It came as no surprise that the Ladies European Tour named Los Naranjos Golf Club as host of the Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España – to be held from 25-28 November 2021. And the decision wasn’t just down to the array of investments in drainage and surfaces the club carried out during the pandemic to improve its facilities and service, but, above all, it was also due to the compelling course design by Robert Trent Jones.
The decision led to a clear mission at the club; to present a course in an enviable condition for the enjoyment of the competing players, members and all those visitors who wish to book a round through its website. In short, to set out to be the perfect host.
Los Naranjos Golf Club is a hugely enjoyable course for amateur and professional players alike of any level. Its first 9 holes are a challenge on the tee and the medium-sized greens, where the position of the flag on the day has a big impact on how hard the round is. However, the back nine are, on first sight, visibly easier due to the lie of the land, but very demanding in the shots to the flag due to the strong protection of its greens. This combination creates a true competition course with an outstanding experience enhanced by Los Naranjos customer service.
Proof of this service excellence are the many international awards won in recent years, such as the 59Club Gold Flag for service excellence. Neither has the club’s progress gone unnoticed by lovers of competition courses and a great, sociable golfing atmosphere. In fact, the club is used to organising large amateur tournaments, including Los Naranjos Trophy, a four-day medal play handicap tournament when very competitive golf is combined with a special culinary and musical experience; it will next take place from 25 to 28 April 2022 and registration is now open.
The 2021 Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España will be held at the best Los Naranjos Golf Club in decades. After several years of reseeding the fairways, Los Naranjos GC decided to halt that to give clean Bermuda fairways that can be enjoyed by any visitor to the club, and especially by fans of the Pro-Am and the 64 best players of the European Tour ranking, Race to Costa del Sol, who will fight it out for the double crown of winner of the tournament and first in the order of merit.
Some changes in the upkeep of the course have been needed for this event; a first cut of rough, which will make the fairways somewhat narrower than usual, and paths between the tee boxes so it is easier for the players to walk the course. The average length of the course during the competition will be 5,917 metres in total, ending at the famous par-5 18th hole, overlooking the fine clubhouse, where one player will be handed the baton from Emily Pedersen, winner of the 2020 event.
Los Naranjos is a semi-private course admitting both new shareholders and visitors, which is why it has worked hard to develop a really sociable atmosphere that encourages members’ sense of belonging. Today, these are its best ambassadors, without a doubt.
“We have had a lot of support and interest from our members for this event and I am sure that they will contribute to the unique atmosphere we want to create after the difficult period we have been through with the lack of sporting events in the pandemic. We must thank all the public bodies that made this event possible and a special mention to Galpe Seguros (REALE Seguros), as without them this tournament could not have taken place at our facilities,” says Julián Romaguera, General Manager of the club.
The course will only be closed for the week of the tournament itself, from 22nd to 28th November, so visitors will have the chance to play a round the week before and after by booking through the club’s website.
“It’s not every day that you have the opportunity to play a course prepared for the Ladies European Tour Final – players can find full availability details on the website and choose the day and time to suit them,” says Emma García, Sales & Marketing Manager at the club.