Marbella, Santa Maria Golf Club

Santa Maria offers terrific value, quality golf for players of all handicaps.

Not the longest of courses, we came across this gem for the first time on our annual trip 7 years ago, and have revisited it a couple of times since. Very lush fairways generally, big well maintained tee beds and bunkers with sand in them - not always the case in Spain! Greens are usually very slick and true. There are a couple of really good risk reward holes thrown in for good measure too - the 11th particularly, which is stunning from the tee. Some tight holes mixed in with holes where you can open your shoulders makes for good holiday golf.

We have never had anything but a warm welcome and prices are not too steep in the clubhouse either. Definitely worth a visit for the money.