Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood aim to recapture the marvellous memories of their last visit to Valderrama when the World Golf Championships reach European shores for the first time this week.
The pair were both Ryder Cup rookies when Europe retained the trophy by beating the United States over the Costa del Sol’s finest test in 1997.
Now they return for the inaugural American Express Championship – and that will do nicely for Irishman Clarke and England’s Westwood, respectively the 1998 and 1997 winners of the Volvo Masters on Spanish soil.
Clarke, who triumphed at Montecastillo after shooting a superb record-equalling 63 in the final round, commented: “It’s a tremendous climax to the season with the Volvo Masters followed by the American Express Championship.
“I’ve played Valderrama for several years in the Volvo Masters and in the 1997 Ryder Cup and it’s a great test of golf. It is always demanding and challenges you to play your best golf.
“Playing there in the Ryder Cup will always be one of my most cherished memories in golf. I was fortunate enough to win my first game in the competition when Colin Montgomerie and I beat Fred Couples and Davis Love III in the fourballs. I can’t wait to return to play in the final counting event of the season.”
Westwood, like Clarke, know the winning feeling in Spain, having beaten his International Sports Management stable-mate to the Volvo Masters title by twelve months.
The Worksop golfer said: “I can’t wait to return to Valderrama. It is an outstanding test of golf and a fitting finale to the Volvo Order of Merit here in Europe and also the US Money List.
“I look forward to facing the best players from the other Tours, especially over a course which holds so many fond memories for me.
“I will never forget my first Ryder Cup there, when I won two matches with Nick Faldo. It was an electrifying experience and I’m sure the memories will coming flooding back this week.”
Last year, Colin Montgomerie, the eventual No.1, Clarke and Westwood all had opportunities to win the Volvo Order of Merit going into the final event. Despite Clarke’s bold attempt, Montgomerie claimed his sixth title.
Westwood, though further adrift on this occasion, insisted: “My aim was to be as close as possible. There is plenty of money available and all to play for.
“This time last year I was in a similar position. I had a chance going into the last day of the last event, so hopefully I can give myself the same chance.”
