Heathland Course

at La Hacienda Alcaidesa Links Golf Resort

Location: Sotogrande | Par: 72 | Architect: Dave Thomas | Opened: 2007

The Alcaidesa Heathland Course is a striking inland layout at La Hacienda Alcaidesa Links Golf Resort, offering a perfect contrast to the resort’s seaside Links Course. Designed by Dave Thomas and opened in 2007, this par-72 championship course stretches across undulating terrain, combining a variety of landscapes for a memorable golfing experience.

While the Links Course is famed for its coastal setting, the Heathland Course delivers an inland feel with wide fairways, elevation changes, and panoramic views of both the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra Nevada mountains in the distance. Its design balances natural beauty with strategic play, making it a favourite for golfers who enjoy variety and challenge.

Travel tip: The Heathland is slightly more sheltered than the Links Course, making it a great option on breezier days on the Costa del Sol.

Signature Holes

The opening stretch (holes 1–5) and the closing holes (17 & 18) sit on an elevated plateau, where the course lives up to its heathland style. Here, golfers will find wide fairways framed by natural vegetation and commanding views of the Mediterranean.

In contrast, the river valley holes (6–16) weave through rolling terrain with natural water hazards in play. These holes require precision shot-making, particularly on approaches, and highlight the variety that makes the Heathland Course so enjoyable.

Did You Know?

When it opened in October 2007, the Heathland Course was praised as an exciting new addition to the Costa del Sol golf scene. By offering a very different inland style to the original Alcaidesa Links Course (designed by Peter Alliss and Clive Clark), it established La Hacienda as one of the few resorts in Spain where golfers can enjoy two contrasting championship layouts in a single destination.

Post Round

After a round on the Heathland Course, golfers can relax and refresh at the resort’s clubhouse, which features:

• A restaurant and bar with terraces overlooking the Mediterranean
• A pro shop with equipment, clothing, and accessories
• Spacious lounges and social areas for unwinding after golf

Players also have access to the resort’s practice facilities, including a driving range, putting greens, and a short-game area – perfect for honing skills before or after the round.