The Alto Club Golf Academy Opens in Sotogrande with Suzann Pettersen as Global Ambassador
Sotogrande’s world-class golf offering has taken another bold leap forward with the official launch of The Alto Club Golf Academy – a contemporary, inclusive training facility designed to nurture talent and grow the game for players of all levels.
As part of the rebranding of the former Almenara Golf Club to The Alto Club, this new academy represents a transformative addition to Sotogrande’s golfing landscape, which already includes legendary courses like Real Club Valderrama, Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, and La Reserva Club.
A New Era of Golf Instruction
The Alto Club Golf Academy, set to open on 1 September 2025, is the first of its kind on the Costa del Sol, featuring cutting-edge technology and facilities tailored for beginners, juniors, weekend golfers, and aspiring tour professionals alike.
Set within the grounds of the luxurious SO/ Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort, the academy occupies the former Alcornoques nine-hole loop, now fully reimagined to offer a comprehensive, high-performance coaching environment.
The facilities include:
- A Toptracer-equipped driving range with natural and artificial tee lines
- Two state-of-the-art swing analysis suites with Foresight and Swing Catalyst technology
- Custom fitting and short game areas with bunkers and multiple greens
- A newly designed 9-hole par-3 course by Manuel Piñero, offering holes from 80m to 200m
- Night-time training access, extending learning hours well into the evening
Suzann Pettersen Joins as Global Ambassador
The launch is headlined by two-time Major Champion and Solheim Cup-winning captain Suzann Pettersen, who has been appointed Global Ambassador for the Academy.
Pettersen brings elite insight, leadership, and passion to the role, helping to shape the academy’s ethos and training philosophy.
Pettersen said:
“This feels just as meaningful as my time competing. The dream has always been to build something lasting – a place where people feel welcome and inspired. That’s exactly what we’re creating at The Alto Club Golf Academy.”
Training for All Levels
Whether you’re a complete beginner, a lapsed golfer, or a competitive player chasing scratch, The Alto Club Golf Academy offers tailored coaching programmes across full-swing mechanics, short game, course management, mental resilience, and tournament prep.
From juniors to seniors, the facility has been designed to support every golfer’s journey in a welcoming, inclusive, and high-quality environment.
Elevating Sotogrande’s Global Golf Identity
Stéphane Menou, General Manager of SO/ Sotogrande and The Alto Club, said:
“This new academy reflects the spirit of Sotogrande – refined, forward-thinking, and rooted in excellence.”
“With Suzann’s guidance and our amazing team, the Academy is destined to become one of the most inspiring golf development hubs in Europe.”
The Alto Club Academy further strengthens Sotogrande’s reputation as a must-visit destination for serious golfers, offering a seamless connection between championship golf, five-star hospitality, and wellbeing at the award-winning SO/ Sotogrande Resort.
