As I mentioned in the last issue, the start to 2010 was not what we hoped for, with the weather creating havoc to the golfing industry on the coast.
However, no sooner had the sun started to push through when the unpronounceable (volcano) started to make a name for itself. The clouds started to roll in from Iceland, and once again, tee-times were cancelled, refunds and credits were made, and golfers, through no fault of their own, were  denied the opportunity to play on our  golf courses.

Most Golf Directors have been very positive in the manner in which they have dealt with these setbacks, agreeing to the golfers requests without applying the letter of the law to those unable to take up their starting times for whatever reason. This attitude was very well received by the visiting players, and hopefully this will have a positive effect when deciding on their next golf trip. It is a very welcome message that is being sent out to our tourists.

We must always remember to make sure that our visiting golfers are looked after particularly in these very difficult times.

ENJOY YOUR GAME

Unfortunately, the headline is not a positive one, as we have had to endure possibly the worst 3 months of weather in recent history. Golf  Directors have been enduring the kind of rain that normally is only seen in Northern Europe, but which now seems to have found a home here on the Costa Del  Golf .

Courses have tried their best to continue to remain open, but a small ray of sunshine for a few hours has been invariably followed by another deluge of rain. These conditions are the worst possible for all concerned. Players who have started their rounds decide to come in after playing several holes, and the consequences (refunds, new starting times, credits etc……) affect everybody in the golfing industry.

More time is spent making refunds rather  than bookings, and the administrative nightmare is a costly one.

Moreover, the visiting golfer is like a bear with a sore head, pacing about hotel lobbies praying for a day on the course, only to be informed that more rain is on the way.

What a start! Lets hope that it is over soon.

2009 AND ALL THAT

There are probably very few of us who will not be glad to see the back of  2009, a year which will be remembered as a very very difficult period for the golfing  industry in Andalucia. As well as the economic recession in general, we have also seen the sterling pound continue to suffer  in value  in relation to the euro, meaning that our main market  the UK,  has suffered a double hit. In addition we have witnessed  the  demise of the Inta Group (Bill Goff, 3D Golf, Longshot etc) which has sent shockwaves throughout the industry, so it is no surprise that  the golfing market is in a very nervous state.

I can only reiterate what I have said many times over the last few years, we have to keep believing in the Costa del Golf ,and work constantly  to promote the area  more than ever. Remember, this is still the number one destination in Europe for the travelling golfer in terms of quantity and quality of golf courses. Times are tough, but we must stick together.

A HAPPY 2010 TO ALL GOLF NEWS READERS AND SUPPORTERS