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VALDERRAMA

COSTA DEL SOL, SPAIN
WHAT?
Bolivian tin billionaire Jaime Ortiz-Patino bought an ordinary Andalucían golf course and spent a fortune redesigning it with its original architect, Robert Trent Jones. The result is a modern masterpiece. Top US courses use 600 water sprinklers to create a perfect surface; Valderrama uses 4,600

WHERE?
In the hills above Sotogrande on the Costa del Sol, not far from Marbella. Gibraltar is close by and Africa's north coast is just visible. Most of the Costa del Golf is about mass appeal; Valderrama is an elite enclave. But visitors can get keys to the kingdom

WHY?
Because Europe's victory in the 1997 Ryder Cup secured the course's place in legend. Because the 17th hole has had more intensive makeovers than Michael Jackson. Because you'll experience fairways better conditioned than most greens.

WHEN?
Any time. Senor Ortiz-Patino runs a tight ship (some say the poniente and levante winds only blow with his permission) and Valderrama is never allowed to be overplayed. Write politely to the club and you will be rewarded with a coveted tee-time. Don't be late

CONTACT
11310 Sotogrande, Spain (00 34 956 791200; www.valderrama.com). Green fees from about £135
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