Real Sotogrande at Real Club de Golf Sotogrande

Real Club de Golf Sotogrande opened in 1964 as one of Robert Trent Jones Sr.'s first European designs, establishing the architect's presence on the continent and setting a template for resort golf in southern Spain. Jones returned in the 1990s with associate Roger Rulewich to renovate and refine the layout, updating bunkering and green complexes while preserving the original routing. The course occupies a coastal plain near the Strait of Gibraltar, where cork oak groves frame many holes and the Mediterranean climate supports year-round play.

The routing moves through relatively flat terrain punctuated by strategic water features, most notably on the back nine where several holes incorporate lakes and streams into the design. Jones employed his characteristic large, contoured greens and expansive bunkering to create visual drama on otherwise gentle topography. The par-three 7th plays over water to a peninsula green, while the closing stretch includes risk-reward opportunities around water hazards that demand precise club selection and course management.

Sotogrande serves as the anchor of a larger residential and resort development that includes polo fields, a marina, and additional golf courses. The club has hosted numerous Spanish national championships and European Tour events, contributing to its reputation as one of the Iberian Peninsula's established championship venues. The clubhouse reflects traditional Andalusian architecture, and the membership draws from both local Spanish families and international residents attracted to the Costa del Sol region.