SOTOGRANDE GOLF COURSE REVIEWS
The best courses for Sotogrande & Estepona golf breaks.
Real Sotogrande Architect: Robert Trent Jones Snr. (1964) 18 holes: 6,224m: par 72
A very exclusive Club with very few times available for visitors
- but it's well worth asking us to try and and get you on.
On level terrain where the Mediterranean forms the Sotogrande harbour,
this is a very attractive layout, regarded by many as one of Spain's finest. Sand forms the initial resistance to smooth progress, steadily replaced by water
as the round reaches its climax.
Valderrama Architect: N. Coles & A. Gallardo. 18 holes: 6,588m: par 72.
Familiar to millions of golfers following its starring role in the 2002 Ryder Cup. Valderrama is a unique place and a severe test of anyone's golf. Tight fairways through dense cork-oaks (bigger now than in 2002) and ultra-slick Greens are just a few of the examinations you will have to undergo...
La Reserva Architect: R. Von Hagge. 18 holes: 6,165m: par 72.
Just across the road from Valderrama, La Reserva is a recent addition to the Costa de la Luz golf scene and predominately private. There are a few slots around midday when visitors can play - and its well worth it! Still untainted by housing developments, La Reserva is an oasis of calm where you can enjoy a superb course and setting in peace.
Finca Cortesin Architect: C. Robinson (2006). 18 holes: 6,802m: par 72.
A dazzling addition to the Sotogrande golf scene that outshines many of its established neighbours. A classic US design (Cabell Robinson studied under Mr. R. Trent Jones): Bermuda fairways sworl around the yawning white bunkers (and lakes) to contoured Bent greens. The course has won over the Volvo World Matchplay for the next two years (however their Tees stretch to over 7,400 yards!).
San Roque - Old Architects: D. Thomas & T. Jacklin (1990) 18 holes: 6,588m: par 72.
One of the fine old courses of the South of Spain. The San Roque Club oozes quality for all of its 36 holes and stately clubhouse. Reasonably traditional in layout, the Old Course wends its way between cork and pine trees with a dash of water here and there.
San Roque - New Architect: Perry Dye (2008). 18 holes: 6,165m: par 72.
Just across the road from the Old Course, so
amongst similar woodland (and in the same condition), yet strikingly
different in design. More sand and water are immediately obvious and as the course unwinds
several holes have a distinctly "linksy" feel about them
- unusual for a course so far above sea-level!
Great fun and a real challenge to play.
Alcaidesa - Links Architect: P. Alliss & C. Clark (1991) 18 holes: 5,766m: par 72..
Don't be fooled by the lack of yards, you will have to hit the ball solidly to score well on this tricky seaside course. The main golfing problems are caused by the ever-present breeze, aided and abetted by the twists and turns of the terrain across the cliffs and bays. A refreshing (and highly recommended) change to the regular golfing fare of southern Spain.
Alcaidesa - Heathland Architect: D. Thomas (2008) 18 holes: 6,373m: par 72.
A recent addition to the set-up at Alcaidesa when the Golf Club was transformed from its rudimentary Clubhouse beside the sea with just 18 Links holes to play with to its shiny new Clubhouse higher up beside the Heathland course (with obligatory holiday homes). The course itself winds up and down the fairly open hillsides with views out over the coast from many holes. Whether it's really 'heathland' is debatable, but it is however good fun and a very distinct contrast to the Alcaidesa Links course.
Almenara Architect: D. Thomas (1993)
27 holes: 6,221m: par 72.
On the sunny hillsides behind Sotogrande the
27 holes at Almenara offer great golfing and broad horizons. The holes have been well crafted to make the most of the slopes
with the more than occasional water feature adding an element of
risk/reward to many holes. Plenty of buggies available (and probably advisable).
Rio Real
Architect: J. Arana.
18 holes: 6,165m: par 72.
In the midst of the Costa del Sol hullabaloo
but somehow a world away. The Rio Real course descends form
the start of the hills down to the sea and back in a magical little
oasis of calm. Though not overly long, the parasol pines bordering
the fairways have to be avoided (or negotiated) with care.
A relaxing, fun course to play. 
Valle Romano
Architect: C. Robinson (2010)
18 holes: 6,322m: par 72.
Between the old hills and new houses Cabell Robinson has knitted 18 holes of very entertaining golf, with his trademark ragged-edged bunkers very much to the fore. Big Greens with plenty of borrows and several levels will fully test your putting.
The land rises and falls quite steeply in places providing some very attractive views against the surrounding hills consequently a buggy maybe a good idea (and we can include one in your Green-fee for very little extra if you like).