Interview with Roda Golf Course manager – Pablo Riestra

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.