Why is it that Valderrama has – for many years now – been rated the number one golf course in continental Europe, and still holds on to that coveted position? There are three key reasons: the design by legendary US architect Robert Trent Jones; maintenance that borders on perfection; and a history, forged over the past 25 years, that very few clubs can match.

There are many aspects of the course that can be highlighted to explain why Valderrama hasn’t been overtaken at the top of the ratings. In addition to the design, completed by one of the world’s most prestigious architects in the prime of his career, on a spectacular plot of land with a widely diverse landscape, it is the maintenance that particularly stands out: one facet of Valderrama that contributed to its blossoming reputation in the early years and which has since been followed by other courses throughout Europe.

At the time, the demanding standards imposed at the course – which continue to this day – were a complete novelty on the Old Continent…. remarkably innovative during that era.

Until then, in the late-‘80s and early-‘90s, nothing had ever been seen like it, and Valderrama soon became a point of reference, a standard-bearer, for other European courses. From that moment, they all sought excellence in the “manicure” and presentation of their layouts: the fairways and greens of the famous Sotogrande course became a model copied by others.

Valderrama’s modus operandi was, nevertheless, already common in the US. There were others, of course, but Augusta was the most significant example, and possibly the inspiration for Jaime Ortiz Patiño in his firm commitment to turn Valderrama into the course it is today.

Good maintenance such as that carried out at Valderrama is based on three key elements:

First, of course, is knowing exactly what you are doing, especially working with the grass. To that end, an academic background is important in achieving optimum results. Then you need the appropriate team, both in size and training. And, finally, you need the right equipment, well “greased” for the work at hand.

All these prerequisites are fulfilled – and have always been fulfilled – at this exceptional course, originally opened in 1974 as Las Aves.

 

ROBERT TRENT JONES

When Jaime Ortiz Patiño bought the course in 1985, he phoned Robert Trent Jones to ask him to re-design the layout. After this second intervention, the US designer always rated Valderrama as one of his finest projects; and, when the policy of achieving the highest level of maintenance was instituted, his devotion to the course became even more acute – and he visited Valderrama frequently.

MIND-BOGGLING CURRICULUM

“The top clubs around the world,” notes Valderrama general manager Javier Reviriego, “base part of their prestige on the fact they have hosted major events.” And in that respect Valderrama is only outdone by a handful of courses in the UK, and none on the continent.

Not Augusta, not Pebble Beach, not Olympic… none of those courses would be what they are today if they had not hosted the tournaments that have enhanced their international status.

The premier events for professionals, involving the best players in the world, boost the prestige of a course, especially if they are televised and followed by millions of spectators who can check out and admire the layout – even the smallest of details.

The Volvo Masters was the first of the major tournaments held at the club, and its association with Valderrama was of immense mutual satisfaction for both parties and the foundation on which the course established its legendary status.

The Volvo Masters was also a pioneering event in Europe, for many reasons, not only because it was the season-ending grand finale of the European Tour but also because of how it was run.

Once again the key word here is “excellence”. There was no other tournament like it in Europe at the time and, like the course itself, it became a point of reference for all other events.

The money spent on logistics, the meticulous organisation, the treatment enjoyed by guests and players… all of these aspects led to the tournament achieving a dazzling image that others were keen to emulate.

When, in addition to this, it is noted that the course was presented in a similar condition to that of Augusta, it is easy to understand why it rose to such a high status.

 

 

Sixteen Volvo Masters were held at Valderrama: in two separate periods, from 1988 to 1996 and 2002 to 2007. One of the significant contributions to its success was, right from the start to the end, having its own daily bulletin, always produced by Andalucía Golf. This had never been done before anywhere in the world, and only rarely since.

Between 1996 and 2002, two American Express World Golf Championships were held at Valderrama, as well as the tournament that most strikingly elevated its name to legendary status: the 1997 Ryder Cup.

“That,” says Javier Reviriego, “provided the great thrust which led to Valderrama gaining a place on the international golfing map.”

If the Volvo Masters helped Valderrama become known as the most prestigious club in Europe, the Ryder Cup took it to an even higher level.

In fact, Valderrama is one of the most well known golf-related “brands” in the US. American golfers are familiar with the club, and rate it highly. And that is something which is difficult to achieve and only accomplished with the solid foundation of diligent effort, constantly fine-tuning the product and being extremely demanding.

 

DIFFICULT TIMES

Valderrama might be forever associated with the stellar history of Andalucian, and European, golf but these are not the best times to repeat its glory days.

Nevertheless, the club is still looking to the future. As Reviriego notes, “In spite of the fact we are a private club, without any pressing need to host a tournament every year and already well-established as a brand, our club has a tradition of hosting major events, and we are working towards having a major tournament here soon.

“I know it is not easy in these times, but we don’t rule out any option for the future, probably in 2014.”

 

INTERNATIONAL CLUB

Valderrama is also defined by its membership, extremely international and of the highest category. That fact is widely known. The club has 50 or so nationalities among its members, and is visited by golfers from throughout the world.

It is not common among Spanish clubs to have such a widely varied membership. And that is one of its most valuable assets. That people from such a diverse range of countries want to belong to a club which is, in many cases, so far from their residential bases can only be attributed to one thing: Valderrama’s immense international prestige.

There might be, for example, people who live in the US and only visit Valderrama once a year but the experience of playing the course is ample compensation for becoming a member.

The course continues to be an object of desire for any golfer visiting Spain and, with that in mind, the club maintains its policy of setting aside two hours a day for visitors’ tee times.

 

 

SOTOGRANDE DRIVING FORCE

Another not insignificant aspect, and one that has to be taken into considerable account, is that the club has – without a doubt – been a driving force for the area’s economy, for the whole of Sotogrande.

Of course, the urbanisation is, and has been, well known for decades as a top-class resort – unlike any other in Europe – but it is also clear that, mainly due to the Ryder Cup, Sotogrande took off as a brand thanks to Valderrama’s influence.

As for homes around the course, none come into play at all. The course is “very well protected” by vegetation and generous spaces left during its construction – a true luxury these days. Players hardly see any houses during a round.

In short, there are many reasons why Valderrama continues to be rated the number one course in Europe, and one of the best in the world – some of them mentioned here.

“There are various rankings,” says Reviriego, “but the most prestigious are just three: those released by Golf Digest, Golf Monthly and Golf Magazine. Of those, in two we are ranked number one in continental Europe, so we have a legitimate right to say we are.”