Valderrama chief previews Gleneagles’ Ryder Cup

Oct 22 2010 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A LEADING continental golf pro is tipping Gleneagles to host a Ryder Cup to remember in 2014, writes Gordon Bannerman.

But Perth Academy and Auchterarder High School FP Derek Brown, the long-time general manager at exclusive Spanish retreat and 1997 Ryder Cup venue, Valderrama, admits he’d prefer the clash between Europe and America was played out over the historic King’s Course, rather than the Jack Nicklaus-designed PGA Centenary track.

Derek (62), who swapped working life in an Auchterarder bank for the glamour of golf at Gleneagles in his youth, savoured the glitz and glamour the competition brought to a Costa del Sol venue which wasn’t exactly short of it in the first place.

Valderrama, a private members club under the stewardship of wealthy entrepreneur Jaime Ortiz-Patino, has become firmly established as one of the most exclusive and highly regarded golf courses on mainland Europe.

It’s long been home to Derek and despite an imminent mega-million takeover deal, the personable Scot plans to see out his working life in the Andalucian sunshine.

But he was happy to cast an expert eye over plans coming together in his native Perthshire for the 2014 event, and the spin-off benefits it will have for the region and Scotland as a whole.

Derek remarked: “Gleneagles is already established as a world famous resort so it’s really a question of how they build on the Ryder Cup afterwards. This is really the icing on the cake. To say you have hosted a Ryder Cup is something special.

“I always felt it was just a matter of time before they got the Ryder Cup. It was a long-time aim of manager Peter Lederer.

“But as a local lad I know what was there long before the PGA Centenary Course. And I’m a great fan of the King’s Course. They say it’s too short for today’s professionals but it would be a fantastic course to host this competition. Sure there would be birdies galore but it would just add to the excitement.

“You can be sure Gleneagles will provide a fantastic venue and ensure it is a memorable occasion. God willing, the weather will be better than Celtic Manor had recently and it will he an absolute joy.”

Derek has enjoyed two spells in charge at exclusive Valderrama and savoured the atmosphere of the Ryder Cup when it was lured to Spain.

At that stage, he was in charge at the Atalaya Park hotel and golf complex, with a second stint at Valderrama not yet teed-up.

Derek recalled: “The event has grown and grown since then. Look at the media coverage from Celtic Manor. It is unbelievable now.

“Valderrama was probably the last of the smaller-scale Ryder Cup but there were still 25,000 fans here every day. Seve Ballesteros was captain and the Europeans won again. It was a special occasion. President George Bush, who is an honorary member here at Valderrama, was joined by the King and Queen of Spain.

“The opening ceremony was staged on the driving range and it was truly spectacular. The horses from the world famous school at Jerez were centre-stage. I know they will put on something special at Gleneagles, showcasing the best of Scotland.”

Gleneagles still holds a special place in Derek’s heart, having spent more than 16 years under legendary pro Ian Marchbank, before close friend and Open winner Tony Jacklin first lured him to the Costa del Sol.

And between his years in the Spanish sunshine, he returned to Perthshire to help spearhead Gleneagles Golf Developments with Ian Ferrier.

Derek said: “The Glen is part of me – and I am delighted it will be hosting the next Ryder Cup in Europe.”

See PA feature on pages 36 and 37.