On a beautiful January day and the course in great condition, Ashley together with his playing partner Thomas (from enjoycadizgolf.com) took on the might of Carlos (from Montenmedio golf club) and Tony (from the Daily Mail newspaper). It was a hard fought battle but we are pleased to announce that Ashley and Thomas managed to hold their nerve and win on the last hole with Thomas holing an excellent 2 metre down hill putt. As the victors, a well deserve lunch was the prize which was taken in the Tapas bar. A return match date as already been set!!!

Pictured left from right: Carlos Pérez-Pla Westendorp Director of Golf at Montenmedio, Thomas Ijland from Enjoy Cadiz Golf.com, Tony Sher from the Daily Mail and our Director of Golf & Hotel Ashley Northridge

............................................................................................................................. Posted by Admin at 12:46 PM | Comments (1)

Double world champion Fernando Alonso made a perfect start to his return to Renault on Tuesday with the fastest time in testing at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit in southern Spain.
The Spaniard, back with the team that took him to two titles before his ill-fated move to McLaren at the end of 2006, did 70 laps with a best of one minute 19.503 seconds in last year's car, according to unofficial timings.

Tuesday at Jerez marked something of a homecoming for Fernando Alonso, as he returned to a Renault cockpit for the first time since he won the 2006 world title with the team. After the rollercoaster year that was his ‘07 season with McLaren, the Spaniard is back in familiar surroundings.

Of course, plenty has changed - a new team mate in Nelson Piquet Jr, a new car on the way, and the removal of driver aids. Fresh from his first day back at the office, Alonso considers the challenge that lies ahead…

............................................................................................................................. Posted by Admin at 07:03 PM | Comments (0)

The 17th of January, the owner and member Esteban Vigo received a great surprise. His family and the staff of Arcos Gardens wished him a loud Happy Birthday! That secret party was organized by his wife, Genni.

We wish you a very happy day!

............................................................................................................................. Posted by Admin at 06:47 PM | Comments (0)

It was a day of firsts for McLaren at Jerez on Wednesday as the newly unveiled MP4-23 made its debut alongside the team's newest driver Heikki Kovalainen.

McLaren launched the MP4-23 earlier this week and the car successfully came through its first outing on Wednesday, with both Kovalainen and test driver Pedro de la Rosa putting it through its paces.
Kovalainen, who replaces Fernando Alonso at McLaren this season, was impressed with the early form shown by the team's 2008 challenger.
"It was really great to get on track today with the MP4-23. It was my first session as a McLaren driver," the Finn said.
"I always really enjoy the first day a new car runs, there is always a very unique atmosphere, you know a little bit tense, a little bit excited.
"The first impressions of the new car are good. We have a comprehensive development schedule to work through over the next couple of months. The car's performance today is definitely an encouraging starting point.
"Today was also my first real opportunity to meet the test team, which was good because we will be spending a lot of time together over the next few weeks!"
However, it was test driver de la Rosa who had the honour of putting in the first laps in the new car. The Spaniard was also the quicker of the two drivers, clocking a 1:19.655.
"We covered 69 laps in total today between Heikki and me, which is a good start. The car felt positive and it has been an encouraging day," he said.
"This is the second time I have had the opportunity to make the track debut with our new car, it is also the eighth car I have driven for the team.
"It is great for me to be in the car from the very beginning, as I am able to instantly build up an understanding of the car and how it works, and then start to put this knowledge into the testing programme.
"This time of the season, from when a new car is launched until the first race, is probably the busiest time of the year for the test team.
"We have 18 track days scheduled, including today, before the MP4-23s leave for Australia and a lot of work to complete in that time, but the motivation is huge with all the guys here."
Times
1. De la Rosa 1:19.655
2. Kovalainen 1:20.559
Related Links: McLaren Test Gallery

............................................................................................................................. Posted by Admin at 02:54 PM | Comments (0)

Week 39 saw the Drome Golf Society arrive for a 2 day adventure. The Drome have been on tour to Costa del Sol since 2003, based in Port Duquesa for this year. The organiser had heard good reports about Arcos Gardens and he decided to finish off this years tour with a 2 day trip to Arcos.
The first day saw the 11 golfers playing off the yellow tees, 1st was Noel with 37, 2nd was Sean with 36(CB), 3rd was Riz with 36. That evening saw the group venture into the local village for the annual Feria (Fair) at 1 euro a beer it was a fantastic night. With the second round being played off the white tees and coupled with a late night the scores were noticeable lower. 1st was Lee with 35, 2nd was John with 33, 3rd was Paul with 32(CB). Noel also had 32, along with his 37 from the previous day; these 2 scores helped Noel become the Tour champion with a total of 185 over 6 rounds.
The decision to finish the tour at Arcos was in fact a stoke of genius. Some of the golfers that had played every year commented that this was the best venue they had played on.

We will be back in 2008.

(Posted by the Drome Golf Society)

............................................................................................................................. Posted by Admin at 01:55 PM | Comments (0)

(Above, our collegue Juande looking after the barbacue)

The 21st of December, Arcos Gardens enjoyed their Christmas Party and their first Staff Tournament. The tournament was held before the barbacue and the winner were the following ones:

1st Cristian Mackinlay [37]
2nd Ismael Jaén [32]
3rd Martin Brännstrom [31]

The winners of the Pitch & Putt tournament were:

1st Antonio (Maintenance) [17]
2nd Fran (Caddymaster) [18]
3rd Anita (Caddymaster) [20]

Congratulations! We count on you next year!

............................................................................................................................. Posted by Admin at 10:38 AM | Comments (0)