The Range International Golf Academy has an enviable position in the heart of Marbella’s Golf Valley, surrounded by some of the best courses in Andalucía, such as Las Brisas, Aloha and Los Naranjos.
This publicly owned facility is managed under licence by Michael Meeus, who had the vision to create a place not only for practicing golf but also for getting together with others who share the same passion.
The site has been refurbished with major investment to fulfil the plan and turn it into a centre of excellence for improving technical play.
The academy is well known to golf enthusiasts in the area, but what changes have been made in this new era?
A lot has changed since my company took over the running in February 2022. The academy has had a total makeover, both in terms of the name -it is now called The Range- and of the facilities. The entire tee line has been replaced along with the individual mats of the 40 fully covered positions, we have begun work on a new short-game area, an artificial putting green and we have installed an innovative floodlighting system that illuminates the entire facility at night, including the practice fairway. We also have a wi-fi area and a new car park with space for 60 cars, where you can also have your vehicle cleaned while you are practicing.
We have a swing analysis studio as well, where you can perfect your game with different technologies and get some fitting advice to find the ideal clubs. And, in the near future, we are planning a pitch and putt area.
What’s more, we have signed an agreement with CostaSpine to offer a full physiotherapy, chiropractic, fitness and massage service focusing on the prevention and treatment of sports and other types of injuries.
Let’s say someone wants to learn golf, why would they choose The Range?
The Range’s location is ideal – we are in the famous Golf Valley, two kilometres from Puerto Banús and 10 minutes from Marbella. The best golf courses in the area are close by. We offer our customers the opportunity to practice from 8:00 to 21:00 and with artificial light if needed.
There are all sorts of amateur player, from those who have never played before to those who have been playing golf for some time, adults or children, professionals, groups, etc. Who can use the academy?
Any type of player can come to our academy, from those who have never played golf to those at an advanced level. Groups are also welcome as we have different practice areas.
Do you have specific programmes for each player profile?
Yes, we do. Our team of professionals is trained to provide a service at any level of play. We have different programmes ranging from the junior course, which is for children from 5 to 17 in the afternoon so as not to interfere with school hours, for adults and ladies and, as mentioned, also for groups. Classes are even taught in several languages.
Does The Range have a dedicated restaurant area?
Naturally. Our restaurant, called The Green, is open from 8:30 to 17:00. We have a varied menu which includes high-quality meat and fish dishes as well as lighter options, such as salads, sandwiches and burgers. It is the perfect place for breakfast, lunch or just a coffee in the afternoon with magnificent views over the golf. There is also a children’s play area and it is a great spot for families to get together.
The academy has signed an agreement with Marbella town hall, what does that involve?
It is an agreement between the council, the Andalusian Golf Federation and our academy. The deal means free use of the facilities at The Range International Golf Academy for the junior players of the Andalusian Golf Federation teams.
It shows the commitment of all sides to develop this privately funded operation into the best academy in the region dedicated to players of all ages and levels. We already have some great young players with huge potential at the school.
Marbella is one of the places in Andalucía that sends the most players to the national tours in the junior and cadet categories and this means they don’t have to go elsewhere to perfect their game.