Sotogrande has reaffirmed its status as one of Europe’s premier golfing destinations, with each of its three world-renowned courses once again recognised among the continent’s finest in the newly released Golf World Top 100 European Courses 2025 and National Club Golfer European Top 100 Resorts rankings.
In Golf World’s definitive Top 100 European Courses – published in early November – Sotogrande’s venues continue to impress, with two of the three courses featured climbing higher in the standings.
Real Club Sotogrande rises to #10, strengthening its position among Europe’s elite; La Reserva Club advances to #52, an impressive result despite several major new entries to this year’s list; and Real Club Valderrama remains a benchmark of European championship golf pedigree at #6 in the list.
Golf World’s accompanying supplement ranks Sotogrande among Europe’s most exceptional golf destinations. La Reserva Club, which climbs in this year’s ranking, is praised for Cabell B. Robinson’s design that “makes superb use of its hillside terrain” and is “presented to an exceptional standard.” Meanwhile, Real Club Sotogrande secures its place in Europe’s top ten as a “Robert Trent Jones Snr classic presented immaculately,” recognised for delivering an “enduringly high-calibre experience.”
Sotogrande’s collective strength is further endorsed by National Club Golfer’s European Top 100 Resorts list, where the destination holds firm at #3, retaining its title as the highest-ranked golf resort in Spain. The upcoming edition again celebrates Sotogrande’s exceptional blend of world-class golf, Andalusian lifestyle, and timeless appeal.
“These latest rankings confirm Sotogrande’s enduring appeal as Europe’s leading golf destination,” said Rita Jordão, Director of Marketing for Sotogrande SA. “We are proud of the continued recognition across our courses in Sotogrande, particularly for La Reserva Club, which embodies the evolution of the Sotogrande experience: elegant, contemporary, and uncompromising in quality.”
Visitors can experience Sotogrande’s world-class golf first-hand, with limited tee times available at Real Club Valderrama, Real Club Sotogrande, and La Reserva Club. The best way to secure access to these exclusive courses is through a stay-and-play golf package with the multi-awarded SO/ Sotogrande Spa and Golf Resort.
The resort is also home to The Alto Club and Golf Academy, the destination’s fourth course, recently relaunched after a complete transformation of the former Almenara course to offer a relaxed, yet high quality, accessible experience for players of all levels with golf legend Suzann Pettersen as global ambassador; a truly innovative and bold concept – the first of its kind in Spain.
About Sotogrande SA
Sotogrande SA, founded in 1962, is the promoter and developer of the “Sotogrande®️, Andalucía” brand. Located in the province of Cádiz around the Guadiaro River, it occupies an area that covers 20 km2 from the Mediterranean Sea to the foothills of the Sierra Almenara. This residential and leisure destination has a community of 2,500 permanent international homes and approximately 8,000 in high season. It houses more than 300 companies and one of the best international schools in Spain, Sotogrande International School. It is also one of the main sports destinations in Europe where you can practice water sports, tennis, polo and of course golf, as it has four championship golf courses.
Easily accessible from major European cities (Gibraltar and Malaga airports) and 30 minutes west of Marbella, it was founded in 1962 by businessman and philanthropist Colonel Joseph McMicking.
The destination has come a long way since the new owners took the reins in 2014. The first step they took as part of the investment project was the repair of the roads, the improvement of the infrastructure and gardens of the complex. The emblematic marina of Sotogrande® came alive with a new program of activities and the opening of new restaurants, cafes and boutiques.
La Reserva Club is the next chapter in the history of the famous Sotogrande®, a residential and leisure club that occupies an area of 600 hectares composed of an 18-hole golf course, one of the best in Spain, two restaurants, tennis courts and padel tennis, a beach club that has a sandy beach, semi-Olympic pool for adults only and lagoon for water sports such as paddle surfing, kayaking or jet boarding, as well as a wellness area and kids club.
Nature and refinement play an important role, as well as its low density with a construction of only 25% of the land – residents benefit from vast green vistas and live surrounded by the natural environment. This private estate is a place where you can live and enjoy special moments with family and friends, offering them what truly matters: security, privacy, a family-friendly atmosphere, and first-class amenities thanks to the great lifestyle and numerous activities available year-round.