Category Archives: The Course

Roda Golf - New DVD presentation

We recently received this cracking DVD from Roda golf, we are sure you will enjoy seeing it yourselves! Click here to see the video, and optionally leave a comment! Read this article, and optionally leave a comment

Roda Golf and Beach Resort can never be accused of skimping on quality! We just received this new promotional DVD which does a great job of showing of both the developement, and the local area. We hope you enjoy this little update. We will soon be back with a little video of our own that we shot during our recent inspection of the Phase 4 apartments which are cracking along...just don't compare the video quality!

 

 

Download the Roda Golf and Beach Resort services brochure

Outside membership - A reader raises the option.

We were recently contacted by one of our readers who suggested that Roda might offer outside memberships both to benefit financially, in troubled times, and also to improve the community overall here at Roda Golf. We passed the suggestion to Stuart Thomas at Calida International Properties. Click here to read the exchange, and please feel free to comment on this emotive topic! Read this article, and optionally leave a comment

We were recently emailed by a reader who raised the question of outside membership. Having spoken since our original correspondence he says "I was rather hoping that the prospect of a regular annual income of a few hundred thousand euros might tempt the management in these troubled financial times, without unbalancing the structure of the current set-up" - We requested permission to post his original email as we thought it would be of interest to our readers, and that some of you might wish to comment, and we also passed the email to Stuart Thomas over at Calida International Properties for his comments, which you can find below. We'd like to take the opportunity to thank all our readers for their time and comments, both here and in email.


Both my wife and I are regular players and Academy users (both myself and my wife have had lessons with Niki). We were thinking that in order to move the golf from a "just" a course to more of a club environment, outside memberships should be offered, in addition to owners packages.

Even a limited number of outside memberships would encourage a greater feel of community, and give the course a less souless feel, especially around the club house, which tends to arise as the course is widely used by societies, and owners guests. This would also create a regular annual flow of income for Roda Golf and encourage local players to feel part of the club.

In the current economic climate and with the number of local clubs open/opening, a regular annual income (even 100 members would bring in say €200,000 pa) must be a beguiling option?


Thank you for your enquiry and an interesting proposition.

I am assuming you are not a property owner at Roda Golf? If you do own property at Roda then apologies for my incorrect assumption.

Whilst your suggestion certainly has merits, I feel I must tell you that there is already a strong traditional golf clubhouse feel about the golf course and clubhouse. This is mainly amongst property owners of course, with regular competitions being held and gatherings taking place, as well as regular celebrations at the club house - such as Christmas and new year.

There are regular coffee mornings held at the Roda Golf clubhouse on Mondays, at about 10am, to which I am certain all are welcome, even non-owners. This would be a great opportunity for you and like minded people to come along and introduce themselves and start to feel a part of this tremendous resort.

Nikki, the golf pro also holds regular "ladies coffee mornings" on Thursdays, and I am certain your wife and all ladies would be very welcome.

Many apologies for not posting this information sooner, I will also pass on your suggestions to the management team at the club house.

Finally I would suggest that you introduce yourselves to Michael McGhee in the sales office as you walk to the golf course and clubhouse. He will be able to make you aware of any events and competitions in the near future. You could also ask in the clubhouse if you can be added to their regular mailing list.

The "other" golf courses near Roda!

A quick reminder, lest we forget, that although we have one of Europe's most prestigious courses right on our doorstep, the Murcia region of Spain is blessed with many other fine Golf courses. Here is a quick sampler of thirteen of the best in our area! Click here to see the list, and optionally leave a comment! Read this article, and optionally leave a comment

A quick reminder, lest we forget, that although we have one of Europe's most prestigious courses right on our doorstep, the Murcia region of Spain is blessed with many other fine Golf courses. Here is a quick sampler of thirteen of the best in our area!

Stuart Thomas of Calida International Properties, has added his "star ratings" and some commentary below the tables! Stuart is a keen golfer, and a regular face on all the areas courses. I am sure you might have some comments on his remarks...we would love to hear them!

 

Roda Golf, San Javier, Murcia
18 Holes
Designed by Dave Thomas
Driving Range
Putting Green
Practice Zone
Clubhouse and Shop
Tel: +34 968 173093
http://www.rodagolfcourse.com
 
 
La Serena, Los Alcazares, Murcia
18 Holes
Designed by Manuel Piñero
Practice Zone
Bar and Restaurant
Tel: +34 968 5775576.
www.laserenagolf.es
 
 
 
 
La Torre Golf Resort, Roldan,Murcia
18 Holes
Designed by Jack Nicklaus
Par 68, 4 sets of tees
For golfers of all levels
Many bunkers
Three lakes
Tel: +34 968 044879.
www.polarisworld.com
 
 
El Valle, Banos y Mendigo, Murcia
18 Holes
Designed by Jack Nicklaus
Practice Areas
New in the Nicklaus Golf Trail!
Tel: + 34 968 033002.
www.polarisworld.com
 
 
 
 
Mosa Trajectum, Banos y Mendigo, Murcia
27 (3 x 9) Holes
1 Short Academy Course
Designed by The Key for Golf
Covered Driving Range
Practice Areas
Pro Shop
Bar and Restaurant
Memberships Available
Tel: + 34 968 607209.
www.thekey.es
La Manga Club, Los Belones, Cartagena
54 Holes
– North, South and West Courses
By R. Putman & Dave Thomas
Extensive Practice Areas
Superb Pro Shop
5 Star Hyatt Int. Hotel
pa Facilities
Bars and Restaurants
Tel: + 34 968 331234.
www.lamangaclub.com
Hacienda del Alamo,Fuenta Alamo,Murcia
18 Holes
Academy Course
Designed by Dave Thomas
Golf Academy
Recommended by MA Jimenez
Extensive Practice Facilities
Tel: + 34 902 654400.
www.hdagolf.com
 
 
Las Ramblas, Orihuela Costa, Alicante
18 Holes
Designed by D. Jose Gancedo
Practice Areas
Driving Range
Pro Shop
Restaurant and Bar
Tel: + 34 966 774728.
www.golframblas.com
 
 
Villamartin, Orihuela Costa, Alicante
18 Holes
Designed by Paul Putman
Practice Areas
Driving Range
Pro Shop
Bar and Restaurant
Tel: + 34 966 765170.
www.grupoquara.com
 
 
Campoamor, Campomor, Alicante
18 Holes
By Carmelo Gracia Caceilles
Practice Facilities
Driving Range
Extensive Pro Shop
Hotel and Spa
Tel: + 34 965 320410.
www.lomasdecampoamor.es
 
 
La Marquesa, Quesada, Torreveija
18 Holes
Driving Range
Practice Areas
Pro Shop
Bar and Restaurant
Tel: + 34 966 714 182
 
 
 
 
Mar Menor Golf Resort, Torre Pacheco
9 Holes (soon 18 holes!)
Designed by Jack Nicklaus
Refreshments
Par 72 when extended
Tel: +34 968 041765.
www.polarisworld.com
 
 
 
 
Torre Pacheco, Torre Pacheco
9 Holes
Dave Thomas Design
Tel: + 34 968 585111.
www.golftorrepacheco.com

Roda Golf - Beautifully manicured, great golf course and suitable for all levels of golf, some tough holes.

La Serena - Very difficult with lots of water, suitable for low to medium handicap golfers, a tough test a very nice golf course.

La Torre - Very easy and suitable for all levels, pretty bland, but a good day out.

El Valle - Great setting, great golf course and suitable for most levels of golfer, a lovely golf course.

Mosa Trajectum - Technically difficult, very nice setting, poorly maintained and expensive, not for the high handicap golfer.

La Manga Club - 3 great golf courses, wonderfully manicured and with great facilities, quite expensive, but something for everybody.

Hacienda del Alamo - Quite a trip, about thirty minutes from Roda Golf, nice course, quite long, but very enjoyable, no high handicaps, quite difficult.

Las Ramblas - A real fun course, some great holes, very pretty and suitable for all golfers, very enjoyable course.

Villamartin - Very tired looking, very busy, and sadly it's poorly maintained, but a nice track with some nice holes, seen better days, but suitable for all.

Campoamor - Nice facilities, nice golf course, suitable for all standards, but sadly has problems with fairways and greens every year. When in nice nick a nice golf course.

Mar Menor - A very nice golf course, some testing holes, only 9 holes at the moment, but very mature and in great shape, suitable for all and very enjoyable.

La Marquesa - An easy golf course, in poor condition but suitable for all, some ok holes.

Torre Pacheco - 9 hole golf course, very nice and suitable for all standards, worth a visit.

Rugby superstars on the Roda Golf course!

Stuart Thomas, Managing Director of Calida International Properties was joined on the golf course at Roda Golf by Wales rugby superstars and 2007 and 2008 - 6 nations grand slam champions Jonathan Thomas (Neath & Swansea Ospreys) and Mark Jones (Llanelli Scarlets). Also playing to make up this truly international foursome was Trevor Jordan from Belfast, also an owner at Roda Golf and Beach Resort. Click here to see the big picture, and hear who won! Read this article, and optionally leave a comment

Celebrities on the Roda Golf course in Murcia

Stuart Thomas, Managing Director of Calida International Properties was joined on the golf course at Roda Golf by Wales rugby superstars and 2007 and 2008 - 6 nations grand slam champions Jonathan Thomas (Neath & Swansea Ospreys) and Mark Jones (Llanelli Scarlets). Also playing to make up this truly international foursome was Trevor Jordan from Belfast, also an owner at Roda Golf and Beach Resort.

Stuart is unhappy to report that yet again Mark Jones won the competition, with a stunning 39 stableford points! The standard of golf was very good, particularly from the rugby boys, just back from a tough tour in South Africa with the Welsh national team.

The two highlights of the day were Trevor Jordan holing a 45 foot putt for eagle on the 5th par 5 - great putt Trevor and a fantastic eagle! And also Jonathan Thomas made a 40 foot putt on the 17th par 4 - nice one JT!

The very enjoyable round was finished off with a couple of cold beers at the fantastic Roda Golf clubhouse, paid for by Trevor!

Pictured from left to right, Trevor Jordan, Stuart Thomas, Jonathan Thomas and Mark Jones.

Roda Golf Ryder Cup June 7th and 8th!

Roda Golf has staged it's very own Ryder cup over the weekend of June 7th and 8th! Don't get carried away... whilst it was a European team vs a British team, we did not see Severiano Ballesteros or Jose Maria Olazabal out there! There was however some fantastic golf played and even though the weather wasn't the best, it was a tremendous spectacle for all who turned out to enjoy the event.Click here to read the full article and optionally leave a comment! Read this article, and optionally leave a comment

Roda Golf has staged it's very own Ryder cup over the weekend of June 7th and 8th!

Don't get carried away... whilst it was a European team vs a British team, we did not see Severiano Ballesteros or Jose Maria Olazabal out there! There was however some fantastic golf played and even though the weather wasn't the best, it was a tremendous spectacle for all who turned out to enjoy the event.

The Roda Golf course came in for yet more plaudits with everybody loving the golf course and the facilities. One of the golf professionals from a nearby course commented that whilst Roda is not the most difficult course in the region (it was never meant to be) it was certainly the nicest looking and the best kept, wow! praise indeed for a golf course less than two years old!

You can view the brand new 360 degree virtual feature at www.rodagolf.com and click on the golf course, English is available at this site, just click on the flag. This is a fantastic feature and well done to Calidona for providing it, if you have not visited the site and seen this feature, you in for a treat.

The clubhouse at Roda Golf and the restaurant was the real winner. The food was fantastic, and even the service was "spot on". There has been some small level of criticism levelled at the staff concerning the service, however some new, and might I say excellent, staff have now joined the team and everything at Roda is now as you would expect from a 5 star resort.

Roda Golf are now offering night time practice facilities with the driving range now being floodlit, the range is open until 11.00pm. I bet the wives (or golfing widows) will be delighted to hear of this!

The mood and general atmosphere over the weekend at Roda Golf was awesome, residents and visitors alike all mingled together with the golfers and everybody had a great time.
With plenty more facilities still to come and lots more competitions due this year, the future promises to be very exciting at Roda Golf and Beach Resort.

Summer Roda Golf course special offers announced!

Great news! We all like to save a little cash - then we can play more! We can announce that Roda Golf have some special prices available this Summer. As you can see below, there are some great savings on offer. See you on the course!Click here to see the special offers available for Roda Golf course this Summer Read this article, and optionally leave a comment

Great news! We all like to save a little cash - then we can play more! We can announce that Roda Golf have some special prices available this Summer. As you can see below, there are some great savings on offer. See you on the course!

During June, July and August, TWO GREEN FEES AND A BUGGY:
From 8:00 to 14:00 General Price: €130 Group of  9-16 persons €117
Group of 17-24 persons €109
From 14:00 to dark General Price: €95 Group of  9-16 persons €86
Group of 17-24 persons €80
Also during these months there is a TWILIGHT offer as follows:
June from 16:00 to dark General Price: €36 Group of 12-24 persons €29
July/August from 17:00 to dark General Price: €36 Group of 25-50 persons €28

FULL REPORT & gallery from our latest visit on 3rd April '08!

This week our friends at Calida International Properties visited the Roda site and, again, took a professional photographer with them! The result was a FULL REPORT and a gallery of forty-seven images! This post has the full gallery and a complete write up of the findings of our inspection. Click here to read the full article, see the gallery, and optionally leave a comment! Read this article, and optionally leave a comment

Welcome to the full April report with completely new, and completely up to date photos! We concentrated this month on providing views of the properties from the golf course. The very kind people at the De Vere clubhouse loaned us a buggy for a couple of hours, which we used to tour the course, starting up the 10th fairway, moving all the way around the proposed phase 5 area, moving on to phase 4, then down past the 17th green and 18th tee and fairway to have a look at phase 3 and then on to the front 9.

Please be aware that these photos are also available to view on our Flickr page. It really is worth visiting our Flickr page because the images there are available there at absolutely HUGE sizes! (More than 6000 pixels wide!) You can zoom in to find your own house! Just write in if you need help using Flickr. And now onto the gallery. Please just hover over the gallery area to access the controls, and if you click a picture a detailed description will appear! The full report is below the gallery:

Our Roda Golf and Beach Resort full April report

The Roda golf course was looking fantastic as usual, there were lots of players out there, some playing some great golf, others just enjoying the day out. We stopped for a brief chat with a few groups just to get their opinions on the golf course and Roda Golf generally, without exception, everybody thought it looked fantastic and they were enjoying the golf course very much.

There was one particular "4 ball" who were not owners, however they were so impressed that they were looking for property to purchase at the resort, that has to be great news and we expect that will start to happen more and more as each phase comes on-line.

A big thank you to all the golfers who gave us a few moments of their time, much appreciated.

The views of the properties and the completed phases looked great from the golf course side, the front line villas in particular with the swimming pools are very impressive, particularly when you see the owners enjoying their lunch and a glass of wine or two, whilst watching the golfers at the same time, the resort really is starting to "come to life"!

The Roda fairways are in almost perfect condition and the greens are now as fast as we have seen them, not quite Augusta and the Masters standard, but fast none the less, the one thing that separates the golf course at Roda Golf from the other golf courses in the region is the attention to detail and the manicuring around the course, that is down to the world class experience that Mike Maloney from De Vere and his team bring to the project.

There is still no sign of the apartments on phase 4 being started, albeit there is now considerable work on the front line golf villas, phase 3 A is looking fantastic and lots of owners have now completed over there and phase 3 B looks all set to be delivered about August / September time. We know there have been considerable delays, but I think everybody will agree it has been worth it, Calidona really are delivering a world class resort.

We have reported before on the opening on the clubhouse and it would appear that we got our dates for the official opening incorrect, my advice to everybody is get ready to enjoy the sensational facilities at the clubhouse sooner rather than later, for those who have visited the new clubhouse, I think you will al agree it looks incredible, for those of you still to visit and see the facilities, you are in for a real treat.

The fully renovated beach club will be ready with a full service for the Summer, we will have a special report on that in the near future, if there are any questions regarding any of the above, please write in and we will be happy to provide as much information as possible.

We met a lot of people who were renting properties for the first time at the Roda Golf and Beach Resort, this was also very good news for those people looking to rent their properties out and start getting a return on their investment.

Please remember, if you are planning to rent out your property, make sure you have a professional property management company looking after your property and your guests, this is the best way to guarantee that they come back next year, you really do need so much more than just a "key holding" service, our sponsors over at Calida International Properties will be very happy to help and assist in any way they can.

I hope you enjoy our latest set of photos and in a day or two we we publish the virtual reality view from the par 3, 11th green!

A day's Golf

a_day_of_golf.jpg

Finally Stuart from Calida International finds the time for a fantastic game of golf, with fantastic company. Stuart sent us this "diary entry", that is sure to make any owners languishing in the rainy UK a bit jealous! Click here to read the article. Read this article, and optionally leave a comment

Last week Stuart from Calida International Properties, finally found the time for a round of golf. He sent us this report, sure to make any owners languishing in the rainy UK jealous!

We were very fortunate to be joined by Mark Jones, Wales and Llanelli Scarlets number 14, for a game of golf this week. Also joining us to make up a four ball was Gary Conroy, PE teacher from Manchester.

Mark was over for a well earned rest after a very busy and very successful 6 nations campaign where Wales won the Grand Slam. Gary was over checking progress on his phase 3, part B penthouse apartment. (We could have sent him pictures if he'd asked!..but then he'd have missed the golf ;)

Mark was playing off a lowly 24 handicap, where Gary was playing off 5. I knew early on, I had my hands full in this stableford competition with these two very competitive characters; I later found out that Gary used to play semi-pro football as well.

Both Mark and Gary played some superb golf, my own not faring too well unfortunately, especially as I am off 15 and have been playing quite well recently.

Mark won the front nine comfortably and we were never able to catch him, Gary as you would expect played some quite stunning shots, the highlight being a 45 yard bunker shot which stopped "stone dead" next to the flag on the second bounce, for a tremendous birdie, show off!

This was the first time that Mark had played the Roda golf course (you could have fooled me) and the first time to pick up his clubs for 6 months, Gary being an owner has played a few times. It was a fantastic afternoon, the weather was beautiful, right up to the time when we walked off the course at about 8.15pm. Mark won the competition by some margin with some great golf shots, coming off the course with a very creditable 37 points. Gary, playing with rental clubs, finished in last place, but I have been sworn to secrecy about his stableford points, hmmm!

Both Mark and Gary were very impressed with the condition of the golf course. The lakes and fountains were fantastic and provided a real test, particularly when the wind was up, the greens were as fast as I have seen them, and the fairways were in superb "nick". Most of the bunkers were raked, and were immaculate around the edges and the whole golf course is maturing beautifully.

If there was one complaint, we did notice that pitch marks on the greens were not being repaired, c'mon everybody, let's make an effort to keep the greens nice and tidy for all fellow golfers, please adhere to etiquette and local rules at all times, especially slow play, you are supposed to be directly behind the golfers in front of you, not directly in front of the golfers behind you.

Overall, a fantastic afternoon, great golf course and awesome company, thanks Mark and Gary, will get you next time Mark! A huge "thumbs up" from everybody for the Roda Golf and Beach Resort.

"Virtual Reality" view over 9th fairway from Clubhouse!

Our friends at Calida International Properties recently hired a professional photographer to visit the Roda Golf site, and he has started to make these incredible "virtual reality" views! Here's the second one he has made showing the view from the clubhouse over the 9th fairway, and we are sure there are more to come. Is there a specific area YOU would like to see covered? Just let us know using the comments below and we'll see if we can do it for you!Click here to see the incredible panorama!

Read this article, and optionally leave a comment

Just click on the big picture and drag your mouse from side to side! Our friends at Calida International Properties recently hired a professional photographer to visit the Roda Golf site, and he has started to make these incredible "virtual reality" views! Here's the second one he has made showing the view from the clubhouse over the 9th fairway, and we are sure there are more to come. Is there a specific area YOU would like to see covered? Just let us know using the comments below and we'll see if we can do it for you!

Interview with Roda Golf Course manager - Pablo Riestra

In this article we hear from Golf Course manager Pablo Riestra. It's a revealing interview and we hope to be able to follow this interview up with more this year!Click here to read the full article, and optionally leave a comment! Read this article, and optionally leave a comment

Pablo Riestra (Course Manager) -  Click to enlarge
Pablo Riestra (Course Manager) - Click to enlarge

“In its first year, Roda Golf Course has raised the standard of golf in Spain with its spectacular design, intelligent layout and challenge for golfers of all levels”

In the year since it opened, Roda Golf Course has already become one of Spain’s most talked about courses. Manager, Pablo Riestra, speaks to us about its success and explains how he will improve it even further.

How has the first year gone?
Roda Golf Course has set a new standard for golf in Spain. Dave Thomas designed a magnificent golf course, creating a challenge that really stands out from other resorts. Its layout is very intelligent, incorporating all the elements that make the golfer enjoy their round – it also looks beautiful.

The course has attracted some top-level championships, is that right?
Yes – and this has really been the icing on the cake as far as demonstrating the quality of the course. We hosted the PGA’s International Team Championship, the Mar Menor Challenge Championship and the second running of the Torneo Calidona – League of Stars, which featured superstar players from the worlds of golf and Spanish football.

Do property owners enjoy any special golf deals?
Absolutely – owners benefit from a 30% discount on green fees. Roda Golf & Beach Resort also gives visitors the chance to rent a property in the complex with a 10% discount and enjoy a few days on the course.

What do you have to help people who want to improve their game?
Both amateurs and professionals will find everything they need here to improve their game. Roda Golf Course is developing facilities for teaching and practising golf which will meet the strict PGA regulations, and all our golf instructors will be PGA-certified. In fact, thanks to an agreement that Calidona has with the European PGA, Roda Golf Course will be the first PGA golf academy and course in continental Europe.
We will also have the latest video and custom-fit technology available for all golfers. This will include simulators, computer-assisted learning, distance learning methods and equipment for analysing and measuring of all kinds of swing. I’d like to point out that our practice range will be illuminated to allow practice at night, and it will have a computerised practice room.

What does the resort have to offer families?
People of all ages can enjoy our excellent facilities with 24 hour-surveillance, a practice range, a singular putting green, a Club House with a restaurant boasting unbeatable views over the lake at the 18th hole and magnificent cuisine; and, of course, outdoor activities on the beach, just over a kilometre away. In short, this is a place to enjoy some unforgettable days in a beautiful environment.