Costa Ballena Ocean GC?

[Rich Goodale]

Anybody know anything about this track near Cadiz and Jerez?  I might be playing in the Spanish Seniors there in 5-6 weeks and just want to know to what degree it is worth the effort.  GCA-wise it is a new (1995) JM Olazabal design that looks good in the pictures I have seen.

Thanks in advance

Rich

[Ivan Morris]

Rich- I thought about playing in that tournament too but talked myself out of it - I'm sorry! I've played a lot of golf in that part of Spain and nearby Portugal. I know exactly where the course is located but never heard a single comment about it - good, bad or indifferent. If you do go to Southwestern Spain - try and make the time to visit Arcos Gardens Golf Club at Arcos De La Frontera, close to Jerez - it has everything from a design point of view. Stay in the Finca, if possible too.

[Rich Goodale]

Thanks, Ivan

To be honest, getting a bit of sun and some competitive golf is far more important to me in this decision than architectural ooh -a-la.  I'll see if I can get over to Arcos Gardens, particularly since the Ladies Spanish Seniors is being held there simultaneously, and as we all know, what happens in Spain, stays in Spain....

Rich

[Ivan Morris]

It's a pity there cannot be an excuse me dance between the two golf courses.

[Michael Latham]

If you decide to go and are thinking of playing the preceeding fourball competition, I am looking for a fourball partner

[Alfonso Erhardt]

Rich,

Played once many years ago. Can't remember anything except for the incredible amount of housing surrounding all of the holes. I can't really recall any of the holes, to be honest. It is right next to the sea and wind is a factor.

Regards,

Alfonso

[Rich Goodale]

Thanks for the ringing endorsement, Alfonso!  I have a lot of experience playing housing development golf, so I will feel at home.

Many thanks, Michael for the offer, but my extending my official family leave to include the doubles is not possible.  Hopefully we can meet at the singles.  I'll be the American guy who speaks Spanish with a Costa Rican accent.