Staff WriterSuzann Pettersen, the fearless Norwegian who once stared down the Americans in the Solheim Cup with ice in her veins and a putter like a lightning rod, is now turning her focus to golf’s next generation.
She’s been named Global Ambassador for the new Sotogrande Golf Academy, set to open this August at the plush SO/ Sotogrande Spa and Golf Resort in southern Spain.
That’s right — Suzann Pettersen, two-time major winner, former Solheim Cup captain, and the human embodiment of competitive grit, will be the guiding star of a facility that promises to blend high-performance golf with five-star Mediterranean indulgence. And if you think that sounds too good to be true, you clearly haven’t been to Sotogrande.
As the face of the Academy, Pettersen will inject her trademark intensity and elite pedigree into every blade of grass and Toptracer stat line. Her appointment is no ceremonial handshake — it’s a statement of intent.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Suzann,” said Rami Badr, CEO of Sotogrande S.A. “She is the perfect ambassador for our new Golf Academy – a world-class athlete with an astonishing resumé in the game, and with a dedication to the sport that is an ideal representation of the Academy. She is also a fantastic role model to inspire those beginning their golfing journeys with us here in Sotogrande.”
Indeed, the Academy is no token driving range with delusions of grandeur. This is a full-blown golf playground.
Think cutting-edge Toptracer tech, covered and uncovered tee lines, a custom fitting centre, VIP practice areas, and even a 9-hole par-3 course designed by Ryder Cup legend Manuel Piñero.
There’s also a café, bar, floodlit training zones for the insomniac golfer, and short game areas that’ll make you wish you’d spent less time watching YouTube tips and more time booking a trip here.
“I’m honoured to join the Sotogrande team and be part of this project,” said Pettersen. “This new facility is outstanding, and unlike anything else in the region. I look forward to spending time at the Academy and helping shape it into one of the best coaching facilities in the country.”
And when Pettersen says “coaching”, she’s not talking about just shouting “commit!” at a teenager hitting into a headwind.
She’ll be working hand-in-hand with the Academy’s professionals to develop bespoke training programmes — fusing her strategic, tournament-hardened approach with cutting-edge instruction methods.
From promising juniors to silver-haired slicers looking to fix that 40-year fade, the ethos is the same: elite mindset, tailored support, and a little Scandinavian steel.
General Manager of the resort, Stéphane Menou, summed up the broader appeal: “With one of the best coaching facilities in Europe on our doorstep creating an even more lifestyle destination within the destination, visitors can now enjoy not only elite program from Suzann and the team, but also the full experience of a 5-star lifestyle resort, completed with luxury spa Thalasso-inspired, Michelin star dining, and sweeping views across the Mediterranean.”
It’s hard to argue. This isn’t just golf — it’s golf wrapped in a robe, sipping something cold, overlooking the Med.
And now, with Suzann Pettersen leading the charge, the Sotogrande Golf Academy looks primed to become the go-to training ground for golfers seeking both game improvement and a touch of glamour.
The official grand opening is scheduled for September 2025. Stay updated at www.sotogrande.com or follow along on social media.
But be warned — you might just find yourself booking a flight, packing your clubs, and trying to channel your inner Suzann.
And trust me, she’ll expect nothing less than your best.
