For all the fame garnered by Spain's Valderrama since this spectacular layout hosted The Ryder Cup in 1997, few are aware that this was originally called Sotogrande New, the younger brother of Sotogrande Old.
Real Club de Golf Sotogrande was the proud owner of two 18-hole layouts on Spain's Costa del Sol -- the original, always the club's pride and joy, The Old Course, opened in 1964 and a second track, The New Course, opened 11 years later in 1975. The two courses occupy similar terrain and Robert Trent Jones designed both.
It was only due to the aggressiveness of billionaire businessman, Jaime Ortiz Patino that the Sotogrande club, benefiting well in their bank account from the deal, parted with the New Course in 1985, transferring ownership to Patino and his group of business partners.
A name change to Valderrama, a quick makeover of the course, some expensive trimmings in the way of an opulent clubhouse incorporating a golf museum, plush dining facilities and a determined effort to make it the most exclusive private golf club in Spain quickly followed. The Sotogrande Club's secondary course was sky-rocketed to international fame, put forward as a possible venue for the 1997 Ryder Cup and was eventually awarded the honor.
Nobody can ever detract from Valderrama's worthiness to host The Ryder Cup, but I question whether this event alone really warrants the course being considered the best in all Spain. Valderrama certainly has a place among the country's top ten layouts, but the other nine in that listing are all worthy of comparable recognition, not the least of which is older brother, Sotogrande Old.
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Information: • Gourmet Spain Tour |
Sotogrande has many resemblances to Valderrama, one of which is the wide expanses of fairway with hardly any rough to be of concern. This brings plenty of opportunities to the long hitter, providing they can avoid the numerous water hazards, especially in evidence on the closing holes.
Besides water and the clever placement of bunkers and trees (never in short supply) the greens are Sotogrande's primary defense. Huge expanses of superbly maintained velvet that are fast and filled with undulations and subtle slopes - mastery of your putting game is essential for a good score.
This is a course with no bad holes, but the real test of Sotogrande comes in the stretch extending from the 12th through 17th, with water prominent on each. Do well here and you will end your round a very happy golfer.
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| Sotogrande has many resemblances to Valderrama. |
This western end of The Costa del Sol has been subjected to less tourism development than other parts and Sotogrande's quiet location takes full advantage of the fact giving the layout an uncommonly sophisticated, even an elegant feeling. The surrounding scenery is similarly quite magnificent.
The recently refurbished clubhouse is a particularly welcoming place for the visitor and as is commonly the case in Spain, offers an extraordinarily good restaurant and a wonderful excuse to spend the balance of your day amid very pleasant surroundings.
Sotogrande is a special jewel that would perhaps have greater fame if it didn't live in the shadow of Valderrama, its younger brother. As I said in the beginning, I do not believe Valderrama is a superior course, but opinions vary, so I recommend you play the pair, they are only a few minutes apart, then make your own decision.
But there are a few others in the immediate area that shouldn't be missed; San Roque and Almenara among them, play them all and discover how good golf on the Costa del Sol really is.
For a few suggestions on how to include Sotogrande and its neighbors in your Spanish golf trip, click here.
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