Valderrama Golf

At any golf club in the country, when you hear anyone talking about Spanish golf courses, chances are they will mention Valderrama golf course. They will either have played at Valderrama, be intending to play there, or will know someone who has played there. Now there's a reason for this and it's not just that Valderrama is a superb course, but also that the golfing and resort staff at Valderrama know how to look after their guests. However, Valderrama is still a private club and casual paying visitors are not allowed unlimited access to all areas of the club facilities, although there is a small pro shop and bar as well as excellent practice area and a par 3 course, although you should check availability prior to arriving.

Valderrama was designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior but wasn't always as famous or as well developed as it now is, originally being a pay and play course called "Sotogrande New". Bought in 1987 by James Ortiz-Patino it has been constantly improved and developed, to the extent that it is now considered one of Spain's top championship courses.

A beautiful parkland course set amongst cork trees, Valderrama is a test for both club golfers and professionals alike. Green fees range between €275-320, but many golf packages include Valderrama at specially discounted rates. Be careful to read the terms and conditions though, as non members are only allowed a very tight time slot in which to fit their tee off times!  

We played Valderrama on a blisteringly hot day in late September and I have to say that whilst we enjoyed the occasion of being there, our golf (being higher handicappers) was probably challenged more than we really enjoyed. For a course that we had expected to be so big (by its reputation) we soon discovered that position on the fairways was key to keeping a presentable score. On both holes 1 and 2 you can stray to the wrong side of the fairway and find your second shot blocked by the cork trees. We had expected the two longer hitters in our party to be at a great advantage here, but instead, sensible straight play was rewarded. It soon became apparent that controlling your approach to the greens made far more difference than an extra 30 or 40 yards off the tee. (For which I am eternally grateful, as at a steady 22 handicap, I expected to be soundly thrashed by the 13 and 15 handicappers in the group.

Not so. I managed to get my 6 and 7 irons nicely into the groove and although approaching the greens from further out than the bigger hitters, was pleased to get the ball to stop on the unexpectedly lush greens. No disasters for me, rolling into the water off the 17th like Tiger Woods in 2000. (I'm putting together a hole by hole description of the course from a high handicapper's viewpoint, but for now suffice to say that if you like a challenge and can afford the price tag, Valderrama is a must play, if you are in this part of the country.