Saturday, February 3rd: 44km
Not having planned to arrive that early, my first day "on sight" happened to be a Saturday. But as I already felt like not doing enough the other day, I had no choice but to take a look at the courses within the area. As expected, at none of them was someone from management around. Still, I collected a couple of names of contact persons and could develop a feel whether the courses fit my service or not. After 44 kilometers, 4 out of 7 courses seemed promising, and I could enjoy my first range session. Of course, my swing sucked, and I pulled a muscle. Still, it was fun.
Sunday, February 4th: 10km
The way I planned it, it was 3 kilometers from my last course to the camping. But you miss one turn and you end up with 10 kilometers.
Why is it so important to me? With the RV I rented, 6000 kilometers are included, the first additional 100 kilometers are charged with 0.35€, and every additional beyond that with 0.70€, if I remember correctly. As I need 108km for renting and returning the van, the 2517km to get to the South of Spain leaves me with 3375km for 7 weeks. Or in other words: I have roughly 850 spare kilometers that I can spend for traveling back and forth between courses, campings, grocery shopping, etc. Meaning less than 20 kilometers per day.
The rest of the day, daily duties catch up on you: Washing, dishes, and RV maintenance (water, electricity, toilet). Still, I enjoyed a walk on the beach. However, to be honest. I’ve seen a lot more beautiful places where you do not have hotels and the highway directly at the beach. But hey – it’s February – and it’s the beach.
Monday, February 5th: 54km
Time to finally get through to some decision-makers. Having prioritized the courses, I more or less traveled back the same route from Saturday. I had a great putting session at El Chaparral while waiting for the sales manager, making an 8-meter putt on a very well-kept putting green. The pitch also went well; however, the actual contact person is on paternal leave for two months. Starting today. Timing is a…
In the evening, I made it back to Alhaurin, my escape course from the scary parking a few days back. I started another practice session at the Driving Range and practice area, met Georg again (the professional player whose actual name is Jiri), but missed the manager by two minutes.
Tuesday, February 6th: 0km
After not getting through to the manager at Alhaurin, I started the day with a range session. Already having the feeling of failure, after an early lunch, I started to conduct a sales email, thanks to Chat GPT both in Spanish and English. It reads as follows:
Hola,
Mi nombre es Lucas, y soy un golfista, piloto de drones con licencia y comercializador de Alemania. Hace un año, perdí mi trabajo de manera inesperada. Poco después, tomé la decisión de compartir mi pasión por el golf mostrando el juego desde una perspectiva única: la del balón.
Actualmente, estoy emprendiendo un viaje de seis semanas por la Costa Mediterránea de España con el objetivo de visitar 30 campos de golf. Creo videos distintivos, toma a toma, para mostrar su campo y el juego de golf. Puede ver mi trabajo en https://www.fpv-golf.com.
Concédame permiso para jugar y volar drones (sí, puedo hacer ambas cosas simultáneamente) en su campo una hora antes del atardecer, y recibirá el video toma a toma de forma gratuita.
Tal vez se pregunte por qué debería elegirme. Aunque puede haber otros operadores de drones, ofrezco una perspectiva única, retratando la belleza de su campo no solo como un simple fotógrafo, sino como un golfista. Mi objetivo es atraer a una generación más joven de golfistas. Además, ofrezco servicios como paseos en carrito/buggy, recorridos por el campo y presentaciones de sus áreas de práctica, siempre desde un punto de vista creativo. Puede echar un vistazo a mi trabajo en Instagram @fpvgolf y el contenido que creé para @golflospalos (Tenerife) para comprender cómo puedo mejorar la presencia de su campo en redes sociales y otras plataformas en línea.
En cuanto a por qué su campo específicamente, ya he verificado las regulaciones y descubrí que su campo es uno de los 30 de los 160 a lo largo de la costa mediterránea donde puedo volar sin necesitar un permiso adicional. Esto significa que podemos capturar su campo de manera espontánea en condiciones de iluminación óptimas durante las horas de la mañana o la tarde.
¡Ahora es su oportunidad de destacar! Todo lo que requiero es su permiso para jugar y volar.
Respecto a la programación, mis planes de viaje están limitados por los días y kilómetros con la autocaravana alquilada, y el clima no siempre es cooperativo. Por lo tanto, le insto a que se comunique conmigo al 004915901241504 o lucas@fpv-golf.com para asegurar su lugar. Es por orden de llegada, dependiendo de mi ruta de Sur a Norte.
A partir de hoy, 6 de febrero, estoy en Alhaurín el Grande, y me dirigiré a Estepona el miércoles 7 de febrero.
Aquí está mi itinerario:
De Estepona a la región de Málaga: del 7 de febrero al 18 de febrero
@marbellaclubh @villapadiernagolfclub @elparaisogolfclub @mirafloresgolfofficial @lacalaresort @santanagolf @alhaurin_golf @mijasgolf @chaparralgolfclub
De Málaga a Alicante: del 19 de febrero al 3 de marzo
@anoretaresort @golfplayaserena @lorca.golf.course @haciendariquelmegolfresort @escuelagolfaltorreal @vistabellagolfcourse @lafincaresort @lamarquesagolf
De Alicante a Valencia: del 4 de marzo al 17 de marzo
@puigcampanagolf @meliavillaitana @alteagolfclub @lasellagolf @olivanovagolf @lagalianagolfresort @foressosgolf @clubdegolfelbosque
De Barcelona a la frontera francesa: del 18 de marzo al 24 de marzo
@larocagolf @golf_montanya @golfperalada
(Nota: Las fechas y ubicaciones están sujetas a cambios)
En caso de que no reciba una respuesta suya, es posible que visite su recepción en algún momento de febrero o marzo. Sin embargo, una vez que llegue, necesitaré su permiso para volar el mismo día o al día siguiente para capturar las imágenes que desee, potencialmente resaltando su hoyo más pintoresco, sin costo alguno para usted.
¿Le gustaría saber más sobre mi experiencia en el golf o mi viaje actual? No dude en visitar mi Instagram personal @golfluenzay mi blog de empresa.
Si colaboramos y está satisfecho con los resultados de su video gratuito, también ofrezco un descuento del 25% en mis paquetes "Un día perfecto en". Además, estoy abierto a negociaciones, y si necesita imágenes de más de un hoyo, estoy dispuesto a extender mi estadía para satisfacer sus necesidades.
¡Gracias por considerar mi propuesta, y espero trabajar juntos pronto!
Saludos cordiales,
Lucas
Si febrero y marzo no son buenos momentos para ti, por supuesto que podemos hablar sobre mi regreso a España en otro momento que te convenga mejor.
__________________________
English version:
Hello,
My name is Lucas, and I am a golfer, licensed drone pilot, and marketer from Germany. A year ago, I unexpectedly lost my job. Shortly after, I made the decision to share my passion for golf by showcasing the game from a unique perspective – the ball's perspective.
Currently, I am embarking on a six-week journey along the Mediterranean Coast of Spain with the aim of visiting 30 golf courses. I create distinctive shot-by-shot videos to showcase your course and the game of golf. You can view my work at https://www.fpv-golf.com.
Grant me permission to play and fly (yes, I can do both simultaneously) on your course one hour before sunset, and you will receive the shot-by-shot video free of charge.
You might wonder why you should choose me. While there may be other drone operators, I offer a unique perspective, portraying the beauty of your course not as a mere photographer but as a golfer. My objective is to appeal to a younger generation of golfers. Additionally, I provide services such as cart rides, course tours, and presentations of your practice areas, always from a creative standpoint. You can get a glimpse of my work on Instagram @fpvgolf and the content I created for @golflospalos (Tenerife) to understand how I can enhance your course's presence on social media and other online platforms.
As for why your course specifically, I have already checked the regulations and found that your course is one of the 30 out of 160 along the Mediterranean coast where I can fly without needing an additional permit. This means we can spontaneously capture your course in optimal lighting conditions during morning or evening hours.
Now is your chance to stand out! All I require is your permission to play and fly.
Regarding scheduling, my travel plans are limited by the days and kilometers with the rented RV, and the weather isn't always cooperative. Therefore, I urge you to contact me promptly at 004915901241504 or lucas@fpv-golf.com to secure your spot. It's first come, first served, depending on my route from South to North.
As of today, February 6th, I am in Alhaurin el Grande, heading to Estepona on Wednesday, February 7th.
Here is my itinerary:
Estepona to the Malaga region: February 7th to February 18th
@marbellaclubh @villapadiernagolfclub @elparaisogolfclub @mirafloresgolfofficial @lacalaresort @santanagolf @alhaurin_golf @mijasgolf @chaparralgolfclub
Malaga to Alicante: February 19th to March 3rd
@anoretaresort @golfplayaserena @lorca.golf.course @haciendariquelmegolfresort @escuelagolfaltorreal @vistabellagolfcourse @lafincaresort @lamarquesagolf
Alicante to Valencia: March 4th to March 17th
@puigcampanagolf @meliavillaitana @alteagolfclub @lasellagolf @olivanovagolf @lagalianagolfresort @foressosgolf @clubdegolfelbosque
Barcelona to the French border: March 18th to March 24th
@larocagolf @golf_montanya @golfperalada
(Note: Dates and locations are subject to change)
In case I do not receive a response from you, I may visit your reception sometime in February or March. However, once I arrive, I will need your permission to fly the same or the following day to capture the footage you desire, potentially highlighting your most picturesque hole, at no cost to you.
Would you like to learn more about my background in golf or my current journey? Feel free to visit my personal Instagram @golfluenza and my company blog.
If we collaborate and you are satisfied with the results of your complimentary video, I also offer a 25% discount on my "Un dia perfecto at" packages. Additionally, I am open to negotiation, and if you require footage of more than one hole, I am willing to extend my stay to accommodate your needs.
Thank you for considering my proposal, and I look forward to potentially working together soon!
Best regards,
Lucas
Conducting it and sending it out (from Estepona to the French border) took roughly 7 hours. 3 hours in the RV till I needed a real power plug and a coffee as well as 4 hours at the clubhouse. Leaving the staff with a smile when I finally paid, as I seemed to have lost track of time only staring at the laptop. For after work, again Jiri walked by, and while he was giving me some feedback about my project, he mentioned that this club has four owners. Which could be a problem.
Wednesday, February 7th: 15km
Already getting some replies to my sales mails, I sat down at the very same spot in the clubhouse, having the very same coffee as the other day, and started to reach out to my leads (golf courses that might be interested). Staring at the laptop, this time, however, I noticed four guys at the bar having their coffees. I put my stuff back into the van, headed for the golf reception, met Jiri, and yes – it’s the owners. So back to the clubhouse – interrupting their morning briefing. Turns out one of them played hockey like 30-40 years ago in Stuttgart. Small world. Unfortunately, they told me that they have contracted with someone else already for next month. Still, I got permission to fly their course.
In the meantime, I got a first positive reply and was granted permission to fly at Mijas Golf.
There, at 13:00, I met with Álvaro, the marketing manager; we had a quick briefing at the office and on the course, and after maybe 45 minutes, I was equipped with my cart, been introduced to the staff around the course, and almost felt like a member of the team. With 3 hours left till the perfect lighting, I took another tour with the cart to scout the holes I wanted to shoot, went for a range and chipping session, cleaned the tees of hole 02, 03, and 06 and finally around 17:00 started with my very first session of my trip. Finishing the session, I felt truly happy, and truly exhausted 1 hour after midnight when finished with editing. Have a look: https://www.instagram.com/p/C3IHHW3NjjB/
Thursday, February 8th: 101km + 15km
Three golf courses are located a little further down South. Between Marbella and Estepona. Due to my kilometer limit, I wondered whether to drive down there at all. On the other hand, now I am here. So let’s go. The first two do not seem very promising, but of course, the third showed some interest for the following week. Meaning, if that’s the case, I will go down there again next week. Adding another 100 kilometers to my mileage. On the way back, I stopped at the Marbella Golf and Country Club, to have a look at a course where the manager is doing some great work presenting the holes on social media. Unfortunately, this course is located close to a hospital and therefore it is not realistic to fly there. Again I had a nice practice session, even getting a compliment from a coach for making a shot. However, I had to admit that I was aiming for the flag behind.
Already before I decided to stay in the parking for the night – this time, however, around 21:30 I got kicked out by security. „Dos minutos?“ „UNA!“
After a long day, getting kicked out while editing gives you another rush. Already raining, I had to make a fast decision and simply drove to one of the courses where I already stayed one night and where I had not been successful yet.
Friday, February 9th: 13km
After a rainy and windy night in front of the course: Third time I tried, third time I failed. Also, they say that here you have to get a permit from the government regarding airspace. Not what my research showed, but let’s not mess with it. Taking a look at the restaurant on the lookout for a socket which was not in a good place to hang out there for 3 hours, I left, slipped while closing my jacket (as it was still raining), and almost fell down the stairs. Beware when it’s rainy in places that usually do not have much rain. The drive along the coast in rainy conditions and the storm creating some waves in the normally relatively quiet sea, makes you long for surfing. Instead, I spent the rest of the day, sitting in the van editing my first „A day at ...“-video where I captured the material within 24 hours (link might follow). Surprisingly I am quite happy with the result.
Let’s hope not to get kicked out tonight. In this case, I have a front row seat to the hopefully sunny beach tomorrow morning.
Keeping you posted.
Best,
Lucas
20240209
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