The captains of the prestigious Cadiz club explain the reasons why they joined the resort and the advantages of membership
San Roque Club, located in the Sotogrande area, has two 18-hole courses, the Old and the New Course, which hosted the Spanish Open in 2005 and 2006, won respectively by the Swedes Peter Hanson and Niclas Fasth. The club has also hosted several finals of the European Tour Qualifying School, and in its splendid clubhouse, erected in what was a spectacular farmhouse belonging to the Domecq family, the best players in the world relaxed during the 1997 Ryder Cup, who stayed at the resort’s hotel at the time.
-How did you discover San Roque Club and when did you join the club?
Mary Flavin: -We bought a house in San Roque Club in 2005 and joined the club that same year.
Andy StanFord: -I started visiting Sotogrande in the late 1990s, and San Roque was always one of my must-play visits. So when I bought a property in Sotogrande, I was already familiar with the clubs in the area and because of the good atmosphere and friendliness, along with the Old Course and the New Course, which had just opened, there was no better choice than San Roque Club. I became a member in 2005 and have enjoyed 13 years of great golf and friendship.
-Why did you choose San Roque Club over all the other clubs in this area?
M.F. -First of all, we met a lot of San Roque members. It had a great social atmosphere, which I think is very important in any club. It has two championship golf courses and a fantastic clubhouse.
A.S. -In addition to what I referred to in my previous answer, along with golf and membership, you also always have to consider the costs. At the time when golf and the economy were booming, the cost to become a member of the golf clubs were very high and all relatively similar. So, the two courses and the ambiance of San Roque Club were the most important factors in making the decision.
-As platinum members, what benefits do you enjoy?
M.F. -You have unlimited golf on the Old Course and 20 free rounds on the New Course. There are members-only tee times every day from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to late on the Old Course. So there’s never a problem getting a tee time any day. And you have access to all private members’ areas.
A.S. -The platinum membership allows unlimited golf on the Old Course, where you can bring three guests at reduced rates, and I also enjoy 20 free rounds on the New Course. Other than that, we have free balls on the two-story driving range, a great pro store and bar where you get a 20% discount, members’ locker rooms and a fitness center.
-The roll-ups that are played at San Roque Club every week are very popular. Could you tell us more about them?
M.F. -Roll-ups are every Tuesday and Thursday morning. Just call the club that morning and sign up. It’s a great way to meet other members and, if you have family or friends, they can play with you for a reduced rate.
A.S. -Every week there are roll-ups on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting at 9:30 am, and on weekends there is always an organized tournament or roll-up. In the middle of the week we usually have between 16 and 30 players depending on the time of year and the weather. There are always a good number of regulars who are really friendly and welcoming, which makes it exceptionally easy for regular returning or vacationing members to join in without feeling out of place – the more the merrier! At weekends the numbers increase and at our main tournaments, of which there are quite a few, we can have anywhere from 60 to 120, depending on the time of year and the event, creating a wonderful atmosphere before and after golf.
-How do the men’s and ladies’ sections work together?
M.F. -Really good! Both men and women are very happy to settle in at the tee times when we have competitions and the mixed tournaments are very successful and enjoyed by all.
A.S. -Both sections work well together and separately due to both the captains’ organization and understanding of the members’ requirements. In the middle of the week, the roll-ups are separate, although we meet on the terrace for a drink afterwards. At weekends there are many mixed competitions which are always well attended.
-How would you rate the Old and New Course compared to other prestigious courses?
M.F. -On a maximum score of 10 I would give both courses a 10. Each course is very challenging in different ways.
A.S.-The area of San Roque and Sotogrande is privileged to have five championship courses separated by no more than three kilometers from each other. In my opinion, they are all very good, but having two different courses and tests, San Roque Club wins by a landslide. Also, when it comes to the summer months, it is very rare that you can’t book a tee time within their schedule, unlike most other courses in the area. If I had to pick one, it would have to be the Old Course with all completely different holes and technically challenging for all handicaps. Also, unlike many other courses, it is very comfortable to play by walking it, which most members do.
-San Roque Club prides itself on its service and its philosophy of personal attention to members. Do you agree with this statement?
M.F. -Completely. The San Roque Club team is always available to please the members and always willing to help us.
A.S. -Members receive great service from all departments of the club, they take care of all our golfing needs, from check-in to check-out! The girls in the store are always happy to help, whether it’s buying golf equipment, renting buggies, finding your handicap, etc. In fact, everything you would expect from a well run proshop. The caddy masters are always on hand to help you with your bag, buggy or trolley, and on the course they will check that you are keeping up with the pace of play, a good thing as no one likes a slow game! All the staff are very friendly and courteous when you see them on the course and do a fantastic job maintaining the golf courses. Finally, the management is always in contact with us to give us feedback on what is going on and their ideas for the club and are very willing to listen to our ideas. Overall, the service in general is very good.
-What is the role of the San Roque Club captains?
M.F.. -You are one of the representative figures in the club; you organize the roll-ups in the week and try to mix up the ladies, so you usually play with someone different every day. You are available to welcome new members or visitors if they play in any of our competitions. We try to run one fun competition a month. We also have a Captain’s Day and a Captain’s Tour where we go away for four or five days to play golf and have a good time.
A.S. – In general, the role is to be the visible head of the membership in all aspects of golf and social events. We work with and help the club management understand the requirements and concerns of the membership in order to continue the friendly and harmonious club we have. Sometimes the position is demanding and requires a surprising amount of time to accomplish this, but the harder you work, the more you get out of it. In short, it starts with planning the calendar for the year, before becoming captain, and then organizing and coordinating the three weekly competitions. In addition, there are interclub matches against local clubs and several tournaments against clubs in England and Ireland, followed by lunch. Some of the main events during the year are the Christmas Tournament, Captains’ Day and the Past Captains’ Invitational, where we have 100-140 attendees. The organization can be extensive, not only for the golf but also for the dinner with choice of menu and wine selection, entertainment, prizes, etc., and sometimes when it is an off-site event there are other logistical issues to handle. In general, the Captaincy entails many more things than most people see. However, it is a privilege in such a prestigious club and, most of the time, a very enjoyable and rewarding task.
-What are your priority objectives for your year at the helm of the Captaincy?
M.F. -Expect all members to be happy at San Roque Club and enjoy the year.
A.S.-Trying not to repeat previous answers, my main priority is to work on behalf of the members in all aspects of the club, both internally and externally, to ensure that everyone has the best and most varied golf possible throughout the year while having fun both on and off the golf course. This is a wonderful club and I would encourage non-members to come and experience what we have. I firmly believe that, overall, this is the best in the area.
-Would you recommend other golfers to become members of San Roque Club?
M.F. -I would do it without any doubt.
A.S. -I highly recommend our club to any golfer of any handicap. The two courses are challenging for any level of play, from pros to 36 handicappers. They are very entertaining, and the camaraderie on and off the course can’t be beat on the Coast. The only way anyone will understand my enthusiasm is to come and join us for a round, and then they will be convinced.
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