Robert Trent Jones Snr. designed the course in 1974. However, it was not until 1985 that Valderrama began to climb the 'Golf World' rankings. This was primarily due to the fact that a new club was formed, who asked Trent Jones Snr. to redesign the course after they had acquired more land. Shortly after Valderrama became the No. 1 course it mainland Europe, and has stayed there ever since.

The versatility of Valderrama to suit the level of player is unparalleled. Each hole has six tees (professional, club championship, executive, seniors, ladies professional and ladies club), which not only vary in distance, but in careful appropriate siting too.

The annual flagship event of the PGA European Tour, the Volvo Masters, began at Valderrama in 1988 and was held annually until 1996. Winners such as Faldo, Lyle, Langer and Mongomerie testify to the championship features of the course.

Valderrama's Clubhouse offers great views over the golf course. The outside of the building is traditional Andalucian, but the inside has been redesigned to an elegant and convenient layout.

The elegant dining room offers excellent food at reasonable prices in a relaxed environment surrounded with regalia of the course. There are many areas offering great open views of the course, and you can even dine al fresco. Th personnel have almost all held positions at noted hotels and restaurants on a global scale, and as such, can cater perfectly to Andalucian cuisine as well as more international tastes.