Sergio finds mojo

After three years in the golfing doldrums Sergio Garcia enjoyed a welcome return to form by winning the Castello Masters in some style by the impressive margin of eleven shots; in football parlance the equivalent of Manchester City demolishing their Stretford neighbours 6-1 last weekend.
To be fair, he has shown glimpses of his talent throughout 2011 by perfoming well in the majors and losing in an extended play-off to his compatriot, Pablo Larrazabal, in the BMW International Open.
Having broken onto the world golfing scene in 1999 it might be fair to say that his singular natural exhuberance had largely disappeared eleven years later. Problems on and off the course: using a belly-length putter in his mid-twenties a sure sign of deeper problems on the greens; club waggling; acts of petulance (bad language, spitting) which incurred the wrath of tournament officials plus a couple of break-ups in his private relationships hardly endeared him to golf fans on either side of the Atlantic.
However, whilst acting as host to the event on his home course where he was junior club champion at the age of twelve, a display of maturity was in evidence. Going into the final round eight shots clear a superb 63 saw this extend to eleven and have fans searching on Google for winning margins of a similar magnitude. Only two spring to mind – Tiger Woods at the US Open in 2000 and      Ernie Els at the Asian Open. Unfortunately for Sergio the fact that winter rules were enforced and improved lies were used on four days meant his efforts would not make the record books. This was his ninth European Tour victory and 18 worldwide.
Clearly emotional after receiving what can only be described as an avante-garde trophy Sergio sent a kiss to the skies and said: ” That was for Seve. I would like to thank not only my family and friends, but also my sponsors, everyone that’s around me, for supporting me through two tough years. At the beginning of the week there’s also a little extra pressure because you want to do well in front of your home fans and on your home course.”
With the European Tour moving to Valderrama this week a large number of Spaniards – 16 in total – will be jostling for Race to Dubai places and to become a member of the coveted Spain World Cup team.

Tags: Golf Competitions, Golf Tournament, Sergio Garcia

Santa Maria G&CC Presidents Trophy

The 5th President’s Trophy took place at Santa Maria Golf & Country Club on 08 October whereby upwards of 130 golfers participated in an individual stableford event followed by double that number enjoying a formal prizegiving dinner at the 5* Hotel Don Carlos in Elviria.
The evening was all the more special given that 2011 is the twentieth anniversary of the club. Remaining true to the traditions of the club this was the fifth President’s Trophy inaugurated by Mr. Abdulla Saudi, whose idea was to initiate an annual event as a means of giving thanks to all those who had contributed to the well-being of the club: long-standing members, tour operators and golf agencies, press etc. Certainly this is a legacy which was appreciated by all participants from the moment they arrived to be met by  golf director Alfredo Ramiro and staff distributing courtesy goody bags and a full English breakfast served in the H19 Restaurant. This certainly aided yours truly who, ‘full of beans’, walked off with the prize for the longest drive.

Full results on the day were:
Ladies Category, Margot Jann 35 points
Men’s Division 1, Michael O’Donell 36 points
Men’s Division 2, Ernesto Ostrosky 40 points
Overall Winner, Victoria Luque Garcia, 42 points

Just one of several special events celebrating the milestone of twenty years the club remains one of the friendliest on the Costa del Sol; if further proof were needed then Golf Leisure Breaks can vouch that its regular Monday social stableford competition is often oversubscribed, testament to the fine layout and condition of the course – at one with nature.
This page would like to give a special mention to long-serving director of golf, Mr. Colin Mosely, ever-present since Santa Maria’s inception but who, due to ill health, was unable to attend the dinner. The present captain,  Mr. Terry Wills, during his speech spoke for all and wished him a speedy recovery.

Congratulations…
…to Yorkshire golfer, Mark Cothay, who shot one of the lowest gross rounds for some time in a Golf Leisure Breaks competition at the Parador last Friday. Playing off a handicap of five he parred the last nine holes to go round in 74 (39 points) and win by a margin of three points. The win was all the more sweet for Mark as his previous golfing trip to the Costa del Sol ended after just five holes earlier this year. Unfortunately, a misplaced tee shot struck him direct in the mouth necesitating a five hour spell in A&E followed by minor surgery. Good to see you back on the fairways Mark!

Tags: golf reservations spain, golf tee times spain, Santa Maria Golf

Maiden win in Madrid

Southport’s Lee Slattery earned his maiden victory the hard way on the European Tour seven years and 179 starts after he joined its ranks from the Challenge Tour. In a tense finish he teed off on the 18th with a three shot advantage over his nearest challengers – Argentinian Cesar Monasterio and Italy’s Lorenzo Gagli – but, after a wayward approach to the Par 5 with his third shot which landed in the water, he was left with a two foot putt (looked longer but don’t they always!) for a double bogey to clinch the Bankia Madrid Masters by just a one shot margin. Looking physically relieved afterwards he said,” I had a two-footer on the last to win and I have never shaken so much in my life…it was nerve wrecking.”
With the trophy went the winner’s cheque for 143,000 pounds and the guarantee of retaining his playing card; a situation he has had to address on more than one occasion recently. Firstly, having the misfortune to lose his tour card in 2007 by the measly sum of 77 pounds and then again in 2009. He regained his card via the ‘Q’ School and the Challenge Tour but a spate of missed cuts this year saw him spiralling to 328 in the world and putting his future into jeopardy again.
In the end, a final round of 71 – which included four birdies on the back nine – left him on 15 under and he clearly revelled in the celebrations before humbly thanking his parents for  all their support during his formative years. No doubt they were celebrating in La Cala Hills too as Lee has been known to frequent a couple of watering holes in the area. I’m sure Stewart Bewley – Custom Clubmaker previously attached to Cabopino and El Chaparral – will be especially delighted after having the honour of tweaking his clubs in the past!
Pre-tournament talk was centred upon the return of a world number one golfer to the capital of Madrid 18 years after Nick Faldo played there in 1993. This time it was the turn of Luke Donald who had made the extra effort to come and defend the title; Madrid being of special significance to him as last year’s win ended a drought of four years without a trophy and kick-started his rise to the top of the world rankings. After a typically solid start he eventually finished seven shots off the pace but didn’t leave empty-handed. On the Wednesday he was paired with none other than controversial Madrid President, Esperanza Aguirre, and Javier Ballesteros in the Pro-Am which they went on to win in some style. During the press conference he mentioned that it was an honour and a pleasure to be playing with the son of the legend who had originally inspired him to take up golf. Donald said he recognised some of the mannerisms and similarities in swing that Javier shared with his late father; at present the latter is juggling golf with his studies. Luke went on to volunteer his thoughts about the pressures of playing on two tours: ”Although I live in the States, it is very clear  that I never miss the Ryder Cup so I have to play on the European Tour.” Donald, even given his elevated position in the world rankings, evidently does not want to leave anything to chance and rely on a Captain’s pick.
It was Madrid’s turn to pay tribute to Seve and, aside from inviting his son to play in the Pro-Am, a service was held by the 17th green on the Tuesday culminating in the unveiling of a permanent commemorative plaque beside the 18th tee. The course itself, by all accounts, will be a fitting setting  for the sculpture to reside as many professionals commented upon how the El Encin Golf Hotel provided a stern test: measuring a long 6916 metres with 122 bunkers to be avoided.

Tags: European Tour, madrid

The best ever Andalucia Masters

The Hotel Guadacorte Park in Los Barrios, Cadiz, was the unlikely venue (golfing heritage?) for the official inauguration of the Andalucia Masters to be held at Valderrama from 27 – 30 October. Representing the Junta de Andalucia was Luciano Alonso from the Tourism, Business and Sport Ministry who outlined that there would be 96 players taking part; an increase from the top 60 – no exceptions nor reserves allowed – in the Race to Dubai from previous years. In total the prize pool will be three million euros out of a budget close to five million designated to this year’s event.
Alonso made special mention of the Basque player, Jose Maria Olazabal, who would be playing in the event and captaining the European Ryder Cup team in Chicago next year: ”He is one of the most loved and respected golfers on either side of the Atlantic and who can count on 35 professional titles and I am sure he can guide the Ryder Cup team to success.”
30,000 spectators are expected to descend upon Valderrama as well as 250 accredited sports journalists. Of prime importance to the image of the region is that the tournament will be broadcast to over 50 countries with a potential audience of 450 million viewers on four continents; the marketing drive involving both local, national and international press and other mediums.
Highlighting the importance of golf to the local economy Alonso had clearly done his homework. If the figures are to believed then 427,000 golfers currently come to visit Andalucia, home to almost 25% of Spain’s courses -  on an annual basis generating income of some 687 million euros; the median daily spending per head of golfers is calculated at over 91€, 30€ more than the average tourist leaving no doubt as to the importance of the sport.
Pictured are Luciano Alonso, Angel Gallardo, Vice-President of the European Tour, San Roque mayor, Jose Luis Ruiz and the man with the bulging CV, Javier Reviergo, fresh from a successful stint at Finca Cortesin and newly appointed Valderrama golf director. Aside from some big names recently announced – and a strong Spanish armada seeking to capture what, it is fair to say, has been a bogey tournament over the years – the latest name still waiting confirmation is former winner, Justin Rose, who has been enjoying a successful season across the pond keen to join the ‘Three Tenors’: Manassero and the Molinari brothers from Italy.
Considered to be one of the best courses in the world the Andalucian regional government is clearly committed to bringing the best golfers to this event despite the break-up of the partnership with Volvo a few years ago and their decision to go it alone. Indeed, what was evident during Alonso’s speech was the lack of rapprochement on their part towards Volvo – sponsors of the World Matchplay event just up the road. Some thinly veiled comments were directed towards the car manufacturer as the regional government aims to step up from being perceived as previously just bankrolling the event, into having a more direct influence in how the finances are employed providing,” a platform for the spreading of Andalucia as a touristic image.”

Iberia to the fore

October 06 is a date for your diary when the European Tour bus arrives on the Iberian Peninsula, beginning an unprecedented run of four tournaments starting in Madrid and finishing with the Andalucia Masters at Valderrama.
Should you find yourself with a few days free from October 13 – 16 why don’t you travel to the Algarve and watch some of the action at the Portugal Masters being held on the Arnold Palmer designed Oceanico Victoria Course, Vilamoura? Top golfers already confirmed include former World Number One, Martin Kaymer; in-form Thomas Bjorn; the Molinari bothers; Alvaro Quiros, heading a strong Spanish contingent and aiming to become the first golfer to win the title twice; crowd pleasers Colin Montgomerie and John Daly. In a country famous for its golf courses (but where top-class golfers are thin on the ground) Portugal is hoping the Santos brothers can emulate the success of the Molinari siblings; in fact they have just qualified for the two-man World Cup team to be held later this year. The prize fund is an impressive 2,500,000€ of which 416,660€ will be going to the winner. Martin Kaymer summmed up the expectation saying,” I enjoy the weather and the golf course and I have happy memories of my 61 in 2007. It’s a great place to visit and this will be the third time I have played in the event. Hopefully it will be third time lucky!”
There are some super advance deals when purchasing your tickets via Mastercard. Effectively better than two for one, standard adult entry costs just 15€ plus 1€ booking fee for two people whereas normal pay-on-the-day access will set you back 20€ each.
Personally, I’d take the car, stay at a nice hotel and play a couple of rounds myself and watch the tournament on my free day. Golf Leisure Breaks has teamed up with a prestigious hotel chain on the eastern Algarve to offer some great reader deals. The Eurotel Altura is a 4* hotel that lies in an unrivalled location in the Algarve’s underdeveloped ‘Sotavento’ region beside large beaches. Within 15 minutes of the hotel are 6 golf courses and, for golfers and non-golfers alike, there is a Wellness Center with spa and gymnasium. Its sister hotel is located in the medieval tunny fishing town of Tavira. Two nights at the Eurotel Altura sharing a double room on B&B basis with two rounds of golf on Castro Marim and Benamor costs just 169€ and only 145€ at the Eurotel Tavira. Another option might be to play Seve’s legacy in Portugal: Quinta do Vale where three nights on the above board at the Altura plus two green fees on this course is just 180€. Given the late player’s penchant for designing quirky courses, this is remarkably straightforward if you can keep out of the water! Call Julie or Paul on +34 952 582 943 for further details and to book in October and the rest of the year.

Tags: golf breaks, Golf in Spain, golf tournaments spain

Seve’s driving force

Miguel Angel Jimenez was the unanimous choice to perform the drive of honour in memory of his deceased golfing compatriot, Seve Ballesteros, at last week’s Vivendi Seve Trophy.
The Continental team had not won the trophy since its inaugural edition even years ago when an inspired Seve put Monty to the sword in the captains’ duel. Inspirational in getting the event off the ground – just as in the Ryder Cup – it has to be said that the Vivendi Seve Trophy has hardly captured many a golfer’s imagination over the years. As with the Presidents Cup most watching eyes tend to be on the Ryder Cup – one of the most-watched team events in the world. However, his recent passing and respect amongst fellow professionals meant that there was a certain poignancy in the air.
Held at Saint-Nom-La-Breteche outside Paris the two chosen teams were notable for their strength in depth: the continental team ranging from the youth of a teenage Matteo Manassero to a resurgent 40 year-old Thomas Bjorn. No doubt in the back of their minds was the thought that the watching Ryder Cup captain, Jose Maria Olazabal, would have been observing the proceedings very carefully with a view to team selection. The GB and Ireland team, for their part, comprised several ‘heavyweights’; the likes of Darren Clarke, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Ross Fisher plus the in-form Simon Dyson.
As for the golf itself? Well, Seve would have been proud of the tribute by his fellow countryman but not the final outcome. Playing catch-up from the opening day’s pairs the final result finished in Great Britain & Ireland’s favour: 15 1/2 to 12 1/2, Paul McGinley doing himself no harm in the process as a possible future Ryder Cup captain with some inspired leadership. The only scare being five out five possible points for the European side in the first final day’s singles before a crucial win by Ian Poulter on the 18th (how many times have we seen his                                                         resilience come through?) after being one down with three to play saw his team home.

Morrisons charity golf day

Morrisons, the UK supermarket chain with a presence in Gibraltar, will be holding its annual charity golf day at La Cañada Golf in the village of Guadiaro,Cadiz, on Saturday 2nd October.
Helping to organize the proceedings will be Golf Leisure Breaks society member and Med Golf player of the year, Dave Pinniger. Dave told me that their aim is to surpass the sum of 16,000 pounds raised last year for Cancer Research UK. This year’s nominated charity is ‘Save the Children’ and Dave promised that there might be a couple of special items going to auction during the prizegiving ceremony.
The cost for the day – pegged back at last year’s prices – which includes your green fee, meal and drinks is a very reasonable 65€.   For further details and to sign up and help this worthwhile cause please contact by email at davepinniger@btinternet.com or tel: 634 685 865

Big three at La Quinta

The first round of the Spanish Ladies Open got underway at La Quinta Golf & Country Club yesterday with 120 of Europe’s leading players aiming to make the cut to be amongst the 60 vying for the title over the weekend.
Favourites for the title include three of Europe’s Solheim Cup team – England’s Melissa Reid and defending champion Laura Davies along with Sweden’s Caroline Hedwall – who will be using the tournament as useful match practice before facing a strong American twelve in Ireland next week. Despite arriving as defending champions, no doubt in the visiting team’s minds will be the recent American loss in the Walker Cup against a tenacious GB & Ireland team that overcame the all-too-obvious American desire to win on the anniversary of ’9/11.’ If this biennial edition is anything like the last one there will be plenty of Stars and Stripes, whoopeeing and face painting to look forward to. Can’t wait!
Both Laura and Melissa made the team on the back of accumulated points in the World and European rankings. Caroline Hedwall, Rookie of the Year in her debut season on tour, was one of the captain’s picks impressing with three victories in 2011. Davies, curiously enough, is the only player from either side to have been an ever-present since its incecption in 1990; playing in no fewer than twelve editions. So how this player has never been inducted into Golf’s Hall of Fame beggars belief?
Alongside the three Solheim Cup representatives is a host of homegrown players – 14 in total -who will be out in force trying to win their national title, a regular fixture on the Ladies European Tour since the first event at a relatively unknown golf course called Las Aves in 1982. Some of you might recognise it since as Valderrama. To be fair, the ladies, like their Spanish professional male counterparts, have never really done themselves justice in their own national open championship. However, with several of the armada coming from the Malaga province, should their challenge fall flat again it will not be for the lack of local knowledge one feels?
Counting with the support of the Costa del Sol Tourist Board and numerous generous sponsors the Spanish Ladies Open really is one of the highlights on the LET. Admission is free and all Costa del Sol residents, plus any visiting holiday golfers, are welcome to turn out in force and cheer the girls on.

Christmas Sherry

Now is the right time to start thinking about your next golfing break to take advantage of some great deals. Stuck for ideas on what to do after Christmas? Why not combine the festivities with an all-inclusive golfing break at the exclusive five star Hotel Barcelo Montecastillo Golf. Throughout the last year this has proved to be one of the most popular destinations for golfers seeking a value-for-money golfing break, yet only two hours from the heart of the Costa del Sol.
Travelling after 2nd January five nights’ all-inclusive accommodation (breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages plus a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks served in the bars between 11:00-23:00 hrs) costs only 385€  per person sharing a double room. Did we mention that the offer includes daily, unlimited golf on the Jack Nicklaus signature course; home to the Volvo Masters on several occasions?
Longer stays on all-inclusive basis – and shorter ones on B&B – are also available so, if you feel like getting away from it all where better place is there to enjoy a traditional tipple or two of sherry than in Jerez? Do not worry about piling on the pounds as an hour’s tennis is included daily. Pampering in the Wellness Center can also be arranged. Be quick, though, as this offer is only valid until the end of September so contact Julie or Paul on +34 952 582 943 to reserve your place or simply leave a comment here on our blog

First big name for Valderrama

Last week it was confirmed that Martin Kaymer, World Number Four, will be playing at the Andalucia Masters being held at Valderrama from October 27th-30th. Citing it as one of his ‘favourite courses,’ he also professed to feeling very comfortable golfing in Spain, coming over to play whenever his schedule allowed. He also counts a number of Spanish players amongst  his friends. In an aside he mentioned his love of Iberian Ham and, letting his guard slip a little, betrayed as a bit of a ‘Shandyman’ character digressing about his enjoyment of the occasional glass of ‘clara.’ Your secret is safe with us Martin!
Born in Dusseldorf 26 years ago he turned professional in 2005 and has enjoyed a meteoric rise through the professional ranks.     Joining the Challenge Tour in 2006 he has accumulated titles at the steady rate of two per year; no doubt the most important being the USPGA Championship in 2010. The golfing year ended on a high note winnng the ‘Race to Dubai’ and becoming World Number One for several weeks earlier this year.
Keen to leave a golfing legacy in Germany started by his mentor and idol, Bernhard Langer, his ultimate goal is to make the sport of golf as popular in Germany as tennis was  aided by Boris Becker and Steffi Graf: ”I know it will take time, but hopefully this dream will come true.”
Expect further confirmations to follow over the next few weeks as Valderrama is considered a stiff, but fair test, by Europe’s elite. Traditionally the fitting finale for the European Tour it is still classed as such by many seasoned pros – the last big event on European soil – before hitting the ‘gravy train,’ sorry ‘Race to Dubai’ in the Middle East. Can’t wait until October to watch some exciting live golf? Lets not forget their female colleagues playing in the ‘Spanish Ladies Open’ at La Quinta Golf & Country Club this weekend. Get down there and give them your support.