Preparations are in place for an exciting 2021, as Lumine looks back on an incredible year during an historic period for both the golf industry and the rest of the world. Through dedicated teamwork and a desire to push for excellence, Lumine has excelled in its future development of becoming one of Europe’s finest golf destinations.
Named “Europe’s Best Golf Venue” at the World Golf Awards, Spain’s first golf club to pledge its support for The R&A’s Women in Golf Charter and an extension to the European Tour’s Q-School final stages… these are just three stories which echoed around the golf industry in 2020.
The latter agreement was confirmed after an astonishing performance in 2019 by Denmark’s Benjamin Poke, who carded six sub-70 rounds to win by six shots. Players from across Europe commented on the sublime conditions and first-class service provided by the team at Lumine, contributing towards the commitment of a new three-year deal.
Speaking at the time, European Tour Qualifying School director Mike Stewart said, “Lumine has provided a terrific test for players since 2012, even more so since it became a final stage venue, pushing players all the way as they go in search of a European Tour card in one of golf’s most dramatic events.
“The quality of both courses, plus Lumine’s fantastic practice facilities and hospitality, have drawn praise from competitors and we look forward to working with the team at Lumine to deliver more successful editions of the event in the coming years.”
Arguably the venue’s hero moment of each year, the event’s postponement in 2020 enabled the ownership group and senior management to focus their efforts on Lumine’s exciting pathway in 2021, and beyond, starting with an extensive recruitment drive. Three exceptional professionals have since joined the team: Agustín García Pascual, chief business officer; Rita Jordao, sales and marketing director, and Pablo Guerrero Jaureguizar, operations director.
“We cannot predict the future; however, we can make adjustments and improvements to the operations and management of our venue to capture opportunities in the moment, and provide outstanding quality, service and opportunity for our teams and guests,” said Agustin Garcia Pascual.
“The team are on a transformational journey, one that will hopefully guide other venues in Spain and Europe. We are looking at a whole lot of exciting projects to help develop the business, from guest experience to future event planning. The future is very stimulating”.
Perhaps one of the most important issues currently being discussed in modern golf, sustainability is also high up on Lumine’s agenda. A forward thinking eco-first approach, relating to golf course maintenance, operations and employment, has allowed the resort to outline a strategic goal “to become the most sustainable golfing facility in Spain”.
Several exciting environmentally sustainable initiatives, including the replacement of all on-course furniture with 100 per cent recycled plastics, have been implemented, with intentions clear for further measures to follow in 2021.
The resort’s ambitious eco-first strategy was once again highlighted by a variety of certifications awarded from leading environmental agencies, including the Golf Environment Organisation (GEO), Audubon International Golf Signature Sanctuary, Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) and International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO).
Attention to detail and meticulous preparation played a fundamental role in the resort’s management successfully re-opening to its members and guests at the end of May. An ability to demonstrate first-class delivery on regulations and recommendations outlined by the relevant health authorities, as well as going above and beyond the measures required by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Ministry of Health, saw Lumine awarded a Global Safe Site Certification by Bureau Veritas.
Lumine’s stunning beach club has also played an important role within the resort, with it acting as one of the main attractions for members throughout the summer months. It offers a relaxing and stress-easing escape in one of Costa Dorada’s most beautiful destinations, situated within a picturesque pine forest, perched above Playa Larga. With seven swimming pools, and an outstanding restaurant and beach bar, members are able to enjoy a premium, high-quality, authentic Mediterranean experience like no other.
The venue has also begun to develop a new strategy of actively seeking to provide the local community with exciting new opportunities through the game of golf. With a new strategic vision outlined, Lumine became the first golf club in Spain to pledge its support to The R&A’s Women in Golf Charter back in September; demonstrating a key desire to increase the number of female golfers actively playing, as well as helping to create an inclusive environment for more women to work within the industry, 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 per cent over the coming years.
Jackie Davidson, lead of the Women in Golf Charter 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 become more accessible and appealing to women and girls. We congratulate them for committing to the Women in Golf Charter and hope this will encourage other clubs in Spain and elsewhere to follow their excellent example.”
Lumine’s ambitious future plans have so far been rewarded with the resort being named “Europe’s Best Golf Venue” 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 Lumine retaining such a prestigious award; with it highlighting the premium high-end offering available across the resort.
With a new strategy in place and exciting plans ready to be outlined, a new drive has organically presented itself across all members of the team, from the starter on each of the courses to the hosts at the beach club. This new year, 2021, is armed with exciting projects, an adjustment in operations and the desire to become one of Europe’s finest golf and lifestyle venues.
Lumine afronta el año 2021 con proyectos apasionantes y el deseo de convertirse en uno de los mejores resorts de golf y estilo de vida de Europa.