Global Warming Indeed !
Well after a lovely early winter Europe was treated to a seemingly endless wet and cold Spring. While we had more rain than average compared to where you are it was very pleasant.
End result of all the rain is excellent course conditions with less need for heavy maintenance (our grass just loves real rain as opposed to recycled water which just doesn’t do the job). And a greener Costa del Sol than usual which makes a nice change.
Summer Car-Hire. Book now and avoid disappointment !
Anyone wishing to book a car for the busy summer period is advised to do so ASAP as many car models are already sold out. While our partner Espacar has increased its fleet by 150 vehicles many of the big companies have been unable to finance new cars and are therefore working with smaller and older fleets for the summer months.
We advise that once you book your flight that you contact us for the car as there is nothing to be gained by waiting. Remember always to supply us with flight details and any extras such as baby seats.
New Vehicles for Golfers
Espacar has recently acquired a Nissan dealership which means that we will be including the Nissan NV 200 range which fills that gap for those awkward groups of 5 or 6 golfers who need something bigger than the standard car but who feel lost in the 9 seater Renault Traffic. They are also great for large families and more economic than the top of the range Renault Espace.
Nissan NV 200
Malaga Airport.
Car-renters note that by the time most of you return to the Costa there will be a new access road into Malaga Airport which will shorten your journey. The exit is now direct from the A7
Ryanair – Knock to Malaga summer service.
The West of Ireland is spoiled with yet another link to the Costa – this time courtesy of Ryanair from Knock! This probably now means that nobody in Ireland is more than a 90 minute drive from an airport serving Malaga which are (Belfast, Dublin, Cork, Shannon and Knock)
Costa del Sol Golf News.
We had the pleasure of playing a quick game on Mijas Lagos recently and must say it has been transformed into a wonderful course. Probably the most forgiving flat course on the Costa (if you can blank out that water hazards which its name would suggest are plentiful).
The layout is very picturesque and the new greens are fast and big. Large bunkers abound.
Mijas Los Lagos – originally designed by Robert Trent Jones SR
Valderrama Golf Club
Golf Experience is delighted to announce that all clients who book Valderrama with us are invited to play the member’s par 3 course at no extra fee on the same day. This added feature will complete a wonderful Golfing Experience as the par 3 course is an excellent preparation for the challenge of the real thing. The course is every bit as well manicured as the main course and the greens are just as fast.
Valderrama GC
In addition to the above our clients are also welcome to dine (evening meal) at the Member’s dining room. Reservations are required as are jackets!
Valle Romano To Host Tour Event
Valle Romano has announced that they are hosting the European School Tour qualifying event in November. This have most recently been held in PGA Catalunya and San Roque. This is a big feather in the cap for the Cabel Robinson designed course and recognition of their high level of service and course maintenance since opening only 3 years ago. Expect some disruption and restrictions in the weeks prior to the hosting.
Valle Romano Club-house
Accommodation;
Casa La Concha – New Boutique Bed & Breakfast hotel in Marbella.
Casa La Concha Boutique Hotel Marbella.
We are delighted to introduce a new accommodation option in Marbella – Casa la Concha.
Located away from the beach overlooking the town but has easy access to the motorway and the Golden Mile. It has a lovely backdrop of La Concha mountain which dominates Marbella.
Under French management, the charming Marie-Helene takes great pride in creating a homely and warm atmosphere in this 10 bedroom villa. The rooms all have living areas and are all ensuite. Three are in the gardens in “out-houses” and these are more expensive.
This is a perfect hotel for couples or groups of golfers looking for a Villa experience. As it only has 10 rooms taking over the Villa exclusively is feasible.
Room rates vary from €140 – €180 B&B per night.
Club-Hire.
As more and more golfers are opting to leave their sticks at home and rent here on the Costa we have recently purchased an extra 30 sets of Wilson “Reflex” clubs for hire. We have a selection of graphite or steel shafts, right or left handed and ladies and gents sets.
We charge a modest €10 a day or €30 – €35 a week depending on delivery requirements.
We can either deliver to your first course and collect from the last or have them delivered to your accommodation. Alternatively we can have them in your hired car at Malaga or Gibraltar Airport if you rent your car from us. For an extra €10 we provide you with a starter kit of 15 balls and tees.
Client reaction has been very positive with a number of people buying them second hand to keep in their property here on the Costa!
Golf Experience expand its Portuguese offer – Lisbon Golf.
We have extended our Portuguese offer to include the greater Lisbon area which has invested considerably in its range of courses and marketing in the last few years.
Most of the “tourist” courses are in the Estoril / Sintra coastal area to the west of the city so we recommend staying in the Estoril / Cascais region which are very well served by train (20 minutes) to the city centre.
You have a choice of 5 excellent courses within a 15 minute drive from Estoril including the top ranked Oitavios Dunes course and the Robert Trent Jones (Sr) designed Estoril Golf Club.
Oitavos Dunes
A Course design Gem.
We like to share wonderful golf course gems with you when we come across them which I did on a recent trip to Dakar, Senegal. This must be one of the most original Tee boxes in the World and is literally the most westerly point of Africa which has been extended by the length of this tee box (about 40M) out into the ocean.
Meet Samba the Director Of Golf at the Club de Golf Le Meridien (9 hole course). This tee box is not for those with a hang-over as it offers absolutely no protection to a 40 foot fall if you take one step backwards too many after your drive. The tee serves two holes – the par 5 which is straight ahead and a par 3 which is all Atlantic ocean from tee to green. Spectacular !
On a lighter note.
I’m not sure what to make of this clip so I’ll let you decide for yourself whether someone is taking the Mick or not!
Tiger’s Drop at Augusta.
This is from Barry Rhodes a Member of Milltown (Ireland) who is an expert on the rules of Golf in European circles. He has a web site that you can subscribe to free of charge.
Thought you might be interested. Click here to read the full piece.