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Mike Dale, the editor of UK online Padel magazine “The Padel Paper” visits Club MMGR, Mar Menor Golf Resort

While on a family break in nearby Orihuela Costa, the editor of UK online Padel magazine “The Padel Paper” Mike Dale was invited to visit Club MMGR, Mar Menor Golf Resort by Club MMGR General Manager and Director of Padel, coach, Alfonso Sernández.

Mr Dale and his two teenage children “were greeted warmly by General Manager Alfonso (known affectionately by all as Fonsi) and Guest Relations Manager Jemma Rigby, who hails from Widnes in Cheshire”.

He continued, “As they both explained, the club’s many visitors from the UK, Ireland and elsewhere don’t take long to fall in love with the club and the game of padel – and it’s a holiday romance many are keen to keep alive when they return home by seeking out their nearest padel court – helping to grow the game back in their homelands.”

The magazine editor also spoke to Club MMGR member Linda Walsh, from County Wicklow in the Republic of Ireland (seen in image with General Manager, Alfonso Sernández). Linda was on holiday with her four children during his visit. She had no racquet sports background at all but admits she’s become hooked on padel after being introduced at Club MMGR.

Linda commented “I didn’t know what padel was but it’s been absolutely fantastic for all of us” adding “It’s such an accessible sport. It doesn’t matter what your age or ability, everybody can play. We’ll be looking for padel centres when we get back home because it’s something we’d love to keep up”.

Linda went on to say “This place is not just a padel centre – it’s more of a community. Padel is the nucleus of the entire resort as there’s a big social scene. We’ve met people we’d never normally meet and we can play padel morning, afternoon and evening whatever your level. It’s been brilliant for us this year.”

Club MMGR Guest Relations Manager Jemma explained, “The club’s reputation is starting to attract couples, families and groups of friends to the resort specifically for padel coaching, match play and its social scene.”

She reveals one man recently travelled on his own from Iceland for a week-long intensive padel masterclass held by resident Padel coach, Alfonso Sernández, and fellow coach Ines Munoz (who plays on the World Padel Tour).

Mr Dale (seen in image playing padel with his son) also interviewed Alfonso, who related his ideas on why Padel has become so popular.

“Padel is easy to learn and difficult to master,” he says. “After 30 minutes, you’ll be able to play a rally – and after that, the most important thing is the social experience you have after the game. That’s the reason this sport became so popular.”

Alfonso went on to reflect on Club MMGR: “This is not like other places, where people come in, do an activity and leave. Too many padel facilities are like that.

“This is a place where individuals and families can spend all day, playing padel, swim in the pool, gym, mini golf and eating and drinking. We have created a feeling of community and we’re very proud of it.” Alfonso also commented “We’re actually helping to grow padel in the UK and elsewhere in Europe.”

 

For more local news, events and other information go to the home page of Mar Menor Golf Resort Today.

Images: The Padel Paper

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