Corky's Golf review

I have recently returned from Ireland where I have been working in my golfing capacity visiting over seventy golf clubs from Dublin down to Waterford and all points East. As part of my work I spoke to either, the Professional, the Secretary, or members, about golf in Ireland , prices of golf and, of course, golfing in Spain and Portugal .

The general consensus was that Spain has become too expensive, that golf is overpriced and that the general service at golf clubs is not up to the standards of those clubs in Portugal .

The Operations Director of Mount Juliet Golf Club took fourteen members to the T.P.C. at Sawgrass in Florida for two weeks last month. The price for this was lower than the one week in Spain that the same players had enjoyed the previous month.

He told me, 'these members can afford to play golf anywhere. They have the resources to stay at the best Hotels and are not too bothered about green-fees. However, they will not be ripped off'. They paid

€140.00 each for two rounds at Mijas. I mean 'Mijas' for goodness sake. This is not Valderama, which is also stupidly priced; this is a tourist golf track of no great quality.

Due to the current financial climate even clubs like Mount Juliet have had to reduce their fees by 25%. This is a course where the Irish Open is played and it is charging the same as the likes of Mijas. They appreciate that you need more player's green-fees to pay for the up-keep of the course so they are making an effort to encourage golfers to use their facilities. You would think that Spain would follow suit, but no, the prices here are still rising, yet the number of visitors is reducing.

I have spoken to many golf course managers down the coast and they all seem to be of the same opinion, 'charge more to the few, to make up for the lack of numbers'.

Fortunately some courses are paying attention. Antequera still has its offer of 2 players and a buggy for €30.00 each, which is excellent value for readers of Streetwise. They are thinking of extending this offer so I will keep you informed.

CAR PARKING

What I find very good about Spanish Golf Courses is that they do not have that irritating system in their car parks of reserving places for 'special people'. You know what I mean, and those of you who have read my articles over the years will know that it is my pet hate at golf clubs. Places reserved for the Captain, Secretary, Manager, Assistant Secretary, Vice Captain, Lady Captain, Lady Vice Captain, Committee Chairman, Greens Chairman, Social Secretary and on and on ad infinitum.

Here is one example. I pulled into the car park at Naas golf club in Co. Kildare and was unable to park, as there was no room. Members had parked in the thirty or so places available but there were another 16 spaces without cars but with the sign 'reserved for some tosser who is never here except on committee nights when its dark and the course is closed anyway'. The secretary gets to the course first thing in the morning, so there are always places available for him or her, the rest really should walk the extra twenty yards. At one course in Wales there was a new one on me, a new reserved space had been allocated and then raffled off. The winner, a friend of mine, did not have a car so the space remains vacant. What a waste of space, literally.

Oh well, I have got that off my chest for another year so I will wish you all the very best for 2009 and I will endeavour to track down some more offers for Streetwise readers in the coming months. Until then, keep it festive.

Golfing Deal

On a brighter note, I have, once again, arranged for a special deal for local golfers to play at a superb venue for a special price. You can, by using the voucher in this magazine, play a round of golf at Antequera Golf Club, including a buggy, and a free beer or glass of wine or coffee when you have finished, for the princely sum of €30.00 per person. (Minimum 2 people). Remember, no voucher, no golf. (Vouchers only available in the magazine)

The course at Antequera is in superb condition with modifications to the course, the driving range, and other improvements that make this place one of the finest courses in the area. The greens are back to their normal slick selves and the rest of the Campo in a delight. This offer lasts for the next few months so do yourselves a favour, visit Antequera and make the most of this generous price.