59club Europe South is delighted to announce the beginning of its partnership with The Donna Portals, one of Mallorca’s most distinctive luxury lifestyle hotels. The collaboration will support the hotel in further enhancing guest experience, service excellence and operational performance through objective measurement tools, customer journey analysis and continuous improvement programmes aligned with international hospitality benchmarks.

Located in the exclusive coastal enclave of Portals Nous, Mallorca, The Donna Portals is a luxury boutique hotel renowned for its sophisticated Mediterranean style, personalised service and exceptional guest offering. Combining elegant accommodation, premium dining experiences and a relaxing wellness environment, the hotel has established itself as one of the island’s most desirable destinations for discerning travellers seeking authentic luxury and memorable experiences.
As part of the partnership, 59club Europe South will deliver a comprehensive 360-degree customer journey evaluation across the hotel’s accommodation, spa and food and beverage operations. Through a combination of specialist mystery guest audits, performance analysis, benchmarking and training support, the programme will provide valuable insights designed to enhance every stage of the guest journey and support the hotel’s ongoing commitment to excellence.

“The Donna Portals has initiated a partnership with 59club, an international leader in training, auditing and quality improvement within the hospitality sector. This alliance reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence—not as a standard to be met, but as a living culture that permeates every touchpoint of the guest experience. Through this agreement, we will implement specialised audits, continuous training programmes for our teams and strategies designed to elevate every detail of the The Donna experience,” said Rico Iffland, Deputy Manager of The Donna Portals.

Looking ahead to 2026, The Donna Portals continues to invest in innovation and the continuous enhancement of its guest experience. One of the hotel’s most significant projects will be the expansion and renovation of The Donna Beach concept on the terrace of its restaurant, creating an even more exclusive and sophisticated space inspired by the Mediterranean lifestyle that defines the property. The new concept is scheduled to open in mid-June 2026 and will further strengthen the hotel’s position as one of Mallorca’s most exciting luxury hospitality destinations.

“We are delighted to welcome The Donna Portals to the 59club family and to further expand our presence within the luxury hospitality sector,” said Lee Mathew Waggott, General Manager of 59club Europe South.
“This partnership is particularly exciting as it demonstrates the versatility of our customer experience and performance improvement programmes beyond golf, supporting independent luxury hotel properties that are passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences. Through our comprehensive approach to customer journey mapping, service evaluation, benchmarking and team development, we look forward to helping The Donna Portals unlock valuable insights, strengthen operational performance and continue delivering outstanding experiences across its hotel, spa and food and beverage operations throughout 2026 and beyond.”

As The Donna Portals continues to evolve its offering and invest in the future of the guest experience, its partnership with 59club Europe South reinforces a shared commitment to excellence, innovation and the pursuit of exceptional hospitality standards. Together, the collaboration will help ensure that every guest interaction reflects the quality, attention to detail and memorable experiences for which both organisations are recognised.

59club Europe South is delighted to announce the beginning of its partnership with Real Club de Golf Las Brisas, one of the most prestigious private members clubs on Spain’s Costa del Sol. The collaboration aims to support the club in further enhancing member experience, service standards and operational performance through objective measurement tools, customer journey analysis and continuous improvement programmes aligned with international industry benchmarks.

Located in the heart of Marbella’s renowned Golf Valley, Real Club de Golf Las Brisas is recognised as one of Europe’s leading private golf clubs. With a long-standing reputation for excellence, the club combines world-class golf facilities with an exclusive and highly personalised member experience, making it one of the most respected golfing destinations in southern Europe.

“Real Club de Golf Las Brisas has always been committed to offering a world-class golfing experience. By partnering with 59club, we aim to benchmark and enhance the quality of our service and member experience. This partnership will help us implement objective measurements, improve performance, and ultimately strengthen member satisfaction across all touchpoints,” said Paul Muñoz Langley, General Manager of Real Club de Golf Las Brisas.

The partnership will see 59club Europe South work closely with the club across several strategic areas including customer journey mapping, member experience evaluation, team engagement, staff motivation and operational performance improvement. Through a combination of mystery shopping audits, data analysis and training support, the collaboration will help further strengthen the club’s commitment to delivering exceptional standards throughout the member and guest experience.

“We are absolutely delighted to begin working with such an iconic private members club as Real Club de Golf Las Brisas. This partnership demonstrates how 59club Europe South can support all types of venues across the golf and hospitality industry, from resorts and hotels to exclusive private clubs. Through our expertise in customer journey mapping, experience analysis, team engagement and performance improvement, we look forward to supporting the club as it continues to evolve and deliver exceptional experiences for its members,” said Lee Mathew Waggott, General Manager of 59club Europe South.

As the club continues to invest in its facilities, services and member offering, the partnership with 59club Europe South reinforces its commitment to innovation, excellence and the continuous pursuit of delivering one of the finest private club experiences in European golf.

59club Europe South is pleased to announce the commencement of its commercial partnership with Il Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & Spa, one of Southern Europe’s most distinctive golf destinations, set against the extraordinary backdrop of Mount Etna in Sicily. This strategic alliance is designed to elevate service standards, aligning them with international industry best practices while reinforcing the resort’s commitment to excellence and guest satisfaction.

Ideally situated on the slopes of the iconic Mount Etna, Il Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & Spa is a proud member of the Curio Collection by Hilton, offering guests and golfers a truly unique experience that combines world-class facilities with one of the most dramatic and celebrated natural landscapes in Europe.

“We decided to partner with 59club because their reputation for excellence in benchmarking and service standards is unparalleled in the golf and hospitality industry. As a Curio Collection by Hilton property, delivering a world-class guest experience is our priority. Through this partnership, we look forward to gaining valuable, data-driven insights that will help us refine our service delivery, elevate our member and guest journey, and ensure that Il Picciolo remains a premier destination for golf enthusiasts on the slopes of Mount Etna,” stated Mr. Francesco Scrofani, CEO of Il Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & Spa.

“The decision by Il Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & Spa to partner with 59club Europe South is a clear reflection of their ambition to set the benchmark for golf and hospitality excellence in the Mediterranean region. This collaboration is rooted in a shared commitment to continuous improvement, placing performance measurement, team development, and the guest experience at the very heart of their long-term vision. We are delighted to welcome them into the 59club family and look forward to supporting their journey,” noted Lee Mathew Waggott, General Manager of 59club Europe South.

59club Europe South is pleased to welcome Golf El Rompido as one of it lastest new partner venues. This strategic partnership is designed to elevate service standards, via unique data analysis and bespoke employee training 

Ideally located in Huelva, Spain, and complemented by outstanding facilities including a 5 stars Hotel, 36 holes and a unic landscape, Golf El Rompido offers members and guests the opportunity to experience golf in a setting defined by quality, prestige, and attention to detail.

“ We have joined 59club because we believe it can serve as a powerful tool for improvement across all departments that make up Golf El Rompido. To improve, it is essential to truly understand and measure ourselves. Our objective is to enhance customer excellence, recognising that every detail contributes to the overall experience; everything adds value. We aim to identify areas where we can improve while continuing to strengthen what we are already doing well, without ever lowering our standards.” stated Mar Timoner, Golf Director.

In parallel, the club is advancing a range of projects aimed at further enhancing the member and visitor experience. Recent investments include: Comprehensive refurbishment of the practice facilities, Resurfacing of the buggy paths on the North Course, Bunker renovation ,all designed to reinforce the club’s long-term vision and elevate its overall offering.

Looking ahead, Golf El Rompido remains firmly committed to continuous improvement, with upcoming initiatives focused on operational optimisation, facility enhancement, and service excellence.

“We are delighted to welcome Golf El Rompido onboard at the beginning of this year, their decision reflects a clear ambition to continue evolving as a leading destination. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to excellence, placing performance measurement, team development, and customer experience at the centre of long-term success,” noted Lee Mathew Waggott, General Manager of 59club Europe South.

As one of Europe’s leading golf destinations, Costa Navarino recently celebrated a proud achievement at the 59club European Service Excellence Awards. We sat down with David Ashington, General Manager of Golf, to reflect on what the recognition means to the team and how their partnership with 59club Europe South has helped raise the bar in service, operations, and performance.

A Moment of Pride for the Team

Speaking about the significance of the award, David shared:
“It is a proud moment for the whole team who have been so fully focused and dedicated towards delivering the best experiences to our guests. Their attitude, passion and commitment has been notable and consistent for the entire season. The awards are extremely motivational to our teams across all four golf courses to continue this journey of regularly reviewing our processes and journey through the lens of the client.”

Transforming Operations with Training and Insight

David also reflected on how the 59club partnership has tangibly impacted day-to-day operations:
“Hosting regular trainings in between our main seasons has been invaluable. This allows our teams to fully understand the opportunities we have to evolve our customer journey whilst regularly reminding our teams of the guests’ expectations. We noticed an improved focus from all teams towards their respective responsibilities and the impact it can make to our guests’ experience.”

Why 59club? A Data-Driven, Client-Centric Approach

When asked what initially drew Costa Navarino to 59club, David pointed to the structure and philosophy behind the service:
“It was the comprehensive systems in place at 59club with the Measure, Train, Support philosophy. Having exacting data at your fingertips to fully analyze the journey of your client and the opportunities to review and enhance experiences.”

He adds that beyond day-to-day improvements, the data has helped shape strategic decisions:
“The data is also extremely helpful towards showcasing to our stakeholders the reasons required for certain investment needs and how this impacts and improves our guest experience.”

As Costa Navarino continues its journey of service excellence, it’s clear that teamwork, insight, and innovation are driving forces behind their award-winning success.

La Hacienda Links Golf Resort is proud to announce its recent recognition at the esteemed 59club European Service Excellence Awards, an event that celebrates the best in customer service and operational excellence across the golf and hospitality industry.

Hosted in the stunning setting of Ombria Algarve this March, the awards brought together leading venues from across Europe. Among the winners was La Hacienda Links Golf Resort, who collected an Individual Leading Experience in Retail and a Silver Flag Designation for the second consecutive year.

Fernando Padron, General Manager of Golf at La Hacienda, expressed the team’s excitement and pride in receiving this accolade:

“We are very happy and excited about this award, which is a recognition of the team’s continued effort to achieve excellence in service. This award means a lot to our team as it encourages us to continue on this way, which we are convinced is the right one to reach our goals.”

“Since we started working with 59club, we have been able to better measure our results and make the right decisions,”

Since partnering with 59club, La Hacienda has seen tangible improvements in both team performance and guest satisfaction.

“Since we started working with 59club, we have been able to better measure our results and make the right decisions,” Padron added. “It is a great help for our daily operations and for our sales strategy, while also making the team more cohesive and motivated.”

This prestigious award marks another milestone for La Hacienda Links Golf Resort as it continues to position itself among the elite golf destinations in Europe, offering not only world-class facilities but also a dedication to service that sets a new benchmark in the industry.

Set against the breath-taking backdrop of Sicily’s sun-drenched southern coast, the iconic Verdura Resort proudly joins forces with 59club Europe South as its newest partner venue. With a world-class golf offering and a deep cultural heritage, Verdura continues to raise the standard for luxury and service in the Mediterranean.

Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte property, is one of Europe’s leading golf and lifestyle destinations on Sicily’s stunning southern coast. Home to 45 holes of championship links golf designed by Kyle Phillips, the courses offer an unforgettable experience across 230 hectares of Mediterranean landscape. In the last 6 months, the luxury five-star resort has undergone an impressive €9m renovation, covering each of the 3 golf courses, all food & beverage outlets, and the lobby area. Verdura will launch its brand new Golf Lounge later this month. These investments highlight Rocco Forte’s commitment to offering a world class golf product for all guests to enjoy.

By partnering with 59club Europe South, Verdura Resort gains access to a wealth of customer experience data and performance analytics across its golf and hospitality operations. This strategic collaboration will empower the Verdura team to further elevate every guest interaction—ensuring that excellence remains the standard throughout the entire customer journey.

“Verdura Resort is in the midst of very exciting developments, and working with 59club will ensure we continue our reputation of exceeding guest expectations across the property.”

Blair Harvey, Golf Director of Sales & Marketing at Rocco Forte Hotels, remarked: “Rocco Forte Hotels maintain the pride of offering the highest level of service and unforgettable experiences to guests at all properties. Verdura Resort is in the midst of very exciting developments, and working with 59club will ensure we continue our reputation of exceeding guest expectations across the property.”

Lee Mathew Waggott, General Manager of 59club Europe South, added: “We are delighted & privileged to partner with Verdura Resort. We are excited to provide unmatched insights into the holistic guest journey, supporting the team to push the boundaries on experiences being delivered in Italy and continental Europe.”

59club Europe South, the leading provider of customer experience benchmarking and improvement solutions for the golf, leisure, retail, and hospitality industries, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Pedro Bibiloni Iso as its new Operations Manager.

Pedro brings over a decade of experience in hotels, golf, and hospitality, along with a deep passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences. His extensive knowledge and commitment to service excellence will be instrumental in supporting 59club Europe South’s continued growth and success.

Expressing his excitement about joining the team, Pedro shared:

“I am excited to embark on this new chapter as Operations Manager at 59club Europe South. With a strong background in hotels and golf, I look forward to using my experience to drive innovation and growth in the industry. Collaborating with such a talented team is truly inspiring, and I can’t wait to make a meaningful impact!”

Lee Mathew Waggott, General Manager of 59club Europe South, added:

“We are delighted to welcome Pedro to the team at such a pivotal time of growth for 59club Europe South. As we expand, his expertise and leadership will play a key role in strengthening our presence—particularly in Spain—while also supporting other regions. His passion for excellence aligns perfectly with our mission to elevate service standards across the industry. We look forward to deepening our partnerships with affiliate properties and welcoming new venues into the 59club network, all driven by a shared commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences.”

With Pedro’s expertise and dedication, 59club Europe South is well-positioned to continue setting new benchmarks in customer experience and operational excellence across the region.

For more information, visit https://www.59clubeurope.com/

Located in the heart of the Algarve, just 25 minutes from the beach coast, Ombria Algarve is a unique destination combining hotel, real estate, golf, and leisure.

Driven by a vision projected by the finnish company Pontos Group, Ombria opened its 18-hole signature golf course in spring 2023, integrated in a resort that offers a blend of traditional Portuguese village charm and modern luxury under with a 5-star hotel under the esteemed Viceroy Hotel brand. We spoke with Salvador Macedo, the Director of Golf at Ombria Algarve, to discuss the impact of partnering with 59club and his vision for the resort’s future.

Q: Salvador, you have recently started working with 59club this year. Can you tell us how 59club has helped Ombria objectively evaluate the current customer experience and identify areas for improvement?

A: It was clear for Ombria from the early start that partnering with 59club was essential. We are focused on providing a high-end customer experience, and ensuring we are on the right path across all client touchpoints can be challenging. That’s where 59club excels. The depth of their reporting truly enables us to identify our strengths and pinpoint areas for improvement.

Q: Ombria Algarve recently opened its doors in 2023 with the golf course. For those who may not have heard of you yet, can you share a little about the property?

A: Certainly. Ombria is a visionary project that started over 2 decades ago, with the Pontos Group leadership. It’s a unique concept combining several aspects like any resort: a 5-star hotel, premium real estate, a signature golf course, and many leisure facilities. What sets us apart is, firstly, our location in the natural haven located in the heart of the Algarve, yet just 25 minutes from the beach. Secondly, our project recreates a traditional Portuguese village with small streets, local coffee shops, a mini-market, and more, all served with the highest standards of the Viceroy Hotel brand. Lastly, sustainability is vital for us, focusing on energy efficiency and minimal environmental and economic impact. We are one of the first to use geothermal energy, solar energy, and ensure sustainable golf course maintenance and water usage.

“59club will play a major role in maintaining these high service levels and guiding us to stand shoulder to shoulder with the top golf courses in Europe”

Q: As Director of Golf at Ombria Algarve, can you share your vision for the club’s growth and how working with 59club contributes to achieving that vision?

A: We aim to position Ombria Algarve golf course as a premier customer and service experience destination, with a focus on exceptional service and high-level golf course maintenance. 59club will play a major role in maintaining these high service levels and guiding us to stand shoulder to shoulder with the top golf courses in Europe.

Q: Can you discuss any specific goals or benchmarks you aim to achieve in terms of service quality and member experience at your properties utilizing 59club’s services?

A: As previously mentioned, we are aiming for top-notch service quality and customer experience. We want to be a reference in areas such as tee time reservation, booking confirmation, arrival procedures, on-course presentation, on-course services, and F&B services.

Q: How do you think the ongoing evaluation through 59club’s mystery shopping services will support Ombria in maintaining a culture of continuous improvement and delivering unparalleled experiences for your members and guests?

A: As a team leader, it’s often difficult to find the time to sit down and thoroughly review indicators to identify areas for improvement. The consistency and regularity of 59club’s mystery client visits keep us and the team constantly aware that we need to perform at our best at all times. We can’t afford to become complacent. We have to continually refine our procedures to ensure we deliver the best service to all our clients, and 59club plays a significant role in that.

Q: As a leader in the golf industry, how do you think the insights and best practices provided by 59club will contribute to the growth and development of golf clubs in Portugal, particularly in the Algarve region?

A: We are part of a larger region with a successful background in the golf tourism market. The Algarve, and Portugal as a whole, is known for its great facilities and high-quality golf courses. We feel that responsibility. In an ever-changing and more demanding world, great facilities and amazing golf courses can be built anywhere. Our differentiation, as a region, will come from the quality, friendliness, and authenticity of the service we provide. That’s why it’s crucial to ensure the client experience is flawless throughout, and 59club helps us achieve that.

Q: Finally, what advice would you give to other golf clubs considering partnering with 59club to improve their customer service, staff training, and overall performance?

A: It is crucial to know that our standards are being implemented correctly. Managers can’t be present all the time, so constant assessment with clear, objective information is mandatory for better and more consistent performance. It’s also a great tool to recognize and commend the excellent work your team is doing. They are out there every day, and based on my experience, it’s a great motivational asset for the team to feel valued and engaged with the project.

59club Europe South are delighted to welcome Castro Marim Golfe & Country Club as their latest partner venue.

Castro Marim provides a fantastic 27-hole golf course designed by English golf architect Terry Murray. The resort boasts 61 beautifully decorated, large semi-detached villas located in ‘The Village’ each with a breath-taking view on the the Atlantic Ocean.

The property is just 10 minutes from award-winning sandy beaches, making it an ideal getaway for the entire family offering year-round sunshine, exceptional villas, fine dining, and top-notch amenities.

We asked Henrique Guilherme, Director of Sales, why they have chosen to partner with 59club Europe South:

“We joined 59club with a view to achieving better performance, both in terms of better customer satisfaction and in terms of results with better market positioning. We believe that 59club, through its industry know-how, can be a great asset to Castro Marim Golfe & Country Club by helping us to improve and perfecting customer service and differentiating ourselves from our main competitors”.

Castro Marim will benefit from industry leading experience data from across the entire customer journey throughout 2024, we are excited start this journey and support the team

#Measure #Train #Support

Quinta do Lago, is nestled within the Algarve and located next to the beautiful Rio Formosa nature reserve. The resort offers an incredible selection of experiences and it has been making waves in the hospitality industry for its commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences.

We sat down with Luis, the Corporate & Leisure Relations Director of Quinta do Lago, to discuss their ongoing partnership with 59club and how it has transformed their approach to customer service and performance management.

Luis, you have been working with 59club for a number of years now across the resort. Can you tell us how 59club has helped Quinta do Lago objectively evaluate the current customer experience and identify areas for improvement?

Our partnership with 59club has significantly improved the guest experience at Quinta do Lago. Through their analysis, we have identified and addressed weaknesses and enhanced various aspects of our guests’ stay, from the golf courses to the dining experience and also within the leisure club. Collaborating with 59club has spurred positive reviews and reinforced our commitment to excellence. They’re a crucial partner in our journey to providing outstanding guest experiences.

Considering the size of the resort, can you share with us how utilizing 59club helps in managing the guest journey not only in Golf but in Hotel, F&B & Leisure?

We initially started working with 59club to manage the development of our golf visitor experience through a mystery shopping program across our 3 courses, However, we soon realized that the guest experience cannot only be restricted to a specific department, but that it is fundamental to ensure all of the departments are in-line with our main focus in delivering a unique guest experience throughout the resort.

Therefore, we asked for a bespoke program for the resort which includes Hotel, F&B and Leisure, as well as some unique mystery shopper audits in relation to property sales & guest services. 59club has provided these for us, and the data we now receive covers the entire guest journey; from hotel check-in, to using the state-of-the-art facilities within ‘The Campus’; as well as measuring the experience across several of our dining outlets. 59club provides an incredibly in-depth picture, and a wealth of data of what our guests are experiencing across the property.

“Collaborating with 59club has spurred positive reviews and reinforced our commitment to excellence. They’re a crucial partner in our journey to providing outstanding guest experiences“

As Corporate & Leisure Relations Director, can you share with us your vision for the resort’s growth and how working with 59club contributes to achieving that vision?

The majority of Resorts in Europe and in the world are nowadays offering the same facilities to guests. However, where Resorts can stand out is by delivering a quality of service which differentiates them from the rest. In the end, what remains in his/her memories is the interaction and experience with the resort staff who deliver the service in the hotel or in the restaurant.

By working with 59club we are not only reviewing previous visits, but pro-actively performance managing experiences across the resort. We always endeavor for Quinta do Lago to be a leading resort in the world, offering unforgettable experiences, and 59club assists us to ensure this.

Can you discuss any specific goals or benchmarks you aim to achieve in terms of service quality and member experience utilizing 59club’s services?

We are obsessed about service! And our aim is always to be amongst the best in the industry and to be seen as Market leaders. To achieve this, we need to deliver an excellent product, but above all an excellent service. This is a never-ending story, as service can always be improved and is always changing, influenced by epidemics like Covid or in accordance with the evolution of technology. Consistent training is crucial to achieve the ambitious standards we strive for, and by working with 59club we can identify the areas where training is urgently needed to improve it.

59club don’t just provide the data, we get together for regular service meetings following each month’s audit, they help with data interpretation and explain to the team how improvements can be made. We then use this insight to focus our goals and targets each quarter to delight guests.

Having multiple outlets across the resort, how does working with 59club help to evaluate & manage the team across your venues?

Our aim is that all the outlets can deliver a similar service to our guests in the Resort. Consistency is very important for us and with the help of 59club, we are able to measure the service level in all departments, and to raise red flags when necessary. This way, we are able to work with specific teams and bring them to the service level we are aiming for.

How do you think the ongoing evaluation through 59club’s mystery shopping services will support QDL in maintaining a culture of continuous improvement and delivering unparalleled experiences for your members and guests?

59club’s Mystery Shopper program is invaluable for us. They deliver a service that is based on actual facts. This creates the basis for an honest and clear approach to the areas needing attention and improvement with the commitment from associates and management team.

QDL secured a Service Excellence Flag at our recent Service Excellence Awards, what does this mean to you & the team?

This is a great honor for the Resort, but above all, it makes our associates immensely proud of their work and commitment in delivering a great service to our customers. It makes us feel that we are all working together, and headed in the right direction.

As a leader in the golf industry, how do you think the insights and best practices provided by 59club will contribute to the growth and development of golf clubs in Portugal, particularly in the Algarve region?

We were the first Resort in Portugal to be working with 59club. This has generated the curiosity of many other resorts to understand more about the services they are delivering. The best practices implemented are being followed by other golf clubs and that is setting the bar in the region.

Finally, what advice would you give to other golf clubs considering partnering with 59club to improve their customer service, staff training, and overall performance?

I would strongly advise them to explore the opportunity of working with 59club, and to take advantage of their market knowledge, as they can guide a property to achieve their desired service levels. It is invaluable to have access to data which is transparent, and a specialist on hand helping you to provide consistent service to customers, in all areas.

Royal Park I Roveri, located in the stunning setting of the La Mandria Natural Park at the foot of the Alps, is now in its third year with 59club and it also just happens to be one of the most prestigious clubs in Italy.

“59club’s objective evaluations and strategic support empowered us to continuously improve our performance, striving to be among the best in the industry“

We caught up with General Manager, Marco Aquilino, as he highlighted the journey he and the team have been on with 59club, the benefits they have realised and his future plans for the team and the club.

“Throughout the years, Royal Park I Roveri has been on a transformative journey, continuously striving to provide exceptional customer experiences and elevate service quality. Our partnership with 59club has played a crucial role in this pursuit, revolutionising our approach and propelling us towards new heights.

And like so many Managers that find themselves engaging with 59club, Marco had the same common law of attraction to 59club, and went on to say;

“It all began with a realization – the danger of becoming complacent when working in the same environment day after day. We needed an objective lens to evaluate our operations and identify areas for improvement, this is where 59club came in to help with our pursuit of excellence. Their evaluations provided us with a fresh perspective, uncovering blind spots and bringing awareness to our starting point.

“Our vision at Royal Park I Roveri has always been to create an unforgettable experience for our members and visitors. We wanted our club to be more than just a place to play golf; we aimed to cultivate an environment where everyone felt genuinely valued, even if they were just visiting for a day. This vision required exceptional service that went beyond delivering a good product. Partnering with 59club became instrumental in turning this vision into a reality.”

Marco explains that certain elements of the club’s member & guest experience were prioritised, and he details how 59club supported the team to succeed in those areas …

“Through our collaboration, we focused on key touchpoints such as the welcome on arrival, booking confirmation, and guest management on the course. 59club’s insights, coupled with their online educational tools, allowed us to enhance the training of our staff, and elevate their attention to these critical areas. 59club’s objective evaluations and strategic support empowered us to continuously improve
our performance, striving to be among the best in the industry.

“Our goal is to provide a customer experience which is recognised alongside the best international venues, and with data collected through 59club platforms, this becomes our catalyst for shaping operations and driving further success. Analysing this data enables us to refine our offerings based on the needs of our customers, optimising our investments to deliver exceptional experiences.”

Looking ahead, Marco sees the insights and best practices provided by 59club contributing to the growth and development of golf clubs in Italy…

“In Italy, unfortunately, there are not many of us who are able to travel around the world to experience and explore new ideas, not due to lack of will but for lack of time. However, 59club’s international expertise bridged this gap, bringing fresh insights and igniting innovation. Their evaluations, explanations, and dedicated support serve as a foundation for golf clubs in Italy to grow and excel, even without
extensive travel experiences.”

Most recently the team at Royal Park I Roveri enjoyed multiple successes at 59club’s Regional ‘Service Excellence Awards’. The club displayed some of the highest standards of customer excellence achieved within their impartial mystery shopping audits, spanning Spain, Portugal, Greece & Italy.

“Our dedication to excellence was recognised when we received our Silver Flag Designation, and Retail Manager of the Year Award at this years’ ceremony. These accolades served as validation for our hard work, and affirmed our commitment to continuous improvement.

“The recognition we received bolstered our team’s morale, inspiring us to aim higher and exceed our achievements. Our sights are now firmly set on obtaining Gold Flag Status next year.”

Marco had this advice for other clubs currently considering partnering with 59club;

“To golf clubs considering partnering with 59club, my advice is simple: seize the opportunity. Regardless of budget constraints, 59club offers a bespoke approach that caters to different needs. Even with minimal audits and staff training, immediate results can be observed. Embracing this partnership will undoubtedly enhance customer service, elevate staff training, drive overall performance and financial gain. To all clubs in Italy, it’s a step towards growth and positioning your club on an international path, ultimately contributing to the reputation of Italy as a premier golf destination”.

In this edition of our Partner Spotlight, we highlight Finca Cortesin, the host venue of the 2023 Solheim Cup.

Finca Cortesin led the way at our recent Service Excellence Awards claiming: Golf Operations Team of the Year & Golf Manager of the Year, which was won by Rocío Sánchez Clavijo. In addition to this, the team also secure our prestigious Gold Flag Award.

We asked, Francisco de Lancastre David, CCM, General Manager of Golf and Leisure Operations at Finca Cortesin, what these awards meant to the club.

“Finca Cortesin is proud and humbled to have received two prestigious accolades at the 59club Awards. It is great to see our golf operations team rewarded for their dedication to creating a culture of high-quality service, and providing a unique experience that is unlike any other resort in Europe.

The resort also has a long-standing history and commitment of supporting women in the golf industry, both on and off the course, which makes it even more special to see our very own Rocio Sanchez collect the ‘Golf Manager of the Year’ award. Rocio is an integral part of our operations team and continues to excel in her day-to-day role that allows Finca Cortesin to be renowned as one of golf’s best experiences.”

All of us at 59club wish the team the very best with hosting the Solheim Cup and are excited to see how the week unfolds.

59club Europe South are delighted to welcome GOLF DE ANDRATX as it’s newest partner venue.

59club Europe South will help Golf de Andratx with their long-term vision of providing service excellence by delivering industry leading data across the customer journey. Golf de Andratx joins several other facilities in Mallorca who currently work with us and with this data, the team across the property can analyze focus areas and continue to grow the overall golf experience.

Located less than 30 km from the island´s capital Palma de Mallorca, Golf de Andratx is nestled in the beautiful coastal town of Camp de Mar. The spectacular surroundings, picturesque views and some of the most stimulating hole designs provide an unforgettable experience for golfers.

We are thrilled to welcome another great facility in Mallorca onboard & look forward to working with the team throughout the year.

In this edition of our Partner Spotlight, we highlight Pula Golf Resort who recently secured a Bronze flag at our recent Service Excellence Awards within their first year of partnering with us.

Pula Golf has utilized 59club in-depth analysis to review the entire customer journey to strive to provide the best experience possible from start to finish. We asked, Arnau Sala (CEO), his thoughts from his first year of working with 59club Europe South:

“I am really happy about our collaboration together with 59club. After one year working together, we have been upgrading our services standards which is great to see in the data delivered.

As we all know, the service we deliver to our clients is one of the most important things of tourism and ensuring we gain them back at our properties. I am also very proud of how my team is delivering our service and how they can improve every time with working with 59club”

Situated in one of the most beautiful and peaceful spots in Mallorca, the old manor house dates back to 1581 houses today’s hotel and country club facilities, which welcomes guests with the warm and friendly hospitality typical of the Mallorcan people.

The course was founded in 1995 and completely redesigned by José María Olazábal between 2004 and 2006 in order to satisfy the demands of international and professional golf. In addition, Pula Golf Resort has a magnificent outdoor swimming pool and sauna, as well as a massage service to relax after a day of golf.

59club Europe South are delighted to announce La Cala Resort as their newest partner venue.

La Cala have taken their commitment in endeavouring to deliver service excellence by partnering with 59club Europe South who will deliver industry leading experience data across Golf, Hotel & Food & Beverage.

Situated in the foothills of the Sierra de Mijas with breath-taking views of the Andalusian countryside and distant Mediterranean, La Cala Resort is a golfing mecca with three championship courses, designed by world-renowned architect Cabell B. Robinson, providing an exhilarating challenge while their four-star 107-room hotel is the perfect place to stay between rounds

We are delighted to welcome another fantastic facility in the Costa del Sol onboard & look forward to working with the team throughout the year.

#Measure#Train#Support#59clubEuropeSouth

In this edition of our Partner Spotlight, we highlight Royal Park I Roveri who recently secured a Silver flag at our recent Service Excellence Awards which demonstrates fantastic growth developing from a bronze flag gained the previous year. Not only this but Fabio Vido was successfully crowned Retail Manager of the Year.

Royal Park I Roveri have skilfully made 59club part of their clubs DNA which allows the entire team across the venue to work towards common goals. We asked Marco Aquilino (CMDip) his thoughts on working with 59club Europe South.

“Joining 59club was an important and strategic choice to improve our standards of hospitality and have concrete goals to improve our services. For the Royal Park I Roveri, it is a tool that can give us an international vision on hospitality methods and help on the road to continuous improvement. We are looking forward to continuing on this path on constantly raise the bar we started a few years ago”.

Located in the stunning setting of the La Mandria Natural Park, at the foot of the Alps, Royal Park I Roveri is one of the most prestigious clubs in Italy, scene of several international events including the Italian Open and the European Amateur Championship.