Being the most internationally renowned Spanish golf course is not the result of chance. There are several factors that contribute to create an image of excellence that is projected beyond our borders. The Real Club de Golf Valderrama has earned over the years its well-deserved recognition as one of the great golf courses in the world. Below we list ten keys that have contributed to the success of this exceptional course.
Design
The Robert Trent Jones course is simply spectacular and undoubtedly one of his best works. It is a world reference in golf course architecture, since it was redesigned in the early 80’s by Trent Jones himself to host major professional events. It can be said that it was the first European course in which the designer was specially commissioned to design a course that would be truly demanding for professionals and in which power would never take precedence over creativity.
The routing is designed so that the player encounters the wind in several directions. It is impossible to find two holes facing the same direction.
In general terms, it is a very demanding design in which it is necessary to be very precise from the tee (not always a characteristic of Robert Trent Jones courses). The immense cork grove protects all the rough areas and narrows considerably the drive drop zones.
The shots to the green also require great placement, as they are small, elevated and very well protected by deep bunkers. The slopes of the greens are undoubtedly the jewel of Valderrama; in many cases, they are practically unnoticeable, making them very difficult to read.
Robert Trent Jones introduced new concepts in course architecture when he redesigned Valderrama. Some of these were undoubtedly the placement of bunkers and elevated approach areas at the entrance to the green.
Maintenance
The level of “manicure” presented by Valderrama has been a reference in the world for more than 20 years. Valderrama raised the standard of European courses when it opted for high-level maintenance. The secret has always been to focus on quality above all else. Quality in machinery, products, human resources, technology and, above all, knowledge. Today, despite having one of the best greenkeepers in the market, Valderrama still counts on the advice of the best agronomists in the world. They maintain direct contact with the best fields in the United States and keep abreast of new techniques and advances in the sector.
The course maintains the standard of competition throughout the year; this is the demand of the members and visitors. There are many courses in the world that can prepare the course for a tournament week, but there are very few that can maintain the level of competition throughout the year.
Location
The estate where it is located, in a spectacular cork oak forest overlooking the Mediterranean. The feeling when playing Valderrama is of being lost in a forest; no houses or roads can be seen, there is no noise and practically no other holes can be seen when you are playing. The climate is also a differentiating element, as you enjoy the sun and pleasant temperatures for 300 days a year.
History
There is no course in continental Europe with more history and tradition than Valderrama. It has always been said that the great professional events are the ones that elevate the courses to a world level. The case of Valderrama is only comparable to some of the courses that host majors: it has hosted the only Ryder Cup played outside the British Isles, 14 Volvo Masters, 2 World Championships, Skins Game and Valderrama Masters. The best players in the history of golf have passed through Valderrama and have faced the toughness of its course. A study prepared by the PGA of America in 2008 included Valderrama among the 10 most recognized brands in the golf industry in the world.
Training areas
Nick Faldo (a regular at Valderrama in the 1990’s) stated that Valderrama had “the best driving range in the world”. In the last year a fantastic short game area designed by Kyle Philips has been added. To these two facilities must be added a par 3 course (exclusively for members) whose greens reach speeds of 14 feet on the stimpmeter. Many prestigious professionals of the European Tour regularly use Valderrama for their training.
Tourism impact
The 1997 Ryder Cup marked a before and after for the Costa del Sol. Golf tourism began to climb progressively until this area of Spain became a leader in golf tourism. The attraction of playing in Valderrama has attracted golfers from all over the world.
Rankings
All of the above factors have forged Valderrama’s prestige and reputation and have made its brand recognized around the world. It is no coincidence that the world’s most prestigious publications have considered Valderrama one of the top 100 courses in the world in their official rankings.
Currently, Golf Digest ranks Valderrama 40th in the world (2nd in Europe and 1st in Spain), Golf Magazine 88th in the world (2nd in Europe and 1st in Spain) and Golf Architecture Magazine 45th in the world (1st in Europe and Spain).
Service
The website Golfboo.com, which specializes in rating golf courses based on customer reviews, has Valderrama in its ranking as the best golf experience in Spain. The experience rating is based not only on the course, but also on the service and customer care offered. Customers are pampered and treated as partners during their visit to Valderrama. The attention to detail and procedures are based on those offered at the best country clubs in the United States.
Partners
As at Augusta National, the list of members at Valderrama is highly confidential information. There are members from different parts of the world and in some cases they only visit the club one week a year. Businessmen, CEOs, successful entrepreneurs, etc., make up a prestigious social mass and at the height of the course. There is a waiting list and very few candidates meet the requirements to be accepted.
Title of Real
His Majesty Juan Carlos I granted this distinction to Valderrama last year. It is undoubtedly a great honor and in some way recognizes the history of Valderrama and the enormous impact this club has had on the world of golf.
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