Roda Golf Course

Feature Review - Roda Golf Course

Posted by: Tom Furniss on Tue 04 Nov 2008

Overview

"The 18 hole Par 72 golf course has been designed by Dave Thomas one of Europe’s most sought after course architects and is managed by the De Vere Group, the same company that manages the Belfry in the UK. The design incorporates three lakes that have been strategically located with special emphasis placed upon the landscaping and the planting of trees that complement the character and vegetation of the Mediterranean climate. The new 5* Hotel will overlook the 7th hole with a spectacular view. The resort facilities will then include a 5* Hotel, Spa, Restaurants, Commercial Centre, Tennis courts, Shops & outdoor activities. The new clubhouse due to open shortly will give an unprecedented view of the course from all angles.

Cafe

On entering the cafeteria area you can see that care as been taken to make you feel relaxed and give you a great view of the 18th hole. Although due to be the new offices of the PGA Academy, the new clubhouse will exceed everyone’s expectations I’m sure."

Golf Shop

"The golf shop is stocked with clothing and golfing accessories, which should certainly make you, look the part, the prices are not too unreasonable either. It does stock some golf clubs albeit a small selection, however the staff were more than able to suggest alternative suppliers should the club you desired not be on sale. The caddy master and pro shop are located at the back of the shop and all the staff were extremely helpful and friendly. The new shop due to be located in the new clubhouse will have an approximately floor area of 180 square feet and will boost a custom club fitting service."

Practice Facilities

"The driving range is located outside the new clubhouse next to the first tee.
The range is wide and marked out with 50-metre markers, there were also flags placed around the range to give you plenty of targets to aim at.
The grass was lush and green and the ball collectors made frequent trips so not to have balls spread everywhere, which can make it hard to spot your ball when it lands. With a putting area offering a varying degree of putting challenges, you certainly should have your putting stroke perfected before you start."

Course

Hole 1: Par 5: 500 Metres.
A good straight drive will set you up to hit a mid iron second shot to leave you with a short chip into an elevated green. The bunker on the right corner can be carried from your initial drive if you feel adventurous this will leave you with a very good chance of reaching the green in 2.

Hole 2: Par 3: 207 Metres.
This is a long par 3 which will require good long iron or wood to reach it in one shot. A large bunker covers most of the right hand side of the green and again an elevated green means it is important for a well struck iron shot.

Hole 3: Par 4: 410 Metres.
The first of two of the hardest holes I feel on the course a good drive is needed to leave you still with a testing second shot between two bunkers on an elevated landing area.

Hole 4: Par 4: 404 Metres.
A long good drive is essential if you are to make this green in two, from the elevated tee the fairway is protected with two bunkers which must be negotiated accurately. Your second shot does not get any easier a medium to long iron or even a recovery wood will be required to miss the bunkers in front of the green on the right hand side.

Hole 5: Par 5: 442 Metres.
A bit of a rest bite as a relatively short par 5 all down hill and a very good birdie opportunity. A good drive will see you being able on some days to reach the green in 2. If not a good steady drive will leave you with 2 7 irons to reach the green.

Hole 6: Par 4: 370 Metres.
A straight hole which is definitely one you need to hit the fairway to leave you with a fairly easy shot into the green. If not then the green which is surrounded by deep bunkers to the front and sides and role off valley to the back will have you wondering what club to choose for your second shot.

Hole 7: Par 3: 174 Metres.
An island green designed to intimidate and entice the golfer. Depending on the wind this hole can have you hitting an 8 iron into the green or a 3 wood. Definitely a hole that depending on the wind can make or break you.

Hole 8: Par 4: 328 Metres.
An easy par 4 which you can use an iron off the tee but beware the green is one of the most difficult on the course.

Hole 9: Par 4: 393 Metres.
A dog leg right running down the side of the new clubhouse will ask the brave golfers to take the dog leg on. If brave enough will leave you with a very short chip onto the green. The green can be seen from the distance you must stay to the right or face the large lake on the left hand side. The undulating green will provide interesting and difficult puts.

Hole 10: Par 5: 441 Metres.
Another par 5 that can be reached in 2 if you get a good drive away and this will leave you with a long iron or fairway wood to the green. A small green however will require the second shot to be pin perfect. A good opening hole to the back nine with birdies a real possibility.

Hole 11: Par 3: 180 Metres.
A medium iron par 3 to an elevated green played all across large bunker, but any slight miss should role away to the back and right hand side.

Hole 12: Par 4: 323 Metres.
A short par 4 with a dog left right to a green protected at the right and long by a lake. This hole could give you birdies or wellies you decide.


Hole 13: Par 3: 157 Metres.
A straight forward par 3 in which accuracy and club selection are important for success. Not a very long par 3 but water to the right and sand in front make sure you are accurate and don’t leave it short.

Hole 14: Par 4: 320 Metres.
A straight forward par 4, a good drive to the fairway will leave the shortest of approach shots to the elevated green, a very good birdie opportunity.

Hole 15: Par 4: 300 Metres.
Another short par 4 which can reached in one with an aggressive attitude all you need to do is carry the fairway bunkers. Again an elevated green but certainly birdies are a real opportunity.

Hole 16: Par 4: 358 Metres.
Accuracy is definitely needed off the tee as the landing area is quite narrow. The green is guarded with two bunkers to the front; don’t be over zealous as there is water at the back of the green.

Hole 17: Par 4: 384 Metres.
A straight forward par 4 in which two good shots will leave you on the green however don’t be too brave on the drive as it is not needed. The green is guarded by a bunker on the left hand side.

Hole 18: Par 5: 486 Metres
A classic golf course finishing hole where thought and accuracy are required. The tee shot must be played between two bunkers. A second shot up to the front of the lake that protects the green. Hitting the green in two shots is definitely a possibility but I would advise caution and play it as a par 5.

Negatives

"None"

Cost

80 euros but look out for various offers throughout the year.

The verdict

"The course management and team have worked hard to make your golfing day as relaxed and enjoyable as possible. There is a warm friendly, helpful atmosphere throughout the departments, which makes Roda pleasure to play, but don't expect to have your driver out all day. Enjoy the scenery; enjoy the fact you're not going to have to hike up and down hills and work on your short game.
Golfers will find Roda Golf Course the perfect spot to put their skills into practice."

Lee Dickens, 19th October 2007.