Costa del Sol Golf Party Showcases Spain Golf in Madrid

 width=

Spain was firmly in the spotlight on 2 March as the Costa del Sol Golf Party returned to the Centro Nacional de Golf for its second edition. The event continues to grow as a key meeting point between Madrid’s golf community and the Costa del Sol, one of the most important regions for Spain golf.

The 18 hole tournament offered strong competition and attractive prizes. Every par 3 featured premium golf equipment, including putters, drivers and wedges, along with green fees at leading courses on the Costa del Sol. Well known names such as Bernd Schuster, Raúl, Mista and Melgar joined managers, federation representatives, journalists and influencers, adding visibility and credibility to this Spain golf gathering.

After the tournament, players and guests enjoyed a relaxed cocktail reception and prize ceremony. A large raffle included modern golf equipment and exclusive Costa del Sol experiences. Sabor a Málaga added a regional touch with traditional espetos, bringing a taste of southern Spain to Madrid.

At the same time, the TopTracer simulator area attracted constant participation from 11:00 to 23:00. With a total of 1,700 attendees throughout the day, the numbers reflect the growing interest in Spain golf, not only as a sport but also as a travel and networking opportunity.

Promoted by the Mancomunidad de Municipios de la Costa del Sol Occidental, Turismo y Planificación de la Costa del Sol, the municipalities of Benahavís, Marbella and Málaga, and organised by JGolf.

The Costa del Sol Golf Party strengthens the connection between Madrid and the Costa del Sol, reinforcing Spain golf as a leading European destination.

Verdelago’s Marriott Hotel Project Advances in Castro Marim

 width=

The landscape of golf in Algarve continues to evolve, particularly in the eastern region near Castro Marim. At Verdelago Resort, development of a new Marriott hotel signals a broader shift in infrastructure supporting premium tourism and strengthening the appeal of golf in Algarve.

First announced in June 2024 with an investment of €52.5 million and completion forecast for 2027, the project has since been revised. As of February 2026, total investment has increased to €80 million, with opening now scheduled for spring 2028. The structural phase of the hotel has been completed, marking a visible milestone within the 86 hectare resort.

Operating under the Marriott International brand, the property will offer 197 rooms, including six standalone forest suites integrated into the surrounding vegetation. The resort dedicates 70 hectares to green areas, including a 24 hectare seafront nature reserve and a 42 hectare leisure park, reinforcing the environmental character that distinguishes this part of the Algarve.

Castro Marim already benefits from proximity to established courses, positioning the eastern Algarve as an increasingly attractive base for golfers seeking quieter surroundings without sacrificing quality. As golf in the Algarve remains a central driver of regional tourism, developments such as Verdelago illustrate how hospitality and golf infrastructure continue to expand in parallel, particularly in the eastern Algarve corridor. This sustained growth is also reflected in rising demand for curated travel experiences, with many visitors booking tailored packages through specialised providers of Algarve golf holidays, ensuring streamlined access to the region’s fairways.

At the same time, interest in exploring the full range of Algarve golf courses continues to increase, as players seek championship layouts framed by the region’s distinctive coastal and inland landscapes.

Castro Marim Golf and the Quiet Side of the Algarve

 width=

In the eastern Algarve, far from dense resort developments, Castro Marim Golf & Country Club unfolds across open hills shaped more by wind and sun than by construction. This is Algarve golf in a quieter register, where the landscape sets the tone and the built environment steps back.

The course stretches over 27 holes, divided into the Grouse, Guadiana and Atlântico loops. Fairways are framed by native vegetation that acts as a natural corridor for wildlife. Partridges move in small groups along the rough. Rabbits and hares appear at first light. A wide range of birdlife circles above the greens and settles near the lakes. Regular players often recognise specific families of partridges that return to the same feeding areas morning and late afternoon.

One recent visitor stood out. A young Iberian lynx spent time within the perimeter of the course, briefly disappearing before returning accompanied by a female. Its presence, calmly observed and documented, underscored the ecological continuity of this part of the Sotavento.

Winter mornings bring frost across the fairways, and the first tee shots share space with wildlife searching for food. Around the water hazards, ducks and moorhens gather, adding movement to the still air. Wild boar occasionally pass through at night, an unwelcome but infrequent reminder that this is still shared terrain.

Castro Marim Golf also remains active on the competitive calendar, hosting events such as the Southern Circuit tournament of the National Senior Golf Association of Portugal. Yet even during competition, the defining feature is the setting itself. In this corner of the Algarve, golf and landscape coexist with minimal interruption.

With contributions of Valdemar Afonso