Finca field complete

All eyes will be on Finca Cortesin next week as the final announcement about confirmations for the Volvo World Match Play Championship has just been made. These include 2006 Champion, Paul Casey, the lucky recipient of the “sponsors invite” completing the field at the couse in Casares from May 17-20. For the first time in the Championship’s history half of the field will be US PGA Tour members and local interest in the draw will surround three Spanish players.
Casey, keen to kick start his career after an unfortunate snowboarding injury kept him on the sidelines for several months had this to say: “I am very grateful to Volvo for giving me this invite as I would have hated to miss out on what is one of my favourite events of the year. Having been injured at the start of the season, I am beginning to get a little more tournament tough and I think the match play format will suit me very well. I can’t wait to see who I will have in my group. Of course, being a Ryder Cup year, this great championship is even more significant and we will all be out to impress our Captain in every match.” As many readers will recall Casey, who spectacularly closed out his last Ryder Cup singles game with a hole-in-one, was controversially overlooked by Monty in 2010, and will be hoping this time that Olazabal needs his big-hitting game and experience in his team. A good display in Spain on one of his rare forays into Europe cannot harm his prospects?
The 24-man elite 2012 field offers a number of intriguing story lines as 15 of the World’s top 60 gather for the only match play event to be held in Europe this season, for a long time considered to be one of the most prestigious tournaments in Europe whilst based at Wentworth.
Three Spaniards have qualified for the Championship for the first time; Sergio Garcia, Alvaro Quiros and Rafael Cabrera-Bello, each offering compelling reasons why they should be the first Spanish winner since the Championship moved to Spain in 2009 and since legend, Seve Ballesteros, triumphed in 1991.
There will be six Major winners on display in the shape of Darren Clarke, Martin Kaymer, Charl Schwartzel, Graeme McDowell, Paul Lawrie and Retief Goosen all seeking their first win in this format of golf. A truly international line-up too as twelve nations are represented at the 2012 Volvo World Match Play Championship with England leading the charge with six players qualifying for this elite tournament including defending Champion, Ian Poulter and World Number nine, Justin Rose. Eleven players will be making their Volvo World Match Play Championship debut including Swede, Peter Hanson, fresh from a fine third-placed finish at the Masters. Experience comes from seasoned campaigners Retief Goosen and the renascent Thomas Bjorn making their tenth and sixth appearances respectively. The continent of South America will be represented by Camilo Villegas. Will he pull out his party trick and get down on all-fours to read the quick greens? Why don’t you get down there and see for yourself who walks away with the trophy and 750,000€ first prize? Finca Cortesin has taken the unprecedented step of offering advance tickets available on site at the pro-shop. Day tickets are available priced at a reasonable 10€ on the Thursday or just 50€ for a four-day season ticket. There are reductions for seniors whilst juniors under the age of 12 will be eligible for free admission if accompanied by a paying adult.
The format will see the players, divided into eight groups of three, play in a round-robin group format on Thursday and Friday. This will decide which 16 players progress to Saturday’s knock-out stage with the semi-finals and final played on Sunday. At least it saves eight golfers from having to make hastily rearranged flight arrangements.
Per Ericsson, President of Volvo Event Management, added his thoughts in the run-up to the 47th championship, “I can’t wait for the groupings to be announced as they will no doubt throw up some fascinating match-ups… To add to the excitement, this year we have a very special hole-in-one prize on the 10th hole where the players will have the chance to win the All New Volvo V40.”
One of the advantages of the event is the close proximity of the plush hotel located on site. I recall Luke Donald being especially enamoured with it last year allowing him to be close to his young family. Vicente Rubio, Managing Director of Finca Cortesín said, “We are really looking forward to welcoming these global golf stars to Finca Cortesín next week. The players have been very generous in their kind comments about Finca Cortesín in the past and we have worked hard to ensure that, once again, everything is in place for another excellent week of golf for all the players and spectators.”
Last year Ian Poulter confirmed his reputation as one of golf’s most gutsy competitors as he capped a succession of comeback wins on the final hole with victory, over current world number one, Luke Donald in the final at Finca Cortesín. He will not be a hurry to relinquish the title.

Code of conduct

IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators) has been working hard behind the scenes in an attempt to strengthen the Spanish golf tourism sector. The organization has effectively lobbied Turespaña to include golf amongst their eight priority products for the 2012-15 marketing campaign. In fact, they went one better than this and the plan now is for golf to be one of the three ‘Super Brands’ identified by Turespaña for special attention in the coming four years. Obviously with the change of government and economic austerity measures nothing can be taken for granted and that is why ‘IAGTO Spain’ was set up to keep the pressure on and ensure that the 240 member companies (tour operators, hotels, golf courses, transport suppliers etc) can speak with one voice on tourism issues.
That ‘voice’ belongs to Mr.Marco Polacci who brings with him a wealth of experience from different fields of the golf tourism industry and, was appointed IAGTO Spain’s representative to ensure that important issues are addressed for the good of the whole. Since taking office in 2011 he has been holding talks with a number of important industry players to gauge opinion on core topics. An advisory board will be set up and this will meet in Gran Canaria later this summer to coincide with the IAGTO Mid-Year Convention. Fifty tour operators will be represented along with a similar number of suppliers ostensibly to discover what the group of islands has to offer, whilst discussing key issues during seminars and round-table workshops. One positive by-product for the travelling golfer is a special four round IAGTO Gran Canaria Golf Pass which enables the holder to play on any four golf courses this summer for a little over 100€. This pass is only available to IAGTO members. Has there ever been a better time to book with bonded operator, safe in the knowledge your holiday is secure and not in the hands of a fly-by-night cowboy? The influence of IAGTO should not be underestimated as, at a worldwide level, over 80% of golf package holidays can be attributed to their members. Always look out for the logo before booking your next trip.
Meanwhile, at grass roots level in Spain, Marco has drawn up a document entitled the ‘Andalucia Golf Course Commercial Protocol.’ This actually goes further than the previous incumbent – a declaration of intent signed by many golf courses several years ago – which covered customer service, wet weather policy, protecting discounted TO rates etc. In a laudable endeavour designed to promote greater transparency on the golf clubs’ part, one of its aims is that green fees should not sold to the direct public at lower rates than offered to reputable golf booking agencies and TO’s: thus safeguarding vital jobs in the local economy.
Tour operators will also have access to all special offers and last-minute deals in an effort to minimize the understandable chagrin of Joe Golfer who, upon arriving at a golf club with said voucher in hand, finds he could have got it cheaper with a booking made on the day of play or, alternatively, through social networking sites The golf courses need to understand that for many golfers, especially coming from overseas, there is a necessity to have their golf tee times booked up well in advance; the difference between making and breaking an eagerly anticipated golfing break. Otherwise, it leaves the TO with egg on his or her face with no end of explaining that needs to be done. A simple tiered system similar to the Algarve will also ensure that so-called bar societies and their ilk do not enjoy the same green fee discounts as a legally constituted entity that employs staff and pays tax on profits.
It is hoped that with Marco’s input many golf courses will sign this agreement (it should be noted at this point that there are many that already abide by this code and their business practices cannot be faulted) in an attempt to eradicate, how shall we put it, ad-hoc solutions to the economic crisis. Golf TO’s and booking agencies are not anti innovation per se but, having been promoting the Costa del Golf from its inception and, continuing to book thousands upon thousands of green fees, golf courses should take heed of their concerns for all of us to move forward.

Tags: IAGTO

Andalucian Classic

We are just two weeks away from Golf Leisure Break’s annual ‘Andalucian Golf Classic’ being played over three local courses and now into its third year.
The dates for your diary are: Friday 25th May – Pairs Stableford at Calanova; Saturday 26th May – Pairs Texas Scramble at Santa Maria followed by an Individual Stableford at Santa Clara on the 27th. Although good weather is normally guaranteed in Spring many of you will recall freak flooding this time last year which caused Santa Clara to close over a prolonged period. We are pleased to report that Santa Clara is back to its best. The courses and format are conducive to good scoring and, if you cannot find a partner for the first two days, Golf Leisure Breaks will endeavour to pair you up with another single golfer. Inscriptions are buoyant especially as mid-morning tee times allow visiting golfers a night on the tiles to discuss team tactics!
The price for three green fees, shared buggy and three course dinner inc welcome drink, nibbles, wine, water or beer at the prize giving dinner at Santa Clara Golf is a very reasonable 199€ ( non-players welcome to join us for dinner priced 25€ ). Last year Marc and Kerry Dunlop from Northern Ireland were the deserved recipients of a week’s stay at the Sierra Park Club in Nueva Andalucia including meals, golf and car hire. Their games have gone from strength to strength since with both playing off single figures now.
There were more celebrations for a hole in one on the 12th at Santa Maria by former St.Mirren player Jack Copland. Not to be outdone three handicapper Jim McIiwaine signed for a gross 67! Prizes will be on offer on each day to include hotel stays and green fees whilst, with the expected collaboration of golf industry suppliers, we are hoping to have a repeat performance of last year’s charity auction when a significant sum was raised for Cudeca thanks to generous bids for green fees etc. The competition is open to both men and ladies with a valid handicap certificate. To enter, please contact Paul or Julie on +34 952 582 943 or, alternatively, sign up at one of our regular competition venues. Will your name be engraved on the plaque in 2012?

Tags: Andalucian Golf Classic, Golf Leisure Breaks

Play La Quinta with a World Champion

La Quinta Golf & Country Club is offering three lucky golfers the chance to play alongside Spanish golfing star, Manuel Piñero, in the Pro-Am for the forthcoming Benahavis Seniors Masters being played over his home course which he himself designed.
Piñero, who played in two Ryder Cups memorably contributing four out of five points to the cause in the historic win over the USA in 1985, (including the singles scalp of renowned scrapper Lanny Wadkins) also played in the World Cup of Golf nine times: winning the team title twice and the individual event once. In a career which brought nine European Tour victories his time is now spent presiding over the golf school at La Quinta, imparting his skills to the younger generation, interspersed with occasional tournaments on the Seniors Tour.
The dates of the Benahavis Seniors Masters have been brought forward approximately four months in the calendar to the beginning of June: 01st – 03rd. The fourth year running that La Quinta has played host, in no small measure due to the excellent installations, a choice of three different loops and investment on the part of Benahavis Town Council which, once again, has provided golf with the necessary financial backing. The format is 54 holes stroke play whilst the Pro-Am will be played over 36 holes on the preceding two days. A total of 48 teams will be competing: three amateurs plus a professional.
How can you form one quarter of the team alongside Manuel Piñero? Simply answer the following question: ‘Who is the defending champion of the Benahavis Seniors Masters? a/ Carl Mason;  b/Mark James; or c/Barry Lane. Enter La Quinta Golf and CC homepage at www.laquintagolf.com/node/1446 and indicate your answer along with the following personal details: full name; telephone number; date of birth; home golf club; handicap and e-mail address before the closing date of 11th May and you stand a chance of teeing it up alongside several of the golfing stars of yesteryear. The two days will culminate in a prize giving dinner for all participants.

Tags: Benahavis Seniors Open, La Quinta Golf, Seniors Masters

Volvo World Matchplay taking shape

Defending Champion, Ian Poulter, fresh from an impressive week in Augusta, has confirmed he will defend his title at the 2012 Volvo World Match Play Championship at Finca Cortesín, Spain, from May 17-20, 2012. The 2012 Championship will once again attract the world’s best golfers battling it out for the 750,000€ first prize with the final 24 man field to be announced in the weeks after the conclusion of the US Masters.
Last year Poulter confirmed his reputation as one of golf’s most gutsy competitors as he capped a succession of comeback wins at the 2011 Volvo World Match Play Championship with victory, over current world number one, Luke Donald in the final at Finca Cortesín.
The final field of the 47th edition of this historic tournament looks set to match the unprecedented strength of the 2011 Championship. Repeating last year’s successfully amended format, on arrival at Finca Cortesín the players will be divided into eight groups of three players to be play in a round-robin group format on Thursday and Friday to decide which 16 players progress to Saturday’s knock-out stage with the semi-finals and final played on Sunday.
Defending Champion, Ian Poulter, is eager to play in what will be his first event back on European soil after the Masters and the most highly-prized golf event in Spain in 2012. He explained, “I can’t wait to return to Spain to defend my title at the Volvo World Match Play Championship. I love the cut and thrust of match play and find it a refreshing change from the usual stroke play format we play week in and week out on the Tour.  I am also very excited be heading back to stay at the luxurious Finca Cortesín Hotel once again and all the wonderful hospitality and services they have on offer as it is definitely one of the nicest hotels I’ve ever stayed in.”
Poulter continued, “With the fact that it’s a Ryder Cup year, I think it will be even more exciting this year with every match from the group stages to the final a chance for aspiring team members to impress Captain Olazábal in what is our final chance to play match play before Medinah.”
Per Ericsson, President of Volvo Event Management, added, “It is wonderful to hear our reigning Champion will be returning to Finca Cortesín to defend his title and to hear his enthusiasm for the Championship. We are coming up to a very exciting time on the golf calendar and it will be fascinating to see what the US Masters and of course the winner of the Volvo China Open will bring in terms of the final field. We are very happy that our changes to the qualification and format of this historic event have enhanced the tournament in many ways and that so many top players are anxious to earn their place in this elite field.”
Guy Kinnings, Global Co-Managing Director of IMG Golf, concluded, “Last year we made some significant changes to the date, format and qualification criteria and we feel they did much to improve this great event, started by IMG’s Founder Mark McCormack in 1964. Many observers thought the 2011 tournament was one of the most exciting in its long history. The player’s feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and once again we look set to assemble another world class field for this year’s Championship. Working with our partners Volvo, Finca and the European Tour we look forward to another exciting edition of the Volvo World Match Play Championship.”
Vicente Rubio, Managing Director Finca Cortesín said, “We are really looking forward to the return of the Volvo World Match Play Championship and to once again hosting a world class field of players, including our 2011 Champion at Finca Cortesín in May. The players have always been very generous in their kind comments about Finca Cortesín and we aim to make it an even better experience for them this year. All our preparations are going well and the course is in fantastic shape and we are sure that everyone will enjoy the week as much as they did last year and in 2009.”
Further confirmations to be expected soon.
already available on line. Hopefully, the selection process will make more sense once more big names are announced as there is, currently, a clutter of categories which probably make sense to some bright spark at Volvo: Defending champion; Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship; leading player Portugal Masters; leading European player (in all, six continents will be represented) after the Masters etc

Tags: Finca Cortesin, Volvo World Matchplay

Royal road to Seville

Officials from the European Tour recently visited the Real Club de Golf de Sevilla to supervise the preparation of the course for the Spanish Open being held there from May 03 – 06. It is sponsored by the insurance company, Reale Seguros, with significant support coming via Turespaña and the Andalusian Regional Government. The sponsorship began in 2006 and has been recently extended to 2014 with a prize pool of 2 million euros making it one of the richest on tour; the official title becoming ‘Reale Seguros Open de España’ as befits such investment.
2012 is as significant year as the tournament celebrates its centenary, making it the third oldest event still being held on the European Tour behind The Open Championship and the French Open. Local golfers will be hoping for a repeat winner in the mould of Alvaro Quiros in 2010 but, for those who fancy a punt, only two other Spaniards have won in the last thirty years: Seve Ballesteros and Sergio Garcia.
The general consensus seemed to be that the 6529 metre layout is close to optimum conditions, in no small measure due to the green keeping staff maintaining the standard set during the two previous Spanish Opens held there in 2008 and 2010. Then, the Jose Maria Olazabal designed course received numerous plaudits from amongst his fellow professionals and the delegation from the European Tour – including head agronomist, Eugene Hennesy and tournament director, Miguel Vidaor – after recommending some retouches, concurred on this.
Throughout the month of April several promotional activities will be taking place in the Andalusian capital to entice the local public to come out in support of an event which, it is hoped, will be diffused to a potential 400 million viewers worldwide. The golf course can be reached in just over two hours from most parts of the Costa del Sol, either via the AP4 toll road heading north from Cadiz or, by the A-92 motorway heading in a westerly direction from Malaga. Once on the SE-30 ring road the golf course is located about three miles outside the city centre on the Utrera road. Setting off early golfing aficionados should be able to make a full day of it.
To coincide with the tournament, this page is launching an exclusive readers’ offer offering the opportunity to ‘stay and play’ in the months leading up to May and experience the course in tournament condition whilst staying in one of Seville’s most emblematic establishments: Hotel Inglaterra. Inaugurated in 1857 on the site of a former convent, the hotel has welcomed illustrious guests in this period including members of different European royal families. It has twice been awarded the ‘Spanish Tourist Merit Award.’  Being ideally located in the heart of the city makes it the perfect place to enjoy a round of golf whilst, afterwards, indulging in the cultural delights. From now until June 15th (excluding Easter and the April Fair dates) two people can enjoy one night’s midweek B&B accommodation in a double room plus a round of golf each from just 245€ per couple. Bearing in mind that the standard Monday-Friday green fee costs 106€ this represents good value. Call Julie or Paul on 952 582 943 to book.

Tags: European Tour, Seville, Spanish Open

Brush Strokes

Last month a commercial agreement was signed between Añoreta Golf and the Picasso Museum in the centre of Malaga. An unusual initiative between the two parties will benefit green fee paying visitors and members with substantial discounts on advance entrance to the museum to be enjoyed: 10% in the case of individual tickets whilst groups of 25 or more will benefit from a 15% discount on the normal price of a guided tour: 300€. Tours are conducted in English and, Spanish naturally, whilst reservations and tickets can be collected from the golf club before or after your round.
Jose Manuel Gomez Zorilla-Sanjuan, Marketing Manager of the Malaga Picasso Museum (seen here ouside the museum with Añoreta representative, Samuel Cadenas) was enthusiastic about the potential: ‘‘According to our studies, the golfer and our visitors have similar profiles, almost identical.’’

Tags: Añorata Golf, Golf Breaks Spain, Picasso museum

Benahavis Seniors Masters

La Quinta Golf & Country Club is very proud to announce that the Benahavis Seniors Masters will be returning to the Costa del Sol for a fourth consecutive year from June 01 – 03. The event, played over 54 holes strokeplay, is fast becoming a regular feature on the circuit with players in the twilight of their careers such as Peter Fowler, Ian Woosnam, Barry Lane and Sandy Lyle enjoying the good weather and facilities on offer; no doubt a few will even be seen down Puerto Banus.
Last year Carl Mason made it win number 25 on The European Senior Tour, and his second at the Benahavis Senior Masters, with a three stroke win over compatriot Mark James. It was his second victory of the 2011 season, both of which extended his lead at the top of the all-time winners list on The Tour. The Englishman picked up his first win here at the inaugural event in 2009, while Boonhcu Ruangkit was also victorious in 2010. Although the prize purse is still to be announced it is expected to be in the region of 180,000€; with the field set at a maximum of 72 golfers. The event has been brought forward from October to May this year which means that it comes just over a fortnight after the inaugural tournament at Pula GC on the island of Majorca, and the week following the first Major of the year: US Senior PGA. This caps a marvellous month to be watching professional golf in Spain as we are also hosting the Spanish Open at the Royal Seville GC at the beginning of the May not forgetting the Volvo World Matchplay Championship at Finca Cortesin sandwiched in the middle of the month.
La Quinta can be justifiably proud of the improvements implemented. Some radical remodelling of holes two and eight on the ‘C’ loop were made adding pretty water features on the former. A progressive management policy introduced several changes to increase customer satisfaction for both members and green fee visitors alike: complimentary pyramids of range balls are available at the driving range aiming down from the club house and a meet and greet service awaits golfers upon arrival in the underground car park. Buggy prices were also pegged back to a more than reasonable 24€ and golfers can expect to find a courtesy picnic comprising energy bars and fruit energy drink as standard. Security has also improved through a system of cameras, fencing and automatic gates in sensitive areas. The much maligned temporary Spanish Golf Federation licence fee – often between 1.5€ and 2.5€ depending on the course – has been incorporated into the price of the green fee, so no unwanted hidden extras. Finally, a new catering company, ‘Doña Francisquita Catering’ has revamped the menu to make your meal in the 19th hole fit for a king literally. The company caters regularly for the Spanish Royal Family when they are in the province of Malaga.
To cap it all, the club has recently received the quality distinction, ‘Tourism Quality System’ by Turespaña and the Spanish Federation of Municipalties and Provinces lending official credence to the improvements. To coincide with the announcement of the Seniors Masters, Golf Leisure Breaks has come up with a great reader’s green fee deal. Play the course whilst it is tournament condition – expect quick greens – for only 80€   per person including shared buggy saving 24€ on the normal price. Get a group of friends together and one in twelve goes free. See our contact details on this page.

Tags: Benahavis Seniors Open, Golf Leisure Breaks, La Quinta Golf, Senior Masters

Allo Aloha

Prior to the start of the tournament most of the press releases were given over to Major winners in the field at Aloha including Jose Maria Olazabal, Paul Lawrie, Michael Campbell, Rich Beem and Mike Weir. In the end, the first two pulled out for medical reasons whilst only the Canadian, Weir, made the cut finishing a modest two under par. It was hoped that these big names, along with reasonably priced entrance tickets, would increase attendance figures. The organizers needn’t have worried as the fine weather and golf on display ensured that the turnout was up on previous years.
On the eve of the event Jimenez proved to be an astute diplomat qualifying comments about Andalusia needing to ‘reinvent itself as a touristic destination’ he had made in a press conference. Instead, he said “In the face of increased competition the Costa del Golf had to improve its ‘positioning’ and, just like him at the age of 48, maybe was in need of a ‘facelift’?
What about the final day’s play? It promised much as eighteen golfers found themselves within four shots of the leader, Catalan Eduardo de la Riva. Unfortunately, several of them, having made inroads on the outward half, gave shots back to the course. Shane Lowry and Pablo Larrazabal dropping two and four shots respectively on the final holes spring to mind as they failed to post a daunting clubhouse score. A few golfers did manage to play some steady golf, none more so than the Italian contingent of Molinari and rising star, Matteo Manassero. Fabio Capello took time out from spending his enormous pay-off courtesy of the FA by following his compatriots round.
In the end, it was left to an unknown Frenchman, Julien Quesne, to take advantage of numerous missed putts by the leaders and shoot a sterling final round of 64, eight under par. Standing over a 4 iron on the 18th fairway towards a raised green with the flag on the top tier he proceeded to hit one of the best long irons I have ever witnessed with the ball rolling to within six feet. Having watched some fifty or so of his peers left with the same shot that day he was in a minority of one left with a makeable birdie putt; which he promptly holed to roars of ‘Allez’ from his fellow French professionals. Effectively closing out the tournament he had a nervous wait for the Italians before being crowned winner; this tournament having a habit of throwing up first-time winners (this was the fifth maiden win in eleven years)
Before receiving his 166,660€ winner’s cheque he commented on his approach to the 18th: ‘‘My four iron on 18 is the best shot I ever hit… I am proud finishing with a birdie on 18, the toughest hole on the course. I am particularly happy that I won the tournament organized by my favourite player. I will send him a case of Bordeaux wine, because I know he likes it.’’
Any rumours that Quesne was then forced to jump in the lake on the 18th are unsubstantiated. Perhaps even Thomas Levet would have taken a dim view of this? After all, it was he who broke his leg attempting the same stunt last year.

Tags: Aloha Golf, Golf Breaks Spain, Spanish Open

Pro Spain team

In a laudable initiative on the part of the Spanish Golf Federation, fourteen promising young  golfers will comprise the ‘Programa Pro Spain Team 2012’; its principal aim being to aid these golfers during their formative professional years. Several of these are now into their second year of the scheme but there are some ‘rookies’ like Mireia Prat.
Male golfers chosen include Jorge Campillo, who achieved a respectable second place at the Av’tha Masters on the European Tour recently, and young protégé, Carlota Ciganda and Belen Mozo amongst the ladies. Several of them have already tried their luck on different tours but the overriding common denominator is ‘promise.’ The team will receive important financial support after signing an agreement to collaborate with the Spanish Golf Federation in promotional activities. This two-way process may involve attending team-building sessions with the various national amateur squads, competing in Pro-Ams and a commitment to play in their respective Spanish Opens. For Gonzaga Escauraiza, President of the Spanish Golf Federation, it was especially gratifying to see many of his former charges given a chance to succeed: ‘‘ We are delighted to have many players who have been performing consistently well on the amateur scene. I’ve seen them grow and develop as golfers during my time as captain of the national amateur teams. Now I look at them as first-grade professionals.’’
Aside from the purely financial aid on offer all fourteen will receive training from highly-trained professional staff (physical and psychological instructors etc) with free reign to use the National Centre for Golf Excellence in Madrid. Furthermore, invitations to play in prestigious competitions will also be on offer plus assistance in sourcing and attracting sponsors. Jorge Campillo put it succinctly: ‘‘ Without this type of programme there are players out there who would have thought twice before turning professional. We have improved as amateur players thanks to the Spanish Golf Federation and it is extremely gratifying to see this relationship being extended into our first difficult years as professionals.’’
One golfer who benefitted from forming part of the Pro Spain Team was Azahara Muñoz in 2010 before going on to be named ‘Rookie of the Year’ on the USLGA Tour and performing heroics during last year’s Solheim Cup. That is the ultimate aim of Ignacio Gervas, technical director of the aforementioned federation who made no secret of his wish to, ‘‘have as many players in the world’s top 100 as possible.’’

Tags: Golf Fedearion Spain, Pro Spain Team