Season’s greetings to all our valued clients.
This year has flown by which is probably a good indication of just how busy it has been.
Thank you all for your continued support, business and referrals throughout the year.
Some scribe once said that “change was the only constant” and this year has seen many significant changes to the Golf Tourism scene on the Costa del Sol and the Algarve.
While the weather has been almost perfect for golf – hardly a single cancellation due to rain in the past 12 months , we are (now) starting to see the response of authorities regarding a prolonged drought which is nice for our visitors but unsustainable in the long run. The Costa del Sol will have a number of water desalination plants in operation for 2024 which will guarantee the viability of the Costa as it continues to grow and develop.
2023 was a record for arrivals at Malaga airport (over 20 million) making it Spain’s 3rd busiest after Madrid and Barcelona.
Our Golf courses have also enjoyed a record year and forecasts for 2024 are also very good.
So, if we have one message to convey it is to plan as early as possible to avoid disappointment. The lead-in time for a group of 8 or more should be about 6 – 9 months if you want specific courses and tee-times.
New Website design.
We have recently given www.golfexperience.net a makeover. The new site is designed to help users to focus on the type of trip they want and to give us the information we need to make a speedy and accurate proposal.
Golf Courses News
Mijas Olivos closed.
A major problem at Mijas Olivos (Lagos unaffected) has resulted in the closure of the course since November while all 18 greens are resodded.
The incorrect water with high saline content was applied last summer resulting in the burning of the greens.
Mijas Olivos’s badly damaged greens.
We expect that after a complete resodding of the greens the course will reopen in time for the Spring season.
This year has seen the reopening and rebranding of La Hacienda Alcaidesa Links course to much acclaim. The Heathland course will be the object of further investment in 2024. The nearby Almenara GC has also reopened its 27 holes.
La Hacienda Alcaidesa Links
El Chaparral
El Chaparral GC has made a complete restoration of its training facilities, installing the TopTracer system. Your green fee now includes unlimited range balls and access to the TopTracer facilities.
El Chaparral GC’s new driving range.
Calanova G.C.
– a Golfers’ shopping paradise.
Visitors to Calanova GC will have noticed its very impressive Golf Shop. The extensive shop which is worth a visit in itself has recently been rewarded with the “best golf shop” prize from a distinguished Spanish newspaper ‘La Razón’.
Calanova Golf Club’s shop.
Portuguese Golf Course News
Monte Rei.
Following a serious water issue with Monte Rei last summer we are glad to report that the course is back to its usual pristine condition.
Dom Pedro Victoria closes its doors!
Dom Pedro Victoria has taken the surprising decision to close the course for the 2024 season with a view to reopening in the Spring of 2025 following a thorough rebuild.
Two new courses that are fast becoming favourites are Ombria (20 minutes from Vilamoura) and Dunas de Comporta 90 minutes south of Lisbon. Dunas is a world class project but due to its location is best suited to golfers transiting between the Algarve and Lisbon.
Ombria Golf.
Dunas de Comporta
Hotels and Accommodation.
2023 has seen the reopening of some iconic hotels post COVID and refurbishment.
The El Fuerte in Marbella
is proving very successful and is really now a 5 star version of its previous self. Despite its total modernisation it has managed to keep its majestic “Conventional” feel.
El Fuerte Marbella.
The Occidental in Puerto Banus
(previously the PYR) has also reopened having been refurbished and is proving very popular with golfers in search of a high-octane golf break.
Occidental Hotel Puerto Banus
Occidental Hotel Puerto Banus
The Golf Hotel Guadalmina & Spa
is currently under refurbishment, and we expect it to reopen in late 2024.
Madeira – New destination:
We recently took time to discover the wonderful Portuguese archipelago of Maderia situated off the coast of southern Morocco.
Like an eternal Spring, Madeira is a golf destination par excellence all year round. Two different islands boast three magnificent golf courses and accommodation, leisure and well-being offerings which delight any golfer.
Madeira has a colonial feel to it with some stately architecture and lush vegetation.
With direct flights (3 hours) from the UK, Ireland and most continental European countries this is a definite destination for the more discerning golfer who appreciates the finer things in life such as great food, great scenery, vegetation and world class golf.
The climate is mild throughout the year, the untouched nature offers clean air and unforgettable walks, the cuisine is rich in tradition-steeped flavours. Here, you will not be short of choices for a memorable holiday just a few hours by plane from Northern Europe.
The tradition of golf on this Island dates back to 1937 when the Englishmen Miles, Leacock and Blandy built the first nine-hole golf course. You can practise on one of two courses, Palheiro Golf and Santo da Serra Golf Club, with 18 and 27 holes respectively, both notable for the beauty of their surrounding landscape.
Porto Santo Golf, located on the Island of the same name, 40km from Madeira, is a 27-hole course, designed by the legend, Severiano Ballesteros. With 9km of beach and limpid waters, the island of Porto Santo invites you for a dive after a round.
Santa da Serra Golf Club established 1937 and host to the Madeira Open.
We would be more than happy to send you a proposal for this exciting new destination.