Greetings from the sunny and warm Costa del Sol. I thought it might be an opportune time to update you on the state of play here as we are receiving many questions about how things are on the ground.

While Spain has been getting its share of bad publicity regarding Covid it is important to note that the poor statistics have largely been as a result of the situation in specific areas of Madrid and Barcelona. Andalucía’s statistics have been very good by international standards with death rates similar to the best performing regions of Europe.

Unfortunately for the moment all the country is being painted with the same brush and yes, it is frustrating to have the same restrictions regarding access as Madrid which is a 7 hour drive from here.

Life on the Costa del Sol is carrying on pretty much as normal with bars and restaurants mostly open. Face masks are mandatory in public although there is no enforcement. Of course, in most areas people are respecting the law but in open areas mask are pretty must an accessory, often to the wrist or elbow! There is no requirement for their use on or in a golf course, check out their website to learn more.

All our courses remain open with the exception of certain clubs with multiple courses. In some cases they only have one course open or rotate their use. For example, La Cala rotate their 3 courses but always have two open.

Unfortunately, many of our hotels closed temporarily as soon as the Spanish summer holidays ended. The requirement by UK / Irish and some other northern European countries to quarantine upon return was the final nail for many.

We are still getting golfers, mostly retirees who are prepared to quarantine. They tend to stay for even longer periods than they would normally. To pass the time, they can play on their phones on sites such as 10x10bet. Many clients with property here are also needing to visit to check on things.

Golf news:

La Zagaleta opening to the public.

Probably the most exclusive housing community in Spain, if not Europe is located inland from Marbella (about 10KM) and just above Los Arqueros GC on the Ronda road. The estate has fewer than 200 homes and all are built on their 36 hole Golf course. For years clients have asked about us getting them on the courses but with few exceptions it has been impossible. Only the “New” course is being opened to the public.

Golf Experience has been selected as one of a few agents who are now able to sell green-fees at La Zagaletta.

This is truly a tranquil and peaceful golf experience. Wildlife on the courses include deer, pheasant buck and mouflon wonder around the expansive estate. If you want to take your golf skills to a whole new altitude, you can practice on a putting green.

La Zagaleta Estate

 

La Zagaletta Old Course with its beautiful Mediterranean views.

 

La Zagaletta.

 

San Roque Old Course.

Work continues apace at San Roque Old which is due to reopen in early 2021. Their timing was excellent!  By all accounts the refurbished courses will be world class and equally important is the expectation of world class service levels which will see this much revered and iconic course back to the level of its neighbouring peers such as Valderrama, La Reserva and Sotogrande.

San Roque Old Course renovations nearing completion.

 

Azata Golf Estepona.

Finally, the new course that many of you have seen develop while playing Valle Romano (a couple of the holes touch) has opened. Azara golf is located behind Estepona and between Valle Romano G.C. and Estepona Golf.

Azata Golf 11th Hole.

 

The course has two very different 9’s. The first is described as “technical” which is a euphemism for hight and tricky while the 2nd nine is more open and generous with spectacular views over the Mediterranean.

Green-fees are in the mid price range and we feel that it offers good value and finally something new on the Costa del Sol.

 

Los Arqueros G.C.

There have been big changes at Los Arqueros G.C. and at the club house which has seen major investments. The club house now boasts a full 10 pin bowling alley!! So if you have no success with the small ball you can try your hand at a bigger one.

 

Finca Cortesin to Host the Solheim Cup!

 

The 2023 Solheim Cup will be played at Spain’s world-renowned championship course at Finca Cortesin, on the Costa del Sol, the Ladies European Tour said on Tuesday (Oct 13).

The dates for the prestigious international tournament, where top players from the United States face those of Europe, still need to be finalised, the Ladies European Tour said in a statement.

 

Solheim Cup to be held at Finca Cortesin in 2023.

 

Finca Cortesin has had plenty of experience hosting major tournament having held the Volvo World Matchplay championship 2011 – 2013.

 

Staff Matters.

It is with a heavy heart that we bid farewell and “Bon Retour” to Gerry and Madelaine Lovett who, after almost 18 years on the Costa have decided to return to their native Tipperary and start a new chapter in life’s book. Madelaine who worked at Golf Experience in the earlier years and Gerry in more recent years were a tremendous help in growing the business and providing excellent customer service and attention. They will also be missed for their talents in the entertainment world on the Costa. We wish them all the best and continued success.

 

 

Gerry, the hurler turned golfer! And Madeleine the entertainer.