The Alto Club Sotogrande Review: A shot of new energy in Spain's golfing Nirvana

The Alto Club Sotogrande Fact File

• Location: Sotogrande, San Roque, Spain
• Year Established: 1998 as Almenara Golf Club, rebranded in 2025 as The Alto Club
• Par: 71
• Length (yards): 5,903
• Green Fees (weekdays): From €115
• Website: altogolfclub.com

There are few names in European golf that carry the same weight as Sotogrande. Nestled on Spain’s sun-soaked southern coastline, this enclave of excellence has long been home to some of the most revered courses on the continent, including the legendary Real Club Valderrama, a former Ryder Cup venue and spiritual home of elite European golf. 

It’s a destination synonymous with heritage and prestige, but now, thanks to a new chapter at The Alto Club and the launch of The Alto Club Golf Academy, Sotogrande is redefining what modern golf luxury looks like. GolfMagic was invited to experience it first-hand - and to see how the region’s newest addition completes an already world-class golf ecosystem. 

There could hardly have been a better way to begin our trip to Sotogrande than with a visit to LIV Golf Andalucia at Real Club Valderrama. Watching some of the world’s best players tackle one of Europe’s most iconic courses was a powerful reminder of just how deeply rooted Sotogrande is in golf’s elite heritage. The energy around Valderrama, located at the heart of Sotogrande, set the tone perfectly for what was to come: a journey through a destination that not only celebrates golf’s past, but is boldly shaping its future.

The Alto Club Review

Our base for the trip was the SO/ Sotogrande Spa and Golf Resort, home of The Alto Club and Golf Academy. It is a hotel that perfectly captures the region’s character - contemporary Andalusian design with a nod to the history that came before, sweeping sea views, and an atmosphere that feels both luxurious and laid-back.

From the moment you arrive, the resort radiates calm. It’s the kind of place where every detail is considered. From the tranquil courtyards to the spa’s thermal circuit and expansive wellness facilities. Our guided tour of the property revealed just how deeply the resort integrates the golf experience into its offering. Guests can book bespoke golf packages that include play at The Alto Club, La Reserva Club, and even Valderrama or Real Club Sotogrande - all through the hotel’s concierge team. It’s really the best way to get those coveted tee times at Valderrama and Real Club Sotogrande. 

Formerly known as Almenara Golf, The Alto Club has undergone a total transformation. Not just in branding, but in spirit. The reimagined club has embraced a new philosophy that champions accessibility, inclusivity, and enjoyment for all levels of golfers, without compromising an ounce of quality.

The centrepiece of this rebirth is the newly launched Alto Club Golf Academy - a world-class practice and coaching facility that brings a modern, family-friendly energy to Sotogrande’s golf scene. Built on the site of the former Alcornoques nine-hole loop, the Academy features state-of-the-art technology, Toptracer-powered driving range bays, an expansive short-game area, dedicated putting greens, and even a new par-3 course designed by local golf legend Manuel Piñero to encourage fun, fast, and engaging play. 

The project has been shaped in no small part by Suzann Pettersen, two-time major winner and Solheim Cup captain, who serves as Global Ambassador for The Alto Club Golf Academy. Her influence is evident everywhere. From the coaching philosophy that focuses on development through enjoyment, to the facilities designed to welcome both junior and seasoned golfers. “Golf should feel open and inspiring,” she told us. “We want people to come here and fall in love with the game - to learn, to play, and to grow.”

We couldn’t help but agree. The Academy’s approach feels refreshingly progressive, blending cutting-edge performance insight with the warmth and inclusivity that many traditional academies lack. And with pristine conditioning and breathtaking views over the hills of Sotogrande, it’s a facility that looks every bit as good as it plays. 

On the main golf course at The Alto Club, the updates continue the theme of accessibility and creativity. Gone are the traditional tee markers by colour or gender. Instead, The Alto Club introduces four unique ‘character courses’, each themed by an animal symbol and corresponding yardage. It’s a small but symbolic touch. One that invites everyone to play their game, their way. The symbols are evident not only on the tee boxes, but on the scorecards and merchandise available from the club. 

This isn’t golf that takes itself too seriously. But make no mistake, The Alto Club is a serious golf experience. The fairways are pristine and the holes wind through nature to inviting approach shots and tricky water hazards. It’s a golf course that requires accuracy over length, with the position of your tee shot paramount to success on the hole. While The Alto Club is a resort course, the quality you experience from start to finish make this a venue well worthy of a visit no matter where you are staying on Spain’s golf coast. 

Final verdict

There was never any denying that Sotogrande, even before the redevelopment of the Alto Club, was the most complete golfing destination in spain. Now, sitting alongside the timeless icons of Valderrama and Real Club Sotogrande and the modern excellence of La Reserva Club, The Alto Club and its academy gives the region a shot of even more youthful, progressive energy: accessible rather than exclusive, and designed to give golfers of all levels a true taste of five-star golf tourism.

To learn more about The Alto Club, visit: https://altogolfclub.com/

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars ️️️️️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️