LA HACIENDA LINKS MAKES DEBUT IN BENCHMARK GLOBAL GOLF RESORTS RANKING
La Hacienda Links Golf Resort has been rewarded for a period of significant investment after winning global recognition and being included in Golf World’s influential ranking of the ‘World’s Top 100 Golf Resorts’ for the first time in its history.
The acclaimed 36-hole venue, which is situated in the Cadiz municipality of San Roque on Spain’s iconic Costa del Sol, was one of only seven new entries in the respected industry list after being named number 94 in the updated rankings.
Released every two years and compiled by an international panel of experts, the Top 100 list is regarded as one of golf’s most authoritative industry rankings. Each resort was assessed across four categories – golf, accommodation, amenities and setting – with La Hacienda earning special praise for its breathtaking coastal location, which was described as “one of the most spectacular settings in Continental Europe”.
Chris Bertram, editor of the Top 100 panel, said: “(There are) two courses here, the Links and the Heathland, with the former enjoying one of the most spectacular settings in Continental Europe. It was renovated to good effect in 2021 by American architect Kurtis Bowman, and while the Heathland is the no.2, it’s a welcome extra 18.
“The reason La Hacienda is now in this list is because, under new ownership, a hotel has been added that overlooks the Links. And it is a hotel of rare pedigree and class. It has a fresh feel and modern amenities yet a very rare sophistication. The bedrooms ooze style, while the main restaurant offers a memorable breakfast in soft, golden-hour sunshine and later becomes a great spot for early evening drinks and tasty, shareable food.”
The coveted accolade follows further recent international acclaim after La Hacienda was placed 23rd in National Club Golfer magazine’s updated list of the ‘Top 100 Golf Resorts in Continental Europe’.
Javier Jimenez Casquet, director general at La Hacienda Links Golf Resort, said: “We couldn’t be happier to be included in this prestigious list and alongside some of the most famous names in golf – what an amazing achievement. It has been incredible to see how the resort has been transformed over the last few years into an elite facility for both golfers and non-golfers to enjoy and experience, and we can’t wait to see what lies ahead in the future.”
Offering spectacular views of the Mediterranean, Gibraltar and the coast of North Africa, La Hacienda has transformed itself into one of Europe’s premier golf resorts after undertaking a major overhaul of its golf and lifestyle amenities.
In addition to carrying out significant renovations of its two 18-hole hole championship courses – the Links and the Heathland – and golf academy facilities, the resort strengthened its international reputation for golf and lifestyle last spring with the opening of the five-star Fairmont La Hacienda Costa del Sol resort.
Overlooking the sea and surrounded by the renowned courses, Fairmont La Hacienda Costa del Sol features 150 rooms, 161 suites and 47 villas, offering space, privacy and an environment designed for relaxation. The resort provides guests with preferential access to the championship courses, reinforcing La Hacienda as a reference point for golf enthusiasts. Beyond golf, Fairmont La Hacienda Costa del Sol is distinguished by its spa and wellness centre, family-friendly facilities and high-level dining, placing it among Europe’s most notable resorts.
Between 2022-2025, La Hacienda has added a new clubhouse and dining facilities, a new halfway house – named as the ‘World’s Best Halfway House’ at the 2024 World Golf Awards – a beach club and real estate, while La Hacienda further enhanced its rising status in Spanish golf when it hosted the finale of the 2025 Santander Golf Tour last November.