Golf Course:

Valderrama Golf Club, San Roque

The par-71, championship course measures 6356 metres from the professional tees. The fairways have been described by top pros and leading golf writers as the best in Europe, if not the world. It is not an easy course – nor was it intended to be.

The layout demands thought and precision on every shot. Designed in 1974 by Robert Trent Jones, Sr – one of the truly great golf course architects –, it was originally known as Sotogrande New. After being bought in 1984 by Mr Jaime Ortiz-Patiño, the additional land was also acquired and the course was redesigned and extended by Robert Trent Jones, Sr, who willingly agreed to come back and upgrade his original layout.

Renamed Valderrama, after the ancient estate on which the course is situated, it rapidly established itself as the finest course in mainland Europe and has proudly held that position in Golf World’s rankings ever since. Host to many top tournaments, including the mighty Ryder Cup itself in 1997, the course still fulfils the owner’s and designer’s shared intention of presenting a challenge to bring out the best in every golfer.