Category Archives: Golf News

Golf Experience – Christmas Newsletter

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Happy Christmas to all our Clients!

We would like to wish all our clients a very happy and peaceful Christmas.

Living on the Costa del Sol, Christmas has a habit of creeping up on you. We don’t have the usual reminders of endless Christmas marketing or scraping the frost off the windscreens to tell us that the season’s have changed. So much has happened this year and despite all the doom and gloom we are happy to say that 2012 was another good one.

As some wise person once said “change is the only constant” and 2012 saw much change not just here on the Costa de Sol but throughout Europe and beyond. These are indeed challenging times. Every new season brings new challenges and 2013 will be no different. Adapting to change and taking care of clients is our business mantra and we will continue to strive to ensure that your trips to Iberia are as enjoyable and value packed as possible.

Have a great Christmas and we look forward to seeing you soon for some well deserved golf in the sun!

Introducing Golf Experience – Ireland.

For an Irish Company based in Spain, organising Golf holidays to the Iberian Peninsula is second nature. Even more natural would be if that same company extended its range of destinations to the one it knows best – The Island of Ireland.

golf experience ireland time to play

Golf in Ireland has never been as popular with 4 major winners, Rory McIIroy, Darren Clarke, Graeme McDowell and Padraig Harrington taking hold of the professional game over recent years and in doing so generating huge interest in their golfing roots. Ireland has nearly 30% of the links golf courses in the world.

From internationally renowned courses to welcoming local clubs in every corner of the country, Ireland is a golfer’s paradise.

The friendliness and hospitality of Irish people is legendary. Top professional golfers such as Tiger Woods, Tom Watson, Mark O’Meara and Phil Mickelson to mention just a few, all speak fondly of their golf experience in Ireland particularly the warmth of the people and our world class golf courses. Golf in Ireland has a soul like no other, experience a Golf Trip to Ireland and see for yourself.

So if you are looking for a break from the sun and to play some of the world’s most challenging courses drop us a line on info@golfexperience.net and we will revert with a proposal.

The old head West CorkThe Old Head- West Cork

Killarney Golf Club

Killarney GC

Throughout 2013 we will be adding some more exciting destinations to our range – watch this space.

Ballyliffin Golf ClubBallyliffin GC

Delta Air lines J.F.K. – Malaga Service

Delta Air Lines confirm that they will reinstate their successful JFK – Malaga (non-stop) service 5 days a week June – September 2013.

Delta Airlines Malaga AirportDelta Aircraft at Malaga Airport

Golf Experience Expands

We are happy to announce the arrival of Regina Calleja to our team of golf specialists. Regina joins Golf Experience from Los Naranjos Golf Club where she worked in reservations.

The feisty Basque is a graduate of the Les Roches International School of Hotel Management in Marbella. Her email address is regina@golfexperience.net so feel free to contact her for any golf bookings or car-hire requirements.

Regina Golf ExperienceRegina (hard at work obviously).

Mijas Los Lagos re-opens.

Mijas Los Lagos course has reopened after being closed for the entire year. The course has been re-designed and greatly improved. All 18 greens have been rebuilt and a new drainage system installed. Previously both courses were priced similarly but Los Lagos is now being sold at a small premium over Los Olivas.

Mijas Los Lagos Golf Course SpainThe New Mijas Los Lagos.

Wild Boars at Marbella Golf Club Resort.

One might wonder what kind of damage unwelcome visitors such as wild boars can do to a golf course. Green keepers at Marbella Golf Club Resort have been dealing with the effects of the intrusion on their course recently.

The animals tend to drink from the lakes and snuffle in the soft grass, ripping up the manicured playing surfaces.

Course managers are constantly trying new ways to prevent the boar from causing the night time damage.

However, the animals are said to be very intelligent, so making it difficult to trick them and their powerful frames make a mockery of fence lines and bush borders.

Golf - what a boar

Dona Julia Golf Club gains traction!

Dona Julia Golf ClubDoña Julia Golf Club

The once popular Doña Julia having re-opened over a year ago is beginning to regain its place among the better value end of the Costa’s golf market. With average annual green-fees at or below €50 including buggy and given the overall condition and excellent lay-out of the course an increasing number of clients are requesting it.

The club’s only draw backs are the provisional nature of the club-house and the excessive amount of ghost apartment developments surrounding the course. With these provisos we give it the thumbs up!

Real Club de Golf Sotogrande

Real Club De Golf SotograndeReal Club de Golf Sotogrande

Real Club de Golf Sotogrande will close its par 3, 13th hole from 08/04/13 -19/05/13 for maintenance.

Then 9 holes will be closed from 20/05/13 – 03/06/12 & 23/09/13 – 06/10/13. So unfortunately for a good part of 2013 access to the full 18 holes will be curtailed.

Fire to floods in 3 weeks

Parts of Andalucia experiences some unusual weather this since summer. Within a period of three weeks we have seen lives lost due to fire and then flooding. The line of golf courses with sprinkler systems in operation East of Marbella as far as Fuengirola acted as a buffer to keep the fires from reaching the heavily populated areas near the coast.

Fire Planes MalagaFire fighting planes recharge in the Med.

close call for apartment owners in SpainClose call for many apartment owners.

Then the area North of Malaga was badly hit by torrential rain and flooding. As many as 10 lives were lost in a 3 day period.

A little (Clean) Humour.

Finally a little humour which was contributed by a reader and a Pillar of Society (hailing from Limerick) which can be published without having to be censored. Next time you have time to waste on a putting green – try this!

How to make 6 golfers happy simultaneously.

Ryder Cup – Unsung Heroes in their home country.

Much has been written about the extraordinary European victory in September’s Ryder Cup. While the Anglo Saxon media gave it wall to wall coverage I can t help wondering how some of Europe’s heroes hailing from countries where golf is not big news must feel.

Nicolas Colsaerts could surely stand unrecognized in the middle of Brussels’ Grand Place for days on end without being recognized by the passing “Brusselois”. Come to think of it – he may be better off that way!

Belgium Nicolas ColsaertsBelgium’s Nicolas Colsaerts

Anchored Putting to be outlawed.

Watch this short video which explains the proposed rule change regarding the “Anchored” putting stroke.

Costa de La Luz – Cadiz – Novo Sancti Petri

During the month of February we are offering excellent value week breaks at the impressive 4 star Iberostar Royal Andaluz Hotel in Novo Sancti Petri.

Novo Sancti Petri Cadiz

Price includes:

  • Half-board 7 Nights & 5 Rounds on Novo Sancti Petri
  • Rental of a Renault Clio (based on 2 sharing) from Malaga Airport.
  • 470 € per person sharing.

Golf Experience Publishes New Costa del Sol Golf Map.

We have just completed a revamp of our very popular Costa del Sol Golf map which had a print run of 2,000 copies.

New Costa del Sol Golf MapThese will be available to clients from the office or in your car when you rent from us at Malaga Airport. The new maps are clearer and more precise than its predecessor and include Golf Course GPS co-ordinates.

Golf Friends SpainOur neighbours “The Golfriend’s Shop” which many of you will know well has expanded to take over the entire ground floor of its existing building (except the bank!) and now has its entrance towards the front of the Comercial centre facing the motorway. This is a considerable expansion with the shop more than doubling in size.

They stock the largest range of major Golf Brands in Andalucia. We wish them all the best for 2013.

Golf Friends Spain ShopAnd finally for your next family holiday – New Estepona Kart Track

Estepona Kart TrackEstepona municipality has just announced the launch of a major Karting Facility in the town which will be open in time for the 2013 season.

Golf on the Costa Del Sol Newsletter Autumn 2012

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Massive wildfires sweep through the Costa del Sol

AP7 Motorway at the Calahonda Tunnel – Friday 31st August

AP7 Motorway at the Calahonda Tunnel – Friday 31st August

Massive wildfires swept through the Costa del Sol this week stretching from Marbella to Fuengirola.

The fires closed a few courses (Santa Clara, Marbella Golf & Country Club and Santa Maria) on Friday but only because access was closed off.

Unfortunately the fire caused the loss of one life and some serious injuries. All courses are now open. some of the surrounding scenery will be temporarily spoiled but it will recover.

V.A.T. Increases in Spain

As part of the recently introduced austerity measures by the Spanish Government V.A.T. on Green-Fees increased from 8 to 21% from Sept 1st 2012. This is despite the government stated intent not to increase tax on the Tourism sector which is one of Spain’s few thriving sectors.

The good news is that most Golf clubs are honoring any existing bookings. In some cases they do so if we prepay the green-fees before Sept 1st which we have done in order to respect all packages already sold or proposals in the pipeline.

Golf Experience has also been able to pre-pay green-fees at all our strategically important golf clubs at current rates (green-fee and VAT) meaning that we will be able to hold most 2013 prices at 2012 levels.

First come first served!!

VAT on accommodation has also increased buy by a modest 2% which has largely been absorbed by the hotels themselves.

News from La Quinta Resort – Marbella

La Quinta who recently held the Spanish Seniors Open seems to be going from strength to strength and winning over hearts and minds of the value and quality conscious golfer.

Feedback from this 27 hole course in Marbella / Benahavis is consistently excellent and in particular for the ground breaking level of service.

Having 3 x 9 holes courses means that the annual maintenance will not impact on the continuation of service. Each nine holes are closed in rotation meaning that 18 holes remain open at all times.

Another measure, which we like about in La Quinta, is allowing buggies on fairways. As you know, during the summer, we allow them circulating on the fairway but up to now we did not allow them for the rest of the yea.

From now on, buggies are allowed freely on the fairway throughout the year, as long as the weather conditions are favourable, and not just in the summer. This decision is one of the most important of recent years, so we expect it will be very warmly welcomed.

La Quinta Golf Resort

La Quinta Golf Resort

The San Pedro Tunnel

It’s open. 6 years late and €45m over budget. Still requiring some tweaking at either end due to some unforeseen traffic flow issues however we will take it.

For the golfer it removes a psychological barrier between east and west of San Pedro when it comes to selecting courses.

No longer is the doubt or fear of delays getting through San Pedro an issue and traffic is flowing very well in the entire Marbella to Estepona area.

The San Pedro Tunnel

The San Pedro Tunnel

Real Club de Golf Las Brisas

Las Brisas Remains closed to Visitors until further notice.

Due to the ongoing re-construction of 9 holes at Real Club de Golf Las Brisas the prestigious club will remain closed to visitors for the foreseeable future. A decision has not yet been taken on the redevelopment of the other 9 holes.

The Nearby Aloha Golf Club has stepped into the breach somewhat and are offering a wider choice of tee-times.

Aloha's New Clubhouse

Aloha’s New Clubhouse

Aloha has recently completed the refurbishment of their Clubhouse and the course is usually in pristine condition.

Andalucia Masters at Valderrama

This year will see the Andalucia Masters return to Valderrama from Oct 18th – 21st.

Valderrama

Valderrama

***BREAKING NEWS! VALDERRAMA MASTERS CANCELLED!***

We have just received correspondence today from Valderrama informing us:

“We inform you that the Andalucia Masters 2012 will not take place.  Therefore, we are now able to offer availability for bookings from the  8th to 21st of October with our usual hours from 12.00h to 14.00 h.”

While this is obviously very disappointing it also opens up more availablity for golfers to enjoy this fantastic course.

Golf Hotel Accommodation

Accommodation for hotels on the Costa Del Sol

Accommodation for hotels on the Costa Del Sol

We have recently strengthened our relationship with the excellent 4 star Marbella Barcelo Hotel which in situated on Guadalmina Golf Course and in the heard of a cluster of some of the best courses on the Costa including Atalaya, Flamingos, La Quinta, El Paraiso and Los Arqueros.

It is within walking distance of San Pedro de Alcantara or Guadalmina’s many shops and restaurants.

We strongly recommend the Marbella Barcelo for the golfer who does not feel the need to be within walking distance of hot spots such as Puerto Banus or Marbella – although these are only a short taxi ride away. The hotel offers excellent value for money all year.

Unbeatable Unlimited Golf offer from Barcelo Montecastillo Hotel Resort.

Barcelo Montecastillo (Jerez) Unlimited Golf Offer!

Espacar welcome back Antonio to Malaga Airport Duty

Our regular clients we join us in welcoming back Antonio to the Espacar staff at Malaga Airport. Absent for over a year due to an illness which prevented him from driving, We are delighted to say that Antonio is back to full health.

This means that you will get through Malaga Airport even quicker than usual because nobody walks faster than Antonio.

Antonio, Jose & Paco - Your rent-a-car welcoming team at Malaga Airport.

Antonio, Jose & Paco – Your rent-a-car welcoming team at Malaga Airport.

Espacar has also opened a full-time office at the new Gibraltar Airport (on the Spanish side of the border). Remember you can pick up your car at Malaga and drop off at Gibraltar or visa versa at no extra cost.

Golf, the Olympics and the Sun in Spain

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New Golf Experience Web presence

Golf Experience has just completed totally revamping its very long and well established website. While we were one of the first to embrace the web after all these years it is time to re-invent the monster which our sprawling site has become.

Our IT consultants were threatening to abandon us if we didn’t change it complaining that working on it was akin to servicing a model T Ford car at the local Ford dealership today. They promise us that this new platform will pay for itself in no time with better SEO performance. If it doesn’t, we mayabandon them!

The idea is that the look and feel of the site will be largely unchanged but that all the behind the scene stuff will be state of the art making their job easy! Sound familiar?

Take a look on www.golfexperience.net

White Santana

TheCosta del Solis experiencing its best winter in living memory. Golf Experience has not lost a single green-fee to weather this winter which is quite remarkable given that when it rains here is really rains.

Despite that we had an unusual occurrence during January when a very localized hail storm turned Santana Golf Course white in all of 20 minutes. Even the neighbouring La Cala was totally unaffected.

Santana Golf Club 27th January

Security on golf courses

In parallel with the general state of the Spanish economy, an increase in petty crime and theft on golf courses is unfortunately becoming all too common.

We would advise clients not to take unnecessary valuables onto courses and leave them exposed on buggies or in their golf bags. Visitors who are unfamiliar with courses can be unsighted from their buggies while concentrating on their game. In the time it takes you to putt out the deed can take place leaving a very sour taste.

Golf Club Rental.

Golf Experience has just invested in another 25 sets of Taylor Made Tour Edition clubs for rental bringing our total stock to 45 sets. These include right & left handed sets, both steel and graphite shafts as well as ladies clubs.

As fewer and fewer golfers are willing to pay the exhorbitant carriage charges which airlines are charging they are turning to their agent to supply clubs. It’s cheaper, less hassle and very convenient.

In fact Golf Experience offer the unique service of having the clubs already in your rented car when you arrive at Malaga Airport. No need to go looking for your clubs at some depot we simply put them in your car and you leave them in it on your return.

HOW EASY IS THAT ?

Of course you must rent the car from us.

Lights on the motorway

Darkness has fallen on manyCosta del Solmotorways in the last 6 months due to town halls deciding against or simply not being able to pay for motorway lighting, so a little extra precaution is called for when navigating our sometimes tricky roads.

That Tunnel (or lack of one) in San Pedro!

OK it’s official – the San Pedro tunnel will open in June (2012). €50m over budget and 3 years late stretching the “Mañana” concept a little.

La Cala Resort Special Offers

La Cala Resort has recently launched some excellent value packages at its top class Resort Hotel. Most of you will be familiar with the Resort’s 3 courses and wonderful Clubhouse facilities in Mijas.

We have a variety of very attractive special offers which include 7 night stays with 3 free rounds of golf and one “Spa” Experience

3 – 6 night stays with one free round of Golf

Combinable with the above offers is also 1 free in 8. We also have excellent early booking discounts.

So for those of you who may have assumed that La Cala Resort’s accommodation was above your budget why not ask us for a quotation and let us surprise you!

La Cala Resort – Mijas

La Cala is Europe’s largest integrated golf resort boasting 3 x 18 holes courses and aDavidLeadbetterGolfAcademy. It also has an equestrian center, football pitch and all the usual facilities of a top class hotel including a state of the art Spa.

Alcaidesa Golf Club

The editor took time off recently to play the redesigned Alcaidesa Links and Heathland courses and he was very impressed. The new clubhouse is a wonderful piece of architecture and the newly designed Links seems wider (perhaps I was just hitting them straight for once) and more holes having spectacular views of “The Rock”.

Alcaidesa Golf Club and the Rock of Gibraltar

Alcaidesa’s Clubhouse the most spectacular Clubhouse on the Costa.

The New Heathland was also a pleasant surprise – long and varied and mostly flat although the course layout would make a buggy obligatory. With blue skies the Alcaidesa experience is a very satisfying one.

More importantly the management have woken up to the reality of pricing in the marketing mix and have given Golf Experience clients a wide range of attractive options which make it far more competitive than hitherto. Please consult us.

Auriga Crown Rent-a-Car cease trading

Crown / Aurega Malaga’s largest car-hire company has ceased trading. There has been something of a blood-bath in recent years with ridiculously cheap prices for car-hire. However we expect things to stabilise now with the departure of the biggest player with a fleet of 4500 vehicles.

We continue to recommend Espacar with its superior service and quality Renault cars and no nonsense pricing which includes everything (no surprises regarding prices on arrival atMalagaAirport). What you are quoted is what you pay.

VAT rise in Portugal

VAT on green-fees and most tourism relates expenditure has risen to 23% inPortugalmaking the destination a little less attractive versus theCosta del Sol.

Driving in Algarve – new tolls

TheAlgarvehas just introduced a motorway toll system and nobody has any idea how it will operate in relation to rented cars or cars travelling from across the border inSpain. We will endeavor to find out.

Bubba at the Masters.

This man can do in one shot where it takes the me at least 3!

Tolls on A22, Portugal to take Spain to Court

The political representatives of Andalusia will proceed with legal action against Portugal in the Court of Justice of the European Union because they believe the government’s decision to start charging tolls on the Via do Infante (Algarve Costal Motorway) are illegal.

This road was built with community funds and is a vital economic actuary between the Algarve and Huelva province,” said Jose Maria Mayo, of the Partido Popular.
For Spain, this route cannot have a Toll applied to it because “more than two thirds were paid by EU funds.”

The president of the Junta de Andalucía, José Antonio GRIÑÁN, has called for clarification from the CCDR – Coordination and Regional Development of the Algarve.

At the same time, the Commission on the Via do Infante users will also come up with an injunction to try to curb the government’s decision to charge tolls once the legislation is enacted.

Suspension bridge separating Spain and Portugal’s Algarve

Wozzilroy!

Rory McIllroy and Caroline Woziacki (Otherwise known as” Wozzilroy) at Newbury Race Course recently. Captions welcome

Golf Experience News from 2011

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Serving Golfers to The Iberian Peninsular since 1998

Antequera Golf Club closer due to new motorway.

Apart from the 50 or so excellent courses along the Costa del Sol there are also a few gems inland. The recently opened Malaga exterior bypass has taken Antequera Golf Club to within a 30 minute drive of the popular resorts of Benalmadena and Fuengirola. For this reason we will be proposing this excellent and spectacular course in many of our proposals in 2012.

Antequera Golf Club.

Antequera is over 6000 meters long and its Olive trees, acorn trees and natural herb plants, add to the natural environment and the special character of real inland Andalusia. In addition to the spectacular surroundings the journey inland to Antequera driving north from

Benalmadena over the Montes de Malaga and onto the Torcel de Antequera which is a massive plateau is truly spectacular.

To give you an idea of the spectacular scenery in this area click on the following link and take a bare knuckles walk on one of the world’s most spectacular treks!

“The entrances for this trail are closed but not policed. It was built in the 1920′s for hydro workers. There is no rail but there is a chain to hold onto but it doesn’t hold much weight and several people have fallen to their deaths. This is an amazing walk! This should have you on the edge of your seat possibly feeling slightly dizzy. It’s 6 minutes long and should be watched till the very end.

To intensify the experience, click on the full screen button (middle button that looks like four arrows on the lower right hand side of the screen when the player comes up). It’s enough to make you nauseous especially when you consider that it was filmed by someone who made the hike carrying a video camera while he did it.”

Extract from Angel Fire – Scariest Path

The new road means that extra care is needed by motorists returning cars to Malaga Airport as it adds a new divide in the motorway just before the airport.

Malaga’s new “Hipperronda (Super Ring) in blue.

Sterling vs Euro. Your pound goes further in 2012.

Sterling’s recent newfound strength – (hovering around € 1.20) or more correctly the euro’s weakness is helping inject even greater value into your Spanish golf holiday.

The same holiday at today’s prices (sterling equivalent) will cost you about 15% less compared to the same time last year. So the euro crisis does have a silver (sterling) that is lining!!

Monte Mayor Golf Club closes.

It is with great regret that we announce the closure for the foreseeable future of the famous Monte Mayor course in Benahavis / Estepona. It is really the first established course to close as a result of financial problems. This spectacular course was located in a very isolated area inland from Estepona.

 

It was a course golfers either loved or hated. Those who loved it were usually pretty handy golfers and those who didn’t were normal golfers. Monte as it was affectionately known had a cult following and something of a “macho” image which was reinforced by their slogan “you need balls to play Monte Mayor”.

We sincerely hope that when conditions improve that Monte Mayor will be reopened.

Mijas Los Lagos Golf Club

Mijas Los Lagos will close for the entire 2012 for a complete refurbishment. The Los Olivos course will of course remain open as usual. See the pictures below of work in progress.

From the last week ”Lagos” has this peculiar aspect due to the grass has been treated with poison to kill it and to begin reconstructions of the course. We will continue informing….

H10 Andalucia Plaza Hotel & Casino

The ever popular adult-only H10 Andalucia Plaza Hotel will reopen in February after its annual 2 month break for refurbishment.

During the month of February (all 29 days of it) the hotel is offering rooms at the cost of a half twin. In other words there is no single room supplement – you get the room as a single for the same price as if you were sharing.

Hotel Melia Marbella Banus

Golf Experience is delighted to add the 4 star Melia Marbella Banus hotel to its range of hotels in the Puerto Banus / Marbella area. Despite its name the hotel is probably the closest to the Marina in Puerto Banus and is about 50 meters from the beachfront. The hotel offers large refurbished rooms and the option of an upgrade to its “Level 1” superior rooms and service with a dedicated lounge with complementary food and drinks served throughout the day.

Melia Marbella Banus

Melia Marbella Banus – Level 1 lounge.

San Pedro Tunnel

OK – in response to numerous requests for information regarding the progress on the San Pedro tunnel.

All we can say it that it’s getting there. The final touches such as new sign-posting and hard landscaping are being put in place. It looks as if it could certainly be open by mid 2012 even at the current snail’s pace of progress. The only caveat is that we said something very similar around the same time last year. So you may draw your own conclusions.

Ryder Cup Date for your diary

The 2014 Ryder Cup will take place from 26 September to 28 September,. The bi-Annual match between Europe and the United States will take place at Gleneagles in Perthshire.

Why not plan your 2012 Golf trip in Spain or Portugal to coincide with next year’s Ryder Cup which takes place in Chicago between Sept 30th & Oct 10th. With the benefit of the time difference you can play your leisurely round of golf and then sit back and relax with your golfing friends and enjoy TV coverage of the Ryder Cup with a few drinks without missing a shot.

Golf Geo-politics

Portrush will host the 2012 Irish Open
28 June to 1 July

In an interesting move the The European Tour has confirmed that the 2012 Irish Open will be hosted by Royal Portrush, Northern Ireland, with the tournament returning to Carton House Hotel and Golf resort in Maynooth, Co Kildare, in 2013. Golf on the Island of Ireland is governed by an All-Island Golfing Union of Ireland and although Portrush is ,of course in the United Kingdom this is the first time the Irish Open will have been held in the North since the 1950’s.

Another interesting upcoming conundrum concerns RORY MCILROY’s refusal to commit to either the British or the Irish team for the 2016 Olympic Games until he absolutely has to.

Golf becomes an official Olympic sport in four years’ time and McIlroy is bound to be one of the star attractions in Rio de Janeiro. Athletes from Northern Ireland are eligible to represent either Ireland or Great Britain at the Games, putting the 22-year-old from Hollywood, County Down at the centre of a high-profile tug o’war over his national allegiance.

“Basically, if I am going to be very honest, which I usually am, whatever I say is going to upset someone,” McIlroy said when asked about his Olympic intentions.

So I may as well just say I don’t know and wait until four or five years’ time, whenever I have to make a decision. A wise decision Rory!

Joke of the month !

Beware of Slow golfers

Joe decides to take his boss Phil to play 9 holes on their lunch hour. While both men are playing excellent golf they are held up by two women in front of them moving at a very slow pace.

Joe offers to talk to the women and see if they can speed it up a bit.

He gets about half the way there, stops and jogs back. His boss asks what the problem is.

“Well one of those women is my wife and the other my mistress”, complained Joe.

Phil just shook his head at Joe and started toward the women determined to finish his round of golf.

Preparing to ask the ladies to speed up their game, he too stopped short and turned around.

Joe asked “what’s wrong?” “It’s a small, small world Joe and you’re fired”.

 

Golf in Spain Autumn 2011

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Bumper year for Spanish Tourism

Despite all the economic doom and gloom regarding the European economy and in particular that of Spain, the Andalucian Tourism sector is having a bumper year. Arrivals at Malaga Airport which has just opened its second runway and a new terminal are up 12% year on year to July.

As the saying goes “it’s an ill wind that blows no good”. The Arab Spring has given a great boost to tourist arrivals in Spain. The tourism sector in Egypt and Tunisia, two competitor destinations, have been all but wiped out for this year resulting in substantial gains for Spanish tourism.

This has resulted in a firming of prices for hotel rooms and other components of a golf holiday. It can come as something of a surprise to clients from the UK and Ireland who increasingly expect Spain to be slashing prices in the same way it is happening locally due to the recession.

There may well be a recession in Spain but Tourism is experiencing something of a micro boom.

Malaga Airport opens Second Runway

The second runway will effectively double the capacity of the airport and ensure future growth. €550 million has been spent on the project, part of a ten year €1.6 billion investment in the airport as a whole.

The new runway is 2,750m long and has an additional 340m which can be used to help in take offs. It means it can be used by all the latest generation planes which are heavier and larger. The runway is 45 m wide with an extra 7 metre margin on each side.

The runway asphalt is 32 cms deep so it can support the weight of the planes. (Just as well!)

A new 4.1 km tunnel had to be built for the local train line to go under the new runway.
An additional capacity for 27 stationary planes is also part of the project.

The new runway completes the latest phase of development at Malaga Airport following on from the opening of the new Terminal building in 2011.
Malaga Airport’s new terminal building.

Derek Bids farewell to Valderrama

During the summer the affable Scot, Derek Brown has retired from his position as Director of Golf at Valderrama. Anyone who has ever played Valderrama will know Derek. He had an amazing ability to make visitors from around the globe feel welcome.

No matter where your home club was Derek knew someone from it. He would always put visitors at ease in what can be a daunting environment. Derek has been replaced by Javier Reviriego who previously held the same position at Finca Cortesin.
Derek Brown Javier Reviriego

We wish them both well and are delighted to be able to say that Derek will be staying on the Costa and his days in “golf” are long from over.

Watch this space.

Contry to recent rumor Valderama Golf Club has not been purchased by a company associated with Greg Norman.

Mijas Golf Club Closes Los Lagos for all of 2012

Built in 1976 by Robert Trent Jones the very popular Mijas Los Lagos will close for the entire 2012 Season. During the 12 months, Los Lagos will be completely rebuilt with all new greens and fairways and will have a new irrigation system installed.

However there are no plans to redesign the course. So if you are planning to include Mijas in your 2012 trip it will have to be Los Olivos which will remain open throughout the year.

Espacar car rental return instructions

In order to clarify the procedure for returning cars rented through us with Espacar we would ask you to note the following instructions.

  1. Passing the Sam Miguel brewery on the left you arrive at the main roundabout before the airport.
  2. You will see the terminal building in front of you.
  3. Follow sign for airport and “Salida” (salida / exit)
  4. Stay on the right hand lane and do not follow Car-Rental returns signs.
  5. This will take you to the new Terminal 3 and its drop off zone. It’s preferable to drop any passengers here along with all luggage.
  6. Continue to follow “Salida” signs in the left hand lane which will take you away from the terminal.
  7. With the old main Terminal on your right hand side the short-term car park (called Parking Express) entrance will be on your left at 50m from the Terminal 3.DO NOT ENTER HERE.
  8. Continue to exit away from the airport and the main Public Parking (P-1)entrance is on the left hand side.
  9. Enter here please and you will be on the 2nd floor. Inside 40m on the right is the ramp to level 3.
  10. Drive up to the 3rd floor and park here.
  11. Please double check that you have taken all personal belongings (apartment keys on key-ring, passport, mobiles, CD’s in player, sunglasses etc).
  12. Leave the window open enough to throw in the key having locked the car beforehand.
  13. Leave the parking ticket visible so that the Espacar representative can find it.Bon Voyage and safe onward journey and we hope you will use Espacar services again in the near future.

Espacar offer GPS Rental

For an additional 5€ a day you can have a sweet Spanish voice (in English) guide you through the intricacies of the Andalucian motorway system. In fact the Costa del Sol is a relatively easy place to navigate however some of the urban areas can be a labyrinth.

Staying with Motoring

The powers to be have had great fun changing speed limits on the Costa recently.

First they reduced the toll road limit from 120 to 110KM and 4 months later reversed the decision back to 120KM. Each change cost 250,000€ which the region can ill afford.

Then, and more importantly they reduced the limit on the coast road (N340 / A7) from 100 to 80km. The cynical would say the thinking was to create a wider gap with the toll road hence making it more beneficial to use the toll and more revenue for the authorities.

More troubling is that more and more clients are beginning to receive an unpleasant holiday snap shot of themselves behind the wheel of their rented car with a demand for payment of a fine (Multa) from the Guardia Civil. Whereas previously few if any fines were sent on to holiday makers they certainly now are. Whether or not there is any follow up over and above posting the fine we can’t actually say. We do know of a few clients who have coughed up the money – mostly in fear of being pulled aside at the airport on a future trip. While this is highly unlikely we have no inner knowledge of these matters.

Our only advice is to slow down. In fact in Spain all fixed speed cameras are signalled 500m in advance so really only the careless get caught!!


Joke Section! - Good story if true!!!!

Lee Trevino – a true story.

One day, shortly after joining the PGA tour in 1965, Lee Trevino, a professional golfer and married man, was at his home in Dallas, Texas mowing his front lawn, as he always did.

A lady driving by in a big, shiny Cadillac stopped in front of his house, lowered the window and asked, “Excuse me, do you speak English?”

Lee responded, “Yes ma’am, I do”.

The lady then asked, “What do you charge to do yard work ?”

Lee said, “Well, the lady in this house lets me sleep with her”.

The lady hurriedly put the car into gear and sped off.

San Pedro Tunnel 2012

We have put our neck on the line once too often in relation to predicting a date for the opening of this much awaited relief tunnel. The word now is “sometime in 2012”. It would seem to be about 95% finished but nobody (neither locally or the central Government in Madrid) has the money to finance the remaining 5%. We can now say with certainty that it will open when it opens and not a day before.

San Pedro Tunnel Works a basket “mañana” case!

San Roque Suites

San Roque Suites have recently reopened their refurbished accommodation at the San Roque Resort. The tastefully decorated Suites (one and 2 bedrooms) were originally built to house the Ryder Cup Teams in 1997. Indeed today the suites carry the names of the team members who occupied them during the Ryder Cup.

In addition to a magnificent pool facility, the resort boasts 3 restaurants – the Golf Club Clubhouse, Tango’s (Spanish Cuisine) and the world class Japanese Kamakura restaurant.

For golfers looking for comfortable accommodation in the midst of what is probably Europe’s finest cluster of quality golf courses (Valderrama, Sotogrande, San Roque, La Reserva & Finca Cortesin are all only a short drive) this is the place for you.

Please consult us for excellent rates.

European Ladies Win Solheim Cup

Congratulations to the European Ladies Team who won the Solheim Cup in Dramatic fashion and in dramatic weather at Kileen Castle in Co. Meath, Ireland.

2018 Ryder Cup heading for France

Much to the disappointment of Spain, France has been chosen to host the 2018 Ryder Cup. A yet to be built course at The French Federation’s Golf National at Les Yvlines on the outskirts of Paris will be the venue.

H10 Andaucia Plaza Hotel and Casino.

Many of you will be familiar with one of our favourite hotels the H10Andalucia Plaza Hotel and Casino in Puerto Banus. This year the property has become an “Adult Only” hotel.

Foyer – H10 Andalucia Plaza Hotel

Cultural Golf – The Andalucian 7 night Tour

For golfers looking for something more than Golf, Sun and Sangria we have designed a range of golf packages based on the various Cultural Capitals of Andalucia.

Arriving and Departing from Malaga, Seville or Gibraltar airports the standard itinerary is as follows.

Day 1
Arrive Malaga Airport and continue to Antequera. Overnight at the 5 star Hotel Convent La Magdalena

Day 2
Play Antequera Golf and continue to Granada.

Day 3
Visit the Alhambra – overnight at the Parador Hotel within the walls of the Alhambra.

Day 4
Play Granada Club de Golf and continue to Cordoba – overnight at the Vincci Hotel Cordoba.

Cordoba’s Mosque

Day 5
Morning visit the magnificent Cordoba Mosque and afternoon continue to Seville. Overnight at Hotel Vincci (5 star).

Day 6
Play Real Club de Golf, Seville. Afternoon visit Seville’s Cathedral and city centre. Overnight and Seville

Real Club de Golf, Seville

Day 7
Drive to San Roque playing Montecastillo or Arcos Gardens en route or San Roque on arrival. Overnight at San Roque Suites.

Day 8
Return to Malaga or Gibraltar Airport for return flight

For prices and availability contact Golf Experience.

This Month we Congratulate;

  • Daren Clarke for getting away with speeding in his Mercedes between Belfast and Killarney to take part in the Irish Open. Luckily he had the Claret Jug on the passenger seat and the “Garda” let him off with a caution and a photo!
  • European ladies for winning the Solheim Cup
  • Great Britain & Ireland for winning the Seve Ballesteros Trophy in France
  • The Dubs for getting the monkey off their back
  • Wicklow for winning the All-Ireland Football final. Gender & category irrelevant. We won and that’s all the matters!
  • Northern Irish golfers for winning everything worth winning
  • Welsh rugby team for beating Ireland in the RWC
  • Ireland for beating Australia in the RWC
  • Malaga FC for finding a wealthy buyer and soaring up La Liga – why not take in a match when next on the Costa!

Golf News Costa Del Sol Summer 2011

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Rory’s Takes US Open in Style.

Congratulations to Rory McIllroy on taking the US Open in such style.

Rory at the Congressional course in Maryland.

Pictured here with last year’s winner, close friend and fellow Ulsterman Graham McDowell. European golfers now hold all of Golf’s Major titles and also dominate the top of the world rankings.

Here is a link to an interesting interview given by Rory to the BBC when he was 9 years of age. This boy knew where he was headed!.

Link: Rory McIlroy interview on the BBC aged 9! Click Here.

Seve’s Passing

As golfers all over the world mourn the passing of this wonderful icon and ambassador for Spanish and European golf we would like to add our condolences and send our sincere sympathy to his family.

Seve who lived most of the year at his villa on the 14th hole at San Roque did much to put Spain on the world golf map. His performance as Captain during the Valderrama Ryder Cup is one which will stay in many minds for a long time. He will be sorely missed.

Seve clutches the Ryder Cup at Valderrama while his team celebrates. Also in shot, a youthful Tiger.

Golf Experience New offices

During May we moved offices to larger premises. Those of you who visit us regularly will have no trouble finding us as we are in the same block but in the adjoining premises (first as you come up the stairs).

The office space is twice the size as the previous one and we are happy to say that the switch was trouble free with no interruption to telecommunication or internet – quite a feat in Spain!

Real Club de Golf Las Brisas closure to rebuild greens

Real Club de Golf Las Brisas will be “out of bounds” to visitors for the coming season as it closes 9 holes followed by the other 9 in order to rebuild them.

Real Club de Golf Las Brisas

A supremely strong field of 24 players assembled at Finca Cortesin Golf Club for the return of the Volvo World Matchplay Championship. Six of the world’s top nine players did battle over the 4 days with England’s winning through.

No one had anything but praise for the most challenging of courses with special mention for the condition if the greens which measured 13 on the speedometer!

After playing 108 holes against many of golf’s best players in hot sun over Finca Cortesín hilly layout, Ian Poulter emerged as the winner of the Volvo World Match Play Championship.

In the final, the first of his six matches in four days which did not go to the 18th green or beyond, he beat his fellow Englishman Luke Donald 2 & 1 to take the €800,000, one of the richest prizes on the European Tour.

In doing so Poulter became the first golfer in history to have won both the Volvo and Accenture match play titles and enhanced his already strong reputation as a formidable opponent in the sport’s head-to-head format.

Many of the golfers also remarked on the Finca Cortesin Hotel where they all stayed.Apparently it is head and shoulders above any other resort hotel on the circuit.

We could have told you that !

Graham McDowell driving at the 5th hole at Finca Cortesin

New BA service London City to Malaga

7th June sees the launch of two British Airways services from London City Airport.
The service will operate four-times-a-week service to Malaga.

All flights are operated by wholly owned British Airways subsidiary BA CityFlyer using new and very comfortable Embraer 170 and 190 aircraft.

BA Embraer 190

Delta Air Lines has resumed its popular New York (JFK) / Malaga non-stop flight with 6 rotations a week. This is an increase on last year’s service and a great vote of confidence in Spain as a tourist destination.

Delta have also started a JFK to Valencia service.

Santa Clara closes after storm

Green-keepers at the popular Santa Clara worked like Trojans to reopen their course 2 weeks after being hit by a devastating storm on May 19th.

The river (usually a stream) flowing through the low lying 1st , 9th, 10th & 18th holes burst and turned the entire area into a quagmire as you will see from the before and after pictures below

Santa Clara (before and after storm of May 19th causes closure for 2 weeks.

After the storm (May 19th)

After the clean-up 4th June

Santana throws in the buggies!

Santana’s new price structure and almost free buggies

Santana has introduced a very flexible new pricing structure for 2012 with considerable reductions in green-fees particularly for those who are flexible as regards the time of the day they play.

Buggies have been included in all but the high season when they will cost a modest €10 (€5 per player). As this is a “path only” course it really makes sense to reduce the cost of buggies and include them as much as possible in the green-fee.

New Accommodation at San Roque Resort

San Roque Suites & Club-house                          Living room

San Roque Suites have recently reopened their refurbished accommodation at the San Roque Resort. The tastefully decorated Suites (one and 2 bedrooms) were originally built to house the Ryder Cup Teams in 1997. Indeed today the suites carry the names of the team members who occupied them during the Ryder Cup.

In addition to a magnificent pool facility, the resort boasts 3 restaurants – in the Golf Club clubhouse, Tango’s (Spanish Cuisine) and the world class Japanese Kamakura restaurant.

For golfers looking for comfortable accommodation in the midst of what is probably Europe’s finest cluster of quality golf courses (Valderrama, Sotogrande, San Roque, La Reserva & Finca Cortesin are all only a short drive) this is the place for you.

Please consult us for excellent rates.

Summer Car Rentals

Once again we would remind customers who get their cars from us not to delay booking them if they need cars over the busy summer period.
As in previous years there will be a shortage of cars in July / August particularly in family friendly models.


Renault Kangoo from Espacar.

Golf Experience Spring Newsletter 2011

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Doña Julia Golf Club reopens

The once popular Doña Julia Golf Club outside Estepona has reopened after being closed for more than a year.

New investment and repairs to the course has allowed it to open in time for the Spring season.
Rates vary between €65 in high season to €45 in low season.

Malaga Airport

2010 was a record year for arrivals at Malaga Airport with over 12 million visitors using the new facility. This was the first increase in numbers since the recession raised its ugly head in 2007.

4.2 million British visitors arrived in Malaga and a staggering 588,000 Irish. This probably makes the Irish the most frequent visitors per capita to the Costa del Sol.

New Speed Limit on Spanish Motorway

The Spanish Authorities has reduced the speed limit on motorways from 120km to 110km.
This is their response to the rising cost of energy. The move is extremely controversial as the experts do not agree that such a move will increase fuel efficiency. Revenue from fines will certainly increase. You’ve been warned.

Weather

2010 was the wettest year in Malaga province since records were first taken in 1942. We suffered over 1207 litres per square metre.

The start of 2011 has seen been a vast improvement over 2010 with only a few days rain so far. One day in particular was very wet.

Where and When ?

Name this hole – and the date in March when the picture was taken and the first correct reply will get to play the course free!

Golf Experience Charity Appeal.

Recently we emailed you with our Charity Appeal in conjunction with the Gibraltar based charity A.K.I.N. (Association for Kids in Need). The appeal is in support of the rebuilding of a school in Freetown, Sierra Leone. We would like to thank all of you who have contributed so generously to this great cause.
We will let you know in the next newsletter the total amount raised.

We have concocted another easy and painless way for you contribute. As many of our golfing groups like to make the game interesting with a little flutter each day we will be asking all of our groups who come out on a trip to donate a day’s betting proceedings to the appeal. More to follow.

For those of you who may have missed the appeal or who want to revisit it please click here

San Pedro Tunnel

The powers to be have announced the opening date for the much needed San Pedro Tunnel as the end of April this year. With a bit of luck we may have it open for Easter. However we can assure you that it won’t be open until it’s open, if you get our drift!

An ill wind

As a result of the civil unrest in North Africa we expect that Spain (a safe Haven) is set to benefit tremendously from the unstable situation.

This is likely to put upward pressure on certain tourist services such as accommodation and car-hire.

Car Hire Summer 2011

As in previous years we would advise all our clients who rent cars from us during the busy summer months to book them as soon as possible. We expect that this year will see a shortage of cars again.

Our excellent Car Hire partnersEspacarhave included the Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet in this year’s fleet. So if you are looking for the ultimate driving experience in the sun this is it.

Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet

Demolition at Marbella Golf & Country Club

Marbella Golf & Country Club has finally been able to demolish the terrible eyesore of the 11 floor shell on its 18th hole. Erected in 1974 this edifice was tied up in a legal wrangle even before the first property crisis hit Spain.

It has lived trough at least 3 property bubbles but is now no more.

The 11 storey structure was intended to be a luxury hotel for a north-American hotel chain. The building, which was clearly visible from the N-340 and from the AP-7, became better known as a bird sanctuary over the years as much as a reminder of Marbella’s turbulent past.

Marbella Golf & Country Club in conjunction with the Town Hall see the demolition of the structure as part of the new image Marbella is determined to project for the future.

Le Meridian Penina Golf Resort Algarve

Golf Experience has negotiated very special rates at the 5 star Le Meridian Penina Resort which include daily golf at their Henry Cotton designed Championship course or the Resort course.

Being a guest at the resort is also one of the few ways of securing a round at Portugal’s top rates San Lorenzo course. Consult us for a competitive proposal.

Le Meridian Penina Golf Resort Algarve

Penina Resort testimonial
Seamus,

Just a quick note to say thanks for looking after us so well in Portugal. Everything went like clockwork and it was a great trip for all concerned.

It was great value and I am pleased to say that the next trip was being discussed before we even finished this one! Needless to say, your company will be our first choice going forward.

Please feel free to use me as a reference for any other groups that might be going to Penina.

Tom Moore

Golf Experience has invested heavily in a large selection of Golf Clubs for rent. This is in response to the exorbitant prices being charged by airlines to transport clubs. It is now generally cheaper and far more convenient to rent while here.

Ask us for a quotation.

Golf Jokes

We would like to have a regular Jokes section and it’s not for want of material of which we receive copious amounts daily. However suitability for publishing is often an issue.
So when we do get something deemed humorous, inoffensive and politically, gender and race correct we will pass it on. That’s a challenge!
We thought this one would just about qualify.
He left home around 8:30 to play golf with his friends. On the way out the door, he answered his wife’s”What time will you be home?”question with”Probably around 1:30 – I’ll have lunch at the club.”

1:30 came and went, 3:00 passed, 6:15, still not home, finally at about 7:00 PM he rolls in the driveway, leaves his clubs in the garage, and presents his wife with a pizza, and begins the apologetic story.

We finished our game about 11:30, had lunch, and I started home, when alongside the road I saw this attractive girl with a flat tire on her car. I stopped to help, got the tire changed, and looked around for a place to wash my hands. She offered money, but I refused, so she suggested that I at least allow her to buy me a beer.

She said there’s a tavern just up the road, and they have a restroom, you can clean up a bit. I agreed to stop, we had a beer, then another beer, then a couple more, and I realized that this girl was not only pretty, she was very friendly, and a good companion to spend time with. Before I knew it, we were in the motel next door ………. And that is why I am so late getting home.

His wife looked him right in the eye and said “Don’t bullsh…. Me, you played 36 holes, didn’t you?”

Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy will play the VOLVO World Match Play Championship 2011

This year’s field promises to be absolutely stellar. In the last few weeks we have received more confirmations from some of the top golfers in the planet.

World number 2, Lee Westwood has confirmed he will be playing the tournament as well as young European star Rory McIlroy (World n.8). We are also awaiting confirmation from World n.1 Martyn Kaymer. The Match Play is shaping up to become one of the best events on the European Tour schedule for 2011

Here is the complete list of players (with World ranking) that have qualified and confirmed their participation:
Lee Westwood (2), Graeme McDowell (4), Paul Casey (7), Rory McIlroy (8), Ian Poulter (13), Robert Karlsson (17), Francesco Molinari (18), Ross Fischer (39) and YE Yang (43).

Hopefully we will have more great news in the coming weeks

If you wish to review tournament info in detail, please visit:www.volvoworldmatchplay.com

Spain goes 100% Non-Smoking After 2nd Attempt

The good news for non-smokers visiting Spain is that at the second bite of the cherry Spain has managed to step into line with the rest of Europe in relation to anti-smoking laws.

The previous legislation had a few loopholes resulting in a very cloudy interpretation of the law.
Now there can be no ambiguity – smoking indoors is illegal unless you end up in a Spanish jail where you are free to smoke!

Air Traffic Controllers Strike – Martial Law!

A lightening strike by Spain’s highly paid air-traffic controllers may have been the defining moment in the Spanish government’s tolerance of trade unions. Massive disruption was caused during the busiest travel week in the year in early December (incorporating 2 national holidays).

The government took the draconian step of placing the airports and their staff under martial law and anyone disobeying an instruction such as refusing to work would be court-martial led and thrown in jail.

This was an amazing decision from a hitherto tolerant government. They seem to have finally appreciated the public’s outrage. Either that or many politicians had holiday plans disrupted!
Another series of planned strikes for Easter and summer has been averted.

Jet 2 new Edinburgh – Malaga Service

Jet 2 have commenced a twice weekly service.

 

Finca Cortesin awarded by the voters with two Essential “Marbella Awards”

For the second year in the running, Finca Cortesin Golf Club has been awarded golf

course of the year in the Marbella Awards presented by Essential Magazine. Also in the Spa category, our beautiful Spa Cortesin, has won the 2010 award.

Each year, the Essential Magazine “Marbella Awards” recognize the achievements of local enterprises, and the event this year was the most successful ever.

These “Awards chosen by the people”, are voted by thousands of people on the internet, covering 13 different categories including restaurants, beach clubs, hotels, golf courses, spas, etc, are a faithful reflection of the general public’s opinion.

We thank all those who voted for us and the most sincere congratulations to all the staff of Finca Cortesin Golf Club and Spa Cortesin.

If you wish to read detailed information of the event, please visit link:www.essentialmagazine.com/home/marbella-awards.

The Pros Corner – How to align your putts

Teaching the perfect line to aim in putting is almost impossible. We all see the putts differently and only experience will tell you how to choose the perfect line.

If you take the most difficult green at your home course and divide it in 4 quarters and putt to the centre of the quarter from all the possible angles, you will learn to read the line correctly.

That is the secret of the Tour Players; they have a great knowledge of the greens because of the great job they did (and their Caddies) before the tournament. This is the way to learn to choose the correct line.

In the exercises shown in the pictures, you can see that both putts started in the desired line.

Only the break (gravity) made the ball move away from the line I selected.

Find the most difficult putt in your putting green, putt from different angles until you learn the perfect line and speed.

 

New Road Brings Alhaurin Golf Club Closer to the Coast !

                                            Alhaurin Golf & Country Club

After 3 years of building works, 2 of which was not open to traffic, the road connecting
Alhaurin Golf and Costa del Sol (La Cala de Mijas) has just re-opened.
Road works started in order to refurbish the road, shorten it slightly and make noticeable improvements regarding safety.

All this has successfully been achieved, having left a magnificent new road which makes it possible to drive up to Alhaurin Golf Club in 12 minutes, departing from La Cala de Mijas. This is a great step forward as it used to take nearly 20 minutes with the old road.

With the A-7053 just completed, Alhaurin Golf has got 4 active access roads, 3 of which are new so:

  • When coming from Mijas Costa: A-7053 (aprox. Driving time 12 minutes)
  • When coming from Marbella: A-355 and then MA-3303 (aprox. Driving time 25 minutes from La Cañada Comercial Centre)
  • When coming from Guadalhorce Valley through Alhaurin el Grande: A-387 (driving time, 5 minutes)
  • When coming from Malaga Airport: A-7 and then A-7053 (aprox. Driving time 30 minutes) or A-7 and then A-368 to pass by Mijas Village (aprox. Driving time 30 minutes).

This new access situation is without a doubt one more reason to visit Alhaurin Golf and enjoy one of the most spectacular golf courses in Costa del Sol, full of character, beauty, challenges and views. A four star hotel and La Ventilla Restaurant may also be of interest to the visitor.

Sierra Leone Appeal

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The World’s Worst Golf Course

Much ink has flowed over the years regarding the pecking order of the world’s best golf courses.

Always of course trying to rank them from the top – St Andrews, Augusta National, Valderrama, Pinehurst etc. etc. – take your pick. Professional golf journalists pass their days ranking courses. Great work if you can get it. A little like being a reviewer for the Michelin Restaurant Guide.

We’d like to turn your attention to the world’s worst golf course for a while. A lot less is known about the world’s worst golf clubs.

Well, I’d like you to focus for a few minutes on this question and a related subject. There is of course no definitive winner in this category and nor is there much interest in their ranking but we have identified one course which would stand a fair chance of winning this dubious accolade. This would be the Freetown Golf Club in beautiful Sierra Leone.

Séamus Whooley (Golf Experience) at Freetown GC.

This is an 18 hole par 71 course set in the spectacular sea-side suburb of Lumley Beach. If you remember the beach bar in Blood Diamond where Ricardo Di Caprio met Jennifer Connelly – well it’s just across the road.

The course is at the limits in terms of what passes as a golf course. However its patrons, Government Ministers, Diplomats, NGO are all agree that it’s the finest club in Sierra Leone, and indeed it is. Of course it is the only club in the country.

The greens are not greens but “browns” – sand from the beach is covered with oil to give a surface on which you can actually putt.

18th Brown   Freetown  GC.

Whatever about Freetown’s Golf Club being among the worst in the world a short drive from the club can be found what is certainly one of the world’s most deprived schools, and it is this school that we want to talk to you about. We will leave the improvements to the Golf Club to its honorable members.

The school “Regent School” is in dire need of refurbishment and we need your help. If you have the slightest of interest please read on. If not, at least you now know a little about Freetown Golf Club!

Sierra Leone is a heart-breaking country. Often ranked the poorest in the world but as you will have learned from the afore-mentioned movie, rich in diamonds and other minerals and has the most beautiful tropical forests and beaches.

River Number 2                                               Unrivaled Beaches

Its recent history has been a catastrophic period with a prolonged civil war which spilled over from neighboring Liberia whose former leader Charles Tailor is now on trial in The Hague. Many Sierra Leoneans were drawn into a conflict not really of their making.

Apart from the horrendous physical consequences of this war of which the use of child soldiers was the most disturbing aspect, there is an invisible consequence of a lost generation for whom education was non-existing.

Its people suffered immense strife and horror during the war. To his eternal credit Tony Blair finally sent a small armed force to snuff out the insurgence and put an end to the countries strife, or at least to the violence. Tony Blair’s father lectured Law at Freetown’s Fourah Bay University during the 60’s.

On returning recently to Sierra Leone I was surprise by the resilience of the people, their dignity and good nature and their ever radiant smiling faces. They seem to have put the war behind them and with the help of a Peace and Reconciliation Commission social harmony has been restored.

But Sierra Leoneans are poorer now than ever. A stable government and a heavy UN and NGO presence has helped to revive the economy considerably but from a very low level.

A Small project to make a small improvement but a huge difference to some.

Regent Elementary School Main  Building                  A Sierra Leonean Welcome

We want to renovate one of Freetown’s oldest and poorest schools “Regent School”.

Regent School was first built in 1828 when Sierra Leone, under British Control and a Governor General – General McCarthy who hailed from Cork (where else!). It was built by the Christian Missionary Service and was one of a cluster of schools in Freetown which actually helped to develop the city as the major learning centre for English speaking West Africa.

Today Regent School is in a dilapidated and unsafe state. It houses 450 students between 4 and 16 years. It is a poor school in a very poor region. Many kids walk barefoot for miles to get there. Regent school is fortunate to have a dynamic headmaster Mr. Sylvester Leigh whose enthusiasm in the face of much adversity is astonishingly admirable.

Existing Latrine which must be replaced

Assembly

We need to raise a mere €25,000 to complete this very worthwhile project which includes re-roofing the building and most importantly building latrines as the current state of sanitation is, lets just say, not good.

New Roof – phase 1                                          Existing Toilets

So we are asking you to help us and contribute as much or as little as you like but please, something.

Hard times, donor fatigue etc. etc. – we realise there are plenty of reasons for inertia. But if we could spirit you to Freetown for just an hour to meet these wonderful people and to see their plight you wouldn’t hesitate a minute to help.

 And still they smile!

Guarantee

We guarantee that every penny collected will go straight to the project in question. We are working with AKIN (Association for Kids in Need) which is a Gibraltar based registered charity (www.akincharity.org) who in turn is working with the Spanish Red Cross in Freetown. The Spanish Red Cross directly project manages the renovation on a private basis with funding from AKIN. This is, a “seepage” free charity structure. We are small and flexible and whatever costs there may be are covered by volunteers.

How can you help?

We want to make this as easy as possible and give you as many options as possible.

  1. Visit the AKIN websitehttp://www.akincharity.org/supportakin.htmland complete the donation form specifying the Sierra Leone option.
  2. Post us a cheque (any currency) payable to AKIN – Sierra Leone to us :
    Golf Experience / AKIN Appeal
    Urb. Guadalcantara Golf
    Bloque 2 – 3d
    29670 San Pédro de Alcantara
    Malaga
    Spain
  3. Corporate Affiliate Programme.

Become a Corporate Affiliate of AKIN (Association of Kids in Need). This will allow your company to have a reciprocal link. We will list your company as an affiliate and supporter / donor of AKIN on the AKIN website. You can use the AKIN logo on your company’s site with a link through to the very worthwhile charity. The charge for this philanthropic act is €100 per annum.

Finally

Education is the key to progress. The better the quality of education the greater the progress.

So please, while the thought is fresh in your mind, write that cheque or fill in the donation form on the website. We will provide receipts for all donations.

Thanking you in anticipation.

Seamus Whooley
Golf Experience / AKIN (Association for Kids in Need)

Thank you for your time.
For more information on Sierra Leone visit:

http://www.yoursierraleone.com

Ryder Cup and Golf in Spain 2010

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Ryder Cup

We would just like to start by adding our congratulations to the victorious European team all of whom did us proud with their narrow win over the USA in rain-drenched Celtic Manor. Apart from being a fantastically exciting tournament it was a great advertisement for golf in Spain!!!!

And a special congratulations to GMac from the Rathmore Club in County Antrim for being another in a long line of Irishmen to secure the coveted trophy for Europe.

Caddies in Spain

The main impact of the economic crisis in Spain and Andalucía in particular is the very high rate of unemployment which currently stands at 20% in Andalucía and more worryingly at 50% among the under 25 year olds. One impact of this is the return to certain less desirable jobs which workers abandoned for the better paid construction sector. Caddying is a good example of this.

In recent years Valderrama was the only club which could guarantee caddies but today most of the Sotogrande cluster of courses (San Roque, La Reserva, Sotogrande, Almenara) can supply caddies if given a few days notice. The average cost of a caddie is €50 – €60. A caddie can also work as a fore-caddy and assist a four-ball navigate a new course.

Hot Summer on the Costa del Sol

It was a very hot summer on the Costa del Sol and the tourism sector was given a significant boost with the arrival of some very high profile tourists including the American First Lady Michele Obama.

Villa Padierna Hotel – Flamingos Golf

The first Lady and her entourage stayed at the 5 star Villa Padierna Hotel (Flamingos Golf) in Estepona. The family stayed for 4 nights before joining the Spanish Royal family in Majorca.

Michelle Obama enjoys a stroll through the Marbella Old-town

U.S First Lady Michelle Obama smiles while she visits Marbella, southern Spain, Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2010. The White House says that the first lady Michelle Obama is in Spain for a private trip with long-time family friends. (AP Photo/Sergio Torres)

Flamingos also held the Spanish Ladies Open in September which was won by Britain’s Lauro Davies.

Laura Davies on the 18th at Flamingos Golf

Valle Romano Progress report

Valle Romano

For the last 6 months now we have exposed many of our regular clients to the new Cabel Robinson designed Valle Romano just outside Estepona. The consensus is largely very positive and that the course fits comfortably into the top 12 on the Costa.

On service and friendliness the club would probably rank in the top 3. The course lay out is very popular and while the land is hilly the design has managed to negate the impact of the hilly terrain. Some hideous real estate is the only real negative.

We recommend you try it at our preferential high season price of €75 including buggy (high season price).

EU Medical Cover

We would like to again remind clients to ensure that they take the time to acquire their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Clients often ask us about the need to take out travel insurance when coming to play golf in Spain. The main concern when travelling anywhere is that of incurring medical expenses. All EU citizens who contribute to their national social security systems are entitled to free medical care when on holidays in another member state provided they have the EHIC card which can be obtained free of charge.

Irish residents Ireland can apply for an EHIC directly from the HSE
In the UK the quickest and easiest way is to apply online. Your card will normally arrive within seven days. Some people can only apply for an EHIC by post but this method will take longer.
• To apply by phone, call 0845 606 2030.
• To apply by post, get a form from your local post office. Send the completed form to EHIC Applications, PO Box 1114, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE99 2TL.

Christmas Gift Idea from Valderrama

Valderrama Golf Club which has just been taken over by a Greg Norman owned company will host the Andalucía Masters starting on Oct 29th.

Looking for the Ultimate Christmas Gift for the discerning golfer in your life?

Golf Experience is offering a limited number of 10 vouchers for 2 to play at Europe’s number one golf course Valderrama. This is the ultimate golfer’s present and is at the unbeatable price of €390 for the 2 green-fees. The offer is valid for play anytime in 2011 and subject to availability at time of booking.

Golf Experience Expands to Tenerife

Golf Experience has now added Tenerife to its range of destinations.

Golf Club Adeje

After some extensive research Golf Experience in collaboration with the H10 Hotel chain is now offering golf packages to the Island of Tenerife throughout the year.

Tenerife which has the same latitude as Western Sahara is the perfect winter golf destination.

With easy access from most UK & Irish airports the guarantee of warm winter weather is a huge selling point for this spectacular volcanic island in the Canary Islands.

H10 Costa Adeje Palace Hotel

Hotel Finca Cortesin

How about a short romantic break at what is surely the most luxurious hotel in Spain – Hotel Finca Cortesin?

 

Fairplay Golf Hotel – Benalup

Fairplay Golf Hotel and Resort

It’s not often that a truly unique golfing holiday resort presents itself. But having just visited the 5 star Fairplay Golf Hotel (A member of the Leading Small Hotels of the World) we can say that we have indeed found one.

This unique resort is set in the heart of the Alcornocales National Park and commands a splendid view over Spain’s only remaining rice paddy field. Sounds remote? Well at onlyan hour’s drivefrom Gibraltar Airport or 30 minutes from Jerez it is remarkably accessible.

The hotel is located at the white village of Benalup and indeed its layout is supposed to resemble that of a Spanish white village clustering around the main hotel and Spa.

What makes Fairplay unique as a 5 star golf resort is that it is all inclusive. Your price includes full-board accommodation and unlimited golf on their excellent 18 hole par 73 course.

The hotel boasts 3 world class restaurants where everything except some vintage wines are included.

Golf Experience have negotiated excellent rates for our clients and prices start at €150 per person sharing per night which when you consider the price includes everything really is great value.

Golf in the Summer Spain 2010 News and Views

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New Horizons

In order to continue our expansion in selling new destinations Golf Experience has recently gone through the lengthy process of becoming a Licensed & Bonded Spanish Tour Operator. This allows us sell a range of destinations other than the Iberian Peninsula. What it means for you the customer is that our you get the same guarantees as you would if booking through a high street Travel Agent in the UK – ABTA member or an ITAA Travel Agent in Ireland). Our Reference is C.I.A.N. 293034-2

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Graham McDowell on his great victory at Pebble Beach and to Rory McIlroy for his 3rd place at “The Open”.

The man from Portrush Co. Antrim who learned his trade at the Rathmore club (not the more prestigious Royal Portrush and who went on to take a scholarship at the University of Birmingham (Alabama) has become the first European since Tony Jacklin to win the US Open in 1970 – hard to believe!.

And while the French football team may not have covered themselves in glory in South Africa congratulations must go to Frenchman Gregory Havret for his second place at Pebble Beach. I spoke with 2 golfing clients in France on the Monday after Pebble Beach and they were totally unaware of Havret’s achievement such is the level of media coverage given to golf in France.

And while not taking from Louis Oosthuizen’s great win at Saint Andrews we salute the performance of another Irishman who will surely go on to win major titles. Rory McIlroy’s determination in fighting back up the leader board after shooting an 80 on the Friday shows tremendous tenacity and will. Well done to both players!

Finca Cortesin – Volvo World Match-Play Championship

Dates for the next World Match-Play Championship at Finca Cortesin have been announced. They are May 19th -21st 2011. Due to a very congested Tour calendar in October it has been decided to push the event back into 2011.

In the Meantime Valderrama will host the Andalucia Masters during the last week of October 2010.

The Good News – the Euro is weak!!
Sterling strength makes Spanish Golf great value

Every month we like to bring you some good news. While all the talk is about budget deficits and belt tightening, clients in the UK may not have noticed but Sterling has appreciated by about 20% against the Euro since our last newsletter. So while our British clients who were just about getting used to the idea of the pound being worth no more than a Euro can now exchange their pounds for €1.20. Happy days are here again!!!

This of course means that your next golfing holiday will cost you 20% less than it would have a year earlier. This not insignificant appreciation puts Golf in Spain in a very competitive position versus other destinations.

San Pedro Tunnel reaches completion

It will come as a relief to many of our clients to know that the end of the tunnelling at San Pedro de Alcantara is near. For many of you it will be open on your next trip. However we should be cautious about giving a date but don’t be surprised if it is open. The familiar and iconic Marbella Arch has been consigned to the history books at it was deemed incompatible with the new road system. Also it is suspected that the decision had political overtones, it having been erected by the controversial and disgraced former Mayor of Marbella, Jesus Gil.

It will certainly be a relief to John Hogan at the very popular Hogan Stand Bar and Restaurant whose premises have been facing onto the road-works for the last two years.

John Hogan has made the brave investment during these tough times and the almost total isolation of San Pedro to open a very impressive restaurant adjoining the very popular Hogan Stand Bar. The new restaurant serves international/Mediterranean cuisine with an Irish flavour at very reasonable prices. That bar is a great focal point for golfers who want to catch all sporting events in a very relaxed atmosphere.

 

 

Costa’s Golf Courses in great condition

This winter saw an unprecedented amount of rainfall on the Costa del Sol. Not in living memory has it rained so much. We had 3 year’s average rainfall in 3 months. The upside to this disruption is that courses did not have to rely on recycled water for their watering. Natural rain water which is rich in minerals is just what our courses needed and the grass in now so good that green-keepers are deciding that they can now skip out on usual late summer maintenance.

New Terminal 3 Opened at Malaga Airport

The new terminal (3) which is not really a new terminal but an extension of the existing terminal 2 had opened to much acclaim at Malaga Airport. While passengers from non-Schengan countries(UK & Ireland) have to do an extra bit of walking as they will arrive at the old terminal 2 everybody will benefit from the extra capacity and facilities.

Testimonial

This month’s testimonial is from Gene Dykes who visited in June with 8 friends from Pittsburg.

“Seamus,

Everybody loved the trip. One great golf course after another. Thanks a lot for making it happen.

A few random notes:

We all loved Monte Mayor – you have to admire whoever looked at that valley and decided he could build a golf course there. Spectacular holes.

Valle Romano is already a first rate course, and it will become great with a little aging.

It was nice of you to drop by to watch us tee off at Flamingos, even if I did dump my opening tee shot into the weeds. By the way, after taking aMulligan, I had my best round of the trip there with an 80. Although I liked the two layouts, Flamingos has some issues such as signage, two blind lakes in the middle of fairways, incredibly tight driving holes on the #1 holes of each course, and some very slippery steps.

Finca Cortesin was a delight and they obviously studied at the American school of Customer Service.

Everybody was pleased with my choice of the H10 Estepona Palace Hotel with its generous sized bedrooms and great food. The Port of Estepona was a real plus with its relaxed atmosphere and great choice of restaurants – just right for our group.

On Saturday, Hilary and I went hiking at El Torcal, which is very close to Antequera. Wonderful scenery! Best two hour hike I’ve ever had – and I’ve done a lot of hiking.

I chose wisely when I picked you to organize our trip, and I hope you help many more groups to discover what a great golfing experience can be found at Costa del Sol.

— Gene Dykes – Philadelphia , PA.”