pollyanna

I was looking at the details of the golf course on the main Playa Macenas website and noted that it seems very short indeed at less than 5000 yds in total and a par 68.

I must admit to be being disappointed with this, as even if the aesthetics of the course are lovely, it is not a long enough course to attract the serious golfer particualrly slightly off season.

I cant imagine this will be good for the winter month rentals as it is certainly not a rival for the likes of La Manga.

Does anyone else have any thoughts on this one or am i missign something re the course size etc ?

I attended the opening of the course in July and can confirm it is very short. They are currently missing two holes, that are still part of the construction area, and consequently two of the par 5s have been split in half to generate the 18 holes. Having said that when the two additinal holes are ready the course will still be extremely short.

On the plus side the holes open were very well constructed, the greens already nice and I did enjoy playing. You are right, however, it certainly won't challenge a championship course like La Manga and may well struggle to complete with courses closer to home, like Desert Springs and Valle de Este. I have not challenged them on this so far.

I understood the problem with the length came about from the infamous "rare plant". I was previsouly told this resulted in 150 hectares of land being "set aside"; reducing the build & golf course areas.

I'm sure you are right to be concerned about the lack of pulling power that the course will have on rental potential. Not sure what if anything can be done about it though. In the short term all that can be done is to make the whole package of facilities 5*, if not 6!

Thanks for the update David.

I think it really does have a material impact on both the rental and resale value given that it will effectively not be recognised as a "full size course" but more a resort course. It would be interesting to know at what point in the build, we as buyers, should be informed of the overall yardage of the course. I know the "rare plant" was mentioned but did people really appreciate the impact on the golf course itself. Many purchasers would have chosen to invest based on the course design and the pedigree of the developers.

As you say, there is probably nothing that can be done and to simply hope that the rest of the amenities are of a supreme standard. Maybe overtime the course can be added to here and there without comprimising the local flora and fauna.

The irony is, as a gofler myself, I can forsee the possiblity of me staying in my apartment for the odd weekend, yet playing at the golf courses in the surrounding areas. Not somehting I originally envisaged when making my purchase !!

I have just returned from two weeks in my apartment with my family - most enjoyable two weeks.

Golf course was a disappointment though.  Way too short to be a serious golf course - just too many par threes. It has some very good holes but when the two missing holes are added we are probably looking at around 7 par threes on the course. The holes on the beach side of the road are very good - I ignored the temporary holes and played the par fives as par fives - quite a strong part of the course.

Once you come back over to the resort side of the course you feel you are playing too many par threes and very short par fours.  

First time I played the course I played the yardage i.e. if a par four was 320 yards I hit an iron and then a short iron onto the green. For next two rounds I decided to hit driver and see what happened - becomes bit of a pitch a putt course with a few of the greens in range. 

Was enjoyable though - greens give the course some protection - quick and undulating.  

I was planning a golf holiday with some friends and still may do so.  Would only play once at Playa Macenas though - and only when the two new holes are open.  I played Valle de Este which was very good. Desert Springs is also close. These two courses would need to be included in the trip I feel.

For info I played at 8am all three rounds and was finished by 10.30am.  This was first tee time of the day and you can get round quite quickly with no one in front.  Leaves the day free for family stuff.

Dean