Living on the Costa del Sol has its perks. Glorious weather, gorgeous beaches and the main attraction for a lot of residents and tourists alike… golf.
But with over 60 golf courses to choose from, where do you play? Or even if you’re a member of a club and fancy trying somewhere different, how do you know if a Golf Club or Golf Course is going to be the right one for you.
Marbella Rocks has taken a leaf out of BBC motoring show Top Gear’s book and replaced their infamous car reviewer, The Stig, with our own candid reviewer, The Secret Golfer.
The joy of this being, we can review golf course impartially, give you tips on service, how friendly, how reasonable, how good, if they have outdated club rules; all without offending anyone (well not too much) and the joy is no one knows who we are and when we’re going to come round to which golf course next to play a round.
According to a recent survey 80% of golfing visitors will repeat the same course as well as trying others. With our reviews we’ll give you the inside knowledge on which golf course to pick. Plus there are 16 new courses planned on the Costa del Sol with a further 19 in the Cadiz region. In addition, there is also a good selection of 9-hole golf courses.
SO THIS MONTH – CLUB OF THE MONTH IS…..
ALOHA GOLF CLUB
THE PARTICULARS:
Aloha Golf Club in Marbella was designed by Javier Arana in 1975. He was one of the most prestigious designers of Spanish courses having designed El Saler in Valencia and El Prat in Barcelona. Aloha was the last project for Javier who died in 1975 when the course was about to be completed.
HANDICAP LIMIT: Men 25.7
Ladies 32.7
BEST POINTS: Two points to go back for sure – Aloha Health Club Gym – amazingly personal approach, very friendly and really good professionals. First moment you step in you feel extremely welcomed .
Also the par 3 course – best way for a rookie to start the real course playing experience, it’s easier with distances and quicker to play through.
WORST POINTS: Driving range – the position of driving range is a big minus as it sits on top of the slope – you hit downhill and ball lands to opposite side of the slope – so you have absolutely no feeling about your distance .You can use this range for a warm up before a game, but for fine tuning your swing and distance control, it is better to go and practice somewhere else.
FRIENDLY: Neutral, if you are member, probably more personal . Pro shop has good range of clothes and clubs, service very friendly and helpful.
Clubhouse restaurant – old school charm, good food but could have a bit more open minded flexibility with the rules. I’m all pro rules but the have to reflect the modern day mindset. Ie. not to be applied only for a sake of having the rules .
CLUB RULES: No mobile phones, no denim, no swimming shorts, polo shirts only, no T-Shirts.
REASONABLE: YES/NO
PRICE: €150 Green Fees
LESSONS: Yes
DEALS: 1 hour €50, half an hour €25
EXTRA INFORMATION: Players must hold the Spanish Federation Golf license, otherwise they will be charged €1.50 for a temporary golf license that includes insurance coverage for accidents and damages.
OVERALL ROCKS RATING: 4 points
LOCAL GOLF NEWS
Costa Team Week 2014
Now in its 13th year, the annual Costa Team Week tournament took place over three days In September at three different golf clubs; Atalaya Park, San Roque and El Paraiso. 18 teams took part with the defending Champions; Gary Ward, Peter Featherstone, Geoff Turner and David Steele taking second place to this year’s triumphant team consisting of Greg Daines, James Cooke, Denis Kelly and David Robinson. Organised once again by former golf professional David Steele, aided by David Robinson, one of the highlights of the competition was a hole-in-one on the second day by Trudy Miles.
Sponsors Bob Terris and John Cannon of Meachers Global Logistics handed out the main prizes at the after tournament lunch at El Paraiso. The event raised the fantastic sum of €750 for local San Pedro charity Aspandem, with the money going towards enhancing the lives of those living with disabilities.
New Golf Society Formed
A new golf society is being formed by The Hairy Lemon and The Almenara Golf Course to bring together local players in the popular resort of Sotogrande.
The Society will be participating in their first event – a ‘Charity Expats v Locals Golf Day’ on Saturday November 1st. Around 50 players will be taking part and proceeds from the day, including a raffle, will go to the Dani Charity. All competitors, family and friends will be also invited to a prize giving event and drinks reception at The Hairy Lemon after the competition.
The Society will also be looking to take part in regular friendly competitions with other golf courses and society’s on the Costa del Sol.
If anyone is interested in taking part in the Charity Event on 1st November, please contact Lizzie May on 638 165 621.
