Sotogrande G.C.

Sotogrande, located just off the Mediterranean Sea, was the first course Robert Trent Jones built in Europe and shares many of the same ingredients that distinguish Valderrama (No. 29), the higher ranked of RTJ’s two Spanish gems. In fact, Valderrama, located just two miles higher into the foothills of Cadiz, was originally the second course for Sotogrande members and residents before being acquired by a separate group of investors. The design is American mid-century, defined by tight holes that dogleg through corridors of twisted cork trees and large greens pinched in front by bunkers. The course was the first on the continent to use American 419 Bermuda in the fairways, and water hazards come into play on five of the last seven holes, including the photogenic par 3s at 13 and 17.