A Day in the Life of a Marbella Golfer: Experience the Greens, Views, and Lifestyle

by Jordan Fuller
(Marbella)

Golf is more than just a sport if you’re a serious player. For some, it’s an everyday essential, an inseparable part of their daily lifestyle. Others enjoy the golfing lifestyle when they get a chance, but all passionate golfers agree that once the bug bites, that love for the sport and all it entails doesn’t leave you.

Good news, golfers—Marbella is a wonderful place to enjoy interesting golf courses, great gameplay, and excellent weather, followed by replenishing your energy with amazing cuisine and exploring the rest of what the area has to offer.

Here’s our ideal day in the life of a Marbella golfer. Because golf isn’t just a sport—it’s a lifestyle experience!

Morning Tee-Off
Tee off early, and you’ll enjoy the freshness of the morning air before it gets too warm. Marbella is blessed with some stunning golf clubs and courses, but keep in mind that some of them are private clubs, so you’ll need to join a member for a round.

Marbella Club Golf Resort
You have to be staying at the resort to play a round here, so plan ahead if you want to enjoy the challenging 18-hole course. There’s also a short, sweet 9-hole course to enjoy if you’re a little short on time.

Take note that you’ll need a handicap of 28 (men) or 36 (ladies) to play here, so it’s not just for anyone. That should give you an indication of its trickiness! Don’t forget to wear a hat, drink enough water, and enjoy the beauty surrounding you.

Santa Clara Golf Marbella
This beautiful course is open to the public, but book in advance to avoid disappointment. Early birds get better green fees, so there’s another incentive to get on the course first thing in the morning!

The course itself is fairly straightforward, but don’t get complacent! It’s a technical challenge despite being wide and flat, so experienced golfers will get the opportunity to pull out all the stops. Less experienced players might find it challenging.

Los Naranjos Golf Club
Technically, Los Naranjos isn’t in Marbella, but it’s just a few kilometers away. Set against a stunning mountain backdrop, you can enjoy the scenery as much as the gameplay here.

The Robert Trent Jones course is considered to be one of the best in the country and has hosted many professional tournaments. Four tee positions offer every kind of golfer a chance to get a good score here. Keep your eyes peeled for sneaky water hazards, smartly placed bunkers, and unseen slopes.

Marbella Golf & Country Club
This is one for advanced golfers—it’s known to be one of the most difficult courses in the country, so beginners might prefer to leave this one for their next trip. You might want to get there a little early and warm up on the range before hitting the course so you’re loose and ready to play!

The fairways are wide but undulating, so expect the unexpected. Water hazards show up frequently, making club selection important for success. You’ll find elevated greens that roll fast, so every shot from tee to green here needs to be precise!

Midday Break: Explore and Unwind
Once you’ve finished your round, the enjoyment doesn’t have to stop. The Marbella lifestyle doesn’t end with golf—there’s plenty to immerse yourself in. You can choose whether to add to your daily step count or spend a few hours relaxing and giving your legs a break.

Let’s Keep Walking!
If you’ve still got some energy to burn after your round, there’s a wide range of exciting things to do. Fit golfers can opt for a walk through the labyrinth that is the Old Town, a charming old-school area with a beautiful 16th-century church, or shop at the deluxe Puerto Banús marina.

Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous, opt for a hike or a walking tour through the town. Remember to stay hydrated and fueled to keep your energy up!

Give the Legs a Break
Does chill time sound like the best plan for you? You’re in luck because Marbella is known for its beaches. Pick your spot, soak up the sun, or go for a swim.

If you'd prefer to sit for a bit but aren’t keen on the beach, take a dolphin-watching tour, a bus tour, or do some wine tasting. Just remember to give your legs a little stretch and massage here and there while you’re relaxing to keep the circulation going and stop them from getting stiff!

Afternoon Activities: Local Cuisine and Relaxation
And of course, when in Spain, you can’t miss the chance to enjoy local cuisine. The dining experience in Marbella is like picking a golf course—some restaurants are more sophisticated than others, with spectacular views. Others are more straightforward and best for beginners!

La Tienda Casa Curro
This restaurant is like an old-school golf course with modern amenities. It’s been around for 50+ years, serving traditional Andalusian cuisine with an exciting modern twist.

The casual, inviting atmosphere is perfect for any time of day. Take a break from wandering the Old Town to grab a snack or sit down for a full meal. You’ll be pleased to know they sell wine by the glass, too.
Boho Club Restaurant

Located between Marbella and Puerto Banús, this gem will treat you to a fine dining experience in an exquisite setting. If you visit during the day and sit outdoors, you’ll feel the same sort of ambiance as a golf course, with natural greenery and fresh air.

The food is excellent, their in-house wines are worth a glass or a few, and in season, you can also enjoy live entertainment. It’s the full package and the perfect place to unwind in style after a round of golf.

Leña
This elegant eatery is a romantic experience, so be prepared to dress the part. Technically, it’s a steakhouse and grill, but oozes a kind of sophistication that truly sets it apart from the norm—it’s such a stunning experience that it was officially named the most beautiful restaurant in the world by the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards.

MC Beach Marbella Club Hotel
If you want to hold onto the beach feeling, we recommend MC Beach Marbella Club Hotel for a meal. Sit on the outdoor patio, and you’ll have a lovely view over the Mediterranean, and no matter where you sit, you’ll enjoy a fresh, airy feeling throughout the restaurant. This is our top pick for Spanish-style seafood.

Conclusion
If you’re going to be in Marbella for business, don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the golfer’s lifestyle for a short while. But if you’re looking for a holiday destination where you can play world-class golf and live a luxurious lifestyle between rounds, come for that!



Trust us—it doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a relaxed experience or want to keep up with your serious golf training while you’re here. Spending time in Marbella is the best gift you can give your golf-loving self, a golfer you care about, or the whole family.



About the Author
Jordan Fuller is a retired golfer and businessman. When he’s not on the course working on his own game or mentoring young golfers, he writes in-depth articles for his website, Golf Influence.