The renaissance of San Roque Club is now well known in the golf industry with the renovation of the Old Course and the many renovations and improvements to the club’s facilities.
Club captains Liz Griffiths and David MacGregor of Great Britain tell us more about this and the mission and vision of the club’s new ownership.
D.M. -The mission is to turn it into a first class golf club in the European market. The new owners recognized San Roque as a great golf course and have been able to map out a plan to go from being a very good course to creating a great resort. The level and quality of work being done is magnificent and we are all very excited to witness the progress of the course, golf facilities and clubhouse.
L.G. -When the new owners arrived, we were worried that all their promises were just words, however, their words have turned into actions and the work that has been done not only on the field but also on the club’s facilities is incredible; we are anxious to see the final result.
-How is this progress situation affecting the New Course?
D.M.-We are very fortunate to have two excellent courses at the club. It is the professional contractors who carry out the renovation work on the Old Course and now the New Course benefits from the increased maintenance work by having the entire greenkeeping team focused on this course. As a result, it is in very good condition. There have been some changes to the New Course which has improved the enjoyment factor of the game, but has retained the views of unspoilt nature, something rare to see on the Costa del Sol. Over the next 12 months, we will enjoy two fabulous courses with very different personalities, but both offering a memorable golfing experience.
L.G. -Of course there is now more influx of players on the New Course with only one course available, but having the whole team of greenkeepers working on it has been a great improvement and in the end we will have two very different but excellent courses to play.
-The competition and golf calendar in San Roque is becoming very popular, can you tell us a little more about it?
D.M.-San Roque Club has a very active social calendar covering a full 12 months. The vast majority of members spend between 3 and 6 months in the area and enjoy a full schedule of tournaments to suit all handicap levels. Our mixed team competitions are well known where we make sure everyone has a good time. We also have a good variety of culinary experiences offered after the competitions, which offer the member a chance to relax and enjoy a full day at the club with friends and family.
L.G. – Our intention is to offer a varied calendar so that everyone can participate, regardless of their handicap. There are both fixed competitions for more serious golfers and a selection of more fun formats. For the latter, we try to play them in teams so that players of different levels can play together and there are more opportunities to meet other members.
-What makes a golf club great? Does San Roque Club meet your expectations?
D.M. -As we have said before, we are very fortunate to have two high quality courses. What makes the club special is the interaction of the members. All the events offer competitive and healthy play, but we always end up with good times of laughter, regardless of whether you are on the winning side or not. The number of members is not as high as in neighboring clubs, but this means that we all know each other better and are always happy to meet at the club.
L.G. -I agree with David that the reason this Club is special is its members. I think we are generally friendly and inclusive. Both the members and the great courses make the Club very special.
-Is there anything you would like to accomplish in your year as captains?
D.M. -We are fortunate to have had great Captains in the past so we are very honored to be the Captains of this prestigious club. Our role is to maintain the tradition of the club, but as we enter a new era, it is important that we evolve and interact with new members and provide an inclusive approach to all of our events. Golf faces tough competition from other sports and hobbies, so we must be energetic and supportive in order to thrive as we move forward.
L.G. -I am also very honored to be Club Captain. From the beginning it was going to be a very different year with the closure of the Old Course, with all the challenges that entails, and with the confinement in Spain, it has been even more challenging. During this time, we have to be flexible and adapt to the philosophy of the Club.
-What offer is San Roque Club launching at the moment?
D.M. & L.G. -The club opened its first membership offering last August and sold out in just two weeks. The response to this new offering has been very encouraging and the feedback from those who have taken advantage of this investment opportunity has been very positive. We are now in the sixth phase of our offerings with the intention that, by the time the Old Course opens in December, we will have sold all of the planned phases. Our advice is to join the club early so that you can take advantage of these super bargain prices.
-What would you say to anyone who is now thinking about joining SRC?
D.M. -Come and meet the members and experience the great atmosphere in the club. We have already welcomed a significant number of new members and what stands out the most is the ease with which they have integrated into the club. One of them told me that he joined the club because he knew its excellent courses and that the resort’s renovation plans would make them even better. But what really fascinated him was the atmosphere of the club and the warm welcome he received, quickly feeling part of the San Roque family.
L.G. -San Roque is a friendly and welcoming club and we do our best to give a warm welcome to everyone. And I join David in encouraging you to come and meet us.
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