Look at any aerial map of El Paraiso and you can’t fail to notice the vivid green fairways of El Paraiso Golf. Surrounded by some of the most beautiful villas on the Costa del Sol, the golf course divides El Paraiso Alto (to the north west and within the municipality of Benahavis) and El Paraiso Medio to the southeast and within the municipality of Estepona. La Concha and the Sierra de las Nieves mountain range provide a stunning backdrop to the course while the local TRH Paraiso Hotel’s stand out architecture orientates players on each and every hole.
One of the first parts of El Paraiso to be developed in 1973, the course was designed by one of the world’s greatest golfers, South African Gary Player and today attracts visitors from all over the world with members currently stemming from 16 different countries! The two lakes, streams and abundant tropical plants, trees and flowers, mean that the course is also home to loads of wildlife including its resident ducks and the hoopoes with their distinctive crown of feathers, as featured in the club’s logo.
El Paraiso Golf is unusual on the Costa del Sol in that it is open to, owned and run by shareholder members but also encourages overseas seasonal members. This is ideal for those El Paraiso property owners and part-time residents who winter in El Paraiso while maintaining residency in their home countries. To help new members integrate, many club tournaments are organized on a draw basis so you don’t know who you will be playing until you get to the tee.
There is something very different about El Paraiso Golf’s community: it’s known locally as the friendliest international club on the Costa del Sol and hosts many tournaments, societies and competitions throughout the year for beginners through to pros. But El Paraiso Golf is not just about taming that little white ball. After all there are times when rain stops play, even on the Costa del Sol.
In the past, the club has put on musical pantomimes – produced, directed, stage managed and stage designed by, and starring, the local golfers. Amateur dramatic groups often use the clubhouse for performances and there are groups who meet regularly to play bridge, practice Pilates and yoga, discuss books and poems, and paint among other activities. And it’s not unknown for golfers to stand up after a tournament dinner or prize giving in the clubhouse and start singing Irish folk songs or reciting poetry!
The members at El Paraiso Golf make everyone feel welcome, whatever their age, background or nationality. Local children are invited there for free lessons via the Ayuntamiento of Estepona and the club’s professionals are always on hand to coach young players and older golfers looking to improve their game. Single players are always looked after and will never be short of new friends to play a round with thanks to the club’s philosophy of mixing up competitors.
With all of the above, it is not difficult why so many people choose to look for a property for sale in El Paraiso!
El Paraiso Golf is not only at the geographical heart of El Paraiso; the club is at the heart of the local community of expatriate residents in particular providing them with a lifeline for friendship, exercise and culture.