\"MY PRIORITY IS TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF MEMBERS AND IMPROVE SERVICES\"
Aloha Golf’s new manager began his professional career at a relatively young age. He was 24 when he started working for a bank, gaining wide experience in various positions and at different offices.
In 2002, he decided to change his life and was offered the possibility of taking over as manager at Royal Sotogrande Golf Club. “The offer arrived unexpectedly but at an opportune moment for me.” He remained there from 2003 to 2011.
“It was a very enriching experience,” says Rafael, “at a great club where I believe we did a good job modernising the management and infrastructure and re-organising everything a little.
“After eight years it was time for a change, and once again I received an offer to return to the banking industry, to Banif (Santander’s private bank), where I spent two years trying to carry out investment business. Even though we did achieve something, as everyone knows, things are very bad, and it was insufficient to be able to continue.”
“So,” he says, “when I had the opportunity to become Aloha’s manager – a club that has always been a reference point for me and which I have had great affection for sine I was young – I didn’t have to think twice, and applied for the job.”
After a four-month pre-selection process, he was chosen by the club.
- What are your immediate objectives?
- Mainly, to work at continuing to increase the number of members and improve services, as the executive committee outlined right from the start.
- Because nothing has to be done to the course, as it is in very good condition, right?
- The course is fantastic. The work being done by Ángel Chacón (greenkeeper) is outstanding. What happens though is that golf courses, as living objects, always need to be upgraded, brought up to date, etc. We have to make some small decorative and aesthetic improvements, a little manicure, and that’s what we’re doing. This is a unique layout and in perfect condition.
- A major renovation was carried out of the clubhouse, but some minor things remain…
- The renovation was incredible. That things remain to be done? As always… There are some parts that we need to upgrade, to designate certain spaces and, most important, to work on the parking area in the immediate short term. We’re going to add a new storey. We’re also going to completely revamp the hut on the ninth hole, and we are thinking about adding an additional service, such as a gym orientated towards gold.
- Another objective could be regaining a European Tour event?
- That’s something that is always on the agenda. If there is a possibility of doing so in the future we’ll study the option with all the affection in the world. Because both the members and the Aloha executive committee are very proud to have hosted the Open de Andalucía in 2007, 2008 and 2012.
