History

In 1988 4 very ardent golfers who were members of the IGS in Malaga, but lived in Nerja decided that a society entirely devoted to the sport of golf was necessary in this area. So word got round and a meeting was called inviting fellow aficionados to form a golf society. From this meeting 35 people formed the society known as GINS. Alan Hazelburst was the first Captain, incidentally, the meeting was held in his bar the Upstairs Downstairs Bar and Ken Hanks became the Treasurer.

We know that 35 people became members because Ken, being a banker, took the money, as Bankers do, a 1000 pesetas was the annual membership fee. He gave himself the last number, 35, and still has that membership number to this day. The other two founder members, Dickie Williams and the late Tony Godfrey were also on the committee. Alan designed the logo and his wife Anne Marie and Tony's wife Jacky suggested the name G.I.N.S. The Golf International Nerja Society. The first rule of the Society and still is, is that 'it exists for the enjoyment of golf by anyone wishing to play it in the Nerja area of Spain'.

At that time of course, the Society's golfing year was from September through to August with the main playing time concentrated in the winter months. It still is, but the GINS do now play all summer with a very good weekly turnout at Anoreta, Baviera and Los Moriscos.. For the first 3 or 4 years the membership averaged about 175, however, since 1994 the numbers have steadily increased to well over 700. The executive committee elected annually oversees the Society's operations, organising weekly competitions, interclub matches, these are becoming very popular and very competitive. We hold various functions per year, the main ones being dinner dances, for Christmas and Captains Day. There is also an annual 4/5 day away golfing holiday usually in February.

Not all these members take part in the Society's activities however, many are short-term visitors, preferring instead to take advantage of cheaper golf due to the arrangements made with the various local clubs.

The executive committee (elected annually) controls

all operations of the Society and at the present time weekly competitions are held at Anoreta (Mondays), Baviera (Tuesdays) and Los Moriscos (Fridays). Granada is also played at least once a month. Attendance at these competitions average between 60-70 players.