A fire at Guadalmina golf course in Marbella has destroyed nearly 100 electric carts

Around 100 electric golf carts were destroyed in a spectacular fire that broke out late last night on the prestigious Guadalmina Course, located in Marbella, Spain. These vehicles, essential for players navigating the expansive course, are valued at approximately €10,000 each, potentially resulting in losses exceeding €1 million.

Details of the incident and its response

In San Pedro de Alcantara, near Alcantara, a fire broke out at the Real Club de Golf Guadalmina in the area designated for charging and storing electric golf carts. Marbella. Firefighters from Marbella responded quickly to the incident and contained the fires. This prevented the spread of flames to other areas within the building or the surrounding area. No injuries have been reported. Initial reports suggest that the blaze began in the parking area for electric vehicles. Although the cause of the fire is under investigation, there are suspicions that the electric vehicles or their charging system may have been involved. Battery-powered equipment can be prone to this type of risk.

Impact on golf courses

Guadalmina Golf in southern Spain is popular with golfers. The two 18-hole golf courses are renowned and both have 18 holes. The loss of a large fleet could disrupt operations temporarily, especially for players who rely upon buggies for mobility in the hilly terrain. The club management will likely address any replacements or adjustments to service in the next few days.

Recent years have seen similar fires on golf courses

Various golf facilities around the globe have experienced electric golf carts catching fire, usually due to faulty battery charging.

• A cart barn was damaged by a fire in February 2026 at Crown Colony Country Club, Lufkin, Texas. Lithium batteries complicated firefighting efforts.
• A fire that broke out in an underground storage facility on a Cambria County Golf Course, Pennsylvania, destroyed dozens golf carts.
• A fire at the Eastern Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia, near Melbourne, caused by charging golf cart lithium-ion battery was completely destroyed in 2023.
• In 2023, the lithium-ion batteries of a golf cart started a fire in a Jacksonville home.
• Earlier incidents include a 2022 fire on Sanibel Island, Florida, where golf carts at The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club burst into flames due to lithium batteries exposed to salt water after Hurricane Ian.

This is the first incident of this kind in Spain. It shows that there are growing concerns about lithium-ion batteries in golf carts. There have been calls for improved charging protocols, and to take fire prevention measures on courses around the world.