The Alto Club, Sotogrande |
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The Alto Club Golf & Academy (formerly Almenara Golf Course)
The Alto Club Golf, located in the upper part of Sotogrande Alta, boasts an 18-hole course and a lakeside Golf Academy, which opened in summer 2025 with its own redesigned Par-3 course. The clubhouse was refurbished in 2023, and the hotel is the 5-star SO/ Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort.
The Alto Club Golf was formerly Almenara Golf, which opened in 1998, and had three very different nine-hole loops, each of which was the brainchild of local architect David Charles Thomas. They were named Pinos, Lagos and Alcornoques.
The course was remodeled in 2021 following the arrival (from La Quinta) of resident pro Manuel Piñero. This redesign carefully considered playability and environmental care. The return leg for players has been improved by removing various obstacles to create a top-quality course design.
The front nine holes, which are par 36, start and finish at the clubhouse. A highlight is the panoramic views of the area. Refreshments are available on hot summer days, as it is quite a long walk (or buggy drive) to the tenth green to start the back nine, which is Par 35. The 12th to 15th holes wind their way around the lake and are perhaps the most enjoyable. Be prepared for the uphill slog of the par-4 eighteenth hole.
A novel feature of the course is the classification of the tees on each hole, as well as their icons. GOAT is recommended for handicaps of 4 or under, BULL for handicaps of 18 or under, VULTURE for handicaps of 26 or under, and DEER for handicaps of 36 or under — a change from colours.
While the course was closed over the winter of 2020/21, the clubhouse was completely rebuilt. Its style changed from rustic Andalusian to a colourful, contemporary design. Now called the Society Clubhouse, it offers all-day dining, with breakfast served from 07:00 to 11:00 and lunch from 12:00 to 18:00. In practice, it functions more as a lively hotel restaurant than a quiet members' golf clubhouse. The café terrace still offers the spectacular views it had before the renovation. However, the wooden decking has been replaced with a tiled construction.
The putting green is located next to the club house and the pro shop. The driving range, which openened in autumn 2025 is a buggy drive away at the Alta Club academy.
The golf courses compliment the facilities are the five-star SO/ Sotogrande hotel and a new and extensive Wellness Spa, fitted with all the very latest equiptment. Since 1st January 2024 the operations and commercialisation of Almenara Golf is undertaken by the team of SO/ Sotogrande Hotel.
The Alto Club is located next to the five-star SO/ Sotogrande Hotel, which reopened in July 2021 after undergoing a €40 million renovation and refurbishment project lasting three years. Formerly operating as the NH Almenara, the hotel opened in 1999. The club's extensive Wellness Spa, the largest on the Costa del Sol, is fitted with the latest equipment. Since 1 January 2024, the SO/ Sotogrande Hotel team has been fully responsible for operating and commercialising Almenara Golf.
In September 2024, the Alto Club announced plans to develop a new academy located nearby, next to the lake. As part of this transformative project, the 9-hole Alcornoques Course will be remodelled and renamed the 'Par 3' for use primarily by the Alto Club Academy, which boasts full training facilities. It is hoped that the Par 3 course will open in March 2026.
Alto Golf Academy
The Alto Golf Academy at SO/ Sotogrande Spa and Golf Resort opened as planned in the summer of 2025. This project involved transforming the existing 9-hole Alcornoques Course into a state-of-the-art training facility.
Suzann Pettersen, the former Solheim Cup player, captain and two-time major champion, is the Global Ambassador for the Alto Golf Academy in Sotogrande. The academy opened in August 2025 at the SO/ Sotogrande Spa and Golf Resort. The offica
The Golf Academy aims to be the leading centre for golf instruction in Andalusia. The academy features Toptracer driving range technology, which provides users with precise shot tracking. There will be both a natural grass tee line and a covered tee line, the latter incorporating a VIP practice area. Night-time facilities are available for extended practice. The academy also houses a custom fitting centre and a professional coaching zone.
A key component is the new 9-hole par-3 course designed by Manuel Piñero., alongside dedicated short game practice areas including putting and chipping greens and three additional practice holes. For added convenience, there will also be a bar and café on site. This development aims to provide a comprehensive environment for golfers of all skill levels, from beginners to elite professionals.
The Future Executive Course (Par 29) is a longer layout that includes two par 4s, making it equally challenging in terms of strategy and execution. It’s the option for those looking for new challenges in a quicker and more accessible format than a full-length course.
The future Pitch & Putt course features 18 carefully designed holes that make the most of the short game. This dynamic and entertaining course presents a real challenge, making it perfect for beginners looking to learn and experienced players seeking to improve their accuracy.
At the driving range, the Toptracer Range technology tracks every shot with precision and provides real-time insights into the flight, distance and accuracy of the ball.
SO/ Sotogrande Spa and Golf Resort hotel
Book Hotel at Almanara Golf
Location
Address: Avda. Almenara. s/n. Sotogrande. 11310 San Roque, Cádiz.
Directions: From both Marbella or Algeciras turn off at km 133 and take the exit marked Sotogrande-Guadiaro-Castellar.