The club he runs – which has two 18-hole courses, Los Lagos and Los Olivos – has been and remains one of the most popular on the Costa del Sol. Having said that, it is unfortunately a while since the golden years when even 36 holes were not enough to satisfy demand. Lorenzo Pérez Cortés has extensive experience in different companies in the tourism industry... here he talks about his club and other matters.
– Mijas has recently completed the renovation of its two courses. How will golfers notice the results of your major efforts in this respect?
- The course has been lengthened by 169 metres from the white markers, 300 from the yellow and 148 from the red, now measuring a total of 6,536 metres.
The course returns to its original par-72: the 15th changes from a par-3 to a par-5 and the 16th, which was a par-4, is now a par-3. Water now has a clearer role in play, with different lakes taking part in various holes at the same time.
The main changes are larger greens, built according to USGA specifications. In addition, the tee platforms have been modified, also making them larger, and enabling us to increase or reduce the level of difficulty at our convenience. The irrigation and drainage systems are completely new, which makes play possible at any time of the year (even during or after torrential rain). The new cart paths allow the use of buggies 365 days a year, thus resolving the inconvenience we suffered due to rain.
Areas that previously did not form part of play now have greater prominence, taking advantage of areas of the course that had not been taken much into account.
Also worth highlighting are the new grass types, more suitable for the area’s climate: on the tees, fairways and rough, Hybrid Bermuda Princess 77; and on the greens and approach areas, Agrostis Estolonifera 007 Variety.
The course’s image is now different. Grass now only enters part of play, limited to the course design, complemented and boosted by natural areas that didn’t exist before, the tree areas have been expanded with the planting of more than 350 new trees, etc.
Finally, the contrast between the gentle outline of Los Lagos and the impressive presence of our new “Ball-Bridge” leaves no one indifferent, and we think this means that we have been able to combine tradition and innovation in the same landscape.
- Could it be said that Los Lagos and Los Olivos are now in their best state for play?
- With respect to Los Lagos, without a doubt. The course has improved spectacularly since last winter and that is demonstrated by our clients’ comments on social networks, congratulating us after playing a round.
At Los Olivos, we still have to improve certain aspects, such as the bunkers and other details, but the improvement since we hired our new greenkeeper has also been very significant.
- Málaga province has had one of its best summers in the history of tourist activity. Have you also noticed an increase in visitors playing golf?
- Yes, definitely, we have noticed an increase in the number of national (Spanish) golfers but much more in foreigners and, above all else, visitors from northern Europe. We believe the conflicts in Turkey and Egypt caused this boost in new visitors during the summer period.
- Having two 18-hole courses on the Costa del Sol at the moment… is that an advantage or a handicap?
- Having two golf courses has been and always will be an advantage, as you can satisfy demand by different kinds of golfers during periods of low or high activity, and hold competitions during the low season while members and societies play on the other course, without suffering any serious effects.
- These days bookings are not made so far in advance as before. What problems does this situation cause to courses?
- Above all else, a lack of forecast and planning. Which is why, unlike at other courses and companies, at Mijas Golf Club we aim to boost advance and pre-paid bookings, rather than a “last-minute” philosophy, which leaves your business adrift and susceptible to the whims of last-minute clients, who only choose a course based on price and not loyalty or appreciation of your amenities.
- What are the main attractions of Mijas Golf that other Costa del Sol don’t have?
- Speaking well about ourselves might show a lack of respect but it is true that our clients’ comments make us believe that Mijas Golf’s strength is in its location, in the heart of the Costa del Sol, just 20 minutes from Málaga airport and 3.5 kilometres from the beach, as well as its design and amenities, highlighted by the practice area. If there is one thing that has enabled Mijas Golf to stand out from its competition over the past 37 years it has been its flexibility with clients and tour operators.
- Have you noticed over the past few years changes in the nationalities of the majority of golfers visiting the Costa del Sol?
- Yes, indeed. Although most of our clients are British, we have noticed a considerable increase in Scandinavian clients and a decrease in Irish. And, even though the figures are not yet significant, we are starting to notice an interest in our amenities from Russians and Asians
- Andalucía has not hosted any European Tour event this year. Do you believe these kinds of events are necessary to promote this tourist destination?
- Certainly, all help from the authorities is modest during these times of crisis. We should not forget that golf tourism and residents are a very important source of revenue for the Costa del Sol during the months when tourist activity is virtually paralysed. It is interesting that the golf seasons are diametrically opposite to those for traditional tourism.
- Do you have any ideas about how golf tourism on the Costa del Sol can return to the same levels of the best years?
- Lower taxes. The serious blow last year of a 13-point increase in IVA (VAT) has been a millstone around our necks during one of the deepest crises that Spain has ever suffered. We should not forget that this country lives by tourism and any incentive from the authorities at a national, regional or local level, such as lowering taxes, or providing subsidies or support, will lead to an increase in bookings and resources in our region and in the country in general.
