The Costa del Sol is often referred to as the Costa del Golf, its not surprising with a concentrations of top quality golf courses nearing the 40's and fabulous weather almost all year round, it's an idyllic setting. Popular with European golfers for many years the area has become better known farther afield due to the 1997 Ryder Cup held at Valdarama. The demand is so great that many new courses are being developed and in the more popular courses rounds need to be booked months in advance. Golf is far more popular with visiting tourists than the Spanish. A recent study estimated that a staggering 80% of golfing tourists had visited the Costa to play. Many golf courses have club tournaments running throughout the year, so phone to check first and booking in advance is advised. Golf has played a great part in turning the Costa del Sol from a summer holiday destination to a year round resort, with many northern Europeans escaping bleak winters to come to the mild winter climate of Costa del Sol to play golf. | 
