Posted on Friday, 4 November 2022

Winter can be a desperate time for UK golf enthusiasts. It's especially bad for those who fell in love with the game during the summer and haven't been able to play much since.

UK courses are just too cold, wet and windy.

The question has arisen more than once: how on Earth did Scotland come up with such a distinctly outdoor game?

Spain: The ideal destination for winter golf escapes

Perhaps the Scot in question spent their winters in Spain, because that's one of the few places in Europe that enjoys year-round golf-permitting weather.

Indeed, Spain is now a classic winter golf destination, thanks to a superb selection of courses – as well as all that sunshine. 

Golf for beginners: Is Spain a good place to learn to play golf?

Spain is not only a serious favourite for old hands to head to for winter golf escapes but is also a fantastic destination for beginners to golf too.

Some of the best golf resorts in Spain offer top class golfing lessons.

Golf Schools in Spain: Where can I learn to play golf in Spain?

Numerous first-class golf schools are found in Spain.

Why not get your golf travel insurance in order and consider booking a winter golf escape to one of these five respected Spanish golf schools…

Our pick of the best golf academies in Spain 

Looking for a golf academy in Spain?

Here’s our pick of some of the best…

The Leadbetter Academy at La Manga Club

There's only one Leadbetter Academy in Spain, and it's in the impressive La Manga Club, Murcia – which boasts no less than three courses.

Where is La Manga Club?

Found on Spain’s stunning southeastern coast, just 35 minutes from Murcia International Airport, La Manga Club is a former venue for the Spanish Open.

Golf lessons at La Manga Club

The golf school at La Manga Club offers lessons in three forms:

• ‘total golf experience' for novices and intermediates
• ‘beginner to winner' for those who want to 'get golf-ready'
• 'bespoke mini-school'

Each of the forms of golf lesson involve three hours of practice a day, with low pro-to-student ratios.

Almenara Golf Resort, Sotogrande

Great golf instruction is also found at the Almenara Golf Resort, Sotogrande, on the southern tip of Spain.

What is the weather like in Sotogrande?

Here the weather is even more reliable, while the golf resort itself is one of the finest on the Costa del Sol.

Golf lessons at Almenara Golf Resort

Golf instruction takes place across all three of Almenara's nine-hole courses, set against the beautiful Andalucian countryside.

Students at this Spanish golf school benefit from a dedicated private instruction area on a full driving range.

La Quinta Golf Academy

Founded in 1990 and headed by Ryder Cup winner, Manolo Piñero, the La Quinta Golf Academy offers golf lessons at all levels to both groups as well as individuals.

Is La Quinta a good golf academy in Spain for beginners?

With over 30 years of experience, La Quinta Golf Academy in Marbella is a firm favourite with beginners across Europe, not least due to the location.

This is one of the most well-known golf courses in La Costa del Sol.

Facilities at La Quinta Golf Academy, Spain

Good practice facilities together with a wide range of programmes and courses ensure that La Quinta golf academy is busy year-round.

There is also a covered area which means lessons can continue even in adverse weather conditions – although Marbella is blessed with a lot of sunshine.

 

La Cala Golf Academy, Costa del Sol

Where is La Gala Golf Academy?

Perched upon the foothills at the base of the Mijas Mountains, La Cala Golf Resort is not only the largest in Spain but one of the best golf destinations in all of Europe. 

Golf lessons at La Cala

Here you will find the La Cala Golf Academy, another popular golf school in Spain, offering classes for both beginners and more experienced players.

Tuition at the La Cala Golf Academy takes place on the six hole, par three course and two short-game greens.

Golfing facilities at La Cala Golf Resort

Along with a grass driving range, La Cala offers good putting, chipping and bunker facilities.

Finca Cortesin and the Nicklaus Academy

Also to be found in the Costa Del Sol is the Finca Cortesin and Niklaus Academy.

The Finca Cortesin golf course

Finca Cortesin, set in the magnificent mountains of the Costa Del Sol, is considered one of the best golf courses in Spain.

Designed by Cabell B Robinson, this par-72, 18-hole course is as beautiful as it is challenging – and features some of the best greens in Spain.

The golf buggies at Finca Cortesin even feature GPS, so you'll never get lost, even if your ball does.

Nicklaus Golf Academy

From the outset, Nicklaus Academy's expert trainers focus on the minor movements of the hands, wrists and arms – which can have such an impact on your game.

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