La Hacienda completes award-winning renovations

Spain’s La Hacienda Links Golf Resort has been globally recognised for renovation works on the recently redesigned course.

The Links course near golfing hotspot Sotogrande is among the major winners in Golf Inc. magazine’s annual ‘Renovation of the Year’ awards.

The international trade publication ranked the course in second place after it reopened in July 2022 following a comprehensive transformation by American architect Kurtis Bowman.

Golf Inc. magazine’s editors said: “Featuring stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea along the coast of Spain, the redesign of La Hacienda to a links-type course has elevated the overall golfing experience.”

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To have the links set up in a position to enter the awards, which recognise the best golf-course renovation projects from around the world, Bowman reconfigured the layout.

He was appointed to improve the hole layouts, conditioning, scenery, and sustainability outcomes, leading the San Roque course to its prestigious recognition.

Bowman said: “From my initial tour of the golf course with owner Javier Illan, our goal was to create Spain’s own version of Pebble Beach.

“The Costa del Sol region has many great golf courses but did not have a great oceanside links course.

“The views from the course are arguably the best of any course in the world but prior to the redesign, nobody spoke about the golf course, they only spoke of the views. We knew the property had unlimited potential and our commission was to make the golf course as good as the views.

“I think we succeeded, and La Hacienda Links will now be mentioned with both the best courses in the Costa del Sol region as well as with the best courses in Spain.”

Located in the Cadiz municipality, the course runs along the beachfront, offering views of the Mediterranean, Gibraltar, and Africa.

As part of one of Europe’s biggest renovation projects last year, work included the remodelling of tees, greens complexes, and bunkers, and the redesign of several holes.

Upgrades to the Links course form part of a wider project taking place at La Hacienda, where a new clubhouse will also be opened.

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A variety of stay-and-play packages are among the other improvements, as well as the opening of a new halfway house for players enjoying a round on the Links course.

The par-72 18-hole championship layout is among only a handful of links-style courses in southern Europe, offering visitors a rare experience on golfing getaways.

Recent enhancements have only increased the lure of this challenging golf course, as the large putting surfaces over double greens and wide fairways make it a must-play.

An even more luxury accommodation option is on its way, too, as La Hacienda is set to fully launch a new 300-plus-room Fairmont hotel and villas in 2024.