SO/ Sotogrande in Spain is a golfing resort that’s embarking on a new era. Ben Firth visits its new academy and par three development, which is due to be opened next month by Suzann Pettersen, as well as the redesigned Alto Club and La Reserva Club.
It’s hard not to be impressed as you first arrive at SO/ Sotogrande, an expansive and tranquil resort tucked away in one of Spain’s most exclusive golfing regions. Unlike Marbella’s bustling seafront, Sotogrande remains discreet, refined and almost untouched by the overdevelopment seen elsewhere along the Costa del Sol.
SO/ Sotogrande itself boasts 156 rooms, including 37 suites across four suite categories. Designed with families in mind, the hotel feels both homely and luxurious, with separate family zones and activities, a serene spa with over 140 members and restaurants that cater effortlessly to both relaxed family dining and sophisticated evening meals. Our dinner at Marxa on the first night set the tone: a lively atmosphere with a local DJ mixing groovy beats as we tucked into tapas-style dishes of pluma pork and beef, accompanied by flowing Spanish wine. To top it off, nearby tables hosted LIV golfers such as Pat Perez, Paul Casey, Anirban Lahiri and Adrian Meronk – not your typical Sunday evening crowd.
A glimpse of LIV Golf Andalucia
The trip began with a visit to LIV Golf Andalucia at the world-renowned Valderrama. The course itself was pristine, manicured to perfection, but what struck me most was the subdued atmosphere. Following Phil Mickelson and Brooks Koepka for three holes, I counted only five other spectators trailing behind – an unimaginable scene for two of golf’s global icons. LIV certainly delivered on presentation: a superb, tented village, every luxury accounted for and a field of elite players. Yet the emptiness lingered in the air, making me wonder whether spectacle alone can truly replace substance in professional golf.
Sotogrande’s new academy: Building the next generation
Day two introduced us to the real reason for our visit: Sotogrande’s brand-new golf academy and par three development, an ambitious project representing a €5 million investment due to open on September 1, 2025. The academy is hosted by two-time major champion Suzann Pettersen, recently appointed global ambassador for the facility. Suzann was there to welcome us personally, showing a genuine passion for her new role in nurturing future champions.
During a short interview, she reflected on retirement, raising young children, and how her competitive spirit remains alive, albeit channelled into her new mission: developing juniors into Europe’s next superstars. “It’s about giving them a place to practice, somewhere to grow their game to the highest level,” she explained before demonstrating a few crisp iron shots on the pristine new range.
The academy’s facilities are impressive. Callaway and Toptracer have partnered to deliver an elite-level practice experience, with undercover bays off mats and a grass hitting area for professionals on the opposite side. The range itself stretches up to 310 yards, lined by a lake down the right and backed by Sotogrande’s signature white villas peeking through the trees – an aspirational view for any aspiring golfer.
This sense of ambition is evident in their recent signing of another LET alumni as a playing ambassador. With several wins on the tour already, she is a fast-rising talent who previously lacked a home practice base. Her new agreement with Sotogrande provides the perfect training ground to propel her towards greater success. This announcement will be made official during the next few months.
The par three course: Short game heaven
Currently under construction but expected to open this September is the academy’s brand-new par three course, with holes ranging from 100 to 210 yards. Early glimpses revealed plenty of elevation changes, well-designed bunkering and undulating greens that promise to sharpen any short game. Designed for juniors, professionals and visitors alike, the course complements the academy’s goal to build a comprehensive golf development hub.
The Alto Club: A redesigned challenge
Part of this grand redevelopment is the transformation of the former Almenara course into The Alto Club. The facility’s front nine has undergone a complete redesign, emerging as an extremely tight and technical loop featuring narrow fairways, dramatic undulations and quick, sloping greens. Each hole challenges you to prioritise position over power, with the front nine acting as a stern examination before easing you into the spectacular back nine.
One quirky addition is the scorecard system, featuring four tee boxes named The Goat, The Bull and The Vulture, each with its own stylised artwork. These collectible scorecards add character and a touch of humour to the golf.
Highlights of The Alto Club
The front nine specifically had been redesigned with lots of fresh turf and changes, having never played the Almenera course before I found the front half very challenging, lots of tight tee shots forcing you to play for position on most tee boxes. The golf course itself wasn’t the most relaxing, even at 6,600 yards the golf course definitely had some teeth! Every shot required strategy and precision with sloping fairways and narrow landing areas, making it a challenge for all levels of golfers.
The back nine is, however, where The Alto Club truly reveals its personality. Water hazards are sculpted perfectly to punish any wayward shots, and elevation changes keep you on your toes. My personal highlight was the 15th, a short par four of 320 yards surrounded almost entirely by water, tempting a high-risk drive with a 290-yard carry. I chose to lay up – only to discover the layup area was narrower than expected, leaving me with an awkward approach reminiscent of the famous 18th at Bay Hill. The following par three 16th was a showstopper: 215 yards entirely over water, a test of nerve and ball striking in equal measure.
However, one hole did leave me perplexed. The 14th, a dogleg right par four that appears dramatic from the tee but proves near impossible to play aggressively, forcing a lay-up that leaves trees blocking your route to the green. Even though the tee shot does look incredible, the design itself makes it almost impossible to play in regulation.
Sotogrande’s Beach Club
Post-round recovery came in the form of a visit to Sotogrande’s private beach club, 20 minutes from the hotel. We enjoyed a stunning lunch overlooking the Mediterranean, with fresh fish, beef dishes and traditional paella washed down with more local wine.
La Reserva Club: Tradition meets modern championship golf
Our final day took us to La Reserva Club, a course steeped in Spanish golfing tradition and a former Ladies European Tour venue. The experience began with a yoga session to loosen tight muscles before exploring the club’s extensive facilities, including clay tennis courts and a watersports lake.
La Reserva’s practice area introduced me to something I’d never seen before: divot patterns set out as 25-ball grids in lines. A simple yet disciplined approach to turf care that British ranges could certainly learn from.
At over 7,400 yards off the tips, La Reserva is a true championship test. The front nine is long and demanding, culminating in a breathtaking downhill par three ninth playing 175 yards but dropping nearly 30 yards in elevation. Watching your ball hang in the air before landing softly on the green is one of golf’s purest joys.
The back nine elevates the experience even further, featuring nearly 600-yard par fives, a 240-yard par three and dramatic elevation changes throughout. Architectural stone features around tee boxes and bridges add a sense of Spanish heritage, reminding you of the course’s place within the region’s history.
The standout hole was undoubtedly the 18th: a demanding 440-yard par four that plays uphill towards the grand clubhouse, the fairway striped perfectly like a stadium carpet, giving a fitting finish to an unforgettable round.
Final reflections
We closed the trip with dinner at Cortijo Restaurant inside SO/ Sotogrande, joined again by Suzann Pettersen and her husband. Slow-roast suckling pig, delicately sweet and tender, alongside rich Spanish wine, ended the visit on a high note.
Sotogrande’s development represents far more than another golf destination. It’s a visionary project combining world-class facilities, elite player development, family-friendly luxury and traditional Spanish hospitality. Whether you’re a major-winning professional, an aspiring junior, or a family seeking a premium yet welcoming escape, Sotogrande is positioning itself as Europe’s ultimate golfing haven.
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