Golf Merit Plates for Costa del Sol

Golf Merit Plates for Costa del Sol

Golf Merit Plates for Costa del Sol
The Royal Spanish Golf Federation (RFEG) has bestowed Gold Medals and Merit Plates in Golf 2023 to commemorate the great accomplishments of the sport, based on the recommendation of the Honours Committee and subsequent ratification by the Board of Directors.

Eight of the nine Merit Plates in Golf, which recognise institutions that have greatly enriched golf, emphasise the Costa del Sol as a premier golf destination.

The staging of elite professional tournaments, the inception of the Race to Costa del Sol, and emotional backing for the Solheim Cup and the inaugural PING Junior Solheim Cup in Spain have prompted the RFEG to honour a consortium of Andalusian entities pivotal in these achievements: Junta Andalucía, Diputación de Málaga, ACOSOL, Ayuntamiento de Marbella, Ayuntamiento de Casares, Ayuntamiento de Benahavís, Finca Cortesín, and La Zagaleta.

Finca Cortesín, recognised for its superb architecture and challenging course, is a tribute to the Costa del Sol‘s top golfing experiences. The course’s immaculate conditions, combined with its spectacular vistas of the Mediterranean, have repeatedly won praise from both amateurs and pros, cementing its position as a must-visit location for golf aficionados during a golf holiday in Costa del Sol.

Similarly, in golf, La Zagaleta in Marbella embodies elegance and exclusivity. The course, set against a backdrop of natural beauty, perfectly mixes top-tier facilities with an unrivalled golfing experience. La Zagaleta is a jewel in Spain’s golfing crown, attracting appreciation from global golf lovers for its devotion to excellence, from course upkeep to member amenities.

Furthermore, the Son Servera Golf Club in Mallorca won the Merit Plate in Golf for its consistent dedication to golf since its founding in 1967, making it the Balearic Islands’ second-oldest club.

This Mallorcan school is well-known for its nurturing approach to developing golf talent, having produced multiple champions, including famous professional Nuria Iturrioz.

Son Servera, which has 700 associates and leads the Balearics in new licence creation, differentiates itself from the island’s commercial clubs due to its social essence and prominent standing. It provides free introduction courses monthly and actively promotes Mallorca as a premier golfing destination in the Balearic Islands.

Aloha Golf Returns to Arana

Aloha Golf returns to Arana

Aloha Golf returns to Arana
Javier Arana only built eleven golf courses in 30 years. While he may not have the most designs in Spain, he is largely regarded as the best, having provided legendary courses such as Villa de Madrid Country Club and El Saler.

Unfortunately, Arana died before the construction of his final masterpiece, the Aloha Golf Club in Marbella. Although construction started in 1972, there were still no greens when Arana visited for the final time in May 1974. Sadly, Arana passed in January 1975, and the course opened in October of that year.

“Initially, the Aloha greens had a specific cutting height and speed, making the game challenging.” “Arana had detailed green plans,” says Luis Cornejo of SURTEC Golf Agronomy, “but posthumous modifications raise questions about their fidelity to his vision.” ‘Los Campos de Golf de Javier Arana’ author Alfonso Erhardt comments.

Aloha’s greens were completely renovated earlier this year, thanks to the efforts of the chief greenkeeper, Manuel González-Loma, Lobb + Partners, SURTEC Golf Agronomy, and CJW Golf. “Aloha’s terrain is captivating,” says Tim Lobb of Lobb + Partners. Our pre-design evaluation indicated that several greens had severe slopes, which limited flag placements and putt experiences at modern speeds.”

TeeOne bentgrass was custom-grown for each of the eighteen greens. The course reopened in phases in August and September following renovations.

Lobb highlights the team’s commitment to preserving Arana’s legacy, stating that they aimed for a minimum of seven flag positions per green. “The goal was not just aesthetic; we wanted to reintroduce lost flag positions and diversify gameplay strategies,” he goes on to say.

Aloha can now accommodate more players as a result of these changes. While the greens may appear the same from a distance, Lobb says that “the real difference lies in the renewed strategies and positions available to golfers.”

The experience of revitalising Arana’s final design was enjoyable for Lobb, who stated, “Our research, including Erhardt’s book, informed our restoration choices.” In several sections, such as greens 7 and 10, we discovered historical boundaries and restored them, as well as some flag sites.”

SURTEC Golf Agronomy was instrumental in this project, supervising design selection, planning, paperwork, licencing, and construction management. Conor Walsh, well-known for his work at Dunas de Comporta, completed the project on schedule and within the plan.

Lobb praises Conor and his team’s dedication, saying that “their expertise and passion, especially from construction manager David Minogue, were invaluable to the project’s success.”

Visit Aloha Golf on your next golf holiday at Costa del Sol. Marbella boasts fantastic golf courses ready for you.

Roda Golf Modern Buggies

Roda Golf Modern Buggies

Roda Golf Modern Buggies
Roda Golf & Beach Resort has upgraded its golfing experience for visitors by purchasing thirty modern golf buggies, notably the Riversa Club Car Tempo model. This decision demonstrates the resort’s commitment to high-quality golf amenities during your golf holiday in Murcia, as well as its emphasis on environmental responsibility and player comfort.

“Golf buggies are integral to the golfing journey,” says Roda Golf & Beach Resort director José Antonio Hernández Ballesteros. “We chose these buggies with both player comfort and environmental sustainability in mind.”

The Club Car Tempo has ergonomic seating and top-tier suspension, ensuring players have a smooth ride and can concentrate on their game.

Recognising the industry’s shift towards sustainability, Roda Golf & Beach Resort has embraced it with the purchase of electric buggies. These environmentally friendly options, driven by electric batteries, are a dramatic contrast to regular petrol cars, significantly reducing carbon emissions and noise pollution, making them a golf sustainability option. Such developments not only improve the course’s environmental condition but also promise lower operational costs for the resort in the long run.

Furthermore, adding these electric buggies highlights the resort’s commitment to inclusion. Their user-friendly design appeals to golfers of all ages and skill levels. The buggies’ silent operation and better mobility enhance all guests’ gaming experience.

The response from both players and club members has been extraordinarily positive. These buggies’ increased comfort and convenience of use have surely improved the overall golfing experience at the resort. Additionally, club members applaud the resort’s aggressive approach to environmental conservation. Reduced emissions and noise levels have created a more tranquil atmosphere, and golfers take pride in preserving the region’s natural allure.

According to José Antonio Hernández, “With this investment, Roda Golf & Beach Resort reaffirms its unwavering dedication to golfing excellence, aspiring to deliver unparalleled experiences to every guest.”