Putting Pirates
Short Break 2021
Marbella Spain
Some of us left the day before but for most of us it was an early start of the day on September 29th. Unfortunately Marnix was not able to join but was with us on Whatsapp all the time. After arriving we went straight to the beautiful golf of Santa Clara. The start of a Ryder cup competition organised by Dieter. After collecting the buggies, getting some coffee (or beer for others) and struggling with the ball machine we where of for a great round. Despite the warnings no one got robbed and we finished with a drink on the terras. After arranging the payment (some Russians paid for us), it was of to the hotel in order to get dinner. For some bizar reason the restaurant of the hotel closed at 19:30! This is not the Spain we are used to but anyhow we got our dinner, stayed a little longer and most of us went to bed. Most of us, some went to explore nightlife and that proved to be very successful in the game the day after. On Thursday we played Marbella Golf and Country Club. A difficult course except for those who had enough alcohol in their veins. Personally, I liked this course but did not play too well. The beatufull sight from the terras made everything even better. Again we needed to rush because also the restaurant La Luuma had indicated to close the kitchen around 19:30. La Luuma, which is operated by Belgians has a stunning view on the beach and we did not have to stress to get our food. We had a very lovely evening with good food.
On Friday the first of October we went a little further to La Cala. What a place! Driving range was a little off site so we skipped that but the American course is an absolute beauty. Very hilly but, when you want, your long play gets rewarded. Also here a beautiful terras, good service with plenty of beer. In the evening we went to Trocadero Arena close to the hotel. Also this place is on the beach but since it was a little later we did not get a lot to see. As in La Luuma we ate a-la-carte. The food is good and we where treated on some great wines selected and paid for by Carmen and Steve. Thank you. We stayed a little longer and again had a very nice evening with some great conversations and a lot of laughter.
For practical reasons we played Saturday on the course of our hotel Rio Real. Strangely enough we did not get buggies but the course is playable without. Nothing special about this course. You get to see the sea on t-box 5 but you play a few holes right next to the highway which is not really relax. Holes 7-15 are nice and the last ones are flat and wide. Again, it was proven that when you go out the night before you play well the day after (except for the first hole). Fred and Jan put down a 8and6 paving the way for a clear victory for team USA. We needed to rush since some of us had a flight to catch. The return of the car proved to be crowded but in the end this who had to leave got on their plane.
Thank you all for your participation and hope to see you next time at … an other sunny place in 2022.
Pictures: https://puttingpirates.be/gallery/marbella/
Pirate John
0499 998505
