Real Club De Golf Sotogrande

Real Club de Golf Sotogrande is one of the Costa del Sol's originals and, more than fifty years on, it still makes a strong case as one of the best golf courses in Spain. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, it was his first European project and, if you're into classic course architecture, you can see why it made such a splash.

The routing winds through mature cork oaks, eucalyptus and umbrella pines, with smart bunkering and enough water to keep you honest. It's a course that rewards a bit of plotting, especially from the tee, where accuracy tends to beat raw power.

You get a brilliant mix of long par 4s that demand two proper strikes, par 5s that tempt you into having a go and short holes that look straightforward until the breeze turns up and the greens start defending themselves. The variety is superb, and the conditioning is typically excellent year-round.

The whole place has that understated, proper-club feel rather than a busy resort vibe. Service is professional without being stuffy, and the setting, framed by distant mountain views and the Mediterranean climate, makes this one of the most enjoyable rounds you'll play in southern Costa del Sol.

It's a straightforward add-on to a Sotogrande stay, with the marina and plenty of restaurants close by for post-round plans.

Who is this for?
Golfers who like proper, strategic golf on a tree-lined championship layout and don't need resort bells and whistles.

Who is it best for?
Mid to low handicappers and groups who want a 'name' course in southern Spain, with Sotogrande's marina and restaurants close for post-round plans.