Very few people in the world of golf would recognise the name Lola Ruiz Calderón – perhaps only her close friends and colleagues. This is mainly because she prefers to use her “artistic name”, as she describes it with a touch of irony, much more than a nickname: Chunga.

And it is as Chunga, her family name, that her friends and those associated with her professionally have always known her. After spending several years managing the Isla de Valdecañas course in Cáceres, she has returned to her homeland, Andalucía, to take charge at Costa Ballena Ocean Golf Club, near Rota.

Following her first few months at the course, in Cádiz province, she says she has been very satisfied with the experience. “It’s been more or less as I expected it, especially with a lot of work in summer, when we had a slow July and a spectacular August.”

- What perspectives do you have for the new season that began a few weeks ago?

- In general, good ones. The tour operator system works well for us, and expectations are more or less the same as last year, which was a good one. Of course we are also trying to open up other markets.

 

- What favourable qualities does this course have for you?

- Many. I’ve seen this complex launched and developed, and I’ve always felt very close to it. It has a fantastic setting, with the sea almost touching some of the holes, and is located in a privileged province thanks to its nature and climate. There are 27 holes comprising a stunning layout designed by José María Olazábal that doesn’t leave anyone indifferent. It’s a course that is both commercial and fun, pleasant and challenging. We also have the most impressive practice area that I’ve seen in Spain, and certainly one of the best in Europe, with par-three holes, putting green, pitching green, etc.

We have a very comprehensively diverse product in an area with excellent accommodation options and extremely attractive tourist surroundings.