Los Arqueros Golf & Country Club sits in the Ronda Hills above Marbella, and if you're after a course that makes you think rather than just swing hard, this is a proper Costa del Sol favourite. Positioned handily between Málaga and Gibraltar, it was the first layout designed by legendary Spanish golfer Severiano Seve Ballesteros when he moved into architecture in 1991, and you can tell he built it with a player's brain.
At just over 6,200 yards, you won't beat Los Arqueros by simply hitting driver everywhere. Seve's design rewards strategy, sensible target selection and leaving yourself the right angle in. The greens are on the small side and not heavily bunkered, but they've got enough slope and tiering to turn a slightly-off approach into a nervy two-putt. If you're above the hole in the wrong section, you'll know about it.
The fairways roll through pine and cork oak and there's enough elevation change to make club choice interesting, especially if the wind is up. It's also a course where positioning matters, because the best line in often isn't the obvious one from the tee. And yes, you do get some cracking views across the valley towards the Med, which never hurts on a golf break.
Who is this for?
Golfers after a strategic, mid-length parkland test near Marbella with standout scenery and a Seve design on the scorecard.
Who is it best for?
Mid to low handicappers who enjoy plotting their way round, plus groups who want a quality Costa del Sol round that isn't just a driver-fest.
