Andalucia Masters 2011 - Valderrama Golf Club

Useful Information

Date: from 27/10/2011 to 30/10/2011

Venue: San Roque (Cádiz)

Facilities: Club de golf Valderrama

Competition schedule: from 9:00 to 19:00 horas

Ticket prices full tournament price:

• Online price: 61 €
• Ticket-Oficce price: 75 €

Participants: 96 professional golf players

Description of the Event

This tournament establishes a cut after the second day. From then, the first 50 players who have passed plus the tied ones play the final two days.

Andalucia Masters 2011 - Valderrama Golf Club

The Field

The course was designed by Sr. Robert Trent Jones in 1974 and was originally known as  Sotogrande New (Las Aves). In 1984, Jaime Ortiz-Patiño bought the field and set himself the goal of raising it to an extraordinary standard, never seen before in Europe. Sr. Robert Trent Jones came back again to re-design and improve the original layout.

The course was renamed Valderrama, the same name as the ancient estate on which the land is situated. These two men shared a common aim: to create a course that would present a test of golf to the everyday golfer and the first-class player alike. Valderrama has since risen in the Golf World rankings to become the No.1 golf course in mainland Europe, a position proudly held since 1989.

Andalucia Masters Record - Graeme McDowell.

Record

The first title of this Tournament was won by the Irish Graeme McDowell.

Royal St. Georges Golf Club, England

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Jones built nine courses on the Costa Del Sol, and many of the region’s top clubs are within a short drive, like San Roque Club and Sotogrande Golf Club – but Valderrama is unmistakable from the rest.

No. 1 is a prime example of what to expect. It’s a subtle dogleg off the tee, but if you find the right side of the fairway, the green is blocked out by cork trees. Similarly on No. 2, if you’re on the right side, you’ll have to take a short-iron over trees onto another tiny green. The course gets narrowest and most uncomfortable on the short, par-4 eighth hole, “El Bunker,” but stay patient, eventually there are a handful of spots where you can finally open up the shoulders.

The second nine gets decidedly more undulated than the front side (which is probably a reason why the nines were flipped years ago), with numerous vantage points high enough up to see the Mediterranean in the distance. Two par-4 greens are steeply elevated – No. 10 and No. 14 – while No. 11 requires a blind shot to an elevated green from where most drives land in a sloping valley.

The par-5 17th got plenty of ink after Tiger Woods’ incident in the 2000 World Golf Championships, when his ball went from pin high to rolling back in the water. Ortiz-Patino has stated he doesn’t exactly understand what all the fuss is about regarding No. 17:

“Most members consider the 17th to be one of the more enjoyable holes on the golf course,” he’s written. “And yet I am told by some commentators that it is ‘controversial’ or even ‘notorious.’”

And for visitors, the sight of the spacious 17th fairway will fill your eyes with tears of joy after so many tighter holes previously. If there is a par 5 to be reckoned with at Valderrama, it’s the signature No. 4 “La Cascada.” This is Jones’ favorite hole on the golf course, but it required tons of renovations to make it so, including the moving of dirt to flatten it a bit and sub-air under the green, as this small surface is protected by constant shade.

If you would like to play Valderrama Golf on your next Spain Golf Vacation contact us for our packages:  tourinfo@roundballgolf.com.

Thursday 28th October saw the first day of the Andalusian Masters tournament at Valderrama, marking the start of the last European Tour event in Spain for the golf season.

The three million euro event continues until Sunday 31st October 2010, before the Dubai World Championships end the season in November.

This is the first Andalusian Masters, which joins the Andalucia open as one of Spains grandest golf tournaments, having been announced by the President of Valderrama Golf Club last December. “This event could, over the years, establish itself as one of the “not  to miss” tournaments on the European Tour Calendar”, he said.

The Valderrama Club, which played host to the Volvo Masters for 21 years, is the choice venue for the new event, in which 96 players battle for the first ever Andalusian Masters trophy, watched by a crowd of thousands.

For a six day seven nights golf vacation package in Spain check this out.

As reported by the SUR in English.

If you are planning for a Spain Golf Vacation Valderrama Golf Club is one not to miss. This championship course is fully enjoyed by players of all handicaps.

This is a two part exploration of Valderrama Golf Course.  For more information on how to book a Spain Golf Vacation including guaranteed tee times at Valderrama golf just complete this simple inquiry/quote request form.

Valderrama Golf Course

Valderrama Golf Course is a 6356 metres par 71 with no hole less than championship quality.

Other Top Golf Courses to Play in Spain

If you have already played Valderrama Golf and are familiar with the Course you may read more about other Top Golf Courses in Spain to Play here. Spain Golf Courses include Sotogrande, La Reserva, Finca Cortesin, Marbella, Flamingos and many more.

Valderrama Golf – 1st Hole ‘Sol y Sombra’ Par 4

The player hits slightly uphill to a fairly wide landing area guarded by trees. Accuracy and length are needed.

Valderrama Golf  – 2nd Hole ‘El Arbol’ Par 4

In the landing area a large Cork Oak dominates the middle of the fairway, but it can be a help, not a hindrance.

Valderrama Golf – 3rd Hole ‘El Tunel’ Par 3

For a short hole, the green is spacious enough, but it settles into the hillside, with fall-away slopes on the left and back, protected by bunkers. A shot missed to the left will leave the player with a very difficult par.

There is also trouble behind the green – a deep grassy pocket backed by an unrelenting tangle of bushes. In the Volvo Masters a player once missed the green and took ten!

Valderrama Golf – 4th Hole ‘La Cascada’

From the Professional tee, to reach the green in two, even with the Levante, will demand a long drive, followed by an accurate 3 wood or long iron to a well-guarded two-tier green with plenty of water behind as well as on the right.

Valderrama Golf – 5th Hole ‘Los Altos’ Par ‘4′

A slight dogleg to the left, this is one of the shorter par 4’s, but it is also one of the most distinctive drive-and-pitch holes a golfer could wish for.

From the landing area on the left side of the fairway only a short iron is needed but the green is protected by a ‘bunker in the sky’ – a Cork Oak tree on the right front side of the green.

Valderrama Golf – 6th Hole ‘El Valejo’ Par 3

The view from the tee is dramatic: the player is 8 metres higher than the green, with a complete view of the six bunkers that encroach right up to the green surface itself. Though large, this green is difficult to putt, with an upper tier at the back that falls towards the front and right. The target area therefore is small. The green has the potential for some diabolical pin placements for championship play.

Valderrama Golf – 7th Hole ‘El Mirador’ Par 5

This hole started life as a par 5, but is now a par 4 for the Professionals, while remaining a par 5 from the Amateur and Ladies tees. The fairway is beautifully defined by Cork trees on the left and Olives on the right.

Valderrama Golf – 8th Hole ‘El Bunker’ Par 4

This hole, the shortest of all the par 4’s, is a slight dogleg to the left. The fairway is framed by Cork trees, so an iron from the tee is recommended. The green is slightly elevated and protected in front by a large semi-circular bunker whose contours are well emphasised, with the back left side nearly two feet higher.

Valderrama Golf – 9th Hole ‘El Muro’ Par 4

This is one of the more difficult of the par 4’s, partly because it is long but also because the green is elevated, with bunkers on both sides that make for a narrow entrance. The green also slopes slightly from front to back and from left to right. Thus the second shot asks the player a very searching question.

Hole descriptions courtesy of Valderrama Golf.

Southwest Ireland is the top destination for golfers traveling to Ireland, play the great links at Ballybunion, Lahinch, Waterville, Old Head, Tralee and more.

Ireland Golf Vacation at its best!

DAY 1:

Scheduled arrival at Shannon Airport, drive two hours to Killarney your base for the next four nights.

DAY 2:

Drive the beautiful Ring-of-Kerry (90 minutes) to play the championship links course at Waterville.

DAY 3:

Forty minute drive to Tralee to play Arnold Palmer’s seaside links course, his first in Europe.

DAY 4:

Drive two hours to play the new Old Head Golf Links with some of the most spectacular scenery of any golf course in the world.

DAY 5:

Off to Ballybunion (one hour) to play the world renowned Old Course.  Ballybunion has been rated one of the top golf course in the British Isles, and it is easy to see why this is one of Tom Watson’s favorite courses.  After golf drive two hours to the Lahinch area your base for the next two nights.

DAY 6:

Play the championship seaside links course of Lahinch; don’t miss the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, twenty minutes from the course.

DAY 7:

Drive (1 hour) to Shannon Airport for departing flight.

COST              ACCOMMODATIONS

$2,225                  Guest House / B & B Homes April & October
$2,398                  Guest House / B & B Homes May – September

$2,495             Mid-priced Hotels April & October
$2,729             Mid-priced Hotels May – September
Killarney Plaza Hotel, Killarney 4 nights
Vaughan Lodge, Lahinch 2 nights

$2,995             Luxury Hotels April & October
$3,295             Luxury Hotels May – September
Killarney Park Hotel, Killarney 4 nights
Dromoland Castle Hotel 2 nights

ALL LAND PRICES ARE PER PERSON AND INCLUDE:

TEE TIMES & GREEN FEES: Confirmed tee times, and pre-paid green fees, subject to availability.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Based on double occupancy of standard twin rooms and includes all local taxes, service charge, value added tax (VAT), and full breakfast each morning.
SELF DRIVE AUTO RENTAL: Based on 4 sharing a manual shift van and includes unlimited mileage, and collision damage waiver (CDW).
NON-GOLFER DEDUCT: $1,245

GROUND TRANSPORTATION OPTION: For 8 sharing a bus & driver who is also a trained guide in Irish History add $475 per person.

All prices are subject to availability and subject to change.

Friday: Depart JFK late evening (allowing for full day at the office).

Saturday: Scheduled morning arrival at Ireland’s Dublin Airport.  Play an afternoon round at the famous Portmarnock Golf Club.  Overnight in the Dublin area the next three nights.

Sunday: Enjoy the historic Royal Dublin Golf Club, five miles from the center of Dublin.

Monday: Today’s test is the seaside links at the European Club.

Tuesday: Play an early round at the Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links.  Flight to JFK departs Dublin at 5:00 pm arriving New York at 7:25 pm.

Prices: $1,719 Portmarnock Links Hotel (4 star)

$2,159 Westin Dublin city center (5 star)

Golf: 4 rounds of great links golf!

Accommodations: 3 nights based on double occupancy, full breakfast included each morning.

Ground Transportation: Based on four sharing automatic self drive van

The Details: Good April 1 – September 30

All taxes are included

Airfare is not included

Customized options available.

Prices subject to availability and change

Call Toll Free from US or Canada  1-800-238-7170 for more information

International – 011.412.344.9212

Golf Vacations in Wales is becoming increasing popular. The top links golf courses in Wales are scattered along the scenic coastline.

Wales can easily be reached from Manchester Airport , Birmingham Airport , the London Airports and Bristol Airport which have non-stop service from Newark via Continental Airlines.

Golf in Wales allows the choice of accommodations ranging from B&B’s to mid-price hotels to small, romantic properties ideal for couples looking to get away and enjoy wonderful golf and quiet surroundings.

Golf in Wales is in many ways like golf in Ireland before the famous Irish links were discovered by the golfing world. The golf community will shortly discover leading up to the 2010 Ryder Cup hosted by the Celtic Manor’s Twenty Ten Course in Southeast Wales .

At the golf courses in Wales you will receive a warm welcome; the locals are very appreciative of your visit to their charming country. The people of Wales are a very proud people with their own customs and language. Some of the towns and hotels names are a challenge to pronounce, but the locals are more than willing to help!

The courses in Northern Wales can easily be combined with the links of Royal Birkdale, Royal Liverpool and Royal Lytham & St. Annes Golf Course all current British Open venues. Royal St. David’s is considered to be the top course in Northern Wales ; other notable golf courses in Wales are Aberdovey, Nefyn, Llandudno, Conwy and Porthmadog.

The courses along Wale’s southern coast are easily combined with golf and / or touring in the London area. The top golf course in Southern Wales is Royal Porthcawl, other top courses are Celtic Manor’s Twenty Ten Course the host venue for the 2010 Ryder Cup, Tenby, Ashburnham, Southerndown, Pennard and Pyle & Kenfig.

Wales promotes itself to golfers saying “Golf as it should be”, we couldn’t agree more.

If you are looking to play top class golf on your next England golf vacation, Roundball Golf Tours will organize tailor made Golf in England tours to allow golfers to play four current British Open venues, Royal St. George’s Golf Club, Royal Liverpool, Royal Birkdale and Royal Lytham & St. Annes Golf Club.

The Royal St. George’s Golf Club is located on ’s Southeast coast within easy drive of London’s major airports and central London. Other links courses in the area include previous Open venues Royal Cinque Ports and Princes not far from the famous White Cliffs of Dover. Combining these three links courses and world-class parkland courses such as Wentworth, Walton Heath or Sunningdale in the London area makes for a nice weeklong golf trip in Uk . Numerous trans-Atlantic flight options into London makes for easy access. With your England Golf Vacation, London city center accommodations can also be arranged for those interested in touring one of the world’s most exciting cities. Sightseeing options include Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Tower of London , Westminster Abbey and Harrods Department Store.

The other three current Open golf courses in England are on the Northwest coast only 60-90 minutes drive from Manchester International Airport, which is served by several carries non-stop from North America. Staying in the seaside town of Southport all the courses are within 75 minutes drive. Other England golf courses in this area are Hillside, Formby, Southport & Ainsdale and Hesketh. Staying in only one hotel still allows you to play six great links course and enjoy the relaxed area around Southport.

For those golfers visiting England and looking to get off the path you might try the likes of The Belfry (home to several Ryder Cups), Ganton Golf Club, Woodhall Spa, Saunton, Royal North Devon at Westward Ho, or St. Mellion.

Golf in England offers a wide selection of world famous British Open venues and hidden gems to fit any budget and all easily accessible from the regions airports.

Call today for a free, no-pressure discussion regarding golf tours to England.