Your golf trip to Spain: Between Sotogrande & Estepona

The 15km stretch of Andalusian coastline between the residential resort of Sotogrande and the charming town of Estepona is Spain‘s premier location for golf. The 5-star resort of Finca Cortesin, with its championship-level golf course, is the jewel in its crown. 

Visitors lucky enough to stay at this Costa del Sol resort are also within a few miles of other world famous courses, like Valderrama and La Reserva Sotogrande. 

Getting there & location

Finca Cortesin is a 30 minutes’ drive from Gibraltar Airport. Malaga Airport is an hours’ drive away. From the resort, Sotogrande is a 20 minutes’ drive, while Marbella will take you 30 minutes. 

Finca Cortesin Golf Resort & Spa 

Finca Cortesin is widely regarded as Spain‘s premier golf resort. The 5-star hotel, built in a traditional Andalusian ranch style, is the epitome of luxury and just a few minutes’ walk from the beautiful Costa del Sol coastline. There are 67 exquisitely designed suites to choose from, and the world class facilities include a luxurious spa, Turkish baths and the Jack Nicklaus Golf Academy.

The resort is also famous for its excellent cuisine. The Kabuki Raw is the hotel’s signature restaurant, while other dining options include the Don Giovanni Italian restaurant, Mediterranean cuisine at The Beach Club, Spanish flavours at El Jardin de Lutz and tapas and cocktails at The Blue Bar. You can also enjoy views of the golf course at the Golf Club Restaurant.

The exclusive Beach Club is another highlight. A short walk from the hotel, it features delightful gardens and Balinese beds and sun loungers which surround a beautiful 35m infinity pool. The ultimate in relaxed luxury.

Fantastic golf course

The main attraction at the resort is the championship-level golf course, designed by the renowned Cabell Robinson. The winding, highly manicured layout weaves through a valley of olive trees and the views of the Casares Mountains and the Costa del Sol are stunning. 

With natural undulations peppered with over 100 pure white bunkers, it’s a highly entertaining challenge requiring strategy and every club in the bag. The fact it hosted the Volvo World Match Play Championship on the European Tour in in 2009, 2011 and 2012 is a testament to its quality.

Must-play golf courses

Real Club Valderrama: 15km south of Finca Cortesin, lies possibly Spain’s best golf course which hosted the Ryder Cup in 1997. It’s highly exclusive, but visitors are allowed to play between 12-2pm from Monday to Friday and between 12-1pm on weekends.

La Reserva Sotogrande: Only 1km from Valderrama, and another design from Cabell Robinson, this course rivals its neighbour as Spain’s best golf course. 

Real Club de Golf Sotogrande: 3km from La Reserva Sotogrande, this Robert Trent Jones’ masterpiece can stand alongside its illustrious neighbours in terms of quality.

San Roque Golf Club: 5km from Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, the famous Old Course at San Roque will be closed in 2020 for renovation, but the New Course, host of the Spanish Open in 2006, is a world-class option.

If you have more time…

Los Naranjos: 15km north from Finca Cortesin, this Robert Trent Jones Sr-design is a superb, challenging layout beautifully nestled among orange groves.

Real Club de Golf Las Brisas: Right next door to Los Naranjos, this Robert Trent Jones-designed course has hosted the Spanish Open three times. Reserved for members, but open to visitors at certain times.

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