Sercotel El Encin Golf

The marshall was incredibly rude and disrespectful, and made no effort to help with our needs. Very disappointing.

The greens were quick and broad, with plenty of slopes and breaks to keep things interesting. There are a lot of sand traps too, so you need to be precise. I was there just for the golf, and the course was great. The clubhouse staff were courteous and really helpful.

The course was in awful shape. I couldn't find a decent fairway or tee, and none of the bunkers were in good condition, most were rock hard. Four greens had large bare patches, though the rest of the greens were the only part that ranged from decent to good. The price is much too high for what you get. I was looking forward to playing at Encin Golf, but the visit was a huge letdown. At reception, the woman treated us like dirt and there was no service at all. We arrived two hours early and asked to rent a buggy, but were told none were available. I later saw four charging and another four that supposedly needed charging. This was on a Sunday, and they hadn't prepared the buggies. About an hour later, another golfer got one without trouble. I asked him, and he said it had just been given to him. Maybe it was because he was Spanish. All three drink machines were out of order, and nobody had put up a sign. People kept trying to buy drinks and wasting their time. Never again.

The long round took me 4.5 hours, and I was exhausted afterward. Water and bunkers come into play on almost every hole, so the course is a real challenge. There are lovely views in one direction, and although a highway and railway surround the course, the noise really wasn't a problem. The greens have lots of movement, often sitting on plateaus, so you need to land the ball carefully to stop it rolling off. The red-to-black tees were neatly trimmed and well placed. Fairways were very well maintained, and should look even nicer and more closely cut once the season gets going. For so early in the year, the course was in good shape. We were welcomed warmly at the clubhouse. It was my first time playing here, and the green fee is €45 even without the RFEG. Food options were my only complaint: the restaurant doesn't open until 13:00, and there was no fruit, sandwich, or anything else to buy for an early start. Bring snacks.