Host of the iconic 1997 Ryder Cup, and perennially ranked in World Top 100 Course lists, Valderrama golf course is the jewel in the crown of golf in Spain. Located in the Costa del Sol hinterlands, in southern Spain’s beautiful Andalucia region, Real (“Royal”) Club Valderrama is revered as one of the toughest tests in golf.
From the Andalucia Masters and Open de Espana to the Volvo Masters on the DP World Tour, Valderrama is well-versed in exceptionally conditioned and playable golf courses.
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., the Real Club Valderrama golf club opened in 1974 to immediate high acclaim and has led the charge ever since, becoming one of Spain’s best golf courses. Defined by its tight, tree-lined fairways, and immaculate playing surfaces, the golf course in Valderrama demands a strategic approach, shaped shoes, and pure ball-striking.
Whether you solely play this elite course or visit as part of a golf tour, you’re sure to have an exceptional time.
When visiting Valderrama, we recommend taking time to enjoy the clubhouse, filled with artifacts and memorabilia. The 1997 Ryder Cup is the centerpiece, alongside clubs, photographs, and trophies of past winners, which include Spain’s Sergio Garcia on multiple occasions and the legendary character of Miguel Angel Jimenez.
An exclusive club, Valderrama requires each group to have a mandatory forecaddie. Given the stiff challenges of the course, we highly recommend this investment to help you make the most of your round. After golf, enjoy drinks and dinner on the terrace, with beautiful views back out over the course, the perfect setting to soak in the atmosphere of this iconic venue.
A must-visit destination on any golf tour of southern Spain, Real Club Valderrama is renowned worldwide for its immaculate conditions, strategic design, and prestigious legacy. Nestled in the hills of Sotogrande, the Valderrama golf course winds through oak trees and rolling terrain, creating a parkland-style challenge that makes it one of the best golf courses in Spain and Europe.
Since opening in 1974 as Las Aves (Sotogrande New), Real Club Valderrama has showcased some of the most elite players in golf and gained worldwide recognition for hosting many of golf’s top tournaments. Valderrama Golf Club is considered a wildlife sanctuary and was the first European golf club to implement sustainable procedures that save water, protect wildlife, and reduce chemical and fuel consumption. Players here can enjoy their game amongst native plants and local wildlife, including badgers, mice, owls, and a variety of bird species.
With high standards established by Robert Trent Jones Sr., the course at Real Club Valderrama is recognised as one of the finest championship courses in Europe. It is a must-play for golfers visiting Spain looking for challenging yet pristine conditions. Valderrama golf course is often referred to as the ‘Augusta of Europe’, largely thanks to its pristine conditions, demanding layout, and significant history. As such, it’s frequently listed in top 100 golf course lists.
Real Club Valderrama is known for several standout holes, particularly numbers 4 and 17, both par-5s. Hole four, La Cascada, is home to a stunning waterfall and challenging water hazard on the approach, making for a dramatic shot. Hole 17, Los Gabilones, is regarded as one of the toughest in the world, demanding precision and steady confidence due to its length, water hazard, and complex green.
Real Club Valderrama is located in the Sotogrande region of Spain’s Andalucia coastline, around 45 minutes south of Marbella. There are two standout properties only a short distance from Valderrama, the SO/ Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort and the stunning new Fairmont La Hacienda, both offering modern and luxurious facilities.
Marbella, Spain’s Costa del Sol cultural and nightlife capital, and neighboring Sotogrande have a world-renowned golf scene. Offering a collection of Spain and Europe’s best courses, after golf you can enjoy Marbella’s large stretch of bars, clubs and restaurants, as well as miles of Mediterranean coastline and beaches.
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The major tournaments hosted at Valderrama include the Andalucia Masters and the 1997 Ryder Cup, but the course has hosted numerous other famous tournaments.
You do need an official handicap limit to play at Valderrama, this is set at 24 for gentlemen and 32 for ladies. This ensures the most enjoyable course experience as it informs what kind of challenge you’ll need and the best places to shoot from.
Valderrama itself is an excellent place to play golf, but there are also several great surrounding courses, which include the Finca Cortesín, La Reserva, Real Sotogrande, and San Roque.
You can book a golf trip to Valderrama with Premier Golf, and the team will be happy to offer any advice or recommendations to help make your golf tour to Spain the best it can be.