Roda Golf & Beach Resort comes of age

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Opened in 2006, Roda Golf & Beach Resort turns 18 years old this year and is looking to the future

Roda Golf & Beach Resort (San Javier) was opened in 2006 and comes of age this June. In those 18 years, the course has managed to gain not only a loyal following with local players (national and foreign residents), but has also made a name for itself at an international level with careful and continuous work that has made it a premium course in the Costa Blanca and the Costa Cálida area.

Director of golf, José Antonio Hernández, has been professionally linked to the residential and sports complex for twelve years and is celebrating his tenth anniversary as Director of golf. In a recent interview, he recalled that for him 2012 was the worst year economically, being in the middle of the financial crisis and of course 2020 the year of the pandemic which brought COVID-19 and a feeling of enormous frustration, discouragement, and loss. “It was really hard every day. I was left with only three greenkeepers and a closed course that had to be taken care of without any funds coming in.”

Fortunately, the facility’s healthy financial situation allowed them to focus on renovations during this time. Making improvements in the clubhouse and working on the course with enhancements to the fairways and rough. Numerous projects were carried out with the premise that when things got back to normal the facilities would be well prepared for what the future held. That was the attitude to work. Because Hernández was aware that the complex had a good track record, the decision was made to improve it. The basis behind the decision was that the course is not a static product and there were aspects that could make it much more appealing to potential customers who would be willing to pay 10 or 15% more for quality available all year round.

This is why the course owner has also decided to make a human resources and media investment in the facilities. The pre-pandemic years boded well for the sector’s figures and projections with 2022 testifying to this, after the impasse of 2020/2021; a time the owner used “to prepare” Hernández says again, proud of a job well done in uncertain times. The academy, the purchase of machinery, the renewal of the fleet of buggies, the improvements in the clubhouse, the gardening in the surroundings of the course. Every aspect was addressed and has been key to getting to the current position.

Recent and ongoing upgrades

As in 2023, the course will be closed for two weeks this June to treat the greens and fairways. “We have to keep the fairways healthy if we want the route to support the traffic of buggies and the 45,000 rounds of golf played per year.”

In 2024, attention will also be extended to the tees, which will be reseeded, a task that will cost around 150,000 euros. “Yes, it’s expensive, but it’s an investment in terms of quality” and the image that Roda Golf wants to project.

That image can be perceived as soon as you enter the entrance of the complex. “The idea is that the feeling you get is that of arriving at an oasis. An oasis of attention to detail, to care; to order from the moment you set foot on Roda,” says Hernández. Hence, the ‘other’ gardening, the one that is not linked to the course, has been given a lot of attention. To this end there are two people dedicated to the annexes, the parking etc... A constant work that is a declaration of intent on the part of the club.

The welcoming environment at Roda Golf runs through a cosy and functional clubhouse “where the furniture and decoration have been renewed, and whose kitchens offer a type of cuisine closely linked to rice dishes,” explains Hernández.

Also, in September last year the renewal of the fleet of electric buggies started that will conclude this year. 50 refurbished vehicles (premium and USB) available to players, for a total fleet of 65 vehicles. The maintenance machinery has also undergone extensive renovation. “The mowing plant has been completely renewed; the manual mower for the greens and other machinery” totalling 600,000 euros over two years.

Human resources investment

New personnel have also been introduced, such as the incorporation of Manuel Fernández as head of maintenance of the course, “which we are sure will optimise the use of the new machinery with his extensive experience,” says Hernández.

Roda Golf & Beach Resort also welcomed new golf professional Leo Llerena to the academy, who started last December, joining Paul Carpenter, the ‘pro’ linked to Roda since 2021. With this team, the activity in the adult school will be increased and the children’s will be encouraged, including bilingual classes. Hernández could not be more satisfied with the team he has and highlights that the workforce is still at “95%, the same as it has been for the last 10 years. This speaks to the good harmony between the company and the workers and vice versa.”

The academy is considered as of upmost importance and follows in Roda’s philosophy of quality service for visitors and the players. Quality that includes a new tee line and practice mats.

This quality of service extended to the course in January 2024 where new Naranjas (orange) starting tees have been introduced which will provide a new distance, playing experience and differentiating elements from the other 4 tee placements so that our players and visitors can enjoy a great experience.

This new measurement from the orange tees will make the course 4,443 metres, which is 479 metres less than the Rojas (red) tees, a course in high demand by our players.

Diverse nationalities

The player profile on Roda Golf from September to October and from April to May, is predominantly British, while the summer months are divided 50/50 between national and foreign; The rest of the year is Central European. But Roda also attracts Japanese visitors. “We’re working on it. Rare is the day that there is not a tee time for an Asian player.” So don’t be surprised if you hear some ‘konnichiwa’ (hello) in the San Javiereño countryside. This Japanese presence is motivated by local companies and the port of Cartagena and is something that Hernández hopes to grow and although “the Region is already on the European map, there is a lack of a marketing plan to attract the national player.” It may be the case that the benefits of Murcia are better known in the centre of Stockholm than in Madrid!

Images: Rodagolf.com

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