Valderrama golf is considered the top golf course in Europe and one of the best golf courses in the whole world. If you love golf, head to Costa del Sol and play a round at this prestigious course.
Designed by famed golf architect Robert Trent Jones, Valderrama golf has one of the best Par 5 holes in the world—its 17th hole—as well as several iconic Par 3 holes. Valderrama golf club has long been a revered course on the European Tour, having hosted the Ryder Cup in 1997 and the Grand Circuit Final for 20+ years. Over the last decade, Valderrama golf has undergone renovations to make it a top-quality sustainable, modern golf course.
Sitting in Sotogrande, in Costa del Golf, this course is truly one of a kind. Read below to find out about its most iconic holes.
Valderrama golf: famous holes
Valderrama's 17th and 18th holes are especially famous in the world of golf, as many experts consider them to be one of the best ways to end a round of golf. That said, Jeff Bar's book “1001 Holes You Should Play Before You Die” actually highlights up to five memorable holes from Valderrama golf: #2, #4, #15, #17 and #18. Find out why below!
Hole 2, El Arbol: Par 4, 352 metres. As its name suggests, a gigantic cork oak is located in the centre of the drive, which gives both a chilling view and an interesting obstacle. Trees surround the hole on both sides and a front left bunker protects the green.
Hole 4, La Cascada: Par 5, 515 metres. This is considered “the best fourth hole,” on “the best course in continental Europe.” To the left, beware of an undulating group of bunkers.
Hole 15, El Puerto: Par 3, 206 metres. At the 2003 Volvo Masters, the average for this hole was 3,222 strokes, making it the fifth-most-difficult Par 3 hole. From its elevated tee, golfers get spectacular views of a long, narrow green protected by lines of trees and three towering bunkers.
Hole 17, Los Gabilones: Par 5, 490 metres. Despite a 2003 remodel by Severiano Ballesteros that put the lake in front of the green, the 17th hole is still the easiest hole at Valderrama golf. It offers players a little respite before they wrap up their game.
Hole 18, Club House: Par 4, 415 metres. This hole is very narrow. It has a line of trees, a thick rough and a drop zone so tight that you need to use your iron to overcome it. Despite that, the real difficulty comes in the second shot, when you have to hit the ball on a green shielded by front and side bunkers.
Golf at Valderrama: a privileged natural environment
There’s nothing like playing at Valderrama golf! A round here lets golfers play their favourite sport while immersing themselves in a luxurious environment. Along with having some of the best holes in Europe, Valderrama golf is surrounded by splendid untouched beaches, cliffs and wonderful views of the African coast and Strait of Gibraltar. It’s also extremely close to other destinations in Costa del Sol, like Marbella, where visitors can find an impressive range of leisure activities to complement their golf trip.
Less than an hour from Malaga-Costa del Sol International Airport, Valderrama golf is a great destination for travellers who seek a golf getaway where they can relax, do different water sports, play polo, eat good food, take in local sights and so much more. See you there!
