One of Spain’s great golf resorts, The San Roque Club, is embarking on a new and exciting stage with its acquisition by the Russian company Golf Estate, owner of two golf courses in Russia. Its Project Director, the Scotsman Stephen Dundas, former British Amateur champion, announces important investments to relaunch the Cadiz club and place it in a privileged position within the European panorama.
Golf Estate President Dmitriy Kozachenko and Stephen Dundas recently explained the purchase transaction to club members. Among the short and long term projects for The San Roque Club is the investment and remodeling of the Old course in its entirety, starting with the first 9 holes in 2019 to be completely refurbished in June 2021 with infrastructure such as new bunkers and irrigation system.
Both the clubhouse (erected in what used to be a spectacular Domecq family farmhouse) and the restaurant facilities will also undergo major improvements in order to maximize the functionality of these areas. Tony Jacklin’s well-known house will be converted into a beautiful boutique hotel at the foot of the Old Course, thus offering guests an exclusive service in this area.
Stephen Dundas noted that the firm decision to purchase this club and not another was based on Golf Estate knowing that members were trying to buy it, which was a sign of the importance of the club to the members and how they have taken care of it.
-What can you tell us about the new ownership of the San Roque Club?
-The new owner is passionate about golf, has a 12 handicap and loves the game. He is a member of some of the clubs in the area and has a keen eye for detail. Like most successful business people, he values his privacy, but is an extremely nice man.
-What were the reasons that led you to acquire this golf club?
-We had looked at many different projects, but as soon as we heard about The San Roque Club it was easy to decide. The club has a great reputation not only in Spain, but throughout Europe. This is a club with a great history and a strong and friendly community of members, so it’s a great opportunity for us to enhance the reputation of a great club.
-What objectives have you set for San Roque Club and what are the deadlines?
-The first thing is for people to understand our vision. The vision is to have 600 happy members who, at an affordable price, receive a great experience from the moment they enter the club until they leave.
We want our members and guests to really feel that they are getting value for their membership.
To make this a reality, there are three key areas we need to look at.
First, to invite existing staff to share what we want to achieve and clear objectives, and also to give members a clear picture of what we intend to achieve.
Second, the complete renovation of the Old Course, including irrigation, drainage, bunkers, fairways, greens and tree program. And third, the renovation of the clubhouse and taking over our restaurant.
What will be your first actions in this regard?
-It’s been a difficult time for all the stakeholders in the club, so the first thing is to get to know the staff and members, establish good relationships and communicate clearly what our vision is and what’s expected of everyone. And then we hope to start some things with the restaurant and the field this season.
-What role will club members play in this new phase?
-As I mentioned, it’s been a very difficult time, so it’s amazing that so many members have stayed. It shows a great passion for the club.
Our partners can be our best sales and marketing tool. We already have five new partners, and this has all been word of mouth. It’s also important to understand that our core business model is geared toward having 600 partners, so a big part of our focus is to keep existing partners and attract new ones.
-Are there any plans for the property to acquire the hotel attached to the club or to build a new one?
-That is something we are analyzing.
-What does it mean for San Roque Club to have courses like Valderrama, RCG de Sotogrande or La Reserva as neighbors?
-I think in any business it’s great to be surrounded by quality. Quality product and quality people. Even though we’re all friends, we’re also competitive, we want to be the best, so having clubs like these in the area is a great motivation to always be looking for ways to improve. And the result of that is great for the members and the guests.
-Does the new ownership plan to acquire any other golf courses on the Costa del Sol or in the rest of Spain?
-I would say that at the moment you have more than enough to do here but, if the right project comes along, never say never….
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