Elviria and the Costa del Sol are often referred to as the Costa del Golf, and its not surprising with concentrations of top quality golf courses nearing the 40's and fabulous weather almost all year round; it's an idyllic setting. Popular with European golfers for many years the area has become better known farther afield due to the 1997 Ryder Cup held at Valderrama. The demand is so great that many new courses are being developed and in the more popular courses rounds need to be booked months in advance.
Golf is far more popular with visiting tourists than the Spanish. A recent study estimated that a staggering 80% of golfing tourists had visited the Costa to play. Many golf courses have club tournaments running throughout the year, so phone to check first and booking in advance is advised. Golf has played a great part in turning the Costa del Sol from a summer holiday destination to a year round resort, with many northern Europeans escaping bleak winters to come to the Costa's mild winter climate to play golf. A little inland from Puerto Banus and Nueva Andalucia is the area known as Golf Valley, with world class courses designed by the likes of Robert Trent Jones and Seve Ballesteros the area, not suprisingly, is home to many luxury property developments, including some fine frontline properties on the courses. Elviria is home to 2 outstanding courses.
 Elviria Golf Santa MariaSanta Maria Golf and Country Club has come to occupy a well-earned place amongst the elite golf clubs in the Costa del Sol The 18-hole course offers players a challenging game with view of both the mountains and the Mediterranean. The first nine holes were designed by Antonio Garcia Garrido, and when these holes opened, the club became a very popular with members. The second nine, designed by the club's technical staff, opened in 1996 and the course has now matured into one of the finest along the coast. Amenities include the 19th-century clubhouse restaurant with terrace, bars, lounges and snooker room. There are also tennis courts, swimming pool and a lawn bowls club on the club's grounds.
 Elviria Golf Santa Clara The spectacular clubhouse at Santa Clara (right), overlooks the 9th and 18th holes. With views over the course to the Mediterranean from its sun drenched terrace. Situated in Elviria, one of the most exclusive areas of Marbella, Santa Clara is set to become one of the finest Golf Courses on the Costa del Sol. Created by Enrique Canales this par 71, 5878 metre course is set in a private 360 acre estate. It offers breathtaking panoramic views towards the mountains and sea and is included in the prestigious Marbella Challenge. With a design concept of big tees and greens made up of Bermuda 419 and Pemcross type grasses, it can be defined as a Parkland style course. Competitions are held every Saturday with start times usually between 11:00 and 12:00 in Elviria. |
