Golf Experience – Newsletter – Costa Del Sol – Summer 2025

The Rain in Spain…..

Well, the 5-year drought came to an abrupt end this Spring with unprecedented amounts of rain falling in February & March. Disastrous flooding in Valencia and to a lessor extent in Malaga ended in full reservoirs with some even releasing water.

The golfing community is breathing a huge sigh of relief as courses can replenish their water supplies and the Costa del Sol is now water sufficient for at least another 2 years.

 

 

Considerable infrastructural damage was done locally. The main road between Ronda and Marbella suffered a sizable landslide which has cut the town off, except for a very circuitous alternative route, until September.

On the brighter side our golf courses are all looking relieved and in great shape and we can look forward to an Autumn season of courses in good condition. While the mercury is now rising throughout continental Europe the Costa del Sol remains pleasant in July.

 

Golf Course News:

Mijas “”Los Olivos” will close for a complete refurbishment from 1st April to end October 2026.

The “Lagos” 18 holes will remain open as normal.

 

Almenara Golf Club

 

 

Almenara Golf Club in Sotogrande has closed the “Alcorncales” 9 holes and upgraded the Pinos & Lagos nines.

 

Marbella Club Resort fully recovered.

Marbella Resort GC which was one of a few courses that suffered from high levels of salination in their water supply last summer leading to their greens being burned and unplayable. These have recovered completely and is now back to its former glory.

 

 

Victoria Vilamoura

The New Ernie Els designed course will finally open in July. Unfortunately, it will be a private members course, so this is one less course available for golf tourists to play.

 

LIV Tour returns to Valderrama.

Valderrama is hosting the LIV tour event with all the usual suspects in attendance from the 11th to 13th July.

 

Hotels

Another reason for booking early is a general tightening of restrictions on Airbnb properties which is great news for the hotel sector. So, demand for accommodation is extremely high throughout the entire year. Therefore, for groups it is essential to plan well in advance to get the best available rates and avoid disappointment. For groups of 16+ we are recommending a lead in time of 12 months!

 

New 5 star Fairmount Hotel opens at La Hacienda Alcaidesa Links.

 

“ME” by Melia Marbella (Puerto Banus) reopens as a 5 star

This recently renovated 5-star property is located next to the beach in Puerto Banus. It is a 5-minute walk into the marina along the “Paseo – promenade”. Ideal for golfers wanting to enjoy the high-octane port and all its amenities.

 

 

Gran Melia Dom Pepe to close for 2026 for a complete refurbishment.

 

The San Pedro based “Hogan Hackers Golf Society” (Managed by Golf Experience) raise €12,500 for charitable projects in Sierra Leone.

 

Hats off to the Hogan Hackers Golf Society who raised €12,500 throughout the winter season with their weekly competitions.

Members competed for generously contributed prizes, mostly from the courses used for their outings.

The funds raised have enabled the construction of a 3-classroom school and a water well in Sierra Leone.

The two beneficiary charities are Steet Child Espana and Gibraltar based Action4Schools.

A big thank you to you, the contributing Golf Clubs and others who so generously donated prizes and to the members who competed each week. And a special thanks to Jimmy Nolan (President of the Hackers) and Ross Dugan (Hogan Stand San Pedro) who did the hard work of managing the competition every week.

 

 

New Staff Member

 

We are delighted to announce the new addition of Marco Taddei to our team at Golf Experience. Despite the name, Marco is a Kerryman born and bred and an avid golfer at that! He has no knowledge of Gaelic Football. Marco will be responsible for logistics and Irish originating bookings.