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Last Ever Andalucía Masters at Valderrama – now at Real Club de Golf Sotogrande from 17 – 20 October 2024

This was the last in a series of eight tournaments Estrella Damm had committed itself to as a sponsor! The Real Club Valderrama had switched over to LIV Golf for 2023 and we all thought, that was that then…and then BIG news was announced – so massive, it has changed the landscape of professional golf forever: The PGA Tour, the DP World Tour and PIF (Public Investment Fund, including LIV Golf League) have signed an agreement and are merging to unify golf on a global level. Wow, what?

Yes, it shocked the world, but on a commercial level it does make sense! But how commercial do we want a sport we all love so much to be, without eradicating true competition? Well, the agreement also means that PIF will make a capital investment into the newly created partnership in order to push growth and success of global team golf. Furthermore, it will also put an end to two years of legal wrangling, bad feelings, help a divided golf community heal and ultimately reward players and fans to come together to enjoy the sport they love more at a heightened level.

Anyway, we still had great fun at the last Estrella Damm Andalucia Masters when we set up the camera by the 18th green – a killer hole to play, which demands ultimate concentration, luck as well (many say) and a skilled short game. To watch Adrian Otaegui reach a comfortable lead over these 4 days was a privilege! To see the ‘young’ master at work, apparently not being phased in the slightest by it all, when many a player has ‘lost the tournament’ on the 18th, was simply incredible and, actually, unforgettable too, since he smashed the tournament record by finishing 19 under par! The previous record was set by Sergio Garcia in 2018, but Otaegui smashed that by a mile. His fellow players on the last day, the Swede Lagergren finished an impressive 13 under par, and Angel Hidalgo from Marbella, who actually led the tournament at one stage, finished a very respectable 8 under par.

Anyone, who knows Valderrama and has played or visited the course during the glorious days of either the Volvo Masters, the Ryder Cup in 1997 or the Andalucia Masters that followed, will know just how difficult it is to play the best Spanish golf course even at level par. So, massive congratulations and felicidades to ‘our man from the North’ for this spectacular victory at the last Estrella Damm Andalucia Masters – Seve (Ballesteros) would have been proud of you!

LIV GOLF LEAGUE AT REAL CLUB VALDERRAMA

One of Spain’s most desirable lifestyle destinations will be on fire when the LIV Golf League descends onto Valderrama in sunny Sotogrande! This brand-new format of professional golf as a tour has much to show for, offering fans and golf enthusiasts a three-day-long fun-filled experience at the best golf club in Spain.

There are a variety of options available to the spectator:

  • the GROUND PASS allows access to a festival-style village, with great food & drink to fuel up, as well as interactive fun things to do
  • the BIRDIE SHACK offers exclusive access to an open-air covered venue by the 17th with a live DJ bringing party vibes and a separate bar service with drink coupons
  •  the GALLERY CLUB LOGE BOX is where you need to be for your corporate event, wanting to impress clients and guests, providing premium views of the 11th, 14th & 15th tee. Each box provides space for up to 6 people, with a dedicated waitress service and all-inclusive bar
  • the CLUB54 experience is second to none, providing an ultra-premium experience, allowing aficionados to watch players warming up, as well as chilling on a special viewing terrace right on the 18th green. A full ground pass in included, of course, but don’t miss out on a chef-created, multi-course menu you can indulge in whilst all the action continues on the course

For Adrian Otaegui to have won the Andalucia Masters presents a double feat, as he actually is the first golfer to win on the DP World Tour, who has also been competing in several LIV Golf events.

A NEW GLOBAL SPORTS SENSATION: LIVE GOLF

Its inaugural season in 2022 drew thousands of spectators to internationally selected golf courses, including London’s Centurion Club, Chicago’s Rich Harvest Farm, Real Club Valderrama and many more world-leading golf venues. The name comes from the Roma numeral 54 – a perfect golf score over 18 holes. Greg Norman, it’s CEO and former world No.1 golfer and Golf Hall of Fame inductee, thinks this new format of a golf event has already captured the attention of fans around the world.

He said, that the organisation has already ‘received a great response from fans throughout the year of beta-testing, with one resounding theme: LIV Golf’s team format, innovations and festival-like events are delivering a one-of-a-kind golf experience.’ The 2023 season consists of 14 events, of which nine are expected to be played in the USA and another five on championship courses around the world. Players will compete for both individual and team points, as well as prize money.

There are 12 teams, made up of world-class golf stars in individual and team competitions. With 48 players all in all, on smaller fields offering more action. Shotgun starts mean immediate action everywhere, right from the start. The Individual Champion will be decided on points accumulated by the end of the season, whilst a Team Championship event will be ending the season.

During the LIV Golf League season, the individual and team players will be sharing a prize pot of a whopping $ 405 million in total. The new agreement ensures, that there will be no conflict with either Majors, other international team events or Heritage tournaments.

Winners of the Andalucía Masters at Real Club de Valderrama

  • 2010 – Graeme Mc Dowell (-3)
  • 2011 – Sergio Garcia (-6)
  • 2016 – Open de España: Andrew Johnston (+1)
  • 2017 – Sergio Garcia (-12)
  • 2018 – Sergio Garcia (-12)
  • 2019 – Christiaan Bezouidenhout (-10)
  • 2020 – John Catlin (+2)
  • 2021 – Matt Fitzpatrick (-6)
  • 2022 – Adriàn Otaegui (-19) Tournament Record

 

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What’s It Like Going to Sun & Snow Weekend in Sierra Nevada from 4 – 7 April

What’s it like going to Sun & Snow Weekend? Well, we’re going to tell you! Because we went there to find out and report back!

Every year thousands of EDM lovers descend on the Sierra Nevada National Park in Andalucia for a music event like no other.

But you don’t even need to knock the ice off your skis because we’re going to tell you all about Sun & Snow Weekend, including what to expect if you’re headed there in the future.

Want more? Make sure you follow us on TikTok, Instagram and, of course, YouTube, to see all our festival season hijinks.

What’s it Like at Sun & Snow Weekend in Sierra Nevada?

Sun & Snow Weekend music festival is a 3-day electronic music event held in the sensational Sierra Nevada National Park in Andalucia, Spain. And it’s unlike anything you’ve experienced before.

With the likes of Andalucia BIG Festival and Ultra Beach Festival, southern Spain is becoming a musical hub. And, albeit with a different vibe, Sun & Snow is helping develop that reputation even more.

Established in 2019, Sun & Snow Weekend has grown to become a household name on the European club scene calendar. Taking place around 3,000 meters above sea level, it’s also one of the highest events on the calendar.

Huge acts from all corners of the EDM universe pump out the tunes across three stages. But there’s also high-flying snow sports, stunning scenery and incredible eats to look forward to.

That year was another stonking year for the boutique festival, with top-dog artists such as Âme headlining, as well as Cato Anaya, CC:Disco, Carlita, Echonomist, Kid Simius, Monolink, The Element, Foreverness, Kevin Ganora, Lorena Caba, Maik Miroux & Two Ex and many more at the decks, the atmosphere, whether open air or in the Mountain Club tent was electric. With its first edition only in 2018, this young festival is firmly marking its place on the European raver’s map. And with historic Granada just down the road, the whole area offers great experiences all around.

So, it’s easy to see why this festival has become so popular so quickly. But, before we talk more about the event, let’s shed some light on that unique locale.

Where is Sun & Snow Weekend?

As we’ve mentioned, Sun & Snow is held in Sierra Nevada National Park, Andalucia in Spain.

Andalucia is normally more synonymous with the European Polo Championships, Masters golf and the sun-soaked beaches of the Costa Del Sol. However, the Sierra Nevada mountain range poses a very different atmosphere.

In the town of Pradollano, you’ll find a ski resort that’s all about living life to the fullest. Although the ski resort is open all year round, in April you’ll find some of the biggest acts in the EDM world coming together on the Iberian Peninsula.

Aerial shot of the Sierra Nevada mountain range where we found out what’s it like going to Sun & Snow Weekend?

Best Things to Do Sun & Snow Weekend in Sierra Nevada

Of course, Sun & Snow is all about huge tunes and gorgeous scenery. But what are some of the best things to do at the festival?

  1. Explore three stages
  2. Ski the slopes
  3. Marvel at the snowpark
  4. Discover Pradollano
  5. Admire the view

Three Stages to Enjoy

Sun & Snow is made up of three main stages; The Altitude Stage, Igloo Stage and Mountain Club. Catch incredible music across all 3 venues over the weekend. But let’s give you more info about each, as there are some nuances to remember.

The Altitude Stage

An outdoor terrace stage located at the Borreguiles ski station, the Altitude Stage is alive from 11am – 4:30pm on Saturday. However, if you want to check out this exclusive space, you’ll need to do so via cable car which costs around 21 euros for a return journey.

Igloo Stage

Open on Friday and Saturday from 5pm to 3am and on Sunday from 2pm to 4am, the Igloo Stage is a smaller space where some of the more experimental acts come to deliver epic sets. We managed to see and catch up with the incredible Maik Miroux here too!

TA-DA.TV at the Igloo Stage at Sun & Snow Weekend, interviewing DJ Maik Miroux.

Mountain Club

The big one, The Mountain Club is where headline acts come to smash out showstopping performances. Open all weekend from 7:30pm to 6am, this is where we caught an awesome set by house icon Âme.

Go Skiing on the Famous Slopes

The Sierra Nevada National Park is a renowned skiing area in Europe. So, it’s the perfect opportunity to try out the slopes when you’re not taking in the incredible music.

There are slopes of varying difficulty levels, which means skiers of all abilities can get involved with the snowy good times. Although, intermediate skiers will probably be best equipped.

Raise Your Pulse at the Snowpark

While we’re on the subject of snowsports, if you a fan of high-flying fun, then the snowpark is where you need to be. Thrillseekers will love getting out on the ramps and building up some epic hangtime.

On the other hand, if you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, just grab a coffee and watch the rest of them put in the hard work.

I know what we’d rather be doing!

Discover Pradollano

Beyond the banging tunes and brilliant slopes, Pradollano also offers a veritable feast for the senses. As one of the leading ski resorts in the Sierra Nevada region, it’s home to some amazing activities – not least the food and drink!

Uncover a host of bars, restaurants, cafes and more in the town. Plus, if you’ve decided to find out what it’s like going to Sun & Snow Weekend as part of a road trip, you’re in luck. Because Pradollano is also home to the largest underground car park in Spain.

Alternatively, the larger town of Granada is just 25 minutes away. So, if you’re thinking of staying for the whole weekend (and you’re not parking up a campervan) then the hotels in Granada might be your best bet for digs.

Be Wowed! By the Views

One thing you won’t be short of at Sun & Snow Weekend is majestic views. The Sierra Nevada put on a show every evening with magical sunsets dipping below the peaks in a golden embrace.

Who hasn’t heard of the world-famous Alhambra, watching over the great city of Granada! Bordered by the provinces of Málaga, Jaén, Cordoba & quite a few others, it is central to stunning countryside, awe-inspiring history, great adventures to be had in the Sierras Nevada and culinary experiences found at every street corner. Of course, the Alhambra is by far not the only attraction in Granada city and province: there’s the Generalife Palace, the impressive cathedral, the Paseo de los Tristes, an array of great houses, and so much more to see, quite apart from the beaches of the Mediterranean Sea.

A great way to see the best of the view is on a hiking trail. Of course, it might seem like a large commitment to head out hiking while at a festival. But we promise the views won’t disappoint.

View of the mountains from Pradollano.

Do You Need to Know How to Ski To Go To Sun & Snow Weekend?

It’s a similar scenario to Snowbombing at Sun & Snow. Yes, this is a ski resort and, yes, there will be lots of people hitting the slopes. But, no, you don’t need to know how to ski to get around and have a good time at the festival.

The stages are well laid out across the area and the restaurants and bars of beautiful Pradollano are easily accessible on foot.

Is Sun & Snow Weekend Worth It?

Absolutely! This place is dripping with great vibes. From the incredible tunes to the (just as incredible) views from the mountain, it’s impossible not to have a good time here.

We recommend spending some time at the Igloo Stage on Saturday and closing off your weekend with one of the many huge acts on at the Mountain Club.

Check Out Our Dedicated Music Channel For More

If you like this, then you’re going to love our Music Channel.

That’s where we share all our latest news, reviews, interviews and updates from the biggest music events across Europe