1. Check out the golf Courses
Before booking your golfing break please visit our online golf course directory for a list of all the top golf courses in Spain.
Our complete guide to golf on the Costa del Sol provides you with details about the course layout, facilities available, location etc. For example, a lot of the courses along the Costa del Sol can be quite hilly which may not suit your handicap and vice versa.
2. Search around for the best golf package deals
There is a huge selection of accommodation on offer along the Costa del Sol and around Spain, so it pays to shop around and check out the best golf holiday deals.
It pays to shop around, so search the internet for the best prices when it comes to organised golf transfers or cheap car hire for golfers. Vehicles are available in all sizes and prices to suit your requirements and can be collected and returned from all the major airports around Spain.
3. Handicap certificates
In Spain, you may be asked for proof of handicap. A certificate can typically be organised via your club secretary before departure.
Most courses allow players to go out with a 36 Handicap for Ladies and 28 for Men.
If you are a complete novice without an official handicap, it's best to contact the golf club and ask if they will allow you to play and, if so, if you can play in the afternoon when the course is less busy.
4. Check course maintenance dates
Before booking your golf on the Costa del Sol, you should make sure that you know the maintenance dates for the courses you wish to play. It is advisable to leave at least seven days after the last day of maintenance has finished, or you may end up with sandy and spiked greens.
5. Get the best tee times
In general, the popular courses are very busy from 8 am to around 12 midday during the high season so it's sound advice to book your tee times well in advance if possible.
Likewise, the courses are much quieter in the afternoon, so you may wish to enjoy a much more peaceful round of golf at that time.
As a rule, if you want to leave enough time to play 18 holes comfortably, it is advisable to tee off by 5 pm at the latest during the summer months and around 1 pm in winter.
6. Check and book any extras in advance
Most clubs provide a complete caddie master service for club, shoe, and trolley hire, but please check with the club beforehand. Once again, these items can be booked well in advance.
My advice is that you use your shoes where possible, playing in rented shoes means risking blisters.
7. Wear the proper clothing
For most golfers, this may seem strange to mention. However, you would be surprised at the number of golfers who turn up at courses with the wrong golfing attire
Most golf courses in Spain have quite strict rules regarding clothing, but in general, you should wear golf shoes with plastic spikes, collared shirts, and the proper golf trousers.
Not wearing the right clothing may cost you more, as the club officials may politely ask you to purchase the correct clothing in the club pro shop.
8. Blue flag buggy rules
Clubs have varying rules when it comes to allowing buggies on the fairways. Some will allow it outright during the summer months, others the 90-degree rule, and others will not allow it at any time during the year.
Most clubs will provide blue flags for players with health problems on request. This will allow you to use the 90-degree rule, at least in most cases.
If you think you may require a blue flag club, you will generally request a medical letter issued by your local GP. Have this prepared on arrival. Again, if you have any queries on this matter, please contact us, and we will check for you.
9. Golf shoe rules - No Spikes!
Metal spikes are no longer allowed, which is why the courses are in such good condition throughout the year. If you are still using golf shoes with spikes, our advice is to leave them at home.
10. Travel times
If you plan to play over several days, pace yourself and try to include a rest day in the middle of your trip. Also, a long flight and sleeping in a strange bed can take its toll so try to plan an easy first day to recuperate your strength.
11. Public liability insurance
All clubs include some kind of Public Liability Insurance in the green fee, although it is strongly advised that you take out your own travel insurance, which will cover extra eventualities such as medical cover, club theft, repatriation, etc.
Reputable Golf Insurance providers
12. Club competition dates
Check with the club to see if there are any competitions being played that may interrupt your round of golf on the day you wish to play.
13. Finally, please don't leave your golf etiquette at home!
Driving buggies near greens, slow play, not letting players through, not raking bunkers, not repairing ball marks or replacing divots are frowned upon ( as in anywhere else in the world ) and you may incur the wrath of a local marshal, and in some cases will be asked to leave the course immediately.
If you treat the course and other players with respect you will most certainly enjoy a perfect round of golf.
