The Costa Del Sol Enjoys International Spotlight

Every now and then, local golf news becomes international news and for a couple of weeks from 16th October, our coast has enjoyed a visit by some of the top European Senior Tour players, soon to be followed by the European Tour players from 29th October – 1st November.

THE BENAHAVIS SENIORS MASTERS took place at the La Quinta G.C., where Golf Leisure Breaks organized a stableford competition one week prior to the tournament, taking advantage of the pristine condition of thecourse in preparation for the professional tournament. We were not disappointed. We found the course challenging, in spite of the fact that it is not long (just over 6,400 yards) and this was confirmed by the fact that the winning seniors score was just 7-under-par. Carl Mason and Gordon Brown tied on this score after 54 holes, Mason winning the trophy and 27,000 on the second play-off hole. Mason has now recorded 22 victories on the Senior Tour, just one short of Tommy Horton’s record, and is now in the running for his 4th John Jacobs Trophy as leader of the Senior Tour’s Order of Merit.
VOLVO WORLD MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP
The field for the first Volvo World Matchplay Championship which takes place at the Finca Cortesin club on 31st. October has now been finalised. The 16 confirmed qualifiers are; Robert Allenby (Australia), Angel Cabrera (Argentina), Paul Casey (England), Simon Dyson (England), Ross Fisher (England), Sergio Garcia (Spain), Retief Goosen (S. Africa), Martin Kaymer (Germany), Anthony Kim (U.S.), Rory McIlroy (N. Ireland), Jeev Milkha Singh (India), Henrik Stenson (Sweden), Scott Strange (Australia), Camilo Villegas (Columbia), Lee Westwood (England) and Oliver Wilson (England).
It’s a strong field, despite the absence of the leading Americans, and features most of the leaders of the Race to Dubai.
Well worth the trip to Finca Cortesin, which is located in Casares, just 1.5km north of the N. 340 on the road to Casares village.

ROUND OF THE MONTH AT STA. MARIA
That rare feat, 18 holes played in less strokes than one’s age, was achieved on Monday 19th. by Liam Roche.  Playing off a handicap of 7, Liam, at the age of 69, carded a gross score of 68, two under par.  As no good deed goes unpunished, Liam’s handicap was reduced to 5 for the next Golf Leisure Breaks competition.

Tags: Costa del Sol, spotlight, volvo masters