Valderrama is a 6356 metres par 71 with no hole of less than championship quality but it can be fully enjoyed by players of all handicaps, thanks to the genius of Robert Trent Jones, Senior, whom many consider the leading golf architect of his day.

The amenability of the golf course to the handicap golfer and its deliberate severity to the championship player owe much to the extensive range of tees. Each hole has a Professional tee (6356 metres), a Club Championship tee (5994), an Executive tee (5498) and a Seniors' tee (5053), as well as a ladies Professional tee (5294) and a ladies Club tee (4873). The tees are differentiated not just by distance but by careful siting.

Valderrama has two prevailing winds: the poniente from the land, which in summer can be very hot, and the levante from the Mediterranean, which brings a cooler sea breeze. The changed conditions, depending on which one is blowing, add variety to a golf course that is already rich in shot values.