Course Notes:
Campo de Golf Parador de El Saler (Valencia, Spain)
Year opened: 1968
Designer: Javier Arana ("the architect of Spanish golf")
Years hosted Open de Espana: 1984, 1989, 2001
Yardage: 6,350 yards; 5,810 meters
Par: 72
Course record: 62; Berhard Langer (-10) in 1984
Accolades:
-Considered one of the top-60 courses in the world
-Considered top-three in Europe
-Considered for the host course for the 1997 Ryder Cup
-Hosted the 2003 Seve Trophy
While the course may not be as famous as the hotel, the European Tour must view it as the ideal test that a national Open should be. German legend Berhard Langer won the Spanish Open held at El Saler in 1984 (-13) and 1989 (-7), showing that precision and good putting is an ideal winning formula. Sweden's all-time leader in European Tour wins (11), Robert Karlsson, won in 2001 (-11) showing that power is certainly rewarded.
The course is located on the coast, presenting a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea to go with normally picture-perfect weather. World #16 Sergio Garcia has high praise for the course, saying: "I've always said that it's one of the best Spanish courses. I am sure the conditions will be perfect and we will enjoy a great show. I encourage all golf fans to come down to Valencia, because they're going to have the time of their lives."
The course features ten par-4's, eight of which play under 400 yards, which makes a player's short game and wedge play an essential ingredient for success. The longest hole is the par-5 11th hole at 519 yards.
Early commitments: Sergio Garcia (2002 winner), Francesco Molinari (defending champion), Chris Wood, and Thomas Aiken (2011 winner)
Sources:
http://www.parador.es/en/cargarFichaParadorOtrosContenidos1.do?parador=066
No comments:
Post a Comment