Inmood San Roque: The History of Golf and the 1997 Ryder Cup in Sotogrande

There are places where golf is played… and places where golf is lived. Where every hill and fairway keeps stories whispered by the wind. Where sunrise doesn’t just light up a course, but a legacy.
That place is Inmood San Roque, in the heart of Sotogrande.

Here, sleep isn’t just rest. It’s sleeping where golf heroes once stayed, where one of Europe’s most iconic victories was born, and where your next round might become part of history.

A Sanctuary of Oaks and Champions

In the calm countryside of Andalusia, between the sea and Sierra Bermeja, the former Domecq family estate transformed in 1991 into a dream for golfers: The San Roque Club.

The renowned “Old Course,” designed by Dave Thomas, quickly became one of Europe’s most demanding and beautiful layouts. Later, the “New Course” would arrive, co-designed by a name that changed the sport forever: Seve Ballesteros.

San Roque became something unique:
a retreat, a training ground, and a competitive stage.

1997: A Year That Changed Golf in Europe

Not many hotels can say they lived a Ryder Cup from the inside. Inmood San Roque can.

In 1997, we welcomed the European and U.S. teams, along with their families and entourages, during a Ryder Cup that made history as the first ever played outside the U.S. or U.K.

Photo: European team. Fernando Gonzalez

Severiano Ballesteros: A Captain Like No Other

Seve wasn’t just a golfer. He was an artist with a club, a strategist with charisma, and a leader born for big battles. That year, as captain, he guided Europe to one of the most unforgettable victories in the tournament’s history.

Some say Seve never “walked” at San Roque. He calculated, envisioned, designed victory with every step.

A Rookie Named Tiger Woods

While Europe was captivated by Seve’s genius, a young American arrived to play his first Ryder Cup: Tiger Woods, 21 years old, already a phenomenon in the making.

He walked the same hallways, the same gardens, the same practice areas our guests walk today.
The beginning of a global icon… right here.

Sleep Where Champions Dreamed

In 1997, players didn’t just rest at Inmood San Roque. They visualized. They prepared in silence. They planned redemption or triumph over dinner and whispered chats.

That spirit stayed. You can still feel it in the calm of our mornings, the hushed focus before a tee time, the ritual of a quiet coffee before competition.
Inmood San Roque doesn’t accompany golf. It breathes golf.

Golfpacks: For Golfers Who Don’t Just Play — They Feel

Our exclusive Golfpacks let guests experience the sport in full:

• Guaranteed green fees at legendary Sotogrande courses: San Roque Club, Valderrama, Almenara, La Cañada…

• Priority booking & dedicated assistance

• Golf-friendly dining & premium rest

• Transfers, full equipment service, and tailored recommendations

Just bring your clubs — or we’ll take care of that too.
Here, you don’t just compete, celebrate or practice. You live golf.

Inmood San Roque: Golf Doesn’t End on the 18th Green

In our lobby, golfers speak of birdies like others talk about the weather.
At our pool, players recover from a perfect backspin.
In our rooms, champions once dreamed—just like you will.

When you return to the course, you won’t be playing.
You’ll be adding your chapter to a legend.

Because here, golf isn’t a sport.
It’s a feeling.

Welcome to Inmood San Roque.
Welcome to the cradle of a legacy.