To understand how the course continues to elevate its standards, we spoke with Carlos Santos, General Manager of Santa Clara Golf Marbella, about the transformation of the club in the past five years.

Q: Carlos, what have been the most important improvements made to Santa Clara in recent years?

Carlos Santos (CS): Santa Clara Golf has always been a benchmark for quality on the Costa del Sol — and in recent years, it has helped elevate Marbella’s name even further.

Around the time of our 20th anniversary, and coinciding with the COVID period, we decided it was time for a major transformation. Our goal was clear: raise the standards across the board — not just on the course, but throughout the entire Clubhouse.

Over the past five years, we’ve renovated every bunker, redesigned several greens, and significantly improved the fairways. At the same time, we’ve completely renovated the restaurant, the pro shop, and the locker room facilities.

When it came to the shop, we made a point to give more attention to the women’s section, bringing in premium brands that are rare in our area but highly sought-after by our female guests. The numbers speak for themselves: the number of women visiting our course has grown by over 30% in the past five years, and I truly believe our shop has played a big part in that.

Then there’s Kayena, our signature restaurant, which opened in 2021. In just a short time, it has become a top culinary destination in Marbella — not just for golfers, but for food lovers in general. In fact, nearly 50% of our diners are non-golfers, drawn by its high-end Mediterranean cuisine with a creative twist.

All these changes have been incredibly well received, and they’ve allowed us to offer a true 360º premium experience — both on and off the course.

Q: Over the next 25 years, where do you see Santa Clara Golf?

CS: Golf on the Costa del Sol — and especially in Marbella — is set to keep growing. But that growth will come from attracting a more discerning clientele, one that values quality and seeks a memorable experience from the moment they arrive at the course until the moment they leave. And that’s exactly where Santa Clara Golf stands out: as a true leader in excellence when it comes to both play and service.

What we’ve achieved over the past five years is just the beginning. Santa Clara isn’t resting on its laurels — we’re laying the foundation for what’s to come. When we talk about creating a “new legacy,” we’re referring to a new standard of quality in the region — one that truly meets the expectations of today’s high-end golfer.

We are, and will continue to be, a course that delivers consistency and constant attention to detail — with top-tier maintenance, warm and attentive service from our team, and an all-encompassing experience designed to take excellence to the next level.

Q: For you, where does Santa Clara Golf stand among 74 courses on the Costa del Sol? Why should golfers choose your course?

CS: The Costa del Sol is home to some truly extraordinary golf courses — many of them world-class, fully equipped to host top-level national and international competitions.

But in my view, Santa Clara stands above the rest. What makes us different is the complete experience we offer every player, from start to finish.

It’s not just about flawless fairways or perfectly maintained greens — though of course, we have those. What truly sets Santa Clara apart is the way our course engages you. Every hole tells a different story. Each one challenges you in a new way and demands your full focus and attention. That variety keeps the game exciting, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just discovering your passion for golf.

And beyond the course, we’ve created an atmosphere that makes every visit unforgettable — through exceptional service, warm hospitality, and thoughtful details that elevate the entire experience. That’s what makes Santa Clara, in my opinion, the finest golf course on the Costa del Sol.

Q: Sustainability is a hot topic in golf. How has Santa Clara addressed this?

CS: Respect for the environment has always been a core value at Santa Clara Golf — and it continues to guide our daily operations.

We’re proud to have used reclaimed water for irrigation since the golf course opened, but our commitment goes far beyond that. We work to make the most of every drop through efficient water management systems, we use organic fertilizers, and we’ve carefully selected drought-resistant grass varieties that require significantly less watering.

But sustainability doesn’t stop on the course. It extends to every corner of the club — including our restaurant, where we make a conscious effort to source local ingredients and offer high-quality, organic food whenever possible.

Practices that just a few years ago seemed out of reach have now become second nature to us. Sustainability is no longer a trend — it’s a daily responsibility we fully embrace.

Q: And what about the service experience for players and visitors?

CS: Exceptional service is at the heart of everything we do.

While many golf courses around the world are moving toward automation and digital processes, we’ve chosen a different path — one that prioritizes personalized attention tailored to the unique needs of each guest.

For us, it’s not just about playing a round of golf. It’s about leaving with the feeling that you’ve had a truly exceptional day — one you’ll want to repeat. A day that starts with a glass of complimentary Cava, filled with memorable birdies, moments shared with breathtaking views, a top-tier meal, and the sense that you received far more than you expected.

Our greatest reward is when a guest — perhaps someone who hasn’t visited us in years, or someone discovering Santa Clara for the first time — chooses to return because they’ve felt the difference. That is our new legacy.