Staff WriterIf you thought Sotogrande’s golfing pedigree couldn’t get any sharper, think again. Enter the Alto Club Golf Academy—a fresh chapter in Spanish golf, reimagining the former Almenara grounds and adding a vibrant new swing to the Costa del Sol’s already glittering lineup.
Tucked within the five-star confines of the SO/ Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort, the Alto Club Golf Academy is more than just a name change and a few buckets of range balls.
It’s a full-throttle leap into the future of golf training, blending elite-level technology, inclusive philosophy, and a healthy splash of Solheim Cup stardust—courtesy of its new Global Ambassador, Suzann Pettersen.
“My time competing was a defining chapter, but this feels just as meaningful,” said Pettersen, the two-time major champion and victorious Solheim Cup captain.
“I’ve always dreamed of building something lasting – a place where people of all ages and levels feel welcome, supported, and inspired to get better. That’s exactly what we’re creating at The Alto Club Golf Academy.”
Set to officially open its doors on September 1st, the academy marks a bold new direction for the resort, offering something no other facility on the Costa del Sol currently provides.
The blueprint includes a Toptracer driving range with natural grass and covered artificial tees, two high-tech swing studios featuring Foresight and Swing Catalyst analysis, a custom fitting centre, short-game zones galore, and night-time training access for those who prefer to grind after sundown.
Oh, and there’s a par-3 course designed by Spanish legend Manuel Piñero, with hole distances ranging from 80 to 200 metres. Ideal for dialling in wedges—or ego checks.
But this isn’t just about the gear or the scenery. The Alto Club Golf Academy is dialled in to help everyone get better, from wide-eyed beginners to seasoned players chasing that elusive single-digit handicap.
Year-round coaching covers everything from full-swing mechanics and mental game to course strategy and competitive prep. All underpinned by a culture of community, inclusion, and excellence.
“We are proud to introduce a facility that reflects the spirit of Sotogrande: refined, forward-thinking, and rooted in quality,” said Stéphane Menou, General Manager of SO/ Sotogrande and The Alto Club.
“With Suzann’s leadership and the support of our wider community, The Alto Club Golf Academy is set to become one of the most exciting and inclusive golf training destinations in Europe.”
The new academy sits alongside the resort’s existing 18-hole championship layout, originally crafted by Dave Thomas and later modernised by Piñero himself.
It’s a course that rewards thought as much as talent—a fitting metaphor, really, for everything The Alto Club is now offering.
Off the fairways, guests can retreat to SO/ Sotogrande’s plush rooms, detox in its award-winning spa, or recover from their triple bogey with top-shelf Andalusian cuisine. Golf, wellness, and hospitality—braided together with effortless style.
With The Alto Club Golf Academy, Sotogrande hasn’t just upgraded its facilities—it’s reasserted its place at the top table of European golf. A new legacy begins here.
Fore more details, or to book a place in Pettersen’s playground: https://altogolfclub.com
