Golfers are spoilt for choice on the Costa del Sol, with more than 70 golf course dotted across the breadth of its coastline. The most prestigious, however, has to be Club de Golf Valderrama, situated in the exclusive sporting town of Sotogrande. Designed by leading American golf architect Robert Trent Jones - and ranked among the top 10 golf courses in Europe - the 18-hole par 71 golf course at Sotogrande has seen many a tournament played out on its undulating greens (the 1997 Ryder Cup, WGC-American Express and the Volvo Masters, to name but a few).

The course stretches some 6,356-metres, and can be enjoyed by players of all handicaps. When he walked onto the course, Severiano Ballesteros, England Captain, said: “It’s impossible to imagine a golf course in better condition”. Precision is required for every shot, however, and the course provides a challenge for those wishing to up their game. The notorious 17^th hole – which caused such a great divide in play during the 2000 World Golf Championships – is still disputed to this day. A green with bunkers behind and slopes forward to an azure-coloured lake has elicited a love/hate relationship amongst players. While some pros have written off the hole as ‘unplayable’, others have said it is the most enjoyable hole on the course. For those not ready to take on the 17^th hole – or any of the others, for that matter - the Practice Ground, which is packed with avid golfers during the weekend, has been described by champ Nick Faldo as the best in Europe.

The on-site Club House doesn’t let down, either. Having undergone a significant refurbishment in 2002, visitors will find understated elegance and ever conceivable amenity within its four grand walls. Whether relaxing with an ice-cold gin and tonic in the bar post-game, or enjoying a sumptuous three-course meal in the restaurants, visitors are assured of utter relaxation after they’ve battled it out on the fairways. The buffet-style Sunday lunch is particularly pleasing, too.

But Valderrama doesn’t stop there, however. The Golf Museum is one of the club’s highlights. Exhibiting Jaime Oritz-Patiño’s Golf Collection – Valderrama’s enthusiastic President – the museum is the perfect place for fans of the sport to come and admire his selection of fine art, silver and first editions. There’s also a Pro Shop, should golfers want to stock up on essential supplies, or official Valderrama merchandise.

Just 20 minutes from Gibraltar, and half an hour from Marbella, Valderrama is also one of the Costa del Sol’s most accessible golf courses. Play here, and be amongst legends.

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