Ronan Maguire, from Ireland, explains why his family became members of Royal Guadalmina Golf Club – and gives us an insight into their experience.
“We joined Royal Guadalmina Golf Club last January and, I have to say, it was one of the best investments we have ever made as a family.
I’ve wanted to join a golf club for many years now but until recently felt it didn’t make sense for me to do so. Why fork out obscene money for a share, and pay a monstrous ‘one off’ joining fee (hello money) and an annual sub, when we could play a lifetime’s worth of golf, on countless different golf courses, for far less. Boy, haven’t times changed. Shares are now more realistic; in fact, they have hit a level that makes them real investments again. Joining fees have been slashed and in some cases done away with, and the overall concept of acquiring a share is once again a very attractive proposition and actually makes financial sense for those of us who play some sort of regular golf.
So what do you want from a golf club? That was the question we asked ourselves before finally choosing Guadalmina. Firstly, if I buy a share, I want that share to be all-inclusive. There is no point in me having a share if everyone in the family cannot enjoy the benefits of owning a share, so our share had to include the entire family. Thankfully, purchasing a Guadalmina share enables the entire family to become full members of the club and this, to us, was the single most important point. The fact that the joining fee was significantly reduced was a bonus and something that really did help to push us over the edge.
Financial decisions aside, first and foremost we wanted a good golf course, well maintained and a challenge to play. We wanted to feel we could play at the drop of a hat, without too many restrictions. We wanted regular tournaments, well run and open to all members. We wanted to be part of a club that reflected the demographic of the Costa del Sol: diverse, multicultural and of course Spanish.
Guadalmina ticked all the boxes for us and offers so much to keen golfing families. The South course is right up there; I’d go as far as to say it is definitely one of southern Spain’s top 10 golf courses and, when the condition of the course is at its best, it gives the top clubs a run for their money. However, you don’t get just one course: you get two full 18-hole courses and a smashing 9-hole short course. The South is a five-star course and the North is as good as many on the Coast, a real test of golf and a pleasure to play.
The kids are also part of the deal and have members’ rights for very little cost. They can play whenever they wish and practise as much as they want, and are welcomed and encouraged by the club. There are regular organised coaching, tournaments and plenty of supervised outings to play at other courses. All supervised by professionals that once formed part of the of Guadalmina Golf Academy, one of the best in Spain, which have formed players such as Azahara Munoz among others.
Guadalmina’s facilities are great and are in the process of being upgraded, with a new caddymaster’s, shop and maintenance area under construction. The bar and restaurant area is fantastic and offers outstanding value; it’s a place we pop over to on a regular basis, even if we are not playing golf. This is open to everyone and I’d highly recommend a visit. The staff are so helpful and friendly; they are very welcoming and can’t do enough for the members and their guests. It’s always a pleasure to walk into such a warm and friendly club like Guadalmina.”
