It was there before under the notices tab but it seems to have disappeared. I still had it open so this is it copied (I'm sure whatever glitch will be remedied soon):
Myself, Graham and Phil Tann met today with Alfredo Caparros of Olagolf. The topics discussed were:
a) the progress of the society over the last year and our contribution to Olagolf
b) Clubhouse plans
c) Membership pricing
d) Green fees
e) Information process
f) Condition of the course
We pointed out that we have had a competition every friday (and some mondays) since January 28th this year. We have been loyal to Olagolf and and not searched around for the cheapest prices and varied our venue as many other societies do.
We started off with only 12 players in January, but numbers have increased exponentially since then with a peak of 59 players taking part in October.
The golf website has also grown and the number of views (by month) of the site have increased steadily from 652 in March to 3278 in November. A total of 19392 viewings have been recorded so far in 9 months.
The Viking cup between Norway and the UK was a highlight of the year and will be an annual event.
Captains day was a great success with 55 players and a hog roast to follow. A great night organised in Grahams’ garden at the last minute as the Clover was booked. Having our own clubhouse next year would be even better though.
Plans are in hand to have an open competition next year for societies etc from all over Murcia at a date close to the Open in July. Paul Harrington has offered to give a trophy similar to the claret jug and other prizes also.
Jill and Terry also wish to have a golf competition at easter for residents based on a family day, with easter egg hunts etc.
We think that the numbers of golfers next year will increase as more properties are being sold on Condado.
Interesting developments with the clubhouse. It looks like the plans to site it on the land between the 1st tee and the range have been changed in the last few days. It now seems that it will be in between the buggy shed and chipping green (which is by the entrance to the practice area and 1st tee). It will not be as big as the initial planned clubhouse. The reason for this is that it looks like the banks may purchase the land looking over the 9th and 18th from polaris.
The original location would require a massive investment to install a road and car parking aroung the polaris land. If the banks do acquire that land then they will build a permanent clubhouse with hotel accomodation and then the outlay on temporary facilities will have been wasted. So it’s a matter of watch this space!
So the temporary clubhouse will have less facilities than promised but will have a bar, food and other basic needs, and hopefully will be erected by the end of February.
We did question the new annual membership prices offered. It has not changed and is still 1200 euros (individual) and 1600 euros (family) but this was the price to non residents also. After checking Alfredo confirmed that there was a 10% discount for residents. We did ask for the 7 euro charge to be removed but no chance!
The 3 courses operated by Olagolf offer a great membership offer – 1500 euros individual and 2000 euros family.
Green fees have been reduced in the past for non members due to the poor condition of the course after hollow tining. Members did not benefit from this but Alfredo has agreed to charge the 9 hole rate (4.5 euros) at such times.
We did bring up the fact that other local courses did offer cheaper golf deals. However it was pointed out that these courses are not in good condition – one well known course on the coast has only 6 greenkeepers whilst we have 21.
The rumour about half price golf for residents of the town of Alhama was quashed – the deal was they would get our residents rate.
Due to all the unfounded rumours I asked for Olagolf to produce a monthly newsletter with any information available, which could be posted in the golf shop.. This was agreed to.
We discussed conditions on the course. There are now a few benches on the tees, but extra ones are on order. It was admitted that much work still needs to be done to avoid flooding in extreme circumstances as happened in August. This damage was fortunately covered by insurance. The fact that lake levels were still low was brought up.
We thought it had been a useful meeting with issues brought out in the open and answered as well as possible.
At the end of the meeting we wished Alfredo a merry xmas and happy new year. Hopefully next year will be a great one for the society and Olagolf.
Barry