Hello everyone, welcome to summer!
Finally, we have some hot weather and it’s now time to play golf, go to the beach, and enjoy the sea and the sun.
We had a very productive week of greens maintenance at the end of May. We completed an aerification process on all greens and tee boxes, and they are recovering very well. This process is vitally important, as it allows oxygen and water to get to the roots and helps the greens throughout the hot summer. You will already see the difference this week when the putting surfaces are fast again and rolling like billiard tables.
I am still allowing the grass to grow more on the fairways and the rough to get some definition on the fairways, but I promise I will not grow the rough too high. You have probably noticed by now that I have grown the aprons (collars) a little higher so that you will have a nice lie to chip from if you miss the greens. I am going to keep the greens at a constant speed of 10.1 on the Stimpmeter. Personally, I think this is ideal and not so fast that our visitors three putt the greens. If you would like them quicker, please let me know.
We have recently purchased a new SandPro that is a machine which is used to groom all bunkers, and this will help mix the old sand with the new. I know many of you will appreciate the consistency of the sand in the bunkers and also the fact that the mixture is not too soft. I am doing my best, so please have some patience with me on this.
We are now almost finished fixing the pipe on the sixth fairway! This was a considerable and difficult task and will help the drainage when it rains in winter. Thank you all for your patience during our time working on this problem.
The third week of May Satu attended the IAGTO European Conference which was held in Málaga this year. IEC is the most important convention for golf tour operators in Europe, where this year almost 1.000 delegates from all over the world met. This year’s IEC was the most attended of all times, as 28% of all IAGTO member tour operator companies were present in Málaga. Satu had a busy schedule of 40 appointments over 2 days.
The second week of June Francesc attended the 4th edition of a MICE event called MIS Andalucia, held in Granada this year. The two days of networking with 20 pre-programmed appointments were very productive and step by step our golf club is becoming even more popular to host all kinds of events. We expect a return in the medium term.
We have many summer tournaments and events coming up, so please check the Clapphouse App and participate in some of the days we have planned for you all. We have two confirmed BBQ 9-hole golf tournaments on July 17th and August 21st and a special evening competition on August 1st. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask me.
Starting July 25th we will also be holding a special dinner with live music every last Friday of the month. Instead of a Jazz Group, as mentioned in the last newsletter, an opera singer with a pianist will be the star of the show. Also, a Cocktail Workshop event is being planned for July 24th. We will inform you very shortly of all the details but watch this space!
Yoga classes have now also started on our stunning El Mirador terrace. Please note that prior reservation is necessary with Lisa Watson, our yoga professor. Classes for all levels are on Tuesdays and Fridays at 9:30am and beginners are welcome. If there are any changes to the time or day of the sessions, we will inform all members through the Clapphouse App. Allow your notifications on the app to keep in the loop!
As I write we still have a few openings for our fitting day with TaylorMade Golf on June 18th, and it is by appointment only. I will be there all day with Javier from TaylorMade helping you all and looking after any needs you have. The next Fitting Day will be scheduled for September – watch this space for exact date!
Do please check out our golf shop with all the apparel that now has our new logo on it. So come by and get a shirt, hat, ball marker, pitch repair tool, or any item with our Higueron Marbella Golf Resort logo. On some accessories and garments, we will, however, also still carry the vintage Marbella Golf logo on them.
In May all members were informed of the new benefits at the Higuerón Gran Malaga Resort and the Sport Club, including padel and tennis court rentals, spa treatments, Pilates classes, etc. This autumn we will be organizing an Open Day at the Sport Club, but if you have any questions regarding the offers you can contact Satu and she will help you get in touch with our colleagues at the Sport Club.
Remember, my door is always open, and you are welcome to come in for a chat. As you will have noticed, I am spending more time on the course and out of my office, so please ask me anything that is on your mind when you see me.
Thank you all for your continued support.
See you around the golf club!
Monty Bordelon
General Manager
