My favorite golf course in the world – and it’s not what you expect

La Hacienda Links Golf Resort Links Course

This Spanish stunner offers breathtaking views, world-class golf, and some of the best views in golf – La Hacienda is one of the most underrated golf resorts in Europe.

When people ask me about my favorite golf course in the world, they expect the usual answers: Pebble Beach, Augusta, St. Andrews… the usual bucket-list brigade. But mine? It’s tucked away in southern Spain, quietly stealing hearts and making golfers question every Top 100 list they’ve ever read.

Welcome to La Hacienda Links Golf Resort.

From the moment you swing off the highway and wind your way through a parade of sleek new villas, you just know you’re headed somewhere special. The air feels cleaner, the sky bluer, and the vibes? Immaculate.

As you pass through the security gate, there’s a real sense that you’re entering somewhere special. The kind of place where life slows down, the views get bigger, and the service gets better. Before you’ve even seen a fairway, you know you’re in for something memorable.

By the time you pull up outside the clubhouse, modern, elegant, and perched perfectly above the course, you’re already wondering why no one told you about this place sooner.

The first time I played here…

I remember my first time at La Hacienda like it was yesterday. From the second I stepped out of the car, I was looked after like royalty. Clubs? Taken. Questions? Answered. Snacks and drink, I forgot to pack? Sorted. Everything from the pro shop to the buggy drop was slick, smooth, and most importantly, friendly.

And then I got to the 5th hole on the Links course, and my jaw practically unhinged.

It’s still, to this day, one of my favorite holes in the world. Golfers will argue about their “greatest holes“: 17 at Sawgrass, The Road Hole at St Andrews, but to them I say: come here, stand on this tee at 9 a.m., and then let’s chat. With the Rock of Gibraltar staring you down, a light Mediterranean breeze in the air, and million-euro villas dotted on the hills around, it’s a view that punches way above its weight.

At just under 500 metres, this par 5 isn’t just about scenery, it’s a brute. OB left, trouble right, and if you’re feeling brave and going for it in two, there’s a ravine waiting to punish any misjudgment. I’ve played this hole several times now and only once managed to keep my dignity intact. But honestly? It’s all worth it for the view.

Two courses. One perfect pairing.

La Hacienda gives you two distinct tests of golf: The Heathland and The Links.

The Heathland is a rollercoaster of elevation, tight tee shots, and undulating fairways. It’s the kind of course where you’ll use every club in the bag and maybe invent a few more. Walking it is out of the question (trust me, your legs will thank you), and if the wind gets up, you’re in for a serious grind. But it’s fair, fun, and always in stunning condition.

The Links is your coastal dream. Almost every hole has a sea view, proper sea views, and the fairways are a touch more generous. But don’t let that fool you; this course still has teeth. Miss your target, and you’ll pay for it. That said, on a clear day, when the sun’s out and the breeze is soft, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be holding a golf club.

And yes, the halfway house really is that good. Nestled above the 11th fairway, this place offers the best seat in golf to admire Gibraltar Rock and the stunning views of the Mediterranean. Calma Bar is worth the green fee alone. A quick bite, cold drink, unbeatable view, it’s the perfect reset before you tackle the back nine.

Facilities that hit different

La Hacienda doesn’t just nail the golf, it nails everything else, too.

The practice facilities are spectacular. A recently renovated range with 72 bays (including covered ones for those rare rainy Spanish mornings), target greens, bunkers, and natural grass teeing areas. There’s a short game zone with par-3 holes, two chipping areas, and two putting greens. All of it framed by jaw-dropping views of the sea. Because apparently even warming up here needs to be Instagram-worthy.

Then there’s the clubhouse. Stylish, friendly, and always buzzing. From the staff in the shop to the guys at the starter hut, everyone is brilliant. And once you’re done with your round, the Sal Verde restaurant delivers the kind of food, wine, and vibe that’ll make you seriously consider staying for dinner. Or a week.

Why I keep coming back

Honestly? If I could live here, I would. It’s not just a golf course – it’s a lifestyle. Wake up, tee it up, enjoy a long lunch with a view, and relax by the pool in the evening. It sits like a postcard come to life, with the Mediterranean sparkling in the background and Gibraltar Rock standing tall in the distance. It’s the kind of place you come to get lost.

Whether it’s a cheeky winter sun escape or a full-on summer golf trip with mates, La Hacienda never misses. It ticks every box and then draws a little smiley face next to them, just to show off. I’ve been lucky enough to come back a few times now, and every time I do, I get that same little thrill pulling through the gates. That same feeling of excitement, seeing the course pop through the trees. And that same urge to take a photo every 10 steps, because everywhere you look, it’s just… stunning.

This place gives me goosebumps, not just because of how good the golf is, but because of how it makes you feel. Relaxed. Energised. Slightly sunburnt. But above all, grateful to be playing golf in a place like this.

Why you should visit

La Hacienda has my heart. It’s the full package: 36 holes of world-class golf, top-tier practice facilities, sensational hospitality, and the kind of views that make your camera roll look like a tourism ad. Whether you’re on a once-in-a-lifetime trip or just escaping day-to-day life for a few days, this place is an absolute must.

And here’s the kicker: you’re bang in the middle of Sotogrande, which might just be one of the greatest golfing neighbourhoods on the planet. You’ve got Valderrama, La Reserva Club Sotogrande, San Roque, and a handful of other top-tier courses all within a short drive. It’s like Disneyland for golfers but with better wine.

So go on. Book the trip. Play my favourite hole in golf. Snap a photo of that view. And when you fall head over heels for the place, too, don’t say I didn’t warn you.

I’ll be waiting here just to say, “Told you so.”