Some of the world's top golfers will be at Valderamma today

The European Tour returns to Valderrama today for the inaugural Andalucia Valderrama Masters. With a win or a tie for second place Martin Kaymer will become World Number 1.

A strong field of 96 players has assembled at the famous club. As the 2010 Race to Dubai approaches its conclusion, the winner's cheque for €500,000 could prove crucial to those in contention.

Martin Kaymer has the opportunity to take Tiger Woods' crown as World Number 1 this week if he finishes tied second or better. The German has enjoyed an incredible season and has won on his last three European Tour starts - The USPGA Championship, the KLM Open and the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. A victory here would go a long way to securing the 2010 Race to Dubai for the 25-year-old.

2010 US Open champion Graeme McDowell is Kaymer's closest challenger in the Race to Dubai but he's currently €1,000,000 back from the German. The Northern Irishman will be aiming for nothing less than victory at Valderrama.

Joining the two 2010 Major winners on the start sheet are their victorious Ryder Cup team mates - Ross Fisher, Peter Hanson, Miguel Angel Jimenez and the Molinari brothers.

Last week's winner Matteo Manassero will play, so will Sergio Garcia and Jose Maria Olazabal as they continue their respective comebacks.

Valderrama is  Spain's best-known course having hosted 16 Volvo Masters plus the 1997 Ryder Cup.