The Albatross Philosophy...

Name: Gavin Riddall - Position: Founder & Teaching Pro at Albatross Golf Tours

#1. Why did you decide to found Albatross Golf Tours?

It's the personal touch that makes the difference between a great golfing experience and a great memorable trip.
I noticed that many of the big corporate companies treat their clients as numbers, where as we actually get to know
our clients and know them all by name, you only have to look at the comments on our testimonials page to see
what they say. The fact that I get paid to play the game I love is also a big incentive...

#2. What is your favourite course in the area, best round on this course? & Best round ever?

I have always had a close affinity to La Finca in Algorfa. Perhaps it is because I have watched the course evolve
over the years, literally from orange groves to the magnificent course we see today. With the new hotel opening
and the improvement in facilities it is sure to host a major competition soon. To be fair best I´ve managed at La
Finca is a couple of back to back 70´s (-2 under). Shot -2 5 times in total with a lowest score of 66.

#3. Hobbies, other than golf?

1950´s and 1960´s vinyl records (bit of a wannabe DJ!).

#4. Dream golf 4some?

Fred Couples, John Daly & Tom Watson

#5. How many years have you been in the golf business and how/why did you start?

I have been playing over 30 years now, and started when my brother dropped out of the golf club I was at when I was 11.
I was rubbish for years but also totally fascinated.

#6. Where are you originally from?

Northampton, England although I have been living and working in the Costa Blanca South for the last 7 years. My property business (www.pink-properties.com) has been very successful in the area and my partner Paula looks after that side now my commitments are 100% with Albatross Golf Tours.

#7. What is the most embarrasing shot you have played?

This has to of been my 1st appearence for Robin Hood Golf club scratch team (back in the early 90´s). On the first tee in front of the committee and selectors I managed to top my tee shot which hit the ladies tee blocks in front and went straight out of bounds some 20 yards in front of me!

#8. What makes Albatross Golf Tours stand out compared to the other companies in the area?

As I mentioned before, it's our attention to detail and belief that we can get it 100% right 100% of the time. Golf is meant to be fun, so lets make it fun with the added benefit of lots of sun...

#9. What is the biggest challenge this year will bring?

Figuring out how to manage our business financially while not sacrificing condition and customer service.

#10. are there any new courses opening soon or just opened that we need to know about?

The one we are all waiting for is Las Colinas which I have had the pleasure of playing a couple of times (will be open in May) - this is a great course and a real monster of the Championship Black Tees. Also about to open are as Terrasas de la Torre (Polaris World) and Corvera which did open in January but it was too early and will now be reopening in June. We also have a new course at Aspe (Font de la Loop) which has opened but I haven´t played yet.

#11. Describe your favourate signature holes, and how to play them?

We have quite a few but 3 to mention - 17th at Villamartin (Seve Ballesteros favourite par 3 in Spain) which if played of the bac tees is some 220metres to a massive 4 tier green and dependent on the tees you play off can be anything from 8 Iron to 3 wood. The 17th (again a par 3) at Las Colinas is a monstrous 236 metres of the Championship tee to an elevated green and a also the 3rd on the Pine course at Mosa Trajectum which is as good as par 5 as you would find anywhere in the world - all water down the right and in front of the green and out of bounds down the middle and then just for good measure they put a bunker right on the landing zone of the drive.

#12. Have you played competitively?

Just play a few local Pro-ams now and mixing it with the amateurs on the local Costa Blanca societies and Leagues. Did finish 5th this year in the EGTF Spanish Pro-am.

#14. What general trends are you seeing in the golf industry on the Costa Blanca/Calida & Almeria?

The golf courses and hotels are now finally working together to make the Costa Blanca an attractive proposition in the market place. Definately seeing the return of both Scandinavian and German clients back into the area.