Costa del Sol in Spain, from golf course to golf course

2024 Memorable Moments from RC Valderrama to Finca Cortesin await on Spain’s famed Costa del Golf

The historic 1997 Ryder Cup seduced golfers globally to the delights of Real Club Valderrama with European Captain Seve Ballesteros’ team memorable victory over the United States.  The spectacular victory propelled Sotogrande – established only in 1962 – and Spain to the top of golfer’s must play list.  Nestled along the Azur Mediterranean, Sotogrande’s beaches and charming port lie between Marbella and the Rock of Gibraltar. Initially called the “Golden Triangle of Golf”- Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, Real Club Valderrama- called by many “Augusta of Europe”, and San Roque Club offered superb golf. La Hacienda Links Resort’s sublime seaside Links (1992) and hilly Heathland courses opened, then La Reserva Club in 2003, 2023’s Solheim Cup hosted at Finca Cortesin after years of other top events, joined this elite group of “global golf musts” on this stretch of Spain’s Costa del Golf.

Real Club Valderrama, Sotogrande, Par 71, 6418 meters

Since the late 80’s RC Valderrama’s Championship course has topped Continental Europe’s rankings as No. 1 plus has been in the World’s Top 100 since 1990. Designed by famed architect Robert Trent Jones in 1974, it was initially called Sotogrande New – “Las Aves”. With Jaime Ortiz-Patino’s arrival in 1984 as owner, he launched work with Jones to create Europe’s finest course. Jones’ redesign started with days of planning improvements with Ortiz-Patino and Jones everywhere seeking enhancements. Renamed – Valderrama – after the original estate where it was situated, Jones committed to create an enhanced test perfect for the daily golfer and the top-class player demanding their best golf. In 1989 Valderrama gained Continental Europe’s No. 1 ranking – achieving their goal in record time. Volvo Masters – European Tour’s star event – was staged at Valderrama from 1988 until 2009. 1997’s 32^nd Ryder Cup was the first hosted in continental Europe and was a resounding success for golf with Seve Ballesteros masterful victory. Ryder Cup Tournament Director John Paramor following his course reconnaissance with Ballesteros, emphatically declared “It’s impossible to imagine a golf course in better condition.”

RC Valderrama continues to host top global and national events. Valderrama is also considered a wildlife reserve gaining the Audubon Environmental Certificate. The course has been renewed in all domains – modernizing infrastructure, equipment to maintain its top excellence and quality in all areas of the Club.

Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, Sotogrande, Par- 72, 6492 meters

Opening in 1964 Real Club de Golf Sotogrande was Robert Trent Jones Sr’s first European design highlighting his philosophy of integrating courses into their natural site surroundings, creating a test for better players, and an enjoyable round for all.  Joseph McMiking, Sotogrande’s developer, let Jones select the terrain for the course. It  was the first course seeded with Bermuda 419, plus a totally automatic irrigation system becoming a reference in European golf development. Jones designed more than 500 courses globally, but Sotogrande was one of his favorites. RCG Sotogrande led the development of Spanish golf and the Costa del Golf…

The Club House was inaugurated in 1965; in 1966, Sotogrande held its first Spanish Open Championship. Argentina’s Roberto de Vicenzo won; a year later he became the oldest winner of The Open Championship by overcoming challenges from Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus.

In 1979 the members acquired Sotogrande giving rise to a Members Club – since one of Europe’s top members’ clubs. Today, Sotogrande with over 2000 members of many nationalities plus many Madridlinos, enjoy their extensive facilities beachfront plus the superb golf on the championship and their short course. 

Not only international stars triumphed at RCG Sotogrande; in 1983 young Jose-Maria Olzabal won the Spanish Amateur, and 1987 saw Seve Ballesteros, World No 2 at the time, triumph in the Spanish Professional Championship. European Tour Qualifications tournaments were staged at Sotogrande and San Roque for years. In 1994, King Juan Carlos I granted Sotogrande the title of Real.

In Gibraltar’s shadows RCG Sotogrande’s championship layout – par-72, 6492 meters – flows over undulating terrain with two lakes plus more than 100 bunkers – 69 protecting  greens. A variety of vegetation adds to the beauty with mountain vistas framing holes too – plus palms, cork oaks, pine trees – embellish the course’s holes attractively.  An active bird preservation program enchances the layout too.

Director Kostka Horno manages RGC Sotogrande admirably; he welcomes the DP World Tour’s Andalucian Masters plus manages RCG Sotogrande’s prominent amateur role in golf development.  A spacious driving range with short game areas, plus putting greens are perfectly maintained. A short course of 9-holes is adjacent to the Championship layout. A full-service pro-shop, caddies, carts, and all other amenities complete RCG Sotogrande’s top offering throughout the year. Green fees must be reserved; handicaps required.

RCG Sotogrande’s attractive Club House spoils all with excellent dining and facilities – lockers, meeting rooms, restaurant, bar – as well as convivial terraces. Their veal filet was superb, plus the cellar offers extraordinary choices – top service everywhere. 

Jaime Salaverri Aguilar, President of Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, kindly shared thoughts on Sotogrande and Andalucian golf while watching Estrella Damm DP World Tour play above the 14th green RCG Sotogrande; “the course renovation plus a new comprehensive total drainage installation in 2015 by specialists of Jones Sr. including the practice areas was superb.  We weren’t concerned with this week’s storms, water, winds over the past days and nights. We are thrilled to welcome the Estrella Damm Andalucia Masters. Having hosted many important amateur Nations Cup (called Sotogrande Cup and originally the Sherry Cup) for 50 years; McIlroy, Sergio Garcia, Padraig Harrington, and many others excelled”.

RGC Sotogrande’s opening par-4 tests with water fronting the large undulating green on the right. The 2^nd an uphill par-5 (514 mts) demands precision, the rough penalizes. The par-3 4^th 202 mts to an elevated tiered green well defended requires a precise iron shot. The uphill right dogleg par-5 6^th is devilish as is the 7^th. The par-3 168 mts 8^th plays uphill to large undulating green. The 9^th plays uphill and 10th downhill; both are dog-legs framed by trees. The 11lth’s narrow fairway and elevated green offer birdie possibilities. The par-5 12 tests with a tight tee shot- forest on the left and water right from an elevated tee to a slender fairway. The pro’s had fun with the par-5 14^th  (483 mts) playing over the water, trying to hold  the thin tiered elevated bunkered green in two for eagle! The tricky 15^th cost many a pro—415 mts, this downhill par-4 angles right into an elevated tiered green. The 16^th has birdie opportunities for long hitters from the left center fairway only; water runs on the right greenside. The isle like 17^th – par-3, 164 mts – has three bunkers defending the slippery green. The uphill 18^th – par-4 430 mts – plays to a heavily guarded green; a long drive center fairway then precision into the proper green quadrant avoiding the cavernous bunkers is essential. A demanding test of golf…in a spectacular natural setting with beautiful sea and mountain panoramas. Sotogrande seduces…

San Roque Club, San Roque, The Old Course, Par- 72, 6311 meters

Nestled in Sierra Bermeja foothills overlooking the sea with Africa and Gibraltar in the distance, San Roque Club with its famed Old Course is now separated from the New Course. San Roque Club domiciled in the Domecq sherry family estate – 340 acres of peaceful tranquility with a plenitude of ancient Cork Oaks.  Opened in 1991, Dave Thomas designed the challenging Old Course, which became home to European Tour Qualifying Finals starting in 1993. San Roque hosted both the US and European teams during Valderrama’s 1997 Ryder Cup; names still mark these visitors’ suites at the Club. Home to Spanish Opens, San Roque’s golfing tests are famed amongst Europe’s golf stars from Justin Rose to Ian Poulter and Padraig Harrington. Amateurs love the test. Personally, the challenges delight in these beautiful holes lying among ancient cork trees.

Great installations for training with a two-tiered covered driving range, enormous holed practice areas and putting greens, plus a pitching, short game area with top practice bunkers. Carts, club rental and all other amenities are available at their comprehensive pro-shop and with their Mark Emery Golf Academy.  Reservations are essential.

The Old Course stretches 6311 mts, par-72 with a 133 slope over exciting hilly terrain, lots of strategic bunkering plus water hazards demand top shotmaking not only off the tee but precise irons to testing burrowed greens. The pro’s love this test; play the correct tee and you will too. Challenging – but rewards good play.

The opening left dog-leg par-5 479 mts sets the stage for a memorable round with tree-lined fairways, superb sea views and mountains behind expensive mansions. The second another left dog-leg, par-4 demands precision like the downhill par-4 fourth. The eighth has water to beware of as does the left dog-leg par-4 ninth.  The return doesn’t get much easier; greens just as large and fast plus several tight narrow fairways. The par-4 15^th challenges as does the 18^th – memorable. Beware winds hamper too even winding through these ancient trees. A memorable 19^th hole awaits – loved the Sangria and tapas on the terrace – a perfect ending with the sunset. Hasta luego…

La Hacienda Links Golf Resort, Alcaidesa, Cadiz 

Stretching over enchanting undulating links land along the Mediterraean in Gibralatar’s shadow, Alcaidesa Golf Resort was acquired by Millenium Hospitality in 2019 with numerous renovations, changes were inaugurated. Initially designed by Peter Alliss and Clive Clark in 1992, Kurt Bowman’s renovation of the Links Course opened the course to the sea spectacularly from all holes. Greens on 5, 11, 13 are now closer to the sea’s edge – beware. The “links feel” is enhanced.  Bermuda has added immensely to playability, sustainability. Bunkering was enhanced with fescues grasses and rough adding to the links look, playability.

The renovations on the resort’s Heathland course started with work executed on tees, water hazard’s improvements, some leveling of terrain.   Dave Thomas’ 18-hole design traverses three valleys offering various landscapes, with landing areas and wider fairways, but still many narrow steep ascents or drops, scrub vegetation, and sea views. Completely different from The Links!  Pro-shop, locker room and changing facilities, Academy, practice facilities plus attractive terrace dining and restaurant are await all.

A five-star Fairmont Hotel and Residences is scheduled to open with an expanded hotel complex and residences, beach facilities and more amenities.  

The Links, Par 72, 5841 meters

This Costa del Golf unique “must play”…5841 mts from the tips, par-72,  tests from the first tee with challenging layouts to large often undulating greens. The opening downhill drive on the first – a par-5 should be down the center of the fairway to set up positioning then hopefully par. Rough penalizes, as does the wind. The second – 214 mts uphill off the tee exacts precision. The par-4 third is a a strong hdcp 1 test. No easy par on the fourth either – another par-4 uphill; drive left center fairway off the tee to be rewarded. The fifth is treacherous with water in play everywhere. Finally, the par-3 sixth can be a par! Then, followed by the par-5 seventh for a potential birdie. The downhill par-3 eighth is many golfers’ favorite! A great hole – precision off the tee and with the putter are essential. Don’t take too many photos! The uphill 9^th tests. A unique Bar and Restaurant with superb views prepares one for the Link’s back nine…enjoy!

The downhill 10^th par-4, 323 mts kicks off the return perfectly. The blind tee shot on the par-4 uphill 11^th should be on the left side for par. Testing is the par-3 12^th 176 mts like the tough par-4 13^th. The steep uphill 15^th is a devilish 270 mts. Superb is the 17^th over the water – 146 mts to get a par. The par-5 18^th 459 mts downhill is a wonderful climax.

Sangria or your favorite cocktail await with tempting Tapas on the terrace…and more Kodak clics. Walkable for many; carts are helpful for 18 holes when hot, sunny, A must. Book another round before leaving.

The Heathland, Par 72, 6415 meters

Narrow fairways wind through valleys in the Andalusian hills for 6415 mts, par-72. A fair test and memorable; the Heathland’s slope is 134.  Windy in exposed areas – do beware. Unique “photo ops” are frequent with sea views and lots of verdant nature. The first – a par-4 slightly downhill off the tee but uphill into the green solicits solid strikes; the second id a long uphill par-5 requires attention. The par-4 fourth hdcp 1 merits its rating; stay on the fairway. Playing uphill 191 mts the par-3 fifth is adored by long hitters like the par-3 eighth at 175 mts. The par-5 10^th has teeth – 537 mts uphill and the par-4 11^th  challenges too. Finally, the par-3 12^th is 146 mts uphill — very scoreable. The downhill par-3 14th measuring 185 mts tests with water in play. The 17^th is memorable with its open, flat undulating fairway to the slightly elevated bunkered green. The par-5 18^th (447 mts) offers a great finish; this left dogleg plays downhill off the tee, then uphill to a large tiered testing green.

The Heathland is very walkable; carts are available. Two amazing championship tests with diverse allure make both these wonderful layouts tops! Hope to see you on the Links…my favorite.

La Reserva Club, Sotogrande, Par – 72, 6721 meters

In 2003 Cabell Robinson designed one of his masterpieces adjacent to RC Valderrama in Sotogrande in this heartland of golfing treasures. La Reserva’s stature progressed with hosting of European Tour and Aramco team events for many years. Always in the top 10 Spanish rankings with its well- manicured fairways testing layout, large demanding greens, La Reserva Club spiraled in world rankings. Service galore awaits on arrival; friendly and efficient staff.

The course was in excellent condition in spite of recent weather issues; fairways surprisingly firm with greens rolling well, bunkers perfect. Excellent practice facilities surround the imposing Club House and its terraces. The course is very walkable; carts are available.

The opening left dog-leg is a delight from the elevated tee in the Club House’s shadows. The second – an uphill par-5 uphill of 502 mts – tests; thankfully the spacious sloping fairways help. The downhill par-3 fifth gives one a birdie hope. The right dog-leg eighth challenges with water lurking. A par to close the front side is possible on the par-4 ninth. The 10^th is a great hole stretching in front from the tee. The 14th – a left dog-leg challenges downhill off the tee on this demanding par-4. The 222 mts 15^th   has water on left and behind the green; precision essential. Another par-3 the 17^th challenges for birdie – 187 mts downhill! Courage—the par-4 18^th demands one’s A game to reach the elevated green and attack the pin. To play again…

Finca Cortesin, Estepona, Par – 72, 6727 meters

Perched a mile above the Mediterrean’s sandy beaches in a 215-hectare verdant hilly estate between Marbella’s Puerto Banus and Sotogrande, Finca Cortesin is one of Spain’s top championship layouts designed by Cabell Robinson. Opened in 2006, this par-72 with over 100 bunkers winds over a hilly layout featuring large undulating greens.  A redesign was done for 2023’s Solheim Cup with some Solheim routing changes for their Matches.  

Voted Spain’s Best Golf Course 2022, Finca Cortesin is also renowned for its resort accommodations – an elegant Suite Hotel plus residential properties, 2,200 sq meters of spa and wellness offerings plus Spain’s first Snow Cave. Finca Cortesin proudly has a trio of top Repsol award winning dining options. Their very private Beach Club is located in lovely Bahia de Casares with infinity pool, loungers, services in summer months.

Home to the Volvo World Match Play 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2023’s Solheim Cup where Europe’s Norwegian Captain Suzann Pettersen led Europe’s team to a tie at Finca Cortesin making history. Europe retained the Cup by winning 14 points; Spain’s heroine Carlotta Ciganda sank the winning putt for the 14th point.  A fabulous finish with King Felipe XI at the green watching anxiously before Europe’s explosion of joy! Captain Pettersen shared, “It’s an amazing resort definitely the best venue for the Solheim Cup.” 2017 Masters Champion Sergio Garcia asserts, “the course and greens are impressive.”

Excellent practice facilities, a Jack Nicklaus Golf Academy, plus a spacious Club House, and numerous other facilities, pro-shop, and a variety of dining sites are available. One of Europe’s most environmentally friendly courses with Spain’s first ACOSOL’s approval.

Teeing it up on the first sets the stage for a great round over this famed layout.  A cart is recommended plus  a quick warm-up using their extensive practice facilities enroute to the tee.

The opening downhill par-4 sets the stage. The par-3 second demands precise iron play. Beware of the water on the par-5 third; green is diabolical. The fourth can be a birdie hole and the fifth too for long hitters. The seventh challenges all as does the eighth a long uphill par-5 to an undulating green. The back kicks off with a great 207 m par-3. The 11^th challenges with precision off the tee to have a chance at par on this par-5. The 15^th (par- 4, 414 mts) requires a long center left drive to score. The 17^th is a testing par-3 beware! Win the match before the uphill 18^th!

A great challenge as many discovered watching the 2023’s Solheim Cup…  Enjoy the 19^th hole’s delights!

Away from the Links…

Golfers will enjoy renting an apartment at Molo Residences, Marbella. Attractive boutique apartments are located in the heart of the Costa del Golf – the perfect address to play all Costa del Golf’s courses from Malaga, Mijas Sotogrande, Estepona and the Golf Valley. Dining delights exist in all the Clubs featured – don’t hesitate to try all from Tapas to the best Riojas…amazing taste discoveries too.

Susanne Kemper

With compliments of Golf Courses : Sotogrande, La Réserva, Finca Cortesin, San Roque, Hacienda Links and Heathland