Martin Kaymer will return to Real Club Valderrama for the second successive season after the German was added as a late invite for the Andalucia Valderrama Masters hosted by the Sergio Garcia Foundation.
The two-time Major winner challenged for the title on the famous Spanish course last year, entering the final round one shot off the lead, but eventually finished for a share of sixth place as Englishman Andrew Johnston lifted the Open de España title.
Kaymer will be hoping to mount another serious challenge at a venue of which he has often expressed his admiration, last year calling it “one of the most iconic courses in Europe”.
The 32 year old’s addition to the field, alongside his friend and tournament host Sergio Garcia, provides a huge boost for an event which already boasts the last two Masters Tournament Champions – with Danny Willett joining Garcia in the field – and World Number Five Jon Rahm.
Padraig Harrington will also play in Spain for the first time in nine years when the three-time Major winner from Ireland tees it up at a venue which, exactly 20 years ago, famously hosted The Ryder Cup, won by Seve Ballesteros’ European team.
Kaymer said: “I was delighted to receive a late invite for the Andalucia Valderrama Masters. Valderrama is just one of those special courses which you always want to play if you are given the opportunity.
“Of course, having Sergio as host played a part in my decision and it looks like it is going to be a great event with a really strong field.”
Next week will mark the return of the Andalucia Valderrama Masters to the European Tour schedule for the first time since 2011, when Garcia emerged victorious after finishing one stroke clear of compatriot Miguel Angel Jiménez.
Garcia will be playing on home soil for the first time since his famous triumph at Augusta National in April, when he overcame Englishman Justin Rose in a play-off.
Rahm, meanwhile, will make his first appearance in Spain since turning professional after a meteoric rise to the top of the game. The 22 year old joined the paid ranks in 2016 and claimed his maiden professional title on the US PGA Tour in January.
He then emulated his hero Seve Ballesteros in July when he stormed to a dominant victory and his first European Tour win at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open hosted by the Rory Foundation.
