Hello golfers,

Welcome to the latest edition of our weekly newsletter. In this week's email, we ask you whether you've noticed something different on your putter, we have our second video from Ian Poulter, and we have the latest update from the last of our International Matches. Enjoy the read.

International Matches

The third and final matches of this seasons International Matches took place on Saturday, 14 October on the West Course – the course considering all the ongoing course works was in great condition and altogether 68 Golfers took part on the day – both sets of matches were very closely fought and the Irish team defeated the English and winning The Ball of Malt and the ROW (Rottweiler’s) beating the Scots and winning The Ball of Glitter.

The day commenced with Coffee and Pastries which seemed to be a popular alternative to Coffee and Bacon Rolls and after the Golf a traditional SPGC Ploughman’s buffet lunch was well received by all the players.

These results resulted in the final points table being:

IRELAND – 4 Points
ROTWEILLERS – 4 Points
SCOTLAND – 3 Points
ENGLAND – 1 Point (must need to have a new Captain!)

If you wish to play in either of these matches in 2018 could you add yourself to the respective squads and then update your availability in Match Management once the fixtures have been added to the online Diary or contact the respective Captains – Upin Dattani (ROW), Charles Andrew (Sco), Kevin Collins (Ire) and David Brenes (Eng).

Andalucia Valderrama Masters

The Andalucia Valderrama Masters hosted by the Sergio Garcia Foundation will feature a number of star players including the host himself, another home favourite Jon Rahm, Martin Kaymer and Padraig Harrington.

This is the third running of the Valderrama Masters. It was first contested in 2010 when U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell took the title and then again in 2011 when it was home favourite Sergio Garcia who came out on top. It is six years since the event was last a fixture on the European Tours schedule.

The course at Valderrama is one of Spain’s best-known having hosted 16 Volvo Masters, the 1997 Ryder Cup, the Valderrama Masters of 2010 and 2011 and the 2016 Open de Espana. Constructed in 1974 by Robert Trent Jones Snr, it was expanded and improved when the club was acquired by Jaime Ortiz-Patiño in 1984. Further alterations were made for last year’s Open de Espana when cork trees were pruned on a number of holes.

Tournament host Sergio Garcia is looking forward to returning to the site of his 2011 triumph.

“Valderrama is a very special place for me, full of good memories,” he said. “Obviously the best was when I finally managed to win in 2011. It is one of my favourite courses, one of the best in the world, and I always enjoy playing there.”

Player Watch:

Sergio Garcia – The tournament host and Masters champion won this event last time it was contested in 2011 and has stated how much he enjoys the course. He played some good golf in Italy last week and was in contention through 36-holes. Although he faded a little on the weekend, he’ll be feeling positive coming into this event on home soil.

Shane Lowry – The Irishman has a great touch and this will be important to success around Valderrama. He may have missed the cut in Italy but he was two-under for 36 holes and his performances in the British Masters and Dunhill Links suggested he’s knocking on the door of a return to form.

Marcus Fraser – Something of a long shot but Fraser did play well in last week’s Italian Open to finish fifth. Had it not been for a poor third round he could have contended for victory. He’s a great strategist and the testing course at Valderrama should suit his game.

Click here to keep an eye on this week's leaderboard.