Royal Malta Golf Club
Founded in 1888, Royal Malta is the only golf course on the Maltese islands, laid out on flat ground at Marsa where it settled in 1904. A par 69 of about 5,607 yards, refurbished in 1989 by David Llewellyn, it is a tight, walkable parkland round in the heart of the island, welcoming visitors year round on a club steeped in history.
Photo: Royal Malta Golf Club via Google.
The verdict
Royal Malta was founded in 1888 by Lieutenant General Sir Henry D'Oyley Torrens within weeks of his arrival as Governor, and Queen Victoria granted the Royal title that same year. The club began with nine holes near Valletta and moved to its present site at Marsa in 1904, where it remains the only golf course across Malta, Gozo and Comino. A 1989 refurbishment by David Llewellyn gave it eighteen upgraded greens, a par 69 of about 5,607 yards.
It is not long, and it does not pretend to be. The appeal is the history, the convenience and the welcome: a tight, flat parkland course in the middle of the island that visitors can play year round, with the green fee including temporary membership of the Marsa Sports Club. For a travelling golfer it is a characterful half day rather than a bucket list test, and the warm Mediterranean climate keeps it in play through the winter when much of Europe is closed.
Royal Malta Golf Club at a glance
- Founded
- 1888
- Designer
- David Llewellyn (1989 refit)
- Type
- Parkland
- Par
- 69
- Yardage
- About 5,607 yds
- Green fee
- Indicative EUR 60 to 65
Founding year, site history, par and yardage verified June 2026 from Royal Malta Golf Club and leading course databases. The club was founded in 1888, moved to Marsa in 1904 and was refurbished in 1989 by David Llewellyn, a par 69 of about 5,607 yards. Indicative green fees are about EUR 60 to 65 midweek, with some visitor reports higher. Always confirm current rates and availability directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
At about 5,607 yards off a par of 69 the premium is on accuracy rather than power. The fairways are tight and well defined, the upgraded USGA specification greens roll true, and a stray drive finds trees or trouble quickly, so club selection and placement matter more than length.
The closing stretch rewards a tidy short game, and the flat, walkable ground makes for an easy round on foot. It is a course to score on if you keep the ball in play, and a frustrating one if you do not.
Set on former military and racecourse land in Marsa, the course shares the Marsa Sports Club grounds, and the green fee includes temporary membership there. It is a genuine slice of Malta's British sporting heritage, played in shirtsleeves through much of the year.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Public; visitors welcome on weekdays and weekends, advance booking essential |
| Green fee | Indicative about EUR 60 to 65 midweek, varying by season (indicative, 2026) |
| Included | Green fee includes temporary membership of the Marsa Sports Club |
| Booking | Book ahead through the club; the island's only course books up, especially in winter |
| Getting there | Marsa, in the centre of Malta, about 15 minutes from Valletta and the Three Cities |
| Best months | Year round; the mild winter from November to April is prime golfing season |
Green fees verified June 2026 and reported about EUR 60 to 65 midweek, with some visitor reports higher; figures are indicative and change by season and year, so always confirm current rates and availability directly before booking.
Where to stay nearby
Most visiting golfers base in Valletta, Sliema or St Julian's, all within a short drive of Marsa and full of hotels, restaurants and history. Royal Malta sits in the centre of the island, so wherever you stay the course is close.
With only one course on the islands, Malta is a culture and sea trip with a round of golf rather than a golf tour, and it pairs beautifully with a few days exploring Valletta, Mdina and the coast. The mild winter is the most comfortable time to play.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near Royal Malta Golf Club.
Plan a Malta golf and culture trip
We arrange tee times at Royal Malta and build the round into a few days of Valletta, history and the Mediterranean coast. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Royal Malta Golf Club questions
Who designed Royal Malta Golf Club?
Royal Malta was founded in 1888 and moved to its present site at Marsa in 1904. The course was refurbished in 1989 by David Llewellyn, a par 69 of about 5,607 yards.
Can visitors play Royal Malta?
Yes. Visitors are welcome on weekdays and weekends, with advance booking essential. The green fee includes temporary membership of the Marsa Sports Club.
How much does it cost to play Royal Malta?
Indicative green fees are about EUR 60 to 65 midweek and vary by season, with some visitor reports higher. Rates change, so always confirm directly before booking.
Is Royal Malta the only golf course in Malta?
Yes. Royal Malta is the only golf course across Malta, Gozo and Comino, which makes a tee time worth booking well ahead, especially in the mild winter season.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026; indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.