Royal Valderrama has been ranked by Golfers Choice as the best golf club in Spain for a third consecutive year. The rankings are compiled based on 300,000 reviews from golfers across Europe on Leadingcourses.com. They cover numerous aspects that influence the quality of the club, such as the golf course itself, the overall impression of the club, maintenance, practice facilities, clubhouse and the perceived value for money.
“Valderrama has always been known for the great quality of the golf course and the tournaments that we have hosted,” said general manager Javier Reviriego. “To lead the Golfers' Choice Awards for the third year in a row means that our visiting golfers also value the service and experience we provide. Our team is extremely proud of this and we will keep working hard to provide our guests with the highest standards of excellence both on and off the golf course.”
When golfers only rated the course itself – i.e. without looking at other elements, such as appreciation of the clubhouse and practice facilities – golfers again chose Royal Valderrama as their number one. The fairways of Valderrama have been described by top professionals and leading golf writers as the best in Europe, if not the world.
A green fee at Royal Valderrama costs €330 for 18 holes on a weekday, but golfers observed that this price, although high, was fair. "Everything is designed to give you the best ever golf experience," said user Schonkieboy. Added another user, Jeroen, "If you are prepared to pay quite a steep green fee, you will receive an unforgettable experience on a course with a great and rich golf history."
The new number two in the rankings is Son Gual, located in the heart of Mallorca, while another Costa del Sol club, Finca Cortesín is third, PGA Catalunya fourth and Alcanada fifth.
Top International Qualifications for Valderrama Managers
Valderrama operations manager Fernando Padrón and executive assistant and membership manager Silvia Serrano have both achieved prestigious international Certified Club Manager (CCM) titles. The demanding training process for a CCM was designed by the Club Managers Association of Europe (CMAE), and the certification is recognised in the United States, Australia, Canada, China and South Africa. Silvia is the first women manager in Spain to receive a CCM and, together with Debbie Pern from Scotland, also the first in Europe.
