La Hacienda Links Golf Resort, located in the privileged enclave of San Roque (Cádiz), has recently received the coveted accolade of being named the best golf course in Spain at the World Golf Awards 2023. This recognition highlights the quality of the design, maintenance and facilities of the resort which, after significant investment led by Millenium Hospitality Real Estate (MHRE), has repositioned itself at the forefront of the luxury tourism sector.
Comprehensive transformation of Links course by Kurtis Bowman
The recent redesign of the course was carried out by the American architect Kurtis Bowman, who introduced a series of changes in the layout of the 18-hole course. The renovation covered fundamental aspects of the golf course, such as the remodelling of greens, bunkers and tees, as well as incorporating different improvements in sustainability such as turf maintenance to optimize the use of water and minimise environmental impact.
The transformation was not limited only to the Links course, with the resort also enhancing its second 18-hole layout, the Dave Thomas-designed Heathland course, which offers an alternative but equally enjoyable experience for golfers visiting the golf resort. The combination of the courses has only served to enhance La Hacienda’s position as an exclusive golf development, in which tradition and innovation are combined.
The evolution of La Hacienda Golf into one of the best golf resorts in Spain
The history of La Hacienda Golf is deeply linked to its evolution. Originally, the course was known as Alcaidesa Links, inaugurated in 1992 and designed by Peter Alliss and Clive Clark, configuring a par-72 course that already showed the quality of the layout. Over time, and in line with market demands and the growth of luxury tourism, the resort has undergone a comprehensive transformation that has led to the rebranding and modernisation of its facilities.
The investment made by the SOCIMI Millenium Hospitality has allowed not only for the improvement of the courses, but also for the consolidation of a complex that includes a modern clubhouse, first-class sports facilities and the exclusive Halfway House “Calma Bar” with stunning views of Gibraltar and North Africa. The project also includes the opening of the Fairmont La Hacienda Hotel in February 2025, which will have 213 luxury rooms and villas, making La Hacienda one of the best golf resorts in Spain and Europe.
A privileged location: Golf with views of the Mediterranean and Gibraltar
One of the great advantages of La Hacienda Links is its privileged location on the beachfront. From the resort, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, with Gibraltar in the foreground and, on the horizon, the silhouette of the African continent. On the other side, the landscape is enriched by the presence of an iconic historic lighthouse, adding a touch of charm and character to the experience. This natural environment provides added value to the golf experience, making each round a course that combines sport with the enjoyment of landscapes of great beauty.
International recognition and influence of the Ryder Cup at La Hacienda Golf
The award obtained at the World Golf Awards is in addition to other accolades that the resort garnered in 2023, such as the “Renovation of the Year” award granted by specialist industry media such as Golf Inc. These awards not only recognise the success of the redesign of the Links course and the renovation and improvement of the course, but also the commitment to offer a high-quality product oriented to the demanding standards of professional and amateur golf.
The legacy of La Hacienda is enriched by the presence of historical references of golf. Names such as Peter Alliss and Clive Clark are linked to the course’s past, while the Heathland course, designed by Dave Thomas, a former Ryder Cup player and author of numerous internationally renowned courses, brings a contemporary take on the resort’s offerings.
Millenium Hospitality’s commitment to the best golf course on the Costa del Sol
Millenium Hospitality’s vision has been decisive in the evolution of La Hacienda Golf. The group has opted to transform the resort into one of the most exclusive destinations in Spain and Europe. This strategy has focused on the redesign of the course and the expansion of the facilities, aimed at creating a complex that integrates golf with leisure and comfort, without losing sight of the tradition of this wonderful sport.
In the words of Javier Jiménez Casquet, general manager of La Hacienda Links Golf Resort who has had the pleasure of receiving recent honours, “The awards is very important to us, and recognises the effort of all the professionals who have participated in the renovation of our Links course and, of course, its designer Kurtis Bowman, who has done a magnificent job of redesigning, along with the team at Acttua Golf Services, and our magnificent staff here.” This statement underlines the dedication and commitment of the team, consolidating the value of the recognition obtained.
The work of MHRE has allowed La Hacienda Links Golf Resort to consolidate itself as a leading golf resort. With investments aimed at quality and detail, the resort has managed to attract the attention of high-level golfers and a public that values the combination of luxury tourism and sporting excellence.
La Hacienda Links Golf Resort and its Halfway House, a space for a unique golf experience
The transformation of La Hacienda has been designed to offer a complete experience to its visitors. It is not only a golf course, but a space in which the architecture of the course, the natural environment and the quality of the facilities come together to provide a comprehensive experience. The design of the course, with its 18-hole courses and the meticulous redesign of the course by Kurtis Bowman, allows players to enjoy a challenging and varied course, suitable for both experienced players and those who are new to golf.
The integration of the Halfway House “Calma Bar” – named as the World’s Best Halfway House at the World Golf Awards 2024 – and the opening of the Fairmont La Hacienda Hotel are a sign of the commitment to offer a comprehensive service that combines sports activity with rest and leisure. These elements complement the golfing experience and place La Hacienda as a privileged option for those looking for quality and exclusivity.
Although the main focus of this article is to inform about the transformation and the recognitions obtained, it is important to note that La Hacienda Links Golf Resort opens its doors to those who want to live a complete experience. With a course that combines history and modernity, and an environment that encompasses the Mediterranean, views of Gibraltar and proximity to African lands, the resort is presented as an option of excellence for golf lovers.
For those who wish to get to know this environment up close and enjoy the improvements implemented, it is recommended to book a tee time. In this way, you will be able to personally appreciate how the tradition of the Links Alcaidesa layout, with its roots in historic designs and the influence of figures such as Peter Alliss, Clive Clark and Dave Thomas, is integrated with the innovation and luxury that define this new stage of the resort created by Kurtis Bowman.
Confirmation of La Hacienda Links as a world-class golf resort
La Hacienda Links Golf Resort is today regarded among the best golf resorts in Spain thanks to a comprehensive transformation strategy that has combined investment, innovation and respect for tradition. The recognition obtained at the World Golf Awards and other specialist awards underlines the success of the redesign of the course and the firm commitment of Millenium Hospitality and MHRE to offer a high quality product.
This renovation process has allowed the resort, with its historical legacy linked to the Links Alcaidesa and its evolution towards a modern golf resort, to become a reference destination for luxury tourism. From the stunning views of the Mediterranean and Gibraltar, to the integration of top-notch facilities such as its Halfway House “Calma Bar” and the future Fairmont La Hacienda Hotel, La Hacienda offers a comprehensive experience for those who value golf and quality in every detail.
We invite you to discover this space, to enjoy a course that fuses history and innovation, and to book a tee time to experience at first-hand what makes La Hacienda Links Golf Resort one of the most exclusive golf propositions in Spain.