Inside Europe’s best golf destination

Sotogrande®️ can be found at the southern tip of Spain, around 40 minutes from Marbella, 50 minutes from Malaga airport, and 20 minutes from Gibraltar. This location puts it within easy reach of all major European cities by air, and the enviable climate for year-round golf makes it arguably Europe’s best golf and lifestyle destination. 

The destination, soon to be celebrating its 60th anniversary, has been renowned throughout its existence for being home to an elite community who reside there largely due to the unrivalled proximity to some of Europe’s finest golf courses. Sotogrande®️ is set amongst the hills of Andalucia on a spectacular stretch of the Costa del Sol. It’s also home to five first-class golf courses, which between them have hosted the Ryder Cup, World Golf Championships, DP World Tour, and Ladies European Tour. 

Set atop the highest peak, La Reserva Club is considered one of the jewels in Sotogrande’s crown. Home to astonishing gated residential communities, this family-centric country club boasts an 18-hole championship course that was designed in 2003 by American architect, Cabell B. Robinson. The course features wide, sweeping fairways that lead onto large, undulating greens, alongside numerous challenging water features. 

Sotogrande®️ is also home to one of golf’s most recognisable names, and 1997 Ryder Cup host venue – Real Club Valderrama. Topping the golf course rankings in Spain, it’s also widely regarded as the best in continental Europe; the immaculate winding fairways, charming cork trees, and tricky greens combining to deliver one of golf’s most exceptional challenges. 

Set closer to the coastline, just a short drive from the marina, Real Club Sotogrande is another highlight. The Robert Trent Jones championship layout is the region’s first golf course, and its subtleties and classic ambience to this day can excite and charm players in equal measure. It’s half-a-century-old tight and picturesque holes will leave a lasting memory. 

Almenara Golf, located next to the Los Alcornocales natural park, offers another varied and enjoyable option, this time with 27 holes over three 9-hole circuits. The entire property has also recently undergone an extensive remodelling by legendary local golfer, Manuel Piñero. 

With this world-class golf offering within a 15-minute radius, Sotogrande®️ may just be the ultimate destination for European golfers to visit or even make their home. Speaking of homes; the gated communities at La Reserva Club are the prime real estate offerings in the region – providing privacy, security, and authenticity, with state-of-the-art facilities on your doorstep.