An old master among clubs on the coast, Royal Sotogrande, opened
in 1964, is still one of Europ´s top ten courses. Known as
Sotogrande "Old" to differentiate it from its youngest
neighbour Valderrama, the Robert Trent course is a private club
which welcomes green fee paying visitors although they are advised
to book in advance. As recognition during its thirtieth year Sotogrande
was awarded the "Royal" prefix. The layout has well-established
vegetation with pine, cork oaks, eucalyptus and palm trees, and
water hazards play an important role, affecting holes 12, 13 and
14, and 16 and 17. They seem to make the course longer than its
6,244 metres. The great consolidation is the total lack of rough
on the immaculately groomed fairways. There is also a short par
3 course. The club hosts the annual Sherry Cup-European Amateur
Golf Masters.

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