Simply spectacular. That is the best way to describe the final results of a major refurbishment of one of the leading golf stores on the Costa del Sol, and in the whole of Spain: Golfriend’s. Located halfway between Marbella and Estepona, on the main coastal highway and conveniently close to several golf clubs, the establishment has almost doubled its previous space, now extending over 800 square metres divided into two storeys.
Attention is immediately drawn to its stunning modern design, highlighted by LED lighting with shifting tones and a deep circular pillar completely covered by a LED-technology screen that projects moving images. The lighting is boosted by a large skylight that disperses sunlight around the establishment’s interior areas.
Golfriend’s owner Antonio Valle provides details about the renovation work, which took five months to complete. “What we have done is expand the surface area by around 350 square metres. Previously this area was a garage and we’ve transformed it into a shop floor so we now have two storeys. This means we have improved both the space and the effectiveness in displaying our products.”
The top floor is now dedicated to footwear and apparel, while the lower floor includes all the golf clubs, workshop, simulator, putting green, etc.
Some of the features really stand out, like the pillar covered in a LED screen and the large vertical garden behind the staircase that extends through both floors…
We have tried to incorporate nature so that it is all in harmony with the concept of golf. We decorated the wall with a total of 1,700 plants, all natural and with automatic irrigation. The pillar is a LED screen where all the suppliers can advertise, and we also publicise our demonstrations, events and other activities.
Also attracting special attention are some of the showpiece products in the shop, including clubs that seem to be made of gold…
We have some exclusive clubs. We have always been specialists in working with many brands, but we are also known for offering exclusive products. Right now, for example, we are the only shop in Spain exclusively offering the Honma brand, as well as XXiO.
As a matter of interest, how much would a Honma set cost, with the gold finish that you have here?
It depends… We have one here that is €15,000 for the whole set; there are others for €11,000 and we also have a similar XXiO one for €9,000.
What is the customary clientele at Golfriend’s?
We have all kinds, from beginners to the most experienced golfers. We also sell second-hand products, as we accept old clubs as a way of paying for a new set, and we work with all brands, from the cheapest to the most expensive. As for nationalities, as we are on the Costa del Sol, people from all around the world come here.
What are some of the main new golf club products available this year?
The Orlando Fair is not far off (PGA Merchandising Show at the end of January), where they launch all the new products for 2018, and we are waiting for them to arrive. We’ll have all of them, Taylor Made, Ping, Callaway… nearly all the brands will be bringing out new products. I invite everyone to come and discover them at Golfriend’s.
In addition to this store, Golfriend’s is also present at other points along the Costa del Sol…
Yes, we are in the pro shop at Atalaya Golf, we have a small shop at Magna Marbella Golf, and we also work with the Golfino stores in both San Pedro de Alcántara and Sotogrande. We have our own corner in both: they look after apparel and we supply golf clubs.
