Mijas Golf Valley

A meeting was recently held attended by the Mayor of Mijas, Angel Nozal, various town councillors and representatives of the 13 golf courses which comprise the locality of Mijas.
In terms of number of golf courses Mijas is actually the most densely populated area in the whole of Spain and, to fulfil its obvious potential,a number of proposals were put forward in order to enhance its reputation both at home and abroad; chief amongst them a complete revamp and branding of the area to be named the ‘Mijas Golf Valley.’
To reach that end, various strategies were identified such as an improved system of road signage with golf course names clearly visible on rounadbouts and busy public roads. In a recripocal arrangement the courses in question have agreed to administer and distribute tourist information leaflets about the beaches, village of Mijas etc. in their club houses and pro shops. Golfers will not be targetted once they are in Spain but at trade fairs abroad with the UK, Nordic and Central European countries identified as key markets.
One of the ongoing problems which the golf courses were keen to find a solution to was the damage caused by wild boar incursions. The mayor has agreed to consult with his fellow mayors in the neighbouring towns, to hopefully gain their support, before lobbying the Junta de Andalucia for answers and a common plan of action: hunting, electric fences? In further planned meetings it is also hoped that the Civil Guard will be present to advise upon prevention of on-course golf theft.

Tags: Golf in Spain, Golf Leisure Breaks, Mijas Golf Valley, Services of Golf

IGTM in Turkey

The Costa del Golf page will be attending the International Golf Travel Market being held in Belek, Turkey from November 14-18. This will be the 13th edition of the premier event for over 1400 golf industry delegates from 67 countries who come together to attend seminars, have numerous planned meetings and generally network. There might just be time to fit a couple of rounds in too!
Expectation is high for this year’s IGTM after a prolonged spell in Iberia: last year was in Valencia and, before that, Malaga and Marbella. Turkey is an emerging player and competitor to many mores established golfing resorts. To that end, many delegates will be arriving early over the weekend to see for themselves and joining some planned ‘Fam Trips’ to include golf and cultural sightseeing. With most of the accommodation based around luxury five star hotels near Belek it doesn’t have the number of courses (yet), nor infrastructure, to compete with the Costa del Sol but with strong financial backing, coupled with undoubted quality of the courses, the stage is theirs. IGTM director Mark Walsh believes they are heading in the right direction to improving the infrastructure, hotels and golf courses to rival the best in Europe: ”The Turkish tourism industry is one of the most successful and fastest growing in Europe..the established golf resorts in Belek – and those being built – are among the best in the world.”
The IGTM is the visible manifestation of the organisation, International Association of Golf Tour Operators – or IAGTO for short – of which this page, as Golf Leisure Breaks, is proud to belong. Just one of over 1500 fully bonded and legal tour operators – a must in this uncertain day and age offering important peace of mind when booking your annual golfing trip, or discounted green fees – along with affiliated golf hotels, courses and other industry partners. Statistics show that sales of over 80% of worldwide golf holiday packages are generated by  IAGTO members – a test to their strength in depth and experienced staff. Although this percentage figure is certainly lower in Spain – the proliferance of unregulated bar societies and their ilk selling cheap green fees an ugly practice set against those trying to make an honest living – the regional authorities should sit up and take notice as golf, in Andalucia alone, generated a turnover of 687 million euros for the local economy in 2010. Although the number of exhibitors from Spain is significantly down on previous years – due in no small part to the crisis, cost and distance involved in travelling – those that due attend will be in a stronger position vis a vis their nearest competitors. Furthermore, the appointment of Mr. Marco Polacci, as the official IAGTO Spain representative, is a positive move. It is to be expected that with his wealth of experience, knowledge of the market, suppliers etc. we can set about building bridges with the tourism authorities to retain Spain, and especially the Costa del Sol, as one of the most sought after destinations. Now is not the time to rest on our laurels!
The feedback and criticism most generally heard about Belek tend to be surrounding supply and demand as there are only currently 14 golf courses servicing quite a large number of hotels. Getting a prime time tee flight is practically impossible. A second is that most of the entertainment is on site – golfers are restricted to their hotels for food and drink which can, perhaps, become a tad claustrophobic.  I look forward to confirming or dispelling these claims in a couple of weeks’ time. Until then, ‘Serefe!’

Tags: discount golf green fees, Golf Leisure Breaks, Golf Tour Operator, IGTM Turkey

Sergio breaks “maldición”

Sergio Garcia, after several near misses, (three 2nd places) finally added the Andalucia Masters to his CV after an aggregate score of six under 278 saw him see off a spirited challenge from local favourite, Miguel Angel Jimenez, to win by just one shot. In the process, he completed back-to-back wins on the European Tour, after his victory in the Castello Masters, and tenth overall on this circuit. Of equal importance is that he now returns to the World’s Top Twenty and leads the Ryder Cup rankings after missing out at Celtic Manor for a number of reasons.
The crowds came in respectable numbers, conditions unusually benign after the downpour early on Thursday morning. Many locals were hoping to see a Spaniard finally break the curse of one of their own never having won on at Valderrama. The weekday green fee price of 300€ is not within the financial reach of everbody either so, for many golfers, this was the closest they will get to playing on this ‘hallowed turf.’ Many had travelled down from Malaga to watch Jimenez attempt to win his first tournament of the season and, if there had been a prize for the most vocal supporters – many in fancy dress with copper-coloured wigs and extravagent plastic cigars -  then his would most certainly have won. After clawing back the deficit on the front nine his putting touch deserted him until consecutive birdies on the 16th and 17th, followed by a majestic approach to ten feet on the 18th green, looked like forcing a play-off. Incredibly, he got the line right but left the ball a couple of rolls short. Never up never in! Sergio, waiting down the right side behind, proceeded to hit his second into the greenside rough, short left. His chip looked like dropping at one point but, alas, lipped out leaving him, ‘one of them’: a downhill three footer which has proved to be his Achilles heel over the last few years. He was to make no mistake though. Jimenez, obviously disappointed, was gracious in defeat,” Yesterday we  played together and he deserves it because he is playing great. Finally, a Spaniard has won in Valderrama. This morning I said to Sergio: ‘If I’m not the winner I hope you win.’…and it happened.”
The British Isles were represented by Shane Lowry, Stephen Webster and Richie Ramsay. The latter will most certainly rue an errant tee shot on the long par 3 15th hole. After playing himself into contention the Scot hit, what can only be described as a thin cut with a long iron, (although more unkind hacks have since called it a shank) which stung his fingers and disappeared into the trees. After playing a provisional ball the search for the original tee shot was called off after the permitted five minutes had expired just as, you’ve guessed it, his first ball was found. To be fair, he did well to make a double bogey from the bunker but this solitary blip cost him dear. Another player who will testify to the unforgiving layout was former US Open winner, and defending champion, Graeme McDowell. He propped up the field on 25 over par after a forgettable weekend’s golf.
In a year which has seen Andalucia host several professional golf events – Andalucia Open, Volvo World Matchplay, Spanish Ladies Open and Benahavis Seniors Masters – this was a fitting finale to the golfing season.

Tags: Costa del Golf, Golf Competitions, Golf in Spain, Golf Leisure Breaks

Sergio finds mojo

After three years in the golfing doldrums Sergio Garcia enjoyed a welcome return to form by winning the Castello Masters in some style by the impressive margin of eleven shots; in football parlance the equivalent of Manchester City demolishing their Stretford neighbours 6-1 last weekend.
To be fair, he has shown glimpses of his talent throughout 2011 by perfoming well in the majors and losing in an extended play-off to his compatriot, Pablo Larrazabal, in the BMW International Open.
Having broken onto the world golfing scene in 1999 it might be fair to say that his singular natural exhuberance had largely disappeared eleven years later. Problems on and off the course: using a belly-length putter in his mid-twenties a sure sign of deeper problems on the greens; club waggling; acts of petulance (bad language, spitting) which incurred the wrath of tournament officials plus a couple of break-ups in his private relationships hardly endeared him to golf fans on either side of the Atlantic.
However, whilst acting as host to the event on his home course where he was junior club champion at the age of twelve, a display of maturity was in evidence. Going into the final round eight shots clear a superb 63 saw this extend to eleven and have fans searching on Google for winning margins of a similar magnitude. Only two spring to mind – Tiger Woods at the US Open in 2000 and      Ernie Els at the Asian Open. Unfortunately for Sergio the fact that winter rules were enforced and improved lies were used on four days meant his efforts would not make the record books. This was his ninth European Tour victory and 18 worldwide.
Clearly emotional after receiving what can only be described as an avante-garde trophy Sergio sent a kiss to the skies and said: ” That was for Seve. I would like to thank not only my family and friends, but also my sponsors, everyone that’s around me, for supporting me through two tough years. At the beginning of the week there’s also a little extra pressure because you want to do well in front of your home fans and on your home course.”
With the European Tour moving to Valderrama this week a large number of Spaniards – 16 in total – will be jostling for Race to Dubai places and to become a member of the coveted Spain World Cup team.

Tags: Golf Competitions, Golf Tournament, Sergio Garcia

Santa Maria G&CC Presidents Trophy

The 5th President’s Trophy took place at Santa Maria Golf & Country Club on 08 October whereby upwards of 130 golfers participated in an individual stableford event followed by double that number enjoying a formal prizegiving dinner at the 5* Hotel Don Carlos in Elviria.
The evening was all the more special given that 2011 is the twentieth anniversary of the club. Remaining true to the traditions of the club this was the fifth President’s Trophy inaugurated by Mr. Abdulla Saudi, whose idea was to initiate an annual event as a means of giving thanks to all those who had contributed to the well-being of the club: long-standing members, tour operators and golf agencies, press etc. Certainly this is a legacy which was appreciated by all participants from the moment they arrived to be met by  golf director Alfredo Ramiro and staff distributing courtesy goody bags and a full English breakfast served in the H19 Restaurant. This certainly aided yours truly who, ‘full of beans’, walked off with the prize for the longest drive.

Full results on the day were:
Ladies Category, Margot Jann 35 points
Men’s Division 1, Michael O’Donell 36 points
Men’s Division 2, Ernesto Ostrosky 40 points
Overall Winner, Victoria Luque Garcia, 42 points

Just one of several special events celebrating the milestone of twenty years the club remains one of the friendliest on the Costa del Sol; if further proof were needed then Golf Leisure Breaks can vouch that its regular Monday social stableford competition is often oversubscribed, testament to the fine layout and condition of the course – at one with nature.
This page would like to give a special mention to long-serving director of golf, Mr. Colin Mosely, ever-present since Santa Maria’s inception but who, due to ill health, was unable to attend the dinner. The present captain,  Mr. Terry Wills, during his speech spoke for all and wished him a speedy recovery.

Congratulations…
…to Yorkshire golfer, Mark Cothay, who shot one of the lowest gross rounds for some time in a Golf Leisure Breaks competition at the Parador last Friday. Playing off a handicap of five he parred the last nine holes to go round in 74 (39 points) and win by a margin of three points. The win was all the more sweet for Mark as his previous golfing trip to the Costa del Sol ended after just five holes earlier this year. Unfortunately, a misplaced tee shot struck him direct in the mouth necesitating a five hour spell in A&E followed by minor surgery. Good to see you back on the fairways Mark!

Tags: golf reservations spain, golf tee times spain, Santa Maria Golf

Maiden win in Madrid

Southport’s Lee Slattery earned his maiden victory the hard way on the European Tour seven years and 179 starts after he joined its ranks from the Challenge Tour. In a tense finish he teed off on the 18th with a three shot advantage over his nearest challengers – Argentinian Cesar Monasterio and Italy’s Lorenzo Gagli – but, after a wayward approach to the Par 5 with his third shot which landed in the water, he was left with a two foot putt (looked longer but don’t they always!) for a double bogey to clinch the Bankia Madrid Masters by just a one shot margin. Looking physically relieved afterwards he said,” I had a two-footer on the last to win and I have never shaken so much in my life…it was nerve wrecking.”
With the trophy went the winner’s cheque for 143,000 pounds and the guarantee of retaining his playing card; a situation he has had to address on more than one occasion recently. Firstly, having the misfortune to lose his tour card in 2007 by the measly sum of 77 pounds and then again in 2009. He regained his card via the ‘Q’ School and the Challenge Tour but a spate of missed cuts this year saw him spiralling to 328 in the world and putting his future into jeopardy again.
In the end, a final round of 71 – which included four birdies on the back nine – left him on 15 under and he clearly revelled in the celebrations before humbly thanking his parents for  all their support during his formative years. No doubt they were celebrating in La Cala Hills too as Lee has been known to frequent a couple of watering holes in the area. I’m sure Stewart Bewley – Custom Clubmaker previously attached to Cabopino and El Chaparral – will be especially delighted after having the honour of tweaking his clubs in the past!
Pre-tournament talk was centred upon the return of a world number one golfer to the capital of Madrid 18 years after Nick Faldo played there in 1993. This time it was the turn of Luke Donald who had made the extra effort to come and defend the title; Madrid being of special significance to him as last year’s win ended a drought of four years without a trophy and kick-started his rise to the top of the world rankings. After a typically solid start he eventually finished seven shots off the pace but didn’t leave empty-handed. On the Wednesday he was paired with none other than controversial Madrid President, Esperanza Aguirre, and Javier Ballesteros in the Pro-Am which they went on to win in some style. During the press conference he mentioned that it was an honour and a pleasure to be playing with the son of the legend who had originally inspired him to take up golf. Donald said he recognised some of the mannerisms and similarities in swing that Javier shared with his late father; at present the latter is juggling golf with his studies. Luke went on to volunteer his thoughts about the pressures of playing on two tours: ”Although I live in the States, it is very clear  that I never miss the Ryder Cup so I have to play on the European Tour.” Donald, even given his elevated position in the world rankings, evidently does not want to leave anything to chance and rely on a Captain’s pick.
It was Madrid’s turn to pay tribute to Seve and, aside from inviting his son to play in the Pro-Am, a service was held by the 17th green on the Tuesday culminating in the unveiling of a permanent commemorative plaque beside the 18th tee. The course itself, by all accounts, will be a fitting setting  for the sculpture to reside as many professionals commented upon how the El Encin Golf Hotel provided a stern test: measuring a long 6916 metres with 122 bunkers to be avoided.

Tags: European Tour, madrid

The best ever Andalucia Masters

The Hotel Guadacorte Park in Los Barrios, Cadiz, was the unlikely venue (golfing heritage?) for the official inauguration of the Andalucia Masters to be held at Valderrama from 27 – 30 October. Representing the Junta de Andalucia was Luciano Alonso from the Tourism, Business and Sport Ministry who outlined that there would be 96 players taking part; an increase from the top 60 – no exceptions nor reserves allowed – in the Race to Dubai from previous years. In total the prize pool will be three million euros out of a budget close to five million designated to this year’s event.
Alonso made special mention of the Basque player, Jose Maria Olazabal, who would be playing in the event and captaining the European Ryder Cup team in Chicago next year: ”He is one of the most loved and respected golfers on either side of the Atlantic and who can count on 35 professional titles and I am sure he can guide the Ryder Cup team to success.”
30,000 spectators are expected to descend upon Valderrama as well as 250 accredited sports journalists. Of prime importance to the image of the region is that the tournament will be broadcast to over 50 countries with a potential audience of 450 million viewers on four continents; the marketing drive involving both local, national and international press and other mediums.
Highlighting the importance of golf to the local economy Alonso had clearly done his homework. If the figures are to believed then 427,000 golfers currently come to visit Andalucia, home to almost 25% of Spain’s courses -  on an annual basis generating income of some 687 million euros; the median daily spending per head of golfers is calculated at over 91€, 30€ more than the average tourist leaving no doubt as to the importance of the sport.
Pictured are Luciano Alonso, Angel Gallardo, Vice-President of the European Tour, San Roque mayor, Jose Luis Ruiz and the man with the bulging CV, Javier Reviergo, fresh from a successful stint at Finca Cortesin and newly appointed Valderrama golf director. Aside from some big names recently announced – and a strong Spanish armada seeking to capture what, it is fair to say, has been a bogey tournament over the years – the latest name still waiting confirmation is former winner, Justin Rose, who has been enjoying a successful season across the pond keen to join the ‘Three Tenors’: Manassero and the Molinari brothers from Italy.
Considered to be one of the best courses in the world the Andalucian regional government is clearly committed to bringing the best golfers to this event despite the break-up of the partnership with Volvo a few years ago and their decision to go it alone. Indeed, what was evident during Alonso’s speech was the lack of rapprochement on their part towards Volvo – sponsors of the World Matchplay event just up the road. Some thinly veiled comments were directed towards the car manufacturer as the regional government aims to step up from being perceived as previously just bankrolling the event, into having a more direct influence in how the finances are employed providing,” a platform for the spreading of Andalucia as a touristic image.”

Iberia to the fore

October 06 is a date for your diary when the European Tour bus arrives on the Iberian Peninsula, beginning an unprecedented run of four tournaments starting in Madrid and finishing with the Andalucia Masters at Valderrama.
Should you find yourself with a few days free from October 13 – 16 why don’t you travel to the Algarve and watch some of the action at the Portugal Masters being held on the Arnold Palmer designed Oceanico Victoria Course, Vilamoura? Top golfers already confirmed include former World Number One, Martin Kaymer; in-form Thomas Bjorn; the Molinari bothers; Alvaro Quiros, heading a strong Spanish contingent and aiming to become the first golfer to win the title twice; crowd pleasers Colin Montgomerie and John Daly. In a country famous for its golf courses (but where top-class golfers are thin on the ground) Portugal is hoping the Santos brothers can emulate the success of the Molinari siblings; in fact they have just qualified for the two-man World Cup team to be held later this year. The prize fund is an impressive 2,500,000€ of which 416,660€ will be going to the winner. Martin Kaymer summmed up the expectation saying,” I enjoy the weather and the golf course and I have happy memories of my 61 in 2007. It’s a great place to visit and this will be the third time I have played in the event. Hopefully it will be third time lucky!”
There are some super advance deals when purchasing your tickets via Mastercard. Effectively better than two for one, standard adult entry costs just 15€ plus 1€ booking fee for two people whereas normal pay-on-the-day access will set you back 20€ each.
Personally, I’d take the car, stay at a nice hotel and play a couple of rounds myself and watch the tournament on my free day. Golf Leisure Breaks has teamed up with a prestigious hotel chain on the eastern Algarve to offer some great reader deals. The Eurotel Altura is a 4* hotel that lies in an unrivalled location in the Algarve’s underdeveloped ‘Sotavento’ region beside large beaches. Within 15 minutes of the hotel are 6 golf courses and, for golfers and non-golfers alike, there is a Wellness Center with spa and gymnasium. Its sister hotel is located in the medieval tunny fishing town of Tavira. Two nights at the Eurotel Altura sharing a double room on B&B basis with two rounds of golf on Castro Marim and Benamor costs just 169€ and only 145€ at the Eurotel Tavira. Another option might be to play Seve’s legacy in Portugal: Quinta do Vale where three nights on the above board at the Altura plus two green fees on this course is just 180€. Given the late player’s penchant for designing quirky courses, this is remarkably straightforward if you can keep out of the water! Call Julie or Paul on +34 952 582 943 for further details and to book in October and the rest of the year.

Tags: golf breaks, Golf in Spain, golf tournaments spain

Seve’s driving force

Miguel Angel Jimenez was the unanimous choice to perform the drive of honour in memory of his deceased golfing compatriot, Seve Ballesteros, at last week’s Vivendi Seve Trophy.
The Continental team had not won the trophy since its inaugural edition even years ago when an inspired Seve put Monty to the sword in the captains’ duel. Inspirational in getting the event off the ground – just as in the Ryder Cup – it has to be said that the Vivendi Seve Trophy has hardly captured many a golfer’s imagination over the years. As with the Presidents Cup most watching eyes tend to be on the Ryder Cup – one of the most-watched team events in the world. However, his recent passing and respect amongst fellow professionals meant that there was a certain poignancy in the air.
Held at Saint-Nom-La-Breteche outside Paris the two chosen teams were notable for their strength in depth: the continental team ranging from the youth of a teenage Matteo Manassero to a resurgent 40 year-old Thomas Bjorn. No doubt in the back of their minds was the thought that the watching Ryder Cup captain, Jose Maria Olazabal, would have been observing the proceedings very carefully with a view to team selection. The GB and Ireland team, for their part, comprised several ‘heavyweights’; the likes of Darren Clarke, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Ross Fisher plus the in-form Simon Dyson.
As for the golf itself? Well, Seve would have been proud of the tribute by his fellow countryman but not the final outcome. Playing catch-up from the opening day’s pairs the final result finished in Great Britain & Ireland’s favour: 15 1/2 to 12 1/2, Paul McGinley doing himself no harm in the process as a possible future Ryder Cup captain with some inspired leadership. The only scare being five out five possible points for the European side in the first final day’s singles before a crucial win by Ian Poulter on the 18th (how many times have we seen his                                                         resilience come through?) after being one down with three to play saw his team home.

Morrisons charity golf day

Morrisons, the UK supermarket chain with a presence in Gibraltar, will be holding its annual charity golf day at La Cañada Golf in the village of Guadiaro,Cadiz, on Saturday 2nd October.
Helping to organize the proceedings will be Golf Leisure Breaks society member and Med Golf player of the year, Dave Pinniger. Dave told me that their aim is to surpass the sum of 16,000 pounds raised last year for Cancer Research UK. This year’s nominated charity is ‘Save the Children’ and Dave promised that there might be a couple of special items going to auction during the prizegiving ceremony.
The cost for the day – pegged back at last year’s prices – which includes your green fee, meal and drinks is a very reasonable 65€.   For further details and to sign up and help this worthwhile cause please contact by email at davepinniger@btinternet.com or tel: 634 685 865