Preparations are underway for an exciting 2021, following a turbulent year for both the golf industry and the rest of the world. Through teamwork and a desire to drive excellence, Lumine has excelled in its future development to become one of the best golf destinations in Europe.
Voted at the World Golf Awards as “Best Golf Resort in Europe”, Lumine is the first golf club in Spain to pledge its support for The Royal & Ancient’s Women in Golf Charter and extension as a venue for the final stages of the European Tour’s Q-School. These are three stories that resonate across the golf industry in 2020.
This latest deal was confirmed following a stunning 2019 performance by Denmark’s Benjamin Poke, who recorded six rounds under 70 strokes to win by six strokes. Players from across Europe commented on the sublime course conditions and first-class service provided by the team at Lumine, contributing to the commitment of a new three-year contract with the European Tour.
Mike Stewart, Director of the European Tour Qualifying School, said, “Lumine has provided an excellent challenge to players since 2012, even more so since becoming a Final Stage venue, pushing players all the way in pursuit of a European Tour card in one of the most exciting events in golf.”
“The quality of both courses,” he added, “plus the fantastic practice facilities and Lumine’s hospitality, have received praise from players and we look forward to working with the Lumine team to deliver more successful editions of the tournament in the years to come.”
The postponement of the event in 2020 allowed ownership and management to focus their efforts on Lumine’s exciting road ahead in 2021 and beyond, beginning with an extensive recruitment campaign. Since then, three exceptional professionals have joined the team: Agustín García Pascual, Commercial Director, Rita Jordao, Director of Sales and Marketing, and Pablo Guerrero Jaureguizar, Director of Operations.
“We cannot predict the future; however, we can make adjustments and improvements to operations and management to take advantage of opportunities in the moment and provide outstanding quality and service for our teams and guests,” said Agustin Garcia Pascual.
“The team is in a transformation process that will hopefully serve as a guide to other venues in Spain and Europe. We are looking at a range of exciting projects to help develop the business, from guest experience to future event planning – the future is very exciting.”
Perhaps one of the most important topics currently being discussed in modern golf, sustainability is also high on Lumine’s agenda. A forward-thinking green approach related to golf course maintenance, operations and employment has enabled the resort to outline a strategic goal to “become the most sustainable golf facility in Spain.”
A number of exciting environmentally sustainable initiatives have been implemented, including the replacement of all course furniture with 100% recycled plastic materials, with clear intentions to follow up with further measures in 2021.
The resort’s ambitious green strategy was once again highlighted by a variety of certifications awarded by leading environmental agencies, including the Golf Environment Organization (GEO), Audubon International Golf Signature Sanctuary, Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Attention to detail and meticulous preparation played a key role in managing the resort to successfully reopen to its partners and guests at the end of May. The ability to demonstrate first-class delivery on the regulations and recommendations outlined by the relevant health authorities, as well as going above and beyond the measures required by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health, earned Lumine the Global Safe Site Certification from Bureau Veritas.
Lumine’s impressive Beach Club has also played an important role within the resort, acting as one of the main attractions for members during the summer months. It offers a relaxing getaway in one of the most beautiful destinations on the Gold Coast, set within a picturesque pine forest, perched above Playa Larga. With seven swimming pools, an excellent restaurant and beach bar, members can enjoy a premium authentic Mediterranean experience like no other.
The resort has also begun to develop a new strategy of actively seeking to provide the local community with new and exciting opportunities through the game of golf. With a new strategic vision, Lumine became the first golf club in Spain to pledge its support for The R&A’s Women in Golf Charter in September, demonstrating a key desire to increase the number of golfers actively playing, as well as helping to create an inclusive environment for more women to work in the golf sector, especially at Lumine.
As part of the agreement, Lumine announced a selection of exciting new initiatives, such as weekly women-only group golf lessons, becoming an official venue for Women’s Golf Day and a plan to increase female membership by 50% over the next few years.
Jackie Davidson, Women in Golf Charter Leader for The R&A, said: “There is a huge opportunity to grow golf if we can encourage more women and girls to take up the sport. It is so important that clubs like Lumine take the initiative and do all they can to be more accessible and attractive to women and girls. We congratulate them for committing to the Women in Golf Charter and hope that this will encourage other clubs in Spain and elsewhere to follow their excellent example.”
Lumine’s ambitious plans for the future have so far been rewarded with the award of the “Best Golf Resort in Europe” for the second consecutive year at the World Golf Awards. The ability to maintain the highest standards of service and quality throughout the year played a crucial role in retaining such a prestigious award; highlighting the high-end premium offering available throughout the resort.
Lumine faces 2021 with exciting projects and the desire to become one of the best golf and lifestyle resorts in Europe.
Leave a Reply