Members of the Federation of European Golf Greenkeepers Association (FEGGA) travelled from 15 countries across the globe to check out the transformation of La Hacienda Alcaidesa Links Golf Resort, formerly known as Alcaidesa, as part of its three-day annual conference.
FEGGA serves as the umbrella body for the national greenkeeping associations in Europe with its members and key partners gathering at La Hacienda to discuss key initiatives and challenges facing the industry, as well as learning about the multi-million investment project currently in progress at the 36-hole Spanish venue.
La Hacienda’s head greenkeeper, Raáºl Tineo Brea, and course architect, Kurtis Bowman, discussed the exciting plans for the new Links Course, which has been completely reconfigured and redesigned, before attendees were able to enjoy a tour of the layout and signature holes.
As part of the conference, members also dined in Sal Verde, the recently-opened restaurant in La Hacienda’s renovated clubhouse.
Dean Cleaver, Executive Officer of FEGGA, said: “We’d like to thank La Hacienda for having us and for its exceptional hospitality.
“There’s no better compliment than from the experts of the industry and some of the best greenkeepers in Europe, and all of them had positive things to say about the facilities and new Links Course.
“We were all in agreement that it’s now going to be in the conversation for one of the best golf courses in Spain and has catapulted it into amongst Europe’s elite. We are still getting our breath back after seeing some of the stunning views over the ocean and Rock of Gibraltar!”
Located in the Cadiz municipality of San Roque, close to Sotogrande, the Links Course is scheduled to open in June 2022 and will run along the beachfront with spectacular views of the Mediterranean, Gibraltar and Africa.
The contemporary clubhouse, driving range and practice area have already been completed ahead of the golf course reopening this summer, while the development of a five-star hotel with 150 rooms, halfway house with restaurant, 51 luxury villas and a beach club will mark the next phase of the project and La Hacienda’s elevation to a flagship venue and golf destination in Southern Europe.
FEGGA is a not-for-profit organisation formed in 1996 with a view of promoting the profession and helping greenkeepers through educational programmes and environmental policies, resulting in the highest standard of course conditions and professionalism across the continent.