Sotogrande, Spain — The Alto Club has officially launched its new 9-hole Par-3 course at SO/ Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort. The addition completes the club's Golf & Academy offering and expands the facility's playing and training options on the Costa del Sol.
Designed by former Ryder Cup player Manuel Piñero, the layout features hole lengths ranging from approximately 80 to 200 metres. The course was created to serve beginners, experienced players, and families, with an emphasis on approach shots, iron play, and course management.
The Par-3 course follows recent developments at the resort, including the introduction of The Alto Club Golf Academy, the integration of Toptracer technology on the driving range, and the redesign of the former Almenara 18-hole course.
The Par-3 course is constructed to match the maintenance and conditioning standards of the main 18-hole course. It is intended to support short-game practice for competitive players, provide a manageable entry point for beginners, and offer a shorter playing option for golfers with limited time.
"The opening of our new Par-3 course represents another important milestone in the evolution of The Alto Club," said Stéphane Menou, General Manager of SO/ Sotogrande and 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."
 |
Stéphane Menou, General Manager of SO/ Sotogrande and The Alto Club. |
Two-time Major winner and Solheim Cup-winning captain Suzann Pettersen serves as Global Ambassador for The Alto Club Golf Academy, contributing to its coaching philosophy.
"The beauty of a great Par-3 course is that it challenges every golfer, regardless of their ability," Pettersen said."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."
 |
Suzann Pettersen, Global Ambassador for The Alto Club Golf Academy. |
The resort serves as a training location for notable touring players. These include Sotogrande native Mimi Rhodes, who was selected for the European 2026 Solheim Cup team, and Sotogrande Global Ambassador Carla Tejedo, who uses the facility to prepare for LPGA Tour events during her rookie season.
The Alto Club is located within SO/ Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort in the province of Cádiz, near the Guadiaro River and Sierra Almenara. The broader Sotogrande area was originally established in 1962 by Colonel Joseph McMicking and is managed by developer Sotogrande S.A.
The 20-square-kilometre destination includes 2,500 permanent international households, rising to roughly 8,000 residents in the high season, along with more than 300 businesses, four championship golf courses, and the Sotogrande International School.
Since a change in ownership in 2014, the destination has undergone infrastructure repairs, road improvements, and updates to the Sotogrande marina. Neighboring developments include La Reserva Club, a 600-hectare residential and leisure enclave featuring an 18-hole golf course, tennis and padel courts, a beach club, a sports lagoon, and wellness facilities. Development across the estate is restricted to 25% of the total land area.
