Ryder Cup
We would just like to start by adding our congratulations to the victorious European team all of whom did us proud with their narrow win over the USA in rain-drenched Celtic Manor. Apart from being a fantastically exciting tournament it was a great advertisement for golf in Spain!!!!
And a special congratulations to GMac from the Rathmore Club in County Antrim for being another in a long line of Irishmen to secure the coveted trophy for Europe.
Caddies in Spain
The main impact of the economic crisis in Spain and Andalucía in particular is the very high rate of unemployment which currently stands at 20% in Andalucía and more worryingly at 50% among the under 25 year olds. One impact of this is the return to certain less desirable jobs which workers abandoned for the better paid construction sector. Caddying is a good example of this.
In recent years Valderrama was the only club which could guarantee caddies but today most of the Sotogrande cluster of courses (San Roque, La Reserva, Sotogrande, Almenara) can supply caddies if given a few days notice. The average cost of a caddie is €50 – €60. A caddie can also work as a fore-caddy and assist a four-ball navigate a new course.
Hot Summer on the Costa del Sol
It was a very hot summer on the Costa del Sol and the tourism sector was given a significant boost with the arrival of some very high profile tourists including the American First Lady Michele Obama.
Villa Padierna Hotel – Flamingos Golf
The first Lady and her entourage stayed at the 5 star Villa Padierna Hotel (Flamingos Golf) in Estepona. The family stayed for 4 nights before joining the Spanish Royal family in Majorca.
Michelle Obama enjoys a stroll through the Marbella Old-town
U.S First Lady Michelle Obama smiles while she visits Marbella, southern Spain, Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2010. The White House says that the first lady Michelle Obama is in Spain for a private trip with long-time family friends. (AP Photo/Sergio Torres)
Flamingos also held the Spanish Ladies Open in September which was won by Britain’s Lauro Davies.
Laura Davies on the 18th at Flamingos Golf
Valle Romano Progress report
Valle Romano
For the last 6 months now we have exposed many of our regular clients to the new Cabel Robinson designed Valle Romano just outside Estepona. The consensus is largely very positive and that the course fits comfortably into the top 12 on the Costa.
On service and friendliness the club would probably rank in the top 3. The course lay out is very popular and while the land is hilly the design has managed to negate the impact of the hilly terrain. Some hideous real estate is the only real negative.
We recommend you try it at our preferential high season price of €75 including buggy (high season price).
EU Medical Cover
We would like to again remind clients to ensure that they take the time to acquire their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Clients often ask us about the need to take out travel insurance when coming to play golf in Spain. The main concern when travelling anywhere is that of incurring medical expenses. All EU citizens who contribute to their national social security systems are entitled to free medical care when on holidays in another member state provided they have the EHIC card which can be obtained free of charge.
Irish residents Ireland can apply for an EHIC directly from the HSE
In the UK the quickest and easiest way is to apply online. Your card will normally arrive within seven days. Some people can only apply for an EHIC by post but this method will take longer.
• To apply by phone, call 0845 606 2030.
• To apply by post, get a form from your local post office. Send the completed form to EHIC Applications, PO Box 1114, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE99 2TL.
Christmas Gift Idea from Valderrama
Valderrama Golf Club which has just been taken over by a Greg Norman owned company will host the Andalucía Masters starting on Oct 29th.
Looking for the Ultimate Christmas Gift for the discerning golfer in your life?
Golf Experience is offering a limited number of 10 vouchers for 2 to play at Europe’s number one golf course Valderrama. This is the ultimate golfer’s present and is at the unbeatable price of €390 for the 2 green-fees, and as if it wasn’t enough we will be giving out a plantwear discount code for those who register as well. The offer is valid for play anytime in 2011 and subject to availability at time of booking.
Golf Experience Expands to Tenerife
Golf Experience has now added Tenerife to its range of destinations.
Golf Club Adeje
After some extensive research Golf Experience in collaboration with the H10 Hotel chain is now offering golf packages to the Island of Tenerife throughout the year.
Tenerife which has the same latitude as Western Sahara is the perfect winter golf destination.
With easy access from most UK & Irish airports the guarantee of warm winter weather is a huge selling point for this spectacular volcanic island in the Canary Islands.
H10 Costa Adeje Palace Hotel
Hotel Finca Cortesin
How about a short romantic break at what is surely the most luxurious hotel in Spain – Hotel Finca Cortesin?
Fairplay Golf Hotel – Benalup
Fairplay Golf Hotel and Resort
It’s not often that a truly unique golfing holiday resort presents itself. But having just visited the 5 star Fairplay Golf Hotel (A member of the Leading Small Hotels of the World) we can say that we have indeed found one.
This unique resort is set in the heart of the Alcornocales National Park and commands a splendid view over Spain’s only remaining rice paddy field. Sounds remote? Well at onlyan hour’s drivefrom Gibraltar Airport or 30 minutes from Jerez it is remarkably accessible.
The hotel is located at the white village of Benalup and indeed its layout is supposed to resemble that of a Spanish white village clustering around the main hotel and Spa.
What makes Fairplay unique as a 5 star golf resort is that it is all inclusive. Your price includes full-board accommodation and unlimited golf on their excellent 18 hole par 73 course.
The hotel boasts 3 world class restaurants where everything except some vintage wines are included.
Golf Experience have negotiated excellent rates for our clients and prices start at €150 per person sharing per night which when you consider the price includes everything really is great value.