Up and away

THE prestigious Solheim Cup golf trophy touched down in Mijas on Monday, July 24, arriving by hot air balloon at the La Cala Resort golf course.

Mijas’ councillor for Tourism José Carlos Martín received the trophy alongside local golf ambassadors from Chaparral and La Cala clubs. “Golf is a key driver of Mijas’ economy, employment and tourism, so we’re proud to be involved with this event,” said Martín.

plans will also be shared with participants.

Top Gestión, the headline sponsor, is backing the event again to promote a healthy lifestyle. Over 800 runners from all over Spain signed up last year, but the goal is 1,000 this time.

Volunteers aged 18+ with a driving licence are needed to help with traffic control, signage and course marking. Last year 123 volunteers helped out and Mula hopes even more will get stuck in this time.

The biennial Solheim Cup sees Europe and USA’s top female professionals face off in match play golf. Launched in 1990, this September, the golf tournament comes to Costa del Sol’s Finca Cortesin.

“Hosting the trophy symbolises Mijas’ global golf status, with 12 courses, perfectly seen from the air balloon,” Martín added. “Our golf businesses are united in promoting the sport and this leading segment of the tourism industry.”

La Cala’s Silvia Ortega, one of 110 regional Solheim Cup ambassadors, was delighted, “As Mijas players, we’re proud to represent the destination on the trophy’s official Spain tour helping highlight Costa del Sol ahead of the competition,” she said.

The trophy visits each participating course before the contest tees off on Monday, September 18.