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The Course at Cabopino
"Cape of Pines"
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Cabopino golf has spectacular views
of the med. |
"Many Happy Returns" is an appropriate
message for a terrific new course on the Costa del Sol that celebrates
its second birthday in April. In its two years of operation, over
80,000 rounds have been played - many of them by recidivist golfers
forced to return after becoming hooked at first site. Breaking through
such significant barriers gladdens the heart of Manager Andreas
Hagemann, caddie masters Victoria and Sonia (and, most of all, the
Madrid financiers behind the project), because seeing so many faces
return and return is testimony to the professionalism and friendliness
of the team at Cabopino.
One person who is not so glad with the courses precocious
success, however, is green keeper Manuel Cabrera, who has had a
mad couple of years dealing with the consequences of so many feet
tramping around a still-maturing course. The fact that Cabopino
is in such good condition as summer approaches is proof a job well
done.
The course of the year has reflected the up and
down nature of the fairways that head into the pine-covered hills
above the marina that also bears the Cabopino name. When the 'Pay
& Play' facility opened in Spring 2001, the green fees were
dispatched from a temporary office in the car park; the 19th hole
was a vending machine! No matter, little-known Spanish architect,
Juan Ligues, may have designed the course to be a touch shorter
than championship courses, but it sure keeps the handicappers coming
back. The 320-metre third hole has a definite "wow" factor;
a raised tee invites one to open ones shoulders to a wide landing
area leaving a short approach to a raised green. It is a superb
hole. The views down towards the twinkling Mediterranean can be
quite a distraction on closing holes described as "Brilliant"
by Sky Golf Presenter, David Livingstone, who was one of the first
to play here.
Little by little, the facilities were increased
and improved turning the course into a true club - albeit one with
no members. The Cabopino Academy & Driving Range and Academy
opened last summer and is now successfully run by the experienced
professional, Carlos Dominguez. The clubhouse complex was completed
in October 2001 containing an adequately stocked shop, caddy master's
office and Ramiro's Restaurant - with views over the umbrella pines
to the marina. Additionally, the ancillary facilities are such that
Cabopino Golf has recently been named an "Authorised Fitting
Centre" for Titleist, with a workshop capable of completing
any fitting, repair and re-gripping work necessary.
If you haven't played Cabopino Golf yet, do so -
you will soon understand why it enjoys so many happy returns.
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