James Stuart
This interview was first published in Andalucia Magazine in 1996 and is archived here for its historical value.
James Stuart
James Stewart came to Sotogrande fourteen years ago and his first contact with Valderama was was as a member of the club. In 1991 Ortíz - Patiño asked him for help in organising the Ryder cup campaign. Finally last year he was appointed Director of the Valderrama Golf Club.
AC- How many members are there in the club and what conditions must be fulfilled to play on the course?
JS- At the moment we have 330 members with the capacity for 500. Apart from the members, we receive non-members from midday to 2 pm every day. Men must have a handicap of 24 and women 30. The minimum age is sixteen but we tend to be flexible because we want to promote golf among young people.
AC- Which tournaments take place in the club?
JS- The club has hosted the Volvo Masters every October since 1988. And there are also private competitions at the club level, such as our Annual Championship.
AC- The Ryder Cup will be celebrated in Valderrama in about one year. Let's talk about your role in the organisation of this event?
JS- I am in charge of everything related to the club house, such as setting up the rooms that are going to be used by players during the tournament. Although they will be living at the San Roque Club, which is the official hotel of the Ryder Cup, the European team will have the TV room available and the American team will be able to use the bridge room. Furthermore, I am a member of the Valderrama Ryder Cup committee so I am involved in everything. We are not the organisers of the tournament, but are helping Ryder Cup Limited in every way we can.
AC- The tournament will begin on the 26th September. When are the teams expected to arrive?
JS- The Ryder Cup will be inaugurated on Friday and both teams are expected to arrive on Monday, as Tuesday will be the first day of play.
With regards the future of Valderrama, James Stewart says that after the Ryder Cup he will concentrate on improving the course at all levels so that it continues to be amongst the very best in Europe.