Valderamma has two prevailing winds: the poniente from the land and the levante from the Mediterranean. Valderrama, of Sotogrande, Spain, site of the 1997 Ryder Cup, is now accessible to all in this faithful and gorgeous simulation. In the mid-80s, Robert Trent Jones, Sr. was commissioned to fine-tune his original design of the Spanish course that would become Valderamma. Resting between the grandeus of the Sierra Blanca mountains and the Mediterranean, Valderamma features distant views of Gibraltar and North Africa from higher ground. Gnarled cork trees garnish the terrain, accompanied by scattered olive trees and abundant wildflowers.
In '91,'93,'95, Golf World voted Valderrama the #1 golf club in Europe. This home of the annual Volvo Masters tournament was richly rewarded in '94 when The Ryder Cup committee selected Valderrama as the host of the '97 matches. It is now the home of the 1999 and 2000 World Championships Stroke Play end of the year event.
Cut out of a cork oak plantation, Valderrama is a favorite of mine. Always a challenge, regardless of conditions. A little background on the owner: In 1989, Jaime Ortiz-Patino had the attics of the clubhouse cleaned, and found a handful of Impressionist paintings. They fetched $67.8 million at Sotheby's of New York. Unbelievable. Valderrama hosted the 1997 Ryder Cup Matches, and also hosts the Volvo Masters every year for the European PGA. Located a stones throw away from the Strait of Gibraltar. Some of the most strategically placed trees I've ever seen, especially on the 2nd Hole. That damn oak always gets in my way. Some very thin landing areas, especially on the Par 5's. The approach on 17 (if you decide to go for it in two), has got to be one of the most difficult shots in Links under windy conditions. My advice, play it safe or play it right and chip back.
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