The Alto Club unveils new 9-hole Par-3 course, completing its Golf & Academy offering
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Sotogrande, Spain - 3 September 2026 - The Alto Club will officially open its brand-new 9-hole Par-3 course, marking the completion of its Golf & Academy offering and further strengthening Sotogrande's position as one of Europe's leading golf destinations.
Designed by Ryder Cup legend Manuel Piñero, the new layout offers a fun, accessible and technically engaging golfing experience where players of every age and ability can develop their approach game while enjoying the unique surroundings of SO/ Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort. With holes ranging from approximately 80 to 200 metres, the course rewards creativity, precision and course management, making it equally appealing to beginners, experienced golfers and families.
The opening marks another milestone in the transformation of The Alto Club, following the launch of The Alto Club Golf Academy and the reimagining of the former Almenara course. Together, the18-hole course, the Academy, the Toptracer-equipped driving range and the new Par-3 course create one of the most comprehensive golf training and playing environments on the Costa del Sol.
Unlike a traditional course, the new Par-3 layout has been designed to allow learning and enjoyment at all levels of the game,while being presented to the same high level as The Alto Club main 18-hole golf course. It provides an ideal setting for elite players looking to improve their iron play and short-game skills, while giving players taking up the game an opportunity to start enjoying the course in a fun and unpressured environment. The course also offers a quicker, more relaxed golfing experience for visitors with limited time. The course complements the Academy's coaching programmes, allowing players to immediately put their newly developed skills into practice in a real playing environment.
Stéphane Menou, General Manager of SO/ Sotogrande and The Alto Club, said: "The opening of our new Par-3 course represents another important milestone in the evolution of The Alto Club. Our ambition has always been to create a golf destination that welcomes golfers of every age and ability, from those discovering the game for the first time to experienced players looking to refine their skills. Together with our 18-hole course and the Golf Academy, this new addition completes a truly unique resort offering that combines world-class golf with the exceptional hospitality and lifestyle experience for which SO/ Sotogrande is known."
As Global Ambassador of The Alto Club Golf Academy, two-time Major champion and Solheim Cup-winning captain Suzann Pettersen has helped shape the Academy's philosophy of making golf more accessible and enjoyable for players of all abilities. The Alto Club is also the training base of Sotogrande-raised Mimi Rhodes, who was recently selected to represent Europe in the 2026 Solheim Cup, while Sotogrande Global Ambassador Carla Tejedo also uses the club’s facilities to prepare for LPGA Tour events in her rookie season. Together, they further underline The Alto Club’s growing reputation as a centre of excellence for elite player development. The addition of the new Par-3 course builds on that vision, creating another space where golfers of every age and ability can learn, practise and improve.
Suzann Pettersen, Global Ambassador of The Alto Club Golf Academy, said: "The beauty of a great Par-3 course is that it challenges every golfer, regardless of their ability. It's a place where beginners can build confidence, juniors can develop their game, and experienced players can sharpen the skills that make the biggest difference on the course. That's exactly what this new course has been designed to deliver at The Alto Club - a fun, welcoming environment where people can learn, improve and simply enjoy playing golf."
Located within SO/ Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort, the new Par-3 course forms part of a wider lifestyle offering that combines championship golf, luxury hospitality, wellness and gastronomy. Together with the Golf Academy and the championship course, it reinforces The Alto Club's vision of offering one of Europe's most complete golf experiences, where golf, coaching, hospitality and lifestyle come together in one destination.
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About Sotogrande S.A.
Sotogrande S.A., founded in 1962, is the developer behind the “Sotogrande®️, Andalucía” brand.
Located in the province of Cádiz around the Guadiaro River, it covers an area of 20 km² stretching from the Mediterranean Sea to the foothills of the Sierra Almenara.
This residential and leisure destination is home to a community of 2,500 permanent international households and approximately 8,000 during the high season. It hosts more than 300 businesses and one of the best international schools in Spain, Sotogrande International School.
It is also one of Europe’s leading sporting destinations, offering water sports, tennis, polo and, of course, golf, with four championship golf courses.
Easily accessible from major European cities (via Gibraltar and Málaga airports) and located 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 its new owners took over in 2014. The first step taken as part of the investment project was the repair of roads and the improvement of the resort’s infrastructure and gardens. The iconic Sotogrande® marina was revitalised through a new programme of activities and the opening of new restaurants, cafés and boutiques.
La Reserva Club is the next chapter in the story of the renowned Sotogrande®, a residential and leisure club covering 600 hectares and featuring an 18-hole golf course, one of the best in Spain, two restaurants, tennis and padel courts, a beach club with a sandy beach, an adults-only semi-Olympic swimming pool and a lagoon for water sports such as paddle surfing, kayaking and jet boarding, as well as a wellness area and children’s club. www.lareservaclubsotogrande.com/es/el-club/
Nature and sophistication play an important role, as does the low-density development with construction on only 25% of the land. Residents benefit from vast green views and live surrounded by a natural environment. This private enclave is a place where residents can live and enjoy special moments with family and friends, offering what truly matters: security, privacy, a family atmosphere and first-class amenities thanks to the outstanding lifestyle and numerous activities available throughout the year.
For more information, contact:
Leonardo Izzi
Head of Destinations
GMS Agency
leo@gmsgency.com
T: +44 (0) 1438 718 399
M: +351 96 840 3811