Why Sotogrande Is One Of Europe’s Best Golf Destinations

I had almost forgotten where I’d put my golf club travel cover when I received an invitation to head out for a few days’ golf in Sotogrande. Two Covid-affected winters meant it had been almost three years since I’d played golf overseas. Needless to say, I was champing at the bit to get away from a cold and wet November in Aberdeenshire, with golf courses past their best for the season, to get some sun on my back and play some pristine tracks in the south of Spain.

I’ve been to Sotogrande before and loved the blend of continental style and top-quality golf on offer. The itinerary for this trip promised more of the same so anticipation levels were high. Flying from Edinburgh, it’s three hours south to Gibraltar. It must be one of the easier ways for us Brits to get back into the European Union these days. After picking up bags, we crossed the border on foot to find a car on the Spanish side. From the border, it’s only a 20-minute drive to Sotogrande – One of the shorter golf transfers to be found anywhere in Europe.

My billet for a few nights was the wonderfully luxurious SO/ Sotogrande hotel. Recently upgraded, it offers five-star quality throughout, from the villa-style bedrooms to the salubrious spa. Designed with a traditional Andalusian Cortijo (an old-fashioned rural dwelling) as the inspiration, the hotel marries heritage with sumptuous modern comfort. The food is of the highest standard with a choice of restaurants – from tapas in the Cortijo bar, to fine dining in Society. There’s a selection of outdoor pools, as well as an indoor facility and there are options to enjoy all sorts of experiences, from cycling to polo lessons! And, of course, there’s the reason I was there – the golf.