier.

The event is particularly pleased to welcome back Gary Wolstenholme, recognised as one of the most decorated amateur players of all time. With three European Senior Tour wins under his belt and many years of experience behind him, Gary will certainly be a player to watch.

 Three 18-hole courses

Consisting of three 18-hole courses: the North Course, South Course (18th hole pictured above, photo by La Manga Club) and West Course, placed along the 6 km² resort, an exciting venue for both the professional and amateur players.

Players will take to the South Course for the Senior Masters event, battling it out for the title and showcasing their impressive skills to the spectators.

With the event being located in Murcia, Spain, spectators and players alike can immerse themselves in the action

Renowned for being one of the most anticipated golfing events of the year, the venue will solidify the reputation of the tournament as one of the very best events on the Legends Tour.

Read more: La Manga Club

Troon Golf has been appointed by Muscat Resorts, formally known as Muscat Hills, to manage its full operations. Muscat Hills previously opened in 2009 and closed in 2020, is the first fully grassed 18-hole golf course in Sultanate of Oman. Now under the ownership of Ominvest, the oldest and largest investment company in Oman, and with Troon Golf, the facility will be reopened in 2023 to provide one of the best golf experiences in the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Following his time in managerial trainee roles,Operations Manager Freddie Rexstrew has made the jump to Saudi Arabia, joining Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in 2017.

Situated on the Red Sea Coast, Rexstrew was part of Royal Greens’ pre-opening team and worked as an Assistant Golf Professional. With the club successfully up-and-running, Rexstrew returned to the U.K., where he became Director of Golf at the Centurion Club for four years. During his time at the Centurion Club, Rexstrew completed the Troon Leader Program in 2021, whilst also spending time as a Taskforce Associate at Vattanac Golf Resort in Cambodia.

Unrivalled golf experience

Muscat Resorts is looking to offer an unrivalled golf experience in Oman and to complement the existing golf to drive golf tourism to the Sultanate of Oman. It will be the first facility in Oman to have a Toptracer Range, this technology combined with a short course, falls in line with the club’s mission of being a family-friendly environment where there will be a key focus on growing the game but also creating an atmosphere where families can enjoy the resort together.

Located between the mountains and the sea, the club is only a 10-minute drive from the Muscat International Airport. The par-72, 18-hole golf course was the first grass golf course in Oman when originally opened in 2009. Paul Thomas from David Thomas Associated Ltd designed the course to complement all of the natural features, while the lush green fairways and greens provide a startling contrast to the rugged desert terrain,

Read more: Golf in Oman