Well, it seems like only a few weeks since the beginning of the year and suddenly it’s Christmas again.
Another great year for Golf tourism in Iberia with record numbers visiting from all over the world.
Never have our courses been as full as they were in 2025 and 2026 is already shaping up to be similarly busy.
In fact, our recurring message of “book early to avoid disappointment” has never been as relevant as it is now. For larger groups we are now well and truly focused on 2027 and encouraging group leaders to plan NOW for 2027.
The great news story from 2025 was that the long drought came to an end in Spring. Weeks of steady rain allowed our reservoirs, lakes and water table to fill up meaning that even without any more rain we are out of the woods for another two years. In the meantime, investment in water desalination plants along the Costa del Sol should mean that the water issue has been put to bed, at least for the medium term.
Consequently, our golf courses are in great condition and the weather this autumn has been excellent. So, lots of very happy golfers.
Good News.
The recently announced news that the Ryder Cup is returning to Spain in 2031 for the first time since its previous staging in 1997 at Valderrama. This time in 2031 the Camiral Resort (Formerly known as the PGA Catalunya) will host the event. This is a huge boost for Spanish Golf tourism and especially the Catalunya region.
So, with this in mind Golf Experience has developed a series of packages to the Girona & Costa Brava Coastal area. They will all include the 2 Camiral courses and both Emporda courses. There are plenty of other excellent options such as Golf de Pals and Club Golf D’Aro.
While both courses at Camiral are world class the word is that the Ryder Cup course may yet to be built! So yes, possibly 54 holes at Camiral.
Golf news.
Mijas Olivas Course – will close from April to October 2026 for a complete refurbishment. The course was closed in 2024 due to a green-keeping problem. This closure will allow for a complete resolution to the problem.
Marbella Golf & Country Club
Marbella Golf & Country Club – to Higuerón Marbella Golf S.L
This popular course situated next to Santa Clara in Marbella has been bought over and will be rebranded Higuerón Marbella Golf.
Press release:
We would like to inform you of an important update regarding our club: Higuerón Developments has recently acquired Marbella Golf.
This change marks the beginning of a new chapter in which tradition, innovation, and a vision for the future come together in a high-end project for the Costa del Sol. With this acquisition, the company adds a second flagship resort to its portfolio in southern Europe, in addition to Higuerón Gran Málaga Resort, and initiates the development of the future Higuerón Marbella Golf Resort.
It is important to highlight that we continue operating exactly as before: the same conditions, the same procedures, and the same team at your service. At the same time, we are entering a phase of evolution that includes collaboration with Robert Trent Jones Jr. on the future redesign of the course, always respecting the legacy of the original design by Robert Trent Jones Sr.
This transition marks the beginning of an exciting project, without altering our relationship with our partners. Our goal is to continue offering an excellent experience as we move toward a resort that will combine accommodation, wellness, sport and exclusivity under the standards that define Higuerón Development.
We appreciate your continued trust and collaboration. Discover the teaser of the campaign “A look into the Future” on the video below.
Marbella Golf Club Resort
Marbella Golf Club Resort is back to its best after having been closed for 6 months to allow their greens to recover. Contaminated (salt) water caused them to lose their greens almost completely.
Marbella Golf Club Resort – Benahavis.
Christmas gift idea.
Lost for ideas for a Christmas gift for the golfer in your life? Why not get them a Golf Experience Gift Voucher which can be used against green fees in Spain or Portugal at any future date (no expiration)
Hotels
Due to high demand, we have extended our selection of hotels in both Fuengirola and Benalmadena.
In Benalmadena we now have contracted rooms at the Best Triton Hotel.
Whilst in Fuengirola at the Angela Hotel and the Yaramar. Both of these properties are centrally located and on the beachfront.
Gran Melia Dom Pepe.
This iconic Marbella 5 star will close for most of 2026 for a complete refurbishment as will the popular Senator Marbella which will become a Melia hotel in 2026.
Marbella’s Gran Melia Don Pepe Hotel.
Club rental.
Callaway XR steel shafted sets.
We recently invested in new Golf Clubs for rental. 10 new sets of Callaway XR steel shafts (Right and left-handed) to go with the 20 Callaway Edge graphite sets we already have. We also stock Taylor Made M4 & M6 and Spalding and McGregor sets. We now have an inventory of over 80 sets in total. So, rather than hauling your clubs at great inconvenience and expense across the world why not have ours delivered to your hotel or first course? As usual, it’s best to book well in advance if you need specific models. We are selling off some older sets if anyone would like to keep a set here in Spain rather than taking their own set out every time you come over.
So, may you all have a happy, peaceful and healthy Christmas from us all at Golf Experience. We look forward to seeing you in 2026. Many thanks for your continued support.