Jaime Ortiz Patiño
This interview with Jaime Ortiz Patiño was first published in Andalucia Magazine in 1995 is archived here for its historical value.
Jaime Ortíz - Patiño. President of the Valderrama Golf Club
Jaime Ortiz Patiño
"Personally, it gives me great pride to be able to offer Spain and Andalucía the Ryder Cup."
Even before the decision that the Ryder Cup was going to be held in Spain, Jaime Ortíz - Patiño offered Valderrama as host to this prestigious event. In 1993 when it was officially decided that Spain would indeed hold the Ryder Cup 1n 1997, Ortíz - Patiñ was more than prepared to fight to make his dream come true. There were four other candidates, but in May the decision was unanimous; Valderrama would host the Ryder Cup in 1997.
AC- Valderrama is an unconventional golf course. What is so special about this course compared to others of its kind?
JO- It is a course that is well cared for, well designed, very difficult to play and requires lots of attention and financing. I have two maintenance crews who work on alternating weeks which means that it is attended to every day. There are a total of forty people responsible for maintaining the perfection of this course.
Just a few hours ago I received a team of technicians from the committee of the American PGA who came to examine the course and they were duly impressed at the excellent condition.
AC- What kind of grass is planted at Valderrama?
Valderrama
JO- Planted on the tees is a variety of grass known as 'Bermuda' which originates in warm climates like Asia and East Africa. It doesn't require much water and is heat and damp resistant. The leaves are scarce but strong and grow from the roots which affects the direction the ball takes on the greens.
On the greens and approaches we have a grass which is typical of cooler climates, a bent type grass which has small, wide, flat leaves. It is susceptible to heat, needs lots of water, lots of attention and little wear. It's considered a luxury to have this grass. For me it's just a fanciful craze and I wouldn't recommend it as it needs a lot of care and attention.
AC- Being such an exclusive club, don't you think that the idea could be forming that golf is an elitist sport?
JO- When establishing this private club, I immediately had the idea of doing something for the public. That is why I was so interested in and insistent upon the creation of the nine hole La Cañada Public Golf Course which was designed by Trent Jones when he came to Valderrama. This was my gift to the village and what is more, on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, twelve players from La Cañada are allowed to practise at Valderrama. We charge them a symbolic sum which we subsequently hand over to their own club.
Valderrama driving range and clubhouse
AC- Since Valderrama was announced host to the Ryder Cup, what changes have been made to the course?
JO- The only significant changes were carried out on hole 17. Trent Jones had already done a sketch but as he is 85 years old he couldn't expand it further so recommended that Severiano Ballesteros take over the final design phase.
AC- Regarding the actual facility and infrastructure, is it sufficiently spacious for an event of this kind?
JO- The course has adequate space to hold a tournament such as this. There is enough room for tents, the public, press, various services, a car park for twelve thousand cars, etc. However the Ryder Cup faces serious logistic problems. On the first day there are only four games in the morning and four in the afternoon, contrary to normal tournaments where there are games from eight o'clock in the morning until two o'clock in the afternoon and when the spectators can follow the player of their choice. Here at the Ryder Cup, the 27,000 spectators will want to be present at the first tee to witness the very first game and exactly the same will happen in the afternoon.
AC- How do you anticipate the Ryder Cup will affect Valderrama in the long term?
Valderrama
JO- As a golf club, the main result will be that of prestige. For me it's a source of great pride and pleasure. It's a great achievement for the golf club as it will be the first time that the tournament is not held in Great Britain. At the same time, it won't result in new members as it's not a club which is open to the public and there«ll be no financial rewards, as such. The results will be mainly of a private nature.
AC- What about Spain and Andalucía?
JO- In both cases it is a unique opportunity because it will be held in a touristic area, just as Turespaña wanted. Thus, it will attract quality tourism, such as golfers. Millions of spectators will follow the event on television and will witness the beauty of Andalucía. Those who come will act as ambassadors for the Costa del Sol to the rest of the world. We have good hotels, formidable golf courses, high class restaurants .... They will be spreading the word, saying: 'we've played golf, we've had fun, the climate is wonderful!'
Valderrama driving range
Yes, I am very happy to be able to offer Spain and Andalucía this unique opportunity for promotion and success.
AC- Do you think golf will become a more popular sport in Spain?
JO- I am sure it will inspire the Spanish; however until there are more public courses available there will never be a mass appeal. In the USA there are ten thousand such courses, in Great Britain more than two thousand, in Ireland nearly all are public. We can do the same here. At present there are lots of golf clubs but most are private and, clearly, if golf is to be a popular sport in Spain, we have to introduce more public golf courses.