WEATHER WREAKS HAVOC

Global warming or just climate changes? The former may now be in question – the latter is clear for all to see, both globally and locally here on the Costa del Sol. Nine months of drought followed by weeks of almost unrelenting rain have been giving our greenkeepers nightmares, while inducing withdrawal symptoms from golf-starved tourists and residents.  The old cliché “It never rains but it pours” has never been more apt, as golf clubs lose more revenue by having to close their waterlogged courses.  However, a word of advice: never assume that because its raining cats and dogs in Málaga, the same will apply in Marbella (and vice-versa).  Recently, several players missed a rare chance to beat the weather when Golf Leisure Breaks played their competition at Calanova, where those who did turn up enjoyed a warm, sunny day.

One victim of the recent British-type weather has been the Parador’s Royal Málaga Golf Club, who host the Andalucian Open from 25th March. Through sheer perseverance and hard work, the green staff there are striving to get the course into suitable condition for such a prestigious event, which will be viewed by millions of TV fans. A couple of weeks’ warmth and sunshine would help everybody’s cause no end.  Fortunately, the Parador course is sand-based and dries out very quickly. Local favourite Miguel Ángel Jiménez, already a winner on Tour this year, organizes and stars in the event,  where he won the Tur-españa Masters back in 1999.
In the lead-up to the Andalucian Open, the club is being  understandably protective of the course, but a great time to play there will be immediately after the tournament, when both the golf course and the weather should be at their best. Golf Leisure Breaks will be continuing their regular Wednesday stableford competitions at Parador for 3rd and 10th March.

To enter this or any of our other competitions, call Julie or Paul on 952 582 943.

Tags: Costa del Golf, Costa del Sol, wheater