Robert MacIntyre compares Valderrama to famous major venue at Andalucia Masters

European Ryder Cup hopeful Robert MacIntyre described Valderrama as "the closest thing we have to Augusta" after another solid start to the Estrella Damn N.A. Andalucia Masters.

MacIntyre, who beat Matt Fitzpatrick in a playoff to win the DS Automobiles Italian Open, shot 4-under-par in the first round at the 1997 Ryder Cup venue to sit one shot off the lead.

After his fine day's work on Thursday in Spain, MacIntyre spoke of his love of shot-making and shot-shaping which is why he compared the famous course to Augusta National which will once again host The Masters in April.

The Scotsman came tied 12th on his Masters debut in 2021 which earned him his place in this year's event. He secured another top-25 finish in the year's first major, containing his fine form at the course down Magnolia Lane.

"Any score under par round Valderrama with a breeze is always a positive. I left a few out there - I'm rolling it well, I'm hitting it well, I'm driving it well. The game's in good shape," MacIntyre said.

"This is the closest course we'll get to Augusta." @robert1lefty | #EDAM2022 pic.twitter.com/20xuxaA0Db

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) October 13, 2022

"It's brilliant (Valderrama). This is the closest thing that we'll get to Augusta. I love both courses, I love having to hit shots. You're not swinging a golf swing, sometimes you're in the fairway and you've got a tree in the way and you're like 'right'.

"With the wind going in the opposite direction, you've just got to create something and for me, it's more hands rather than body and I just love playing golf the way that this place makes you play golf."

Although Valderrama evokes memories of Europe's win over America 25 years ago under the captaincy of Seve Ballesteros, the club's history could enter a new realm in 2023.

LIV Golf is looking to hold an event in Spain as part of their 2023 schedule in July, and Greg Norman reportedly sees Sergio Garcia as a crucial cog in negotiations.

However, the DP World Tour are confident talks will come to nothing. Further additions to the schedule could include stops in Singapore, Philadelphia, Washington and Australia.