He has just joined the management of La Hacienda Alcaidesa Links Golf Resort at the beginning of March. He has spent the last four years managing one of the most prestigious courses in the Mexican Caribbean, the PGA Riviera Maya.
He previously worked at Real Cub Valderrama, Salamanca… Fernando Padrón is a great professional, who stands out wherever he is, but above all he is one of those people you wonder why there are not more like him in the world?
-Four years What would you highlight from your experience there?
-The experience has been very positive, both personally and professionally. I would highlight the learning of different ways of working, getting out of the “comfort zone” and, due to the proximity to the USA, the knowledge of the American market.
-The course I was at, the PGA Riviera Maya, is one of the best in that part of the world. What would you say is the level of the courses there? Equal or higher than our average? Don’t be courteous….
-Indeed, PGA Riviera Maya is a great Robert Trent Jones Jr. design in the middle of the Mayan jungle and surrounded by cenotes. In my opinion it is, along with Mayakoba and Playa Paraiso Iberostar, one of the best in the world. the 3 best courses in the Mexican Caribbean. The level of the courses there is very good, generally with grass of the Paspalum variety because of its tolerance to saline water and also because the bright green color of this cespitose variety gives it a special aesthetic touch. I wouldn’t say that they are better or worse than the They are certainly great fields in a very special environment such as the Mayan jungle and the cenotes, despite being quite flat fields with little movement.
-We suppose he must have had a lot of fun over the years….
-Undoubtedly, the state of Quintana Roo and the entire Mexican Caribbean is a paradise for tourists and golfers, a place highly recommended to visit. In addition to paradisiacal beaches you can find Mayan ruins, cenotes, a first class gastronomy and most importantly a friendly and nice people. Places like Tulum, Holbox Island or Xcaret Park are a must.
-The prize for the winners of the Andalucía Golf Challenge circuit is a week of tourism and golf in the Riviera Maya playing the course you have managed, the PGA Riviera Maya, Playa Paraíso and El Camaleón (Mayacoba). What would you say to those who manage to win this trip or join it? Do you think it is a recommendable experience for any golfer and companions?
-The first thing is to congratulate those who manage to win this circuit because they will be able to enjoy a unique golf and leisure experience; they will play great courses in a wonderful environment. Of course it is a recommendable experience and I am sure they will not forget it. Even the companions who do not play golf will have many alternatives to have a great time. All those who go want to repeat, it must be for a reason.
-Before your Mexican adventure you spent several years at R C Valderrama, what memories did this stage of your work leave you with?
-My experience at Valderrama was sensational and the memories are wonderful. Having the opportunity to work at such an iconic club as Real Club Valderrama was a unique opportunity and I will always be grateful to Javier Reviriego for trusting me. The opportunity to be in The organization of the Open de España or the Andalucía Valderrama Masters, as well as the daily coexistence with members who identify with the Club is something I will never forget.
-You are returning to the Costa del Sol to manage a large golf resort with a recently renovated course, La Hacienda Alcaidesa Links. What can you tell us briefly about your new destination?
-I have just arrived and the first impressions are very positive; we have two great courses and great facilities, with a first class clubhouse. The reform of the Links course has been a great success. From here we have ahead the exciting project of consolidating La Hacienda Alcaidesa Links as one of the references of Sotogrande and the entire Costa del Sol.
– The complex he now manages is very close to courses such as RC Valderrama, RCG Sotogrande, San Roque, La Reserva, etc. Do you think you are up to the level of these great tours, that you can rub shoulders with them?
-The Sotogrande destination is undoubtedly very well positioned and has great golf courses. Hacienda Alcaidesa is making a big investment to be at the level of these courses. We are ambitious and not only want to have two great golf courses but also a high level catering, a professional golf academy and a first class player service.
-What would you highlight about La Hacienda Alcaidesa Links? Has the renovation transformed the course or respected the original design? We assume that the refurbishment has improved it considerably?
-The reform has been comprehensive and have been modified especially greens, bunkers and has worked thoroughly in landscaping with special care to “open” the field to the sea, as it has unique views of the Mediterranean that before the reform the vegetation covered much. The result has been a first class course in a unique environment and with a much higher level of maintenance than before the renovation.
-We are sure you are happy to be back on the Costa del Sol after a few years, but be honest, don’t you miss the Mexican Caribbean a little bit?
-Well, these first days yes, because of the cold we are having….. No, seriously, Riviera Maya is a fantastic place where I have left very good friends. I hope to return on vacations, but the Costa del Sol and Sotogrande is my home, and I am tremendously happy to be back and to join this great project, and very grateful to Millenium Hospitality for this opportunity.
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