“We will offer one of the best value for money options in the area.”
Ricardo Andrades, director of San Roque Golf & Resort, talks to us about the evolution of the course, the challenges and objectives for the future.
More than 30 years in the golf industry
It seems like only yesterday that Ricardo Andrades began his career in the world of golf, but it has been more than 30 years since he started working at The San Roque Club in 1991, where he remained until 2005.
This prestigious Cadiz club has hosted the European Tour, the Volvo Masters, the AmEx World Championships at Valderrama and the 1997 Ryder Cup. It has also hosted several editions of the Qualifying School of the European Tour and two Spanish Opens.
A new stage in San Roque Golf & Resort
After managing the Almenara golf course until 2023, Ricardo Andrades received a call from the new investors of San Roque Golf & Resort, who were looking for a professional with experience in the segment, knowledge of the area and operational capacity.
Condition of the field after change of ownership
– Your field was closed for several months, how did you find it when you took over the new ownership?
– No, the course was not closed at any time. We have kept it open and have carried out progressive maintenance work, especially on the greens, which today are completely recovered and with excellent comments from the players.
Improvements and restoration of the route
– How has the field improved since then?
– Our priority was to recover the greens, in addition to working on cleaning up the weeds in the fairways and defining tees and fairways.
The design of Perry Dye and Seve Ballesteros
– What aspects of the Perry Dye and Seve Ballesteros design would you highlight?
– The course bears the signature of Perry Dye, with very recognizable characteristics, and some touches of Severiano Ballesteros. It is a course with impressive fairways and numerous bunkers, reminiscent of links courses, but with the difference of being surrounded by cork oaks.
A technical or accessible route?
– Is it a very technical course or accessible for medium handicap players?
– It is a technical course, but adaptable to medium and high handicap players. We have made adjustments in the distances to make it more accessible to all types of golfers.
Will San Roque Golf & Resort host professional tournaments?
– The course hosted the Open de España in 2006 and hosted the Qualifying School of the European Tour from 2003 to 2007. Do you plan to organize professional tournaments again?
– Berwick Real Estate’ s objective is to raise the standards of the course so that players enjoy the best experience. If we deem it appropriate at the time, we could return to hosting high-level professional competitions.
Plans for resort facilities
– When will San Roque Golf & Resort be completed with the clubhouse and hotel?
– As soon as we have the necessary licenses and permits, we will begin construction of the hotel, which will also serve as a clubhouse. In the meantime, we are focusing on repositioning the course and consolidating it as a reference in the area.
Players’ assessment after reopening
– What do the players think about the field after the changes?
– We are receiving very positive feedback on the evolution of the course since May. Those who played it a year ago can notice the great improvement in the greens and fairways. We know where we want to go and we continue to work every day in that direction.
A unique natural environment on the Costa del Sol
– San Roque Golf & Resort is located in a spectacular setting, with no houses affecting the course. Will this continue to be the case in the future?
– Yes, the course is in a privileged natural setting. The hotel project borders the course, but will never affect its layout. This is something highly valued by both the players and the property.
The positioning of San Roque Golf & Resort among the golf elite
– The course is located in an area with very high quality golf clubs. Do you aspire to position yourselves among the elite?
– We will be a pay & play course with a limited number of subscribers, offering an exclusive golf environment and a great 19th hole. Our goal is to provide one of the best value for money options in the area .
???? What do you think about the evolution of San Roque Golf & Resort? Leave us your comment and join the conversation.
Author: Antonio Sanchez
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