Located in the privileged area of San Roque on the Costa del Sol, La Hacienda Golf’s Links course is regarded as one of Spain’s most exclusive golf destinations. Its strategic location, with panoramic views of the Rock of Gibraltar and the Mediterranean, along with its redesign, make it a must-visit for golf enthusiasts and professionals, especially German players.
The recent upgrade of the layout by American architect Kurtis Bowman has elevated its quality further, making it a unique experience in Europe. With a combination of landscape and sustainability elements, this course offers an unparalleled challenge to those seeking to enjoy top-level golf in an unparalleled natural setting.
History and Evolution of La Hacienda Links
Opened in 1992, the formerly called Alcaidesa Links course was already notable for its integration into the natural landscape. However, over the years, the need for renovation became apparent to maintain its prestige and quality. In response to this challenge, Bowman took on the challenge of improving the playing experience whilst maintaining the essence of the original design.
One of the main changes was the increase in the size of the greens, almost doubling their surface area, allowing for additional pin positions to be used to pose new challenges for golfers. Furthermore, the bunkers have been redesigned, now more pronounced and of a higher quality. As a result of this intervention, the course was recognised in 2023 by Golf Inc. magazine as one of the best redesigns in the world.
Regarding the previous design, Bowman commented that “all the golfers talked about the incredible views, but hardly anyone mentioned the design.” With this transformation, the course not only continues to offer spectacular views of the Rock of Gibraltar, but now also features a technical layout that tests players of all levels.
Links Course Highlights
The Links course was renovated not only to improve its aesthetics but also to offer a more complete golf experience. Every element of the course has been carefully designed to combine scenic beauty with demanding playability, ensuring that both amateur and experienced golfers can enjoy a challenge that lives up to their expectations.
Bowman’s work transformed the course into a layout where precision and strategy are essential in every shot. The undulating fairways, the relocation of bunkers and the increased size of the greens have added new variables that influence how each hole is played. Furthermore, the varying elevations throughout the course not only provide impressive visual appeal but also require constant adjustments in shot execution.
Golf Course Design and Playability
One of the most striking aspects of the course is its strategic layout, which continually challenges and asks question of players. The holes are laid out to take advantage of the natural undulations of the terrain.
The Links course features four tees for each hole allowing the playing experience to be adapted to different levels. While the course can be played on foot, the differences in elevation throughout the 18 holes—from the descent to the beach to the ascent back to the clubhouse—make the use of a buggy highly recommended, especially during the summer months when temperatures can be high.
From the back tees, the par-72 course extends to 5,841 metres while from the front tee, the course covers 4,634 metres. The carefully planned layout guarantees a dynamic experience that combines strategy and landscaping, offering spectacular views of the surroundings and allowing you to enjoy an exceptional level of quality with every shot.
Key Holes
The round at La Hacienda begins with a par five that extends to 456 metres. From the tee, the fairway slopes slightly downhill where players who hit long distances must be wary of two strategically placed bunkers in the driving range. Players might prefer to aim left, helping them to avoid the solitary tree that could impact their next shot.
Approaching the green, the land slopes gently uphill but experienced golfers can easily reach it in two shots. However, it is advisable to play towards the centre or slightly to the right of the flag, as a deep bunker awaits any mistake on the left.
From this first hole, the essence of the course’s design, located in San Roque, is clearly evident, with undulating fairways that demand precise shots and well-defined greens, whose new size can complicate even the simplest putts.
The second hole is a challenging par-three that measures 214 metres and plays steadily uphill. Here the green, offset to the right, invites a fade shot. Even if the ball lands in the fairway of the 18th hole, there is still a good opportunity to hit the flag. Making par here is a remarkable achievement, rewarded with unique views of the iconic Rock of Gibraltar.
The 449-metres a challenging par four which, with a headwind, feels almost like a par five. Because the fairway slopes to the right, it’s best to aim slightly left off the tee. The large bunker dividing the fairways of holes three and 16 adds an extra touch of strategy to this stretch.
The second half of the hole curves left and descends to a green protected by slopes, which is particularly dangerous on the right side. To ensure the best result, a cautious approach to the left is recommended, thus avoiding the tricky side bunker.
An underground tunnel leads to the next par four, short in distance but challenging due to its constant climb. It measures 332 metres but the slope and the slope toward bushes on the right make it play one to two clubs longer. Here, it’s best to aim for the trees visible on the left, taking advantage of the terrain that helps guide the ball toward the centre of the putting surface, protected by another challenging bunker.
Behind the green is the course’s signature hole, a magnificent par five measuring up to 499 meters and notable not only for its challenging nature but also for its spectacular panoramic views of Gibraltar, ideal for capturing unforgettable photos. From the back tees, the initial slope forces longer hitters to use a three-wood to maintain control. The fairway, with an S-shaped layout, strategically aids players aiming for the left side of the green visible from the tee.
Although it’s possible to reach the green in two shots, the presence of a ditch running through the fairway and the dense vegetation on the left side require a careful approach. Again, the visual reward is exceptional, with incredible views of Gibraltar from the right edge of the green.
Rising gently from the previous green, you reach the second par-three, the147-metres sixth hole which features an elevated green protected by bunkers on the right. The best approach is to aim for the centre of the green and rely on your putting stroke.
Then comes the final par-five of the front nine, up to 460 metres and featuring a blind tee shot. After the landing area, the hole curves to the left and drops significantly to a green defended by a ditch, demanding strategic play. A lay-up is a wise decision, especially considering the green has two very pronounced levels that influence the flag position.
The short but picturesque 140-metres eighth hole requires a tee shot over a small hill and another ditch to a sloping green protected by four bunkers. A short climb then leads to the elevated tee of the par-four ninth hole, measuring up to 326 metres, which offers another glimpse into the exceptional landscaping of the resort – just minutes from Sotogrande, known for combining luxury and sustainability in its golf-course management.
It’s time to enjoy golf
La Hacienda Links is not just a golf course, it’s an experience that combines stunning scenery with a challenging design and an exceptional level of quality. Located in San Roque and just minutes from Sotogrande, this course offers panoramic views of the Rock of Gibraltar and the Mediterranean, along with a redesign that has positioned it as one of the best in the world, recognised by Golf Inc. magazine in 2023.
Furthermore, the resort’s recent expansion, which includes a luxury hotel and new villas, complements the experience with an even more attractive focus on sustainability and landscaping.
For those seeking a unique golf experience on the Costa del Sol, booking a tee time on our Links course is the perfect choice. Whether you want to enjoy a relaxing round or test your skills on a world-class course, this course promises an unforgettable day.
Book today and discover why La Hacienda Golf has become a must-visit destination for golfers from around the world who visit year after year. We look forward to sharing an experience that combines breathtaking scenery, a thorough examination of your golfing skills and an unparalleled level of quality.
