Golf

Celebrating Spanish gastronomy at the Masters Tournament Champions Dinner

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Last year, Spanish golfer Jon Rahm made history by winning the Masters Tournament at Augusta National. This week, he’s set to make another significant mark: designing the menu for the prestigious Champions Dinner, a tradition that brings together golf’s elite for a special meal. This is not just any menu but a showcase of the flavours of Spain, a unique culinary experience curated by Rahm himself.

Champions Dinner menu

Assisting Rahm in curating the menu is acclaimed Spanish chef José Andrés, who shares Rahm’s passion for showcasing the rich flavours of Spanish cuisine. Together, they have crafted a menu that celebrates the culinary heritage of the Basque Country and Spain.

The dinner begins with a selection of premium Spanish products, including Iberian ham, Idiazabal cheese, and chistorra, accompanied by gildas and traditional Basque-style lentil stew inspired by Rahm’s grandmother’s recipe. Guests will enjoy classic Spanish tapas such as tortilla española (Spanish omelette) and chicken croquettes.

For the main course, the players can choose between a refreshing spider crab salad, pil-pil-style turbot, or grilled T-bone steak. Rahm and José Andrés have prepared a decadent cream and custard mille-feuille dessert to conclude the meal.

These gastronomic delights represent Spain’s flavours and mirror the dining experiences that golf enthusiasts can enjoy at many golfing destinations offered by Tee Times Golf Agency for Spain golf holidays. 

Champions Dinner wines

Adding a personal touch to the dinner, Rahm has selected a wine that holds a special place in his heart: the Imperial Gran Reserva 2017. This wine, with its roots in the Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España (CVNE), is a family favourite, particularly cherished by Rahm’s grandfather. The wine’s presence has marked significant moments in Rahm’s life, including his wedding and the birth of his first child, making it more than just a choice of beverage for the evening.

Imperial Gran Reserva 2017, a prestigious red wine, was recognized as the world’s best by Wine Spectator in 2013. Crafted from the finest grapes from vineyards between 550 and 650 meters above sea level in La Rioja, Spain, this wine undergoes meticulous production processes. The grapes are manually harvested, undergo cold maceration, and are aged in French and American oak barrels for two years, resulting in a wine of exceptional quality and taste.

To complement Imperial, Rahm has chosen Contino Blanco 2020, a white wine from La Rioja Alavesa. Known for its balance, freshness, and ability to age gracefully, Contino Blanco 2020 reflects the floral and fruity character of Viura, Garnacha Blanca, and Malvasía grapes.

In addition to savouring exquisite cuisine and fine wines, attendees of the Champions Dinner will experience a taste of Spanish culture and hospitality, courtesy of Jon Rahm and his collaboration with José Andrés. As Rahm continues to make his mark in golf, his passion for his Basque roots and Spanish heritage shines through, both on and off the course.

Photo by: @TheMasters/Twitter

10 facts (and some hidden ones) about Augusta National and the Masters Tournament

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As the world gears up for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, it’s time to dive deeper into this prestigious venue and discover some lesser-known facts. Despite its iconic landmarks and celebrated history, Augusta National has some hidden facets that add depth to its mystique. Here are 10 things that you probably didn’t know about Augusta National Golf Club, and in Tee Times Golf Agency we invite you to know:

Secretive membership process: Augusta National is renowned for its secretive membership process. While the club’s roster includes some of the world’s most influential figures, the selection criteria remain closely guarded secrets. Speculation abounds regarding the identities of members and the initiation process.

Former plantation: the land where Augusta National stands today was once a plant nursery and indigo plantation. The club’s founders, Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts, transformed the property into the iconic course we know today.

Membership fees: while exact figures are not disclosed publicly, joining Augusta National requires a significant financial commitment. Reports suggest initiation fees and annual dues reach into the six figures, making it one of the most exclusive clubs in the world.

No female members until 2012: Augusta National faced criticism for its exclusionary membership policies for decades. It wasn’t until 2012 that the club admitted its first female members, former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and philanthropist Darla Moore, breaking tradition. 

Eisenhower Tree: one of Augusta National’s most famous landmarks was a loblolly pine tree on the 17th hole’s left side. Named after President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who frequently hit it, the tree was removed after sustaining damage in an ice storm in 2014.

Founder’s Cabin: tucked away near the 10th fairway is the Founder’s Cabin, where Bobby Jones stayed during the construction of Augusta National. This historic cabin serves as a reminder of the club’s origins and enduring legacy.

Azaleas and dogwoods: while the azaleas and dogwoods that bloom in spring are synonymous with Augusta National, few realize that many of these plants were strategically transplanted from other parts of the country to enhance the course’s aesthetic appeal.

Green Jacket Tradition: the tradition of awarding the winner of the Masters Tournament with a green jacket began in 1949. Initially, the jackets were only worn by members, but now they symbolize membership and are presented to the champion yearly.

Underground tunnels: beneath the pristine surface of Augusta National lies a network of underground tunnels used for various purposes, including maintenance, transportation, and shelter during inclement weather. These tunnels help preserve the course’s immaculate appearance during major events.

Strict rules and etiquette: the club maintains strict rules and etiquette for members and visitors. From dress codes to mobile phone usage, adherence to these guidelines is essential to upholding the club’s esteemed reputation and preserving its unique atmosphere.

As the Masters Tournament unfolds, these hidden facets of Augusta National add intrigue to an already captivating event. Beyond the thrilling competition on the course, the legacy and mystique of this iconic club continue to fascinate golf enthusiasts around the globe.

Photo by: Golfing Georgia.

Roda Golf & Beach Resort: redefining Spain’s golf scene

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Roda Golf & Beach Resort is nestled along the Mediterranean Sea, just a stone’s throw away from Murcia (Spain) and a mere 1.5 km from the tranquil and shallow waters of the Mar Menor. It offers an unparalleled experience in a region blessed with over 253 km of Mediterranean coastline, nearly 300 days of sunshine annually, and an average temperature of 21º C year-round.

In the renowned Costa Cálida, the resort epitomizes the ideal destination for those seeking an exclusive paradise. It stands as one of the world’s prime havens for sports enthusiasts, aquatic (featuring activities such as swimming, sailing, and water skiing) and terrestrial (boasting an array of options ranging from tennis to trekking and golf).

Roda Golf is one of the most chosen destinations by Tee Times Golf Agency clients seeking the best options for their Spain golf holidays.

The resort is a haven for golf enthusiasts looking to bask in the marvellous Murcian climate and surroundings. With the introduction of Vive Roda, a restaurant offering a magnificent culinary experience, a relaxed ambience, and stunning resort views, Roda aims to elevate the overall guest experience.

Aspiring to make this sensory journey accessible to all, whether a golfer or not, Vive Roda’s devotion to cooking shines through in every dish, pampering and providing the finest ingredients to satisfy our clientele. From exquisite starters to sumptuous rice dishes, succulent meats, fresh seafood, and decadent desserts, all to be savoured on our beautiful terrace with unparalleled views.

Roda Golf Course

Playing golf in Murcia, with its excellent climate courtesy of its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea and breathtaking natural landscape, offers an unparalleled setting for the legendary Scottish game. Roda Golf is a testament to this.

Located just 3 kilometres from the Mar Menor, the course is surrounded by the largest coastal lagoon in Spain. This lagoon is known for its environmental richness and unique characteristics, attracting ecologists and tourists alike.

Beyond its enviable location along approximately 250 km of Mediterranean coastline and abundant sunshine, Roda Golf & Beach Resort offers a secure area seamlessly integrated with the landscape, providing accommodation tailored to your needs.

A golf course in continuous improvement

Thanks to a European Union-cofinanced program, Roda Golf & Beach Resort recently acquired a new fleet of buggies to enhance the experience for players and visitors alike. Additionally, the resort has invested in state-of-the-art maintenance machinery to elevate the quality of play and course care, a commitment it has pursued since its inception.

The driving range offers 15 spacious bays, separated by wooden panels and fully covered, allowing year-round practice. With illuminated facilities, including the driving range and putting green, practice is possible even after dark, ensuring you can hone your skills anytime.

The expansive putting green, with gentle slopes, is perfect for refining your short game, while our chip, approach, and bunker area provide ample opportunities to improve your skills in these areas.

In conclusion, Roda Golf & Beach Resort is a beacon of modern luxury and leisure, offering an unparalleled experience for golf enthusiasts and vacationers. With its breathtaking setting, world-class amenities, and commitment to continuous improvement, it remains at the forefront of the golfing scene and is one of the best Spain golf breaks in the Tee Times Golf Agency packages.