The staging of the Real Club Valderrama Open de España hosted by the Sergio García Foundation, from April 14-17, marks the return of the European Tour to one of its most iconic venues, the backdrop of unforgettable moments in the history of European golf.
To date, Valderrama has hosted 20 international tournaments, including two World Golf Championships, as well as being the first Ryder Cup venue in Continental Europe.
Real Club Valderrama’s relationship with the European Tour began with the 1988 Volvo Masters. This season-ending event was held for 16 years at the Spanish venue with star-studded fields. Sir Nick Faldo won the inaugural edition and was followed by such legendary figures as Sandy Lyle (1992), Colin Montgomerie (1993, 2002), Bernhard Langer (1994, 2002), Ian Poulter (2004), Paul McGinley (2005) and Justin Rose (2007).
The greatest milestone in the club’s history was the staging of the first edition of the Ryder Cup played outside the Great Britain in 1997. Under the captaincy of Seve Ballesteros, Europe recorded a 14½ - 13½ victory over the United States, despite a final-day fightback from Tom Kite’s team, which included debutant Tiger Woods.
Two years later, a dominant Woods claimed the inaugural edition of the WGC-American Express Championship. Woods led by four on the 17th tee, but after twice hitting into the water for a triple bogey, he went up against Miguel Ángel Jiménez in a play-off, beating the home favourite on the first extra hole. Canada’s Mike Weir won 12 months later in 2000.
More recently, the Andalucía Valderrama Masters has featured on The Race to Dubai. Graeme McDowell won the 2010 edition, and in 2011 Sergio Garcia finally claimed the first Spanish victory at Valderrama after holding off Jiménez in an enthralling Sunday duel.
Tickets for the tournament are available at www.tickets.europeantour.com including Any One Day Tickets from Thursday to Sunday which cost €15.00 per day if purchased before the week of the event and €20 per day if purchased during the tournament week.
