The summer season may be ending, but the return of the cooler months means perfect conditions for golfers as they flock to the ‘Costa del Golf’. It is not just recreational golfers, however. The final months of 2022 see the coast hosting several important tournaments, attracting some of the top players from both the Men’s and the Women’s Tour.
Article by Giles Brown
Fundación Real Madrid Golf Tour, Mijas Golf, September 21, 2022
A tournament for a good cause, the event takes place on Mijas Golf’s Robert Trent Jones designed Los Lagos course, one of the best known on the Costa del Sol and totally refurbished in 2012. One of five tournaments on the Fundación Real Madrid Golf Tour, this event will not only raise money for several charities, but also promises plenty of excitement. If this stage is too short notice, the final of the tournament is set to take place in Mallorca in October.
Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters 2022, Real Club Valderrama, October 13-16, 2022
The most prestigious of the golfing events of the season is the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters 2022, which takes place from October 13-16 at the Real Club Valderrama. Without doubt, the jewel of the Costa del Sol’s golf courses, Valderrama boasts a rich and emotive history. A quick look at the tournament’s previous winners underlines the challenge it presents for even the most experienced golfers.
Last year Matt Fitzpatrick claimed a brilliant title, starting a run of form that peaked with victory at this year’s US Open. The Englishman ran neck and neck on the first two days with Jon Rahm, his predecessor as winner in the US Open, and Rafa Cabrera-Bello, winner of the last Spanish Open.
Sergio García, winner of the 2017 Masters and three-time champion at Valderrama, is the name most closely linked with this tournament. In 2011 he beat the Malaga-born Miguel Ángel Jiménez by one shot, while in 2017 he was the victor against the seasoned Dutchman Joost Luiten and in 2018 he managed to overcome the resistance of Shane Lowr.
2022 will also be a very special occasion as it marks the 25th anniversary of the 1997 Ryder Cup that was held in Valderrama, with Europe scoring an emotional victory over the US under the inspirational leadership of Seve Ballesteros.
Sotogrande Golf Circuit Grand Final, Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, November 18, 2022
This year has marked the welcome return of the Sotogrande Golf Circuit. Renowned for its great atmosphere, the ninth edition of the leading golf tournament in Sotogrande has seen competitors tackling some of the best courses over the year.
These have included La Reserva Club Sotogrande, Almenara Golf – SO/ Sotogrande, as well as the New Course at La Zagaleta and the newly renovated Links de La Hacienda.
The Tour reaches its climax at the historic Real Club de Golf Sotogrande with what is sure to be one of the most popular tournaments of the season!
Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España 2022, Alferini Golf, November 24-27, 2022
Alferini Golf course, in Benahavís, will be a first-time host for the Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España. The tournament will mark the end of the Ladies European Tour season, and decide the winner of the Race to Costa del Sol, the overall champion.
The tournament, which has become the highlight of the women’s season in Europe, has an impressive list of winners since it became the final event of the Race to Costa del Sol.
In 2020, Danish player Emily Kristine Pedersen achieved the double – winning both the tournament and Race to Costa del Sol. Last season Spaniard Carlota Ciganda won the tournament, her first on home soil, and the order of merit went to Thailand’s Atthaya Thitikul.
Plan ahead for 2023!
The Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España 2022 is also part of the Solheim Cup 2023 programme, which is THE tournament of 2023, declared an event of Exceptional Public Interest by the Government of Spain.
The Solheim Cup 2023 – that sees the best women players making up the European and US teams – is set to take place at Finca Cortesin from September 18-24, 2023 – making it the first Solheim Cup to be hosted in Spain. Clear your diary now, as it promises to be spectacular! Tickets are already on sale.
“The game has such a hold on golfers because they compete not only against an opponent, but also against the course, against par, and most surely- against themselves.” (Arnold Palmer)
