The Alto Club in Sotogrande will officially open a new nine-hole par-3 course, completing the playing and practice facilities attached to its Golf Academy.
Designed by Ryder Cup player Manuel Piñero, the layout has holes ranging from approximately 80 to 200 metres. It is intended to provide an accessible introduction to course golf while testing the iron play, short game and course management of experienced players.
The new course sits within SO/ Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort and follows the opening of The Alto Club Golf Academy and the remodelling of the former Almenara course. The golf offering now comprises an 18-hole course, the academy, a Toptracer-equipped driving range and the par-3 layout.
A Course Built for Practice and Play
The par-3 course gives academy users somewhere to transfer skills from the range onto a course. Its shorter format also provides an option for families and resort guests who cannot fit an 18-hole round into their schedule.
Although designed to welcome new golfers, the course has been prepared to the same standard as The Alto Club’s main layout. Its variety of yardages will require players to use anything from short wedges to longer clubs, with accuracy and distance control central to scoring.
“The opening of our new Par-3 course represents another important milestone in the evolution of The Alto Club,” said Stéphane Menou, general manager of SO/ Sotogrande and The Alto Club.
“Our ambition has always been to create a golf destination that welcomes golfers of every age and ability, from those discovering the game for the first time to experienced players looking to refine their skills.”
The Alto Club was established as Almenara Golf Club in 1998. Its Dave Thomas-designed course was later remodelled by Piñero, before the property relaunched under its current name in 2025. The 18-hole routing uses the former Los Pinos and Los Lagos loops, while the third Almenara nine was converted for academy and par-3 use.
Pettersen Shapes the Academy Approach
Two-time major champion and Solheim Cup-winning captain Suzann Pettersen serves as global ambassador of The Alto Club Golf Academy. Her role has included helping to shape its approach to coaching golfers across different ages and standards.
“The beauty of a great Par-3 course is that it challenges every golfer, regardless of their ability,” Pettersen said. “It’s a place where beginners can build confidence, juniors can develop their game, and experienced players can sharpen the skills that make the biggest difference on the course.”
The club is also the training base of Sotogrande-raised Mimi Rhodes, selected to represent Europe in the 2026 Solheim Cup. Sotogrande global ambassador Carla Tejedo uses the facilities while preparing for LPGA Tour events during her rookie season.
The opening adds to a resort golf operation that includes 20 driving-range bays, short-game areas, a coaching studio and custom fitting. It also adds another accessible option to a destination containing three of Spain’s six highest-ranked courses.
Located about 30 minutes west of Marbella, Sotogrande combines golf with accommodation, spa facilities and dining. Our recent Sotogrande destination guide covers The Alto Club and the wider resort.
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Simon Bale
Simon Bale is the publisher of Golf Today. A low single-figure handicap golfer, he was previously a major shareholder and course reviewer for Top100GolfCourses.com for over a decade, starting in 2010. Through this role, he developed extensive knowledge of golf course design and architecture while playing more than 300 courses worldwide.