Atalaya Golf Hosts New Edition of Diario SUR Golf Tournament

Atalaya Golf & Country Club once again set the stage for a great day of golf, sport, and camaraderie with the celebration of a new edition of the Diario SUR Golf Tournament. The event brought together nearly a hundred players at our Estepona facilities this Sunday, consolidating itself as one of the most prominent dates on the Costa del Sol’s golfing and social calendar.
The day unfolded in an exceptional atmosphere, with ideal weather conditions to enjoy the course and the experience offered by Atalaya Golf. After several days of high temperatures in the province, the weather favored the participants, who were able to compete in a meticulously maintained environment, perfectly prepared for an event of this caliber.
The tournament began at 9:00 AM with the tee-off and great anticipation among the players. From early morning, participants demonstrated concentration, competitive spirit, and enthusiasm to be part of an event that combines sporting demands with the social character that distinguishes this annual gathering.

A Golf Tournament in Estepona with a Sporting and Social Atmosphere

The Diario SUR Golf Tournament at Atalaya Golf has established itself as an event that goes beyond mere competition. In addition to its sporting appeal, the event stood out for its ability to bring together players from different clubs, ages, and backgrounds, creating a meeting point around golf, coexistence, and social relationships.

Once the competition concluded, attendees moved to the clubhouse area, where they enjoyed a cocktail that provided a social highlight to the day. This moment allowed players to share impressions about the course, comment on the best shots of the day, and strengthen personal and professional ties in a relaxed atmosphere.
For Atalaya Golf & Country Club, hosting events of this nature represents an opportunity to continue promoting golf in Estepona and reinforce the Costa del Sol’s role as a reference destination for national and international players.

Individual Stableford Format and Widely Distributed Prizes

The competition was played under the Individual Stableford modality, with prizes in different male and female categories. Recognition was also given to the top finishers in the Scratch modality and the winner of the special prize for the nearest to the pin.
The prize distribution reflected the high competitive level of the day. In the first men’s category, Joaquín Llaguno was declared the winner, accompanied on the podium by José Rueda and José Damián Aguilar. In the second men’s category, the triumph went to José Luis Castilla, followed by José Daniel Hernández and Cristóbal López.
In the women’s category, Manuela Araujo achieved victory, while Elke Bergstrom took second place and María Trinidad Pérez completed the podium. In the Scratch classification, Jacobo Cestino achieved the best result, followed by Joaquín Llaguno and José Luis Castilla. The nearest to the pin prize went to Cristóbal López, on hole 17.

Winners:

  • 1ª Gentlemen: Joaquín Llaguno, José Rueda y José Damián Aguilar.
  • 2ª Gentlemen: José Luis Castilla, José Daniel Hernández y Cristóbal López.
  • 1ª Ladies: Manuela Araujo, Elke Bergstrom y María Trinidad Pérz.
  • Scratch: Jacobo Cestino, Joaquín Llaguno y José Luis Castilla.
  • Nearest the pin: Cristóbal López.

A Day that Reinforces Atalaya Golf’s Value as a Venue for Major Events

The celebration of the Diario SUR Golf Tournament once again highlighted the capacity of Atalaya Golf & Country Club to host tournaments and corporate, sporting, and social events in a privileged setting. The combination of quality facilities, attention to detail, and a welcoming atmosphere ensured the day was a success from start to finish, including the awards ceremony.
The event was supported by the Benahavís Town Council and Turismo Costa del Sol as sponsors, as well as with the collaboration of Ibercaja, Clínica Dental Crooke, Copyrap, and Hospiten.
From Atalaya Golf, we want to congratulate all the winners and thank every player for their participation, as well as the work of organizers, sponsors, and collaborators. This new edition confirms, once again, that golf is much more than a sport: it is a shared experience that unites competition, nature, and community in one of the great golfing destinations in Southern Europe

Atalaya Golf begins course maintenance

At Atalaya Golf & Country Club, the quality of our courses is a fundamental priority. To ensure that both the Old Course and the New Course always offer the best playing conditions, we regularly carry out essential maintenance work. These processes are crucial for turf health, drainage optimization, and the preservation of the natural beauty that characterizes our facilities.
We understand that planning is key for our members and visitors. Therefore, we want to inform you in advance about the scheduled dates for intensive maintenance work in 2026. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during these periods, which allow us to continue offering an unparalleled golf experience on the Costa del Sol.

Scheduled Maintenance Dates for 2026

Below are the dates when maintenance work will be carried out on each of our prestigious courses:

Old Course

  • June 1st to June 21st, 2026 (both days inclusive)
  • August 31st to September 6th, 2026 (both days inclusive)

New Course

  • June 22nd to July 5th, 2026 (both days inclusive)
  • August 24th to August 30th, 2026 (both days inclusive)

Why is Golf Course Maintenance So Important?

Regular maintenance is vital to preserve the quality of a golf course. These tasks include aeration, topdressing, fertilization, and pest control, among others. By carrying out this work, we ensure:
  • Optimal Playing Surfaces: Greens, tees, and fairways in perfect condition for enjoying every shot.
  • Turf Health: Strong turf resistant to diseases and climatic stress.
  • Efficient Drainage: Preventing water accumulation and ensuring playability even after rain.
  • Sustainability: Practices that contribute to environmental conservation and efficient resource use.
Our team of professionals works tirelessly to minimize any inconvenience and ensure that, after each maintenance period, our courses return to their optimal state, or even better.
We invite you to consult our website or contact reception for any additional questions or to plan your next rounds. We look forward to seeing you soon enjoying the excellence of Atalaya Golf!

Matti Schmid: from Atalaya, to Aronimink and Augusta National

Matti Schmid’s remarkable fourth-place finish at the 2026 PGA Championship has marked a milestone in the career of one of Germany’s most promising golfers.

Competing against the world’s elite at Aronimink Golf Club near Philadelphia, Schmid delivered an outstanding performance and secured a share of fourth place in one of golf’s four major championships – the best result of his professional career so far.

This result is not only a sporting success, but also comes with significant privileges. A top finish in a major championship strengthens Schmid’s world ranking, improves his status on the PGA Tour and enhances his chances of qualifying for future signature events and major tournaments, including The Open Championship and other elite international competitions. Such performances also increase exemption opportunities and provide valuable momentum for the rest of the season.

Schmid’s golfing journey began years earlier at Atalaya Golf & Country Club, where he laid the foundations for his career. Since then, he has steadily risen through the ranks, collecting notable victories and building a reputation as one of Germany’s brightest talents.

This achievement was also a memorable victory at the Von Limburger Tournament in 2017, underlining his ability to perform under pressure.

Behind this success stands not only Schmid’s talent and dedication, but also the support of key figures who believed in him from an early stage. Peter Pantel and Michael Pollak played an important role in supporting his development and helping him progress on his path to international golf.

With his outstanding performance at the PGA Championship, Matti Schmid has shown that he belongs on golf’s biggest stage – and this may only be the beginning of an exciting international career.

Atalaya Golf to Host THE ONE Marbella 2026

Atalaya Golf & Country Club has officially been announced as one of the host venues for THE ONE Marbella 2026, one of the Costa del Sol’s most exclusive amateur golf circuits.

Key dates for participation

This competitions will feature top golf courses such as Aloha Golf Club (May 23rd), Rio Real Golf (June 21st), and of course Atalaya Golf Country Club.

We hosted the grand final in 2025, and we’re back as part of the circuit! Don’t miss your chance to participate! Save the date to play on July 5, 2026 by registering here: https://marbellatheone.com/golf-registro?torneo=atalaya

THE ONE Marbella includes an exclusive welcome pack prepared for all participants, exciting prizes and surprises throughout the day, and a premium tournament atmosphere designed to make every moment unforgettable. Limited spots available.

Those players who classify, will play the final round on Higuerón Marbella Golf Resort on September 12, 2026. Here, participants will experience an extraordinary event culminating in an exclusive gastronomic offering designed by our Michelin-starred chef, Diego Gallegos.

What a unique circuit in Marbella offers

THE ONE Marbella has become known for combining competitive golf with premium lifestyle experiences, including gastronomy, networking, entertainment, and sponsor activations.

The 2026 edition is expected to attract more than 3,500 participants throughout the season, further reinforcing Marbella’s position as one of Europe’s leading golf tourism destinations.

Vanesa Valle, director of SHOW TIME, highlighted the circuit’s core values ​​in her presentation:

“For us, it’s essential that each competition becomes a unique moment. We don’t just organize tournaments; we create lasting connections between players and brands through memorable experiences.”

Following the success of previous editions, the circuit has designed an extensive program of experiential activations, as detailed in the official presentation:

  • Gourmet Corner First Workplaces: A networking area with premium cuisine at golf tournaments.
  • Higuerón Resort Padel Challenge: An interactive target in the padel club village where you can aim with a ball and racket.
  • Higuerón Resort Beat The Pro: A challenge against a professional player on a Par 3 course.
  • The Approach Game by First Workplaces: An approach shot competition on the putting green at the 19th hole.
  • Victory Celebrated with Cruzcampo: Live DJ during the padel finals on Sunday mornings.
  • Inflection Space: Your recovery point.
  • Social Cause Gómez & Molina Jewelers: Activation of our social cause through the official THE ONE bracelet in silver.

Atalaya Golf & Country Club, an ideal venue

With our two 18-hole courses and a thriving international community, we are proud to say that Atalaya Golf perfectly embodies the spirit of the game here on the Costa del Sol.

Both our iconic Old Course and the spectacular New Course continue to draw players from every corner of the globe. For us, it’s about more than just the game; it’s about providing every golfer who visits us in Marbella with a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

THE ONE Marbella 2026 promises another exciting season where golf, lifestyle, and the Costa del Sol come together at some of the region’s finest venues.

Are you ready to experience the best golf season on the Costa del Sol?

IDEAterrazas WAGC Andalucía arrives at Atalaya Golf & Country Club on July 15

On Wednesday, July 15, Atalaya Golf & Country Club will host one of the most exciting qualifying events on the amateur golf calendar: the IDEAterrazas WAGC Andalucía Circuit, officially part of the prestigious World Amateur Golfers Championship Spain.

More than just a tournament, this event gives amateur golfers the opportunity to advance through a competitive international pathway, with the ultimate goal of representing Spain at the World Final in Malaysia in October 2026.

An amateur golf circuit with an international destination

The IDEAterrazas WAGC Andalucía Circuit is part of a 9-event regional tour where amateur golfers compete for a place in the regional and national finals of the championship.

The top two players in each category will qualify for the Andalucía Regional Final, taking place on August 14 at Cabopino Golf in Marbella. From there, the best players will move on to the National Final at Retamares Club de Golf in Madrid, before the ultimate stage: the World Final in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

For many amateur golfers, this tournament represents a rare chance to compete beyond local events and experience golf on an international level.

The tournament at Atalaya Golf

The Atalaya Golf qualifying event will be played on Wednesday, July 15, with a shotgun start at 9:00 am.

  • Date: Wednesday, July 15
  • Start time: 9:00 am shotgun start
  • Entry fee: €84
  • Format: Medal Play +4
  • Includes: Green fee, halfway catering tent, prize draw, and prize ceremony.

Categories and competition format

The tournament is open to amateur golfers with an active federation license, all nationalities, and both men and women, with handicaps up to 36.

Players will compete across five handicap categories:
• 0 – 5.4
• 5.5 – 10.4
• 10.5 – 15.4
• 15.5 – 20.4
• 20.5 – 25.4

Alongside trophies for the top finishers, players will compete for qualification spots to continue their journey toward the National Final and ultimately the World Final in Malaysia.

Competitive golf on the Costa del Sol

Hosting this event at Atalaya Golf & Country Club adds another level of appeal to the tournament. Known for its international community and two renowned golf courses on the Costa del Sol, Atalaya offers the perfect setting for a competitive amateur event of this scale.

With summer conditions, a strong social atmosphere, and a passionate golfing community, the event promises a memorable experience both on and off the course.

How to register

Registration for the Atalaya Golf event is now open.

👉 Register here:
https://www.nextcaddy.com/club/AM53

For more information about the rules and championship structure:
https://ideaterrazas.com/circuitogolf/tournament-rules/