In recent years Mijas Golf has undertaken a major programme of improvements and refurbishment work at both its courses – Los Lagos and Los Olivos, designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones – returning the club to the era of splendour and prestige which it always enjoyed among European golfers.

Under the management of Lorenzo Pérez Cortés, the fairways, tees and greens have been upgraded in accordance with USGA recommendations, and major ornamental and aesthetic projects have radically changed the perception people have when arriving at the club. Mijas Golf has once again become a standard-bearer for golf in Europe.

Francisco Tirado, the club’s greenkeeper, says he is extremely satisfied with the work carried out so far, “and what we are continuing to do”. This work follows two key lines of action, he explains. “On the one hand, the major renovations we have been continuing to work on in 2015, and will carry on with next year; and on the other, the actual maintenance of the courses.

“Each year we carry out new work. At Los Lagos last year we renovated some of the fringe areas in front of the greens, including the 17th and 18th, this year we will be working on the 11th, 14th and 16th, and next year we’ll continue with the 12th, 13th and 15th. The remodelling will be much greater on the latter, as we’ll be building a bunker in front of the green and another at the landing area on the fairway, to make this attractive par-5 slightly tougher.

“This year we are also going to complete work on a lake near the 13th green, which has been pending since we finished the renovation. We also plan to continue the embellishment and ornamental work, which is one of the aspects people notice most when arriving at the club. We are creating extensive sustainable garden areas, and applying xeriscaping techniques, which combine plant areas requiring little irrigation and others with volcanic gravel. This also enables us to control weeds.

“As for maintenance,” he continues, “we believe we are in the top 10 in Andalucía. It’s absolutely exquisite, both Lagos and Olivos. Players leave here more than satisfied.”

 

III Felipe Pérez Pro-Am

The third edition of the Felipe Pérez Pro-Am will be held on 7 and 8, and it is hoped that the number of players will exceed those taking part last year, a record 364.

Participants will have three tee times: the afternoon of the 7th, at 3.30pm, Saturday in the morning at 8.30am and at 3pm.

The cost for amateurs is 105 euros, including green fee, shared buggy, catering on the 10th, luncheon buffet, practice balls and welcome pack, as well as a cocktail reception and prize-giving on the club restaurant terrace on the afternoon of the 8th – with an attractive raffle.