Golfers visiting the Sotogrande area of the Costa del Sol have been spoilt for decades, with a vast choice of quality venues to choose from. The area has long been a hotspot for transient golfers and ex-pats looking for high-quality golf courses, classy restaurants, and beautiful beaches.
In recent years there have been numerous developments of the golf courses in the area, with San Roque investing millions in a full renovation of the Old Course and both Sotogrande and Valderrama continuously upgrading their courses and facilities to ensure they stay ahead, as the premier destination for Spanish golf.
In order to stand out and compete amongst these giants of golf in the Costas, any golf course will have to be special, as the history in this area spans many decades, with San Roque regularly hosting European Tour Qualifying School, Valderrama annually hosting the Andalucía Masters, plus the Ryder Cup in 1997, and Sotogrande Old Course being the host venue for the Sotogrande Amateur Masters, with winners including Sergio Garcia (1997, 1998), Gary Wolstenholme (2000, 2001, 2003 & 2005), Rory McIlroy (2007) & Shane Lowry (2008).
Rubbing shoulders with these giants of the region is the lesser-known Alcaidesa Golf Resort, which since 1990, has served as a nice addition for many golfing tourists looking to add an extra course to their schedule. This resort has two well-established courses, the Heathland, and the Links, both of which are now under the LaHacienda golf umbrella, owned by Millenium Hospitality, a luxury hotel, and property developer.
Those familiar with the Links course will have witnessed some of the most outstanding views golf courses in Spain can offer. As one of the few golf courses linking the land to the sea in the Costa Del Sol, the aptly named Links has been a hidden gem, offering a more affordable option to the opulent neighbors in the region.
However, with the recent renovation of the entire resort and complete redesign of the Links course by Kurtis Bowman (formerly with Nicklaus signature design) things have taken a huge leap forward, as this humble and modest sibling to the famous courses in Sotogrande is rising up to make a stand as one of the must-play venues in the area.
Significant investment has gone into the redesign project which began in 2021 and took 18 months to complete during the Covid pandemic. The pandemic created pros and cons for the architect and for those involved, as travel restrictions meant Bowman was present for more-or-less the entire project, with an expert eye for detail ensuring his plans and concepts were carried out meticulously each step of the way, a rare occurrence in modern-day course renovation.
For anyone who has previously visited the Links course, the new design will be unrecognisable. Although the routing and the general layout of the holes is similar, the amount of land moved during the project and the relocation of tees, greens, and fairways have created a modern masterpiece, well beyond the realms of possibility.
The facilities here are outstanding, a huge driving range with natural grass and artificial teeing areas, two well-maintained chipping and pitching areas, and an immense practice putting green ensures there is every opportunity to prepare for the 1st tee.
The new Links course begins with an inviting downhill par 5. Getting a good drive away will present an early opportunity to start the round with a positive number on the card. The hole sets the tone early, as the vista of the ocean from the tee box is breathtaking. The course builds up in difficulty through the first four holes, as you are presented with variety in length and difficulty. The tightly mown Bermuda grass provides well-manicured fairways and the pristine contoured bunkers give superb definition to each of the holes. One characteristic Bowman has used is to surround the bunkers with slightly longer Ryegrass, giving misplaced shots a chance of staying out of the sand, which will come as a relief to most amateurs.
The fourth green is a fine example of the quality of the putting surfaces on offer, with extreme undulations and multiple options for pin placements. The firmness of the greens is unlike most courses in the region, as the ball releases on the first bounce from most shots, giving more significance to the reference to ‘Links’ in the naming of the course.
As you turn the corner from the fourth green to the fifth tee box, it’s hard not to gasp with awe at the ‘Wow-Factor’ of the view in front of you. The downhill par 5 is a fine example of costal golf at its best, with an infinite view of the Southern Mediterranean to your left, the prominence of the Rock of Gibraltar on the horizon and dramatic elevation changes of the upcoming holes ahead.
From this point the course takes a huge forward leap in terms of drama and excitement. The following holes are amongst the most dramatic in the area, and, unlike many of the hilly and often harsh Spanish designs. The generous, yet testing, flow to the fairways allow for those hitting decent shots from the tee to be rewarded.
Most of the par 5s on the course will be reachable to longer hitters from the yellow tees. The course presents a very fair test and gives many opportunities to play to handicap and hit greens in regulation. This is important for holiday golf, where most players are aiming to enjoy their round and go home with a smile and good memories.
That said, this is by no means an easy course. The main reason is that putting here requires a good eye for the many breaks and borrows on the greens, and a deft touch for the pace.
The greens were rebuilt by the same construction firm as neighboring course, Finca Cortesin, which is renowned for having the most well-manicured putting surfaces in the area. Anyone managing to keep 3-putts to a minimum here will surely prevail in many a competition.
Throughout the middle of the round, from holes 5 – 15 it’s hard to keep the camera in the bag. The view of the rock behind the green on the 10th, the infinity green on the 11th, the downhill delight of the par three number 13 are all unique to the course and will make any Instagrammer or social sharer the envy of their followers.
Many of the greatest courses include at least one drivable par 4, which the Links course does at the 14th, albeit a very risky shot to take on with plenty of danger on the uphill approach to the well-protected green. If you chose to take this on.
As with many great courses (Turnberry springing to mind), it’s impossible to keep the coastal drama and excitement all the way to the 19th hole, and the final 3 holes return inland towards the clubhouse. The round closes with a strong par three 17th, and a unique par 5, 18th hole, hosting two separate green complexes (purely because the architect felt like it). A gigantic semi-circular bunker protects both greens, making it crucial to keep your concentration all the way to the final shot to ensure you complete your round successfully.
La Hacendia Links really does add a different style to the golf in the area and should certainly become a must-play course for any golfer either living here or visiting. The prices are highly competitive, the course is accessible and affordable for most (unlike Valderrama, Sotogrande and arguably Finca Cortesin.
Where to stay
Currently, the stay and play packages are through the charming Aldiana hotel. The hotel is all-inclusive and predominately German. However, that is to change very soon with the development of a luxury Fairmont Hotel well underway.
Set for a soft launch in the next 12 months and to fully open by Easter 2024, following the opening of La Hacienda’s redesigned Links Course this summer, the 323-room hotel and villas will complete the multi-million-Euro investment project and the resort’s elevation to a flagship golf destination in southern Europe.
Fairmont La Hacienda will comprise of 153 hotel guest rooms with three junior suites and two two-bedroom suites. In addition, 51 villas will complete the desirable room offering, with 15 composed of 30 junior suites and 30 one-bedroom suites. The 36 remaining villas will be sold to third parties and will come complete with a private pool, extensive living room and kitchen amenities.
The complex will also feature five restaurants and bars, including a pool bar and a beach restaurant, as well as swimming pools, spa, fitness centre, ballroom and a selection of flexible meeting rooms.
Javier Illán, president and CEO of Millenium Hospitality Real Estate, said: “We are proud that a globally recognised brand such as Fairmont has signed on to manage one of our properties, especially in one of the top luxury destinations in Spain. I am convinced that the future Fairmont hotel will be a benchmark for luxury in Europe and, without a doubt, one of the assets with the greatest value potential of our portfolio.”
