One of the finest and most famous courses in the world, Royal Valderrama Club, was the spectacular venue for another leg of the Andalucía Golf Challenge Circuit.  This is the 11th year of the annual circuit, which offers the main prize of five week-long trips to the Mexican Caribbean, covering flights, transfers, all-inclusive five-star accommodation, and golf at three of the finest courses in the Caribbean: PGA Riviera Maya, El Camaleón Mayakoba and Playa Paraiso.

The scene of the 1997 Ryder Cup, two AmEx World Championships, the Volvo Masters, the Spanish Open and the Andalucía Masters (next edition from October 17 to 19), Valderrama was in customarily impeccable condition, to the delight and admiration of all players taking part. They were able to view first-hand all the improvements that have been made around the clubhouse area, with the paths newly paved and the clubhouse façade smoothed out, polished and painted white (before it was a vanilla colour), to add a modern and elegant touch. Improvements have also been undertaken in the car park, with the installation of new white awnings to provide shade and protect vehicles from the rain. The extraordinary experience of playing Valderrama is further enhanced by the support provided by experienced caddies who accompany each group.

Also noteworthy is the professionalism of all the club's staff, led by Javier Reviriego, and the excellent work of operations director Silvia Serrano. Interestingly, Silvia took over from former operations director Fernando Padrón, who will be hosting the group of winners of the 2021 Andalucía Golf Challenge Circuit in his capacity as director of PGA Riviera Maya Bahía Príncipe.

After the competition, players enjoyed a superb cocktail reception prepared under the supervision and personal care of Pablo Arroyo, director of F&B at Royal Valderrama.

In addition to the stunning golf setting, good weather contributed to the day’s success, with a gentle and fresh breeze and comfortable temperature.

As for the results, the top three players in category one were Alejandro Martínez Araso (35 points), Thomas Doyle (33) and Juan Castro Rodríguez (31).

Leading the way in category two was Víctor Ceballos Niebla (38 points), followed by Antonio Capasso (36) and Denis Diaconescu (36).

The scratch winner at Valderrama was Pablo Ridao Ceballos, (25 points).

(SEE PHOTO GALLERY AT THE END OF THIS REPORT)

As with the previous two editions, the circuit – which is organised by Andalucía Golf/España Golf magazine – offers the winners trips to the Caribbean with the Pinero Group. Apart from prizes in each tournament (top-brand clothing from the Fairway + Blue boutique in Puerto Banús, wine from Bodegas Lau D.O. Somontano and golf products from Holiday Golf Group), the winners of both categories and the scratch winner secure places in the grand finale at Marbella Golf Resort on 2 October, followed by a gala dinner at El Gamonal Restaurant in Marbella, and the chance to win one of the five week-long trips to Riviera Maya. The rest of the places are awarded based on a ranking of points obtained in events played by those taking part.

The trip to Riviera Maya is planned for 5 to 13 November. On Saturday the 6th, the winners will play at PGA Riviera Maya, on Sunday the 7th they will visit Mayakoba to view the last round of the Mayakoba Golf Classic (a US PGA Tour event), on Monday the 8th there will be a round of golf at Playa Paraiso, Tuesday the 9th has been left free, golf will resume on Wednesday the 10th at Mayakoba El Camaleón (three days after the tour pros have been competing there), Thursday the 11th will also be a free day, and on Friday the 12th another round will be played at PGA Riviera Maya – before the return flight that night to Spain.

We appreciate the support of our sponsors: the hotel chain Bahía Príncipe (www.bahiaprincipe.com); the course that is our golfing base for the week, PGA Riviera Maya (www.pgarivieramaya.com), SANITAS (www.sanitas.es), Viviendo del Trading (www.viviendodeltrading.com) and Mijas Town Hall (www.mijas.es).

Also our collaborators: Holiday Golf, Holiday Golf Estates, Bodegas Laus D.O. Somontano, El Gamonal Restaurant, Fairway + Blue, Cadena SER and Marbella Town Hall.

 


Destination PGA Riviera Maya Bahía Príncipe 

The grand final will decide the winners of five all-inclusive one-week trips to the Bahía Príncipe resort in Riviera Maya (Luxury Akumal Hotel), with golf rounds at PGA Riviera Maya, El Camaleón Mayakoba and Playa Paraíso. The top two players in each category and the scratch winner of the final – to be played at Marbella Club Golf Resort on 2 October– will travel to the Mexican Caribbean.

Planned Travel Dates

5 to 13 November 2021

Prize Includes:

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