Preface:

La Dama de Noche, the only golf course that I know in Andalusia, where you can also play in the dark. The entire course can be lit up, it must be an impressive experience. But now the sun is shining and we look forward to a relaxing round of golf over 9 holes. Over coffee, we enjoy a beautiful view of the 1st hole, and we get to know Marc a German businessman who lives in Marbella, and a passionate golfer. When asked what he likes about this place, he tells us: "Unfortunately, I have far too little time to pursue my hobby of golf. Here at La Dama de Noche I have found a place that I have time to play now and again, in peace and in 1.5 hours. Secondly, the course is not heavy going, but at the same time it allows you to use every club in the bag. Although the course hasn’t got a beautiful spacious clubhouse, a pro’s shop or other amenities that are found in other clubs, the ambience is very relaxed and very friendly. In the summer months, I've already spent far more hours than planned on the terrace and talking with visitors from around the world”. We talk with Marc about our projects and invite him to accompany us on our round. He enthusiastically accepted the invitation.

Hole 1

Palm trees as far as the eye can see, this really is the Costa del Golf. The course begins with a nice dogleg left. The wide fairway is bordered on the left side by a pretty pond, the right side should be avoided because of the many palm trees. The green is behind the last, and at the right edge of the pond where 4 more palm trees are growing. There are two alternatives for your tee shot. Our Champion Haiko opts for the risky but exciting shortcut through the aforementioned palm trees on the right side of the pond. This is a difficult shot not only because of the length, but a little too far to the left, your ball threatens to disappear into the pond, and a little too far to the right and the ball could be in the green’s defensive bunker on the right. Haiko regards these as side issues, and hits his ball over the pond and lands on the rear edge of the green. Our companion Marc and I opt for the safe option and plan a good 5 iron, 160 meters down the fairway, then play an 8 or 9 iron on to the green. Make sure you don’t hit your tee shot too far and it comes to rest under the palm trees, because the low hanging palm leaves make a second shot on to green impossible. But that’s not our problem today, I top the ball and it rolls about 50 meters, and Marc’s ball flies well off to the right behind some very troublesome looking palm trees. With my second shot I get directly into the bend of the dogleg leaving myself a wedge to the green. Marc struggles with shot after shot, but reaches the green in 4 strokes. Haiko’s first putt is clearly too short, and he closes the hole with a par. I am pleased with a bogey and Marc still looks confident, despite his 7 shots.