Well, as another year draws to a close, we would like to thank all our clients for your support during the year.
One of the most satisfying aspects of our business is to see clients returning time after time. Once, twice or 3 times a year!
2024 was another record year at Golf Experience. The post COVID surge shows little sign of petering out as we start to round off another quarter century.
Issues of concern going forward include climate change and the general drought which came to an abrupt end in November when Spain was hit by two consecutive storms. The Costa del Sol absorbed much badly needed rain which fell on our 70+ golf courses and helped replenish our reservoirs. Drought measures have been lifted as we now have enough water stored to get us through the next 18 months.
A few courses, most noticeable Marbella Resort (Benahavis), Cabopino and Mijas Olivos had been badly hit as a result of high salt content in the recycled water but are now on the road to recovery. Marbela Resort will reopen in December after a 3-month closure.
Monte Rei and Palmeras GC on the Algarve are also recovering from poor water related problems.
Many green keepers will be seriously looking at adapting their grasses to the new reality of higher temperatures and a shortage of good quality water.
Prices 2025
2024 saw a hefty increase in tourism-inflation and an amount of social unrest in Spain due to the perception of over-tourism. This is mainly a big city issue and one that the golf sector cannot be accused of contributing to. Golf tourism is a relatively high yield, non-peak activity and as such a very positive contributor to any economy.
While Spanish inflation rate has dropped to 1.9% the Tourism sector’s rate is considerably higher which is more a feature of supply and demand than cost related!
As ever we implore you to book early. By doing this you can benefit from Early Booking Discounts offered by hotels and certain golf courses. You also have a better chance of getting your preferred tee-times and availing of cheaper flights!
Eastern Algarve – upcoming area
While the Vilamoura area has been very busy with good tee-times increasingly difficult to secure we have been sending more clients to the nearby Eastern Algarve where there is a pocket of excellent courses straddling the Portuguese / Spanish border area. These include Monte Rei, Quinta da Cima / Ria, Castro Marim Golfe, Quinta do Vale and Isla Canella. We can base groups in the historic town of Tavira or the border town of Monte Gordo.
Quinta da Cima / Ria.
Golf Course News
San Roque New reopens.
After its sudden closure in April the former host of the Spanish Open was sold to new owners and reopened in September. The course is in excellent condition and a new permanent clubhouse will be completed in 2025.
San Roque New.
Marbella Resort Golf Club.
Marbella Resort & Country Club – Benahavis.
As mentioned above Marbella Resort has reopened following a 3-month closure due to burnt greens. By the time you read this it’s expected to be 100%.
Mijas Olivos
While Mijas Olivos has reopened following damage to greens it will close again form 1st April – 30th Sept 2025. That will allow for the completion of repair works.
Victoria Course – Vilamoura
After almost 2 years of closure the completely revamped and re-designed Victoria course will reopen in the Spring or 2025. We have still to receive details of pricing and tee-time availability, but it will soon reopen which is great news for golf on the Algarve.
Dunas La Comporta.
Probably the most exciting new development on Iberia in the last 10 years. “Dunas” which is equidistant between Lisbon and the Algarve is a wonderful course set in the pine forest and sandy dunes of the Comporta area,
Dunas Comporta
While its remoteness is part of its charm it’s also a challenge to reach as it is 2 hours from both Lisbon and the Algarve. So ideal for any golfers transiting between the two areas.
Golf Club Rental.
We are glad to announce the addition of Callaway “Edge” sets and Taylor Made “P 790” to our existing stock of over 80 sets for rental. Our weekly rates including delivery and collection making it the sensible option instead of hauling your set through airports at great expense and inconvenience, not to mention their carbon footprint.
Callaway Edge rental sets.
Transportation:
Our regular clients to Spain will appreciate that we only use deluxe transport. We feel this is one area where clients appreciate opting for quality! We work exclusively with Garcatri SL who have recently added new 8 seat micro-coaches which provide the highest level of comfort available anywhere in Spain. Together with excellent punctuality and courteous drivers the all-round experience is second to none.
Garcatri’ s new 8-seater deluxe Micro-bus.
Self-Drive – Espacar
Our self-drive providers Espacar (Malaga & Gibraltar Airport) have extended their range but is still largely Renault & Nissan. Our clients appreciate their no nonsense or “funny stuff” policy and absolute business integrity. It never ceases to astonish me how the car- hire industry is prepared to hoodwink customers through deceptive pricing and damage claims. With Espacar what we tell you is what you get.
Your familiar faces at Malaga Airport, Antonio, Juan & Paco!
New staff member.
We are delighted to welcome Manolo Ocaño to the growing Golf Experience team.
Manolo is a native of the Guadiaro / Sotogrande area and as such golf is in his DNA. A former caddie at Valderrama and Caddie Master at both La Reservas de Sotogrande and La Cañada.
Finally, someone who can hit a golf ball!!
