Club de Golf Valderrama
Cadiz » San Roque (New)
Opened in 2003, the second 18-hole course at San Roque Club,
designed by Perry Dye and Severiano Ballesteros, has all the
hallmarks to be immediately included in the elite of Europe´s
golf facilities for its high quality and its impeccable finish and
landscaping. It is, without doubt, far superior to many courses
built in Spain and, indeed, in Europe. With this new addition
to the resort, which already includes a magnificent, universally
renowned course and a five-star hotel has become one of the
premier golf centres in southern Europe. The company that owns
the complex, Asahi Kanko, run by Japanese Shun Tezuka, has
always maintained high standards, and taken special care in all its
work and, in particular, with the natural surroundings. The New
Course will have no homes in its immediate surroundings, so no
building will interfere with play.
Cadiz » Sanlúcar
Located opposite the Doñana nature park, near where the
Guadalquivir river enters the Atlantic, this course has 18 holes nine of which are links-style. These holes extend along the sea
and are affected by the Atlantic winds. The other nine (open in
October 2004) are American style, with seven holes affected by
water hazards. The course is flat, and extends over 6.527 metres
for professionals. The greens are wide. The complex includes a
putting green and pitching green.
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Cadiz » Valderrama
Designed by Robert Trent Jones and lovingly tended by owner Jaime Ortiz
Patiño this is one of the continents toughest challenges. You may return home
shell-shocked but should be content with the thought that you are one of the
few able to boast: ‘Valderrama? Yes, I’ve played there’. The 4th hole is a par five
of spectacular beauty ending on a raised green by the side of which plunges a
cascade of water on its way to the greenside lake. With recent improvements
to the layout, Valderrama is in prime condition and Mr. Patiño only aims to
make it better: the ‘Augusta of Europe’. Visitors are welcome but must book
in advance. As you walk along the perfectly manicured fairways you quickly
realise why it was officially voted as the #1 course in Europe. The list of
prestigious events held here include the Ryder Cup: 1997 (the first ever held in
Continental Europe), the WGC-American Express Championship: 1999, 2000
and the Volvo Masters: 1988-1996; 2002-2010.
Cadiz » San Roque (Old)
Opened in 1990, The San Roque Club has been host venue to the PGA
European Tour Qualifying School and the Spanish Open in 2005. The
complex is the result of combined efforts of designer Dave Thomas and
Japanese owners Asahi Kanko. The philosophy behind the design was to
provide a challenge acceptable for golfers of all ability and to construct a
stadium course in anticipation of hosting major European championship
events. The tricky 8th hole is often the cause of many lost shots while the
18th presents an exciting finish requiring a drive to the right avoiding water
on the left then a long iron shot over a stream to the green, avoiding a lake
on the right.