Comments on: Almerimar Golf - Review of Playa Serena Golf Course

By: Chris Marshall

Chris Marshall — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 17:07:35 +0000

Oh I reckon I would take bets against it being completed on time

By: John W

John W — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 17:01:04 +0000

Just gone past the site for the new Almerimar clubhouse and the sign that is up says work started on 25 Feb 08 and will finish on 24 Feb 09. Not sure how much money I would bet on that.

By: John W

John W — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 16:57:55 +0000

Good point about the having to play 18 holes. Hadn´t really thought of that.

By: Chris Marshall

Chris Marshall — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 07:50:48 +0000

One of the things that really out me off Almerimar was the voucher system, in that although it used to work out pretty cheap per round, it only really did so if you played a full round.

By that I mean it didn’t have the flexibility that a membershio had that you could go and pay 6 or 9 holes later afternoon, or pop out early in the morning and just play a few oles to practice as you can when you have a proper membership.

So that meant that every game of golf ‘had’ to be 18 holes, usually with peope so the drink & food bill was always higher - it was always more of an event than a sport, if that makes sense.

That said I am not the right person to comment in a way as I don’t play anymore, although I have to say that if the course had been better marshalled, better maintained, better managed and a membership offered then I probably wouldn’t have given up 2+ years ago

By: John W

John W — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 07:42:10 +0000

True. Almerimar won´t be a members club so will never have the benefits of that unless the current owners sell it to someone who wants to set up a members club (highly unlikely I think) and we could afford to join (again highly unlikely).

It depends how much you value these extras to do with members elements of a clubhouse. Given a decent clubhouse I personally value the quality of the course over the quality of extra members elements of the clubhouse.

Price also plays a big part in the decision. If the price goes up significantly in Almerimar we would have to consider playing at Roquetas instead. Probably on an annual membership basis (with reduced rights) rather than as a shareholding member which costs a big chunk of money.

As for what the Almerimar clubhouse will contain, one of the things I am trying to do is get an interview with someone who can tell me that.

By: Chris Marshall

Chris Marshall — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 07:25:49 +0000

So Sernea has members? That must be an attraction that Almerimar can’t/wont provide?

As Almerimar has no members what will it have in the Clubhouse? A shop, locker room, restaurant, bar I am sure, but members rooms, snooker/pool rooms?

By: John W

John W — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:42:43 +0000

Hi,

There were two holes that had horrible blue liners. Holes 10 & 12. Hole 10 has now been revamped and the pond/lake in front of the green has been lined with stones in a similar way to Almerimar.

Talking to one of the members after the competition yesterday we found out that the other ugly blue liner on the water feature in front of the tee on the 12th hole is also going to be removed. Apparently, this large area was a reservoir for the watering system for the course. They have now changed things so the water is provided via the watering system for local greenhouses so there is no need for this large blue lined lake. So the blue liner is to be removed. They are also meant to be tidying up the surrounds on all of the other water holes as well in due course.

You are right to say this was an issue a while ago but things are improving and if the plans are true the final blue liner eyesore should be removed eventually.

John

PS @Chris - It is a good course for a change but both Jacqui and I agree that the design of the revamped Master course at Almerimar is better. Also, they are about to break ground on a new clubhouse here in Almerimar just behind the piramide. The diggers are in now clearing the land. Once this is built the biggest factor in favour of Playa Serena will be removed. The only areas that we think Playa Serena will be better than Almerimar is the quality of the sand in the bunkers and the upkeep of the bunker surrounds.

By: Francis

Francis — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:52:34 +0000

Would it be fair to say that a couple of the water hazards are a bit unaesthetic and featureless. I am thinking back to when I played this course a couple of years ago, and seem to remember one hole in particular, where the hazard appeared to be a manufactured blue-based pond, which looked a little too un-natural. The hole may have looked better without the water.
Aside from this minor criticism, we enjoyed the friendly atmosphere of the clubhouse and the ample facilities available. In fact, apart from the lousy score I posted, we certainly enjoyed a wonderful day’s golf. Well worth a visit back there.

By: Chris Marshall

Chris Marshall — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 07:29:05 +0000

Nice review thanks. Seems like it is better than the course here in many ways - the clubhouse, and changing rooms in particular sound great!

Jacqui - maybe pack a small hammer next time

By: Almerimar Golf - El Corte Inglés Golf Competition, Playa Serena | AlmerimarLife

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 07:21:33 +0000

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