LPR’s interview with Ribagolfe’s Golf Director Petya Rozenova

by | Sep 15, 2023

At Life Plan Resorts, the Ribagolfe Golf Course stands out as a prestigious asset, boasting 36 holes within a sprawling golf estate. Our dedication is directed towards substantial enhancements spanning the entire expanse of the golf courses, clubhouses, and associated facilities. All improvements are designed to enhance your golfing journey and contribute to Ribagolfe's long-term sustainability.

With Life Plan Resorts’ new management and ownership role, what changes and improvements are planned to be implemented at the golf course to enhance the golfers’ experience? 

Significant enhancements to the course’s maintenance, including repairs and updates to the infrastructure like new golf cart paths and irrigation system upgrades, will be implemented soon. 

A transformation awaits the Club House and Caddy Master, where contemporary lockers and showers will be seamlessly integrated. Moreover, our vision extends to revitalizing the landscape by restoring bunkers, bridges, lakes, and the adjacent course zones. A comprehensive renewal encompassing signage, markers, and totems is on the horizon for both courses.

Elevating the golfing experience is a paramount objective. Upgraded carts will take center stage, equipped with cutting-edge GPS technology and advanced safety features such as automatic braking and hazard detection. Player comfort takes precedence as we have acquired new trolleys; innovative electric models complete with integrated GPS systems.

In our commitment to sustainability, we are embracing greener practices. Solar panels will adorn the rooftops, while an electric charging station will be at the disposal of our valued clients. A digital ScoreCards system is also in the works, streamlining the golfing experience further.

As part of this evolution, the driving range will witness a covered area, giving rise to the Ribagolfe academy. This venture will incorporate state-of-the-art TopTracer technology, enriching the training and practice opportunities for golf enthusiasts. In addition our state of the art training center will contain a golf simulator with a casita that allows guests and members to hit out onto the range while obtaining a lesson indoors. Players will be able to order drinks or food while playing as our Food & Beverage component will be upgraded too. These are just a few of the exciting changes to come.

“We aspire to set a new standard for golf courses and grow the game in Portugal.”

What are your thoughts on incorporating sustainability and eco-friendly practices into the golf course’s operations, and how might this align with the new management’s vision?

Sustainability constitutes a vital facet of our daily operations, ingrained deeply within our routine. Our commitment to fostering a greener approach encompasses numerous elements. Ribagolfe places a paramount emphasis on product quality, thereby guaranteeing its own sustainability. This dedication coalesces harmoniously with the natural environment, achieved through economically sound and socially responsible management practices.

As previously mentioned, solar panels will grace the rooftops, and an electric charging station will be at your disposal.

To enhance biodiversity on the sustainable golf course, we address the challenge of chemical usage. Maintaining high-quality grass standards often involves the application of pesticides, weedkillers, and fertilizers. However, these substances can have detrimental effects on the environment, especially when used excessively.

Our approach involves minimizing pesticide application to protect the ecosystem. Furthermore, we take measures to enhance water quality in the nearby lakes, streams, and rivers. This commitment extends to safeguarding various plants and wildlife, ensuring a thriving environment for generations to come.

Supporting the local community, we source food products from nearby providers, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation. Additionally, we take steps to decrease potable water consumption and implement improved waste management practices, furthering our dedication to environmental responsibility.

Advancing our course management, we invest in smarter tools and techniques that minimize resource use and maximize efficiency. By adopting these principles, we aspire to create a golf course that thrives sustainably and contributes positively to its surroundings.

In essence, the new vision for Ribagolfe reflects a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, ensuring that our cherished facility remains a premier destination for golfers while embracing sustainability for the benefit of both our community and the environment. With these exciting enhancements and a commitment to responsible stewardship, the future of our golf course looks brighter than ever. We are confident that the Ribagolfe Golf Community can anticipate a richer and more sustainable experience.

The interview took place at the end of August. 

 

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