WELCOME Dear Members, Residents and Guests, A warm welcome to our regular readers and those of you who may be on your first visit to La Cala Resort. We hope it will be the first of many. Spring 2005 has been an exciting time with the opening of our third 18-hole golf course Campo Europa by the mayor of Mijas, Agustín Moreno. La Cala is now the largest golf complex on the Costa del Sol and we believe it is also the best. But we are not stoppping there. We have completed extensive renovations to the 107 rooms, the restaurant and opened the lobby bar in the hotel. We have refurbished the changing rooms in the clubhouse and are on course to complete our 1,300 square metre state-of-the-art Spa by December. It is not only an exciting time but an indication of the intention of the resort's promoter, FBD Holdings plc, to develop La Cala into one of the finest resorts in Southern Europe. Since Autumn we have also staged important golf tournaments and hosted prestigious groups and individuals. La Cala is now the winter HQ for the Swedish Golf Federation. Apart from Sweden, other national federations to send teams to La Cala have included: Ireland, Finland, Wales, and Belgium. The International Junior Ladies Championship for under-21s, organised the Spanish Golf Federation, was staged at the resort and was won by one of the undoubted stars of the future - Belén Mozo. We at La Cala are keen to encourage junior golf and are pleased to encourage the growth of the game locally through initiatives such as the junior camps at the David Leadbetter Golf Academy, competitions such as the Parent and Child event and the Youngsters v Oldsters challenge that have become such popular annual attractions. On the property side, we launched the Monte Alto development of townhouses. We also opened the Real Altavista show apartment which has given sales a big boost as potential buyers can see the end product for themselves. The name of La Cala is continuing to spread internationally and we signed a major sales agreement with the largest real estate agency in Germany. Engels & Volkers selected La Cala from all the resorts in the South of Spain due to the superior quality of our product. This high quality is recognised more and more by local agents as well with over 90 attending a recent golf day at the resort. We are fully aware of our important role in the local community and two important fundraising events held over the winter raised 20,000 euros for the Asian Tsunami Relief fund and for local diabetes sufferers and handicapped children. This newsletter also contains details of upcoming events over the summer. I sincerely hope you enjoy this edition and look forward to addressing you again in the next issue. I wish you all good golf and another great summer.
CONTENTS: Denis Foley Managing Director La Cala Resort
Campo Europa: Official Opening Elite squads in La Cala Resort Junior International Championship Property Agents visit resort for launch of Monte Alto Top coaches speak about La Cala facilities
4&5 8&9 10 16 26
t Cover Photograph: Belén Mozo and Marta Silva. Junior International Championship of Spain winner and runnerup on the 18th green of the North Course. See page 10.
Some of the companies and organisations that feature in this edition of La Cala Newsletter:
We welcome your comments and suggestions. Please contact us at: La Cala Resort - Mijas Costa - España - Apdo. de Correos 106 - La Cala de Mijas - 29649 Mijas Costa - Málaga Tel: (+34) 952 669 000 - Fax: (+34) 952 669 039 - lacala@lacala.com - www.lacala.com La Cala Resort is the official registered trademark of Ranchos Reunidos S.A., the promotor and management company behind the development. Ranchos Reunidos S.A. is 100% owned by the Irish Insurance Company, FBD Holdings plc.
SUMMER 2005 · NEWSLETTER · 3
LA CALA NEWS
La Cala Resort opens its third golf course, Campo Europa a Cala Resort confirmed its place as the leading golf and residential resort in the Costa del Sol with the 18hole golf course, Campo Europa, bringing investment to date in the development of the resort to over 200 million euros.
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Campo Europa was officially opened on Friday March 18th by the Mayor of Mijas, Agustín Moreno. Paying tribute to the leading player in the development of the 'Mijas Golf Valley', the mayor said: "La Cala Resort has all the requirements to serve as an inspiration to other similar initiatives and as a matter of fact is already doing just this. It has become a reference point for similar developments not only in Spain but also overseas. To summarise, La Cala Resort is a complete success in terms of business, from a tourism point of view and in terms of its development: it is an authentic hole-in-one." The president of the Federation of Golf in Andalusia, Ángel de la Riva, stated: "The FGA is delighted to have golf complexes like La Cala Resort in Andalusia. It is sometimes difficult to find the right balance between the commercial realities of running a multi-million euro business and the promotion of golf at grass roots level, yet we at the FGA feel that La Cala has been a flagship in this respect." La Cala Managing Director, Denis Foley commented: "Our plan is to continue adding new facilities and services at La Cala to attract a greater number of clients in the
p Denis Foley, Alan Saunders, Pedro Negrette and Cabell
Robinson with mayor Agustín Moreno (centre).
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1 Course designer Cabell Robinson (far-right) takes a question during the packed press conference. 2 Unveiling of commemorative plaque. 3 Club captain Campbell McGarvie.
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LA CALA NEWS
future. A strong shareholder, supported by an active municipality and a strong Tourism Industry and Golf Federation, are key success factors in the delivery of our plans and have persuaded our main shareholder and developer FBD Holdings plc, to continue investing in La Cala Resort." Campo Europa was designed by renowned American course architect, Cabell B. Robinson, who also designed the other two La Cala courses. A par 71, it measures 6,014 metres from the championship tees. The total area of land involved measures over 100 hectares and the actual course measures half of this. The river Oj茅n plays a part in eight holes, cutting across three fairways. Initial work began on the course in June 2002.
p Mayor of Mijas, Agust铆n Moreno, putting on the 10th green. q Campo Europa 10th Hole.
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LA CALA NEWS
Irish Boys Panel at La Cala Resort
Irish Ladies Panel at La Cala Resort
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group of eight top young Irish golfers spent a week in a training camp at La Cala last February in preparation for this year's international championships. The visit was arranged by the Golfing Union of Ireland (GUI) and the panel was selected on performances in major tournaments over the last year. As part of the trip the panel played a match against top junior players attached to the David Leadbetter Golf Academy also situated in the La Cala Resort. A number of the panel members, whose handicaps range from 0 to 2, are expected to pursue professional careers in the game.
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Team captain Ciaran Burke said the GUI has brought the panel to La Cala over the past eight years due to the fantastic facilities on offer: "La Cala has great practice facilities for the long and short game and the courses stress the importance of course management. In the South Course in particular, good course managament is vital. Also the greens here are very good and much faster than in Ireland at this time of year."
The emphasis during the training week was on general fitness and short game practice. O' Brien-Kenny says: "It's great to have everything on-site - the golf courses, the David Leadbetter Academy practice facilities and the hotel - as there is no time wasting. It is also great to have more than one 18-hole course to choose from as six days playing the same course can get very boring. We are all very pleased with the week here, especially the facilities and the professionalism of the staff."
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he best female golfers in Ireland spent a training week at La Cala in March The Irish Ladies Senior Golf Panel was preparing for this year's European Team Championships in Sweden and the Home Internationals that will be held in Ireland. This was the first year the panel spent a training week in Spain and according to team captain, Sheena O'Brien-Kenny: "It was a terrific idea to start the season early and concentrate on the short game, which could not be done to the same extent in Ireland at this time of the year, due to the weather conditions." A number of the players are expected to turn professional in the next few years.
LA CALA NEWS
Elite Golfers at La Cala Resort group of 13 elite junior golfers from Austria and Latvia held a two week training camp at La Cala over the Christmas/New Year period. The camp, which is part of the European Junior Golf Tour (EJGT), was supported by the golfing unions in both countries. This is the first year that the camp has been held and the juniors qualified through a ranking system based on competitions for under-18s held throughout the year across Europe. Many of them are expected to make careers as tour professionals.
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Coach Paul Hebdon, who is employed by the Austrian Golf Federation, was in charge of the training aspects of the camp. He described the facilities at La Cala including the courses and the David Leadbetter Training Academy as "fantastic" and praised the "friendly and professional organisation. "During the camp the juniors played both the La Cala North and South courses and practised daily at the academy.
La Cala signs agreement with Swedish Golf Federation a Cala Golf Club S.A. has signed a joint agreement with the Swedish Golf Federation that covers training camps for elite squads and conference facilities. The two year agreement also includes cooperation on special projects such as the finals of Swedish national golf tournaments which will be held at La Cala. In addition, La Cala Resort will become the official winter headquarters of the Federation.
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p Alan Saunders and Per Adler.
The agreement was signed by La Cala Director of Golf, Alan Saunders and the Managing Director of the business elements of the Swedish Federation, Per Adler, who commented: "We would like to use the La Cala facilities more and more, including the conference facilities. For three years the board of the Federation has held meetings at La Cala and we are hoping the agreement will result in even more cooperation."
From the La Cala point of view, Alan Saunders stated that the resort will be promoted in Sweden by the Federation and will be part of a group of 35 companies associated with the Swedish 'elite' squad that is comprised of the most promising juniors and amateurs in the country. He said: "This will result in the raising of awareness of La Cala Resort in Sweden and the attraction of more visiting Swedish golfers to the luxurious destination."
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LA CALA NEWS
Belén Mozo wins Junior International Championship at La Cala
Interview with Belén Mozo
he Junior International Championship of Spain, held at La Cala Resort was won by Belén Mozo who defeated Marta Silva by 1 hole in the matchplay final played in April on the North Course. The four semifinalists were all Spanish despite a large international field with representatives from 11 countries. The successful competition, limited to under-21s, was organised by the Spanish Golf Federation.
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The 16-year old winner with a handicap of plus 3.1, plays out of the Sherry Golf Club in Jerez and faces a bright future in the game with offers of golf scholarships from four North American universities. In the semis, Belén defeated Azahara Muñoz by 3&2 while 15-year old Marta beat María Hernández 1 up. The Consolation Cup -for players who didn't make the cut for the matchplay roundswas won by Benedickte Toumpsin of Belgium. The team
e took time out to have a chat with the winner, Belén Mozo, one of the most promising juniors in Spain. Belén, when did you begin playing golf? At the age of eight. I used to take private golf lessons at Vista Hermosa Golf Club. I was also interested in horse riding, tennis and basketball, but eventually I chose p Belén Mozo. golf because my brother also played it. Do your parents play golf too? No. My father doesn't know anything about golf. My mother watches all the championships on TV. She is the one who supports me and comes to every competition with me.
p
Championship action from the second tee.
prize went to Spain who defeated Sweden by one stroke. The winner paid tribute to the condition of the La Cala course, saying that it was very attractive and demanding, particularly because of the strong winds which made distance measurement difficult. The Spanish Federation's Sporting Director, Mabel Pascual del Pobil, paid tribute to the organisation of the championship by La Cala Resort and also the condition of the course. She said that the championship will possibly return to the resort due to the success of the event. Results: Final: Belén Mozo defeated Marta Silva 1 up. Semifinals: Marta Silva defeated María Hernández 1 up & Belén Mozo defeated Azahara Muñoz 3&2.
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Who are your teachers or coaches? Before going to the “Blume” high-performance sport centre in Madrid, I used to train in Seville because in my home town of El Puerto de Santa María I didn't have a coach. In Seville my coach was Marcelo who is a great golf teacher. I am really grateful to him since he has given me the swing I have now. Now in Madrid my teachers are Salva Luna and Marta Figueras, who are together with Marcelo, the best teachers in Spain or even in Europe (laughs). Of course to me they are the best in the world because apart from teaching me golf, they always support me and help me in everything I do. I also have the assitance of a psychologist - Tita - who helps me a lot and thanks to her I have improved a lot mentally. My personal trainer is Paco Fernández. What are your goals? My goals are keep on improving day by day like I've been doing up to now, and above all and what is really important, to have fun and continue enjoy playing golf. Who are your golf heroes? I don't watch much golf on TV but one of favourite players is Ana Belén Sánchez. She is a really good player and a very nice person and that's what I admire most. Among the male pros I admire Phil Mickelson.
LA CALA NEWS
Green Lamb Ladies Open and Fashion Show he first Green Lamb Ladies Open golf competition was also held at the resort in April in conjunction with a successful fashion show, featuring the latest styles for the coming season from the largest ladies sportswear clothing firm in Europe.
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The competition was held on Campo Europa. It was divided between stableford and strokeplay and over 60 players took part. The overall stableford winner was Carol Rees with 39 points and the strokeplay section went to Sofia Hoglund with 72 shots. The Green Lamb distributor in Spain, Mike Oliver, described the day as a "tremendous success" and added that he intends that the competition will become an annual event on the La Cala fixture list. He added that the company is expanding all the time in Spain and is now twice as big as three years ago. He attributes this partly to the increase in interest in golf fashions, with many items in their range also being worn off the course.
p Sofia Hoglund and Mike Oliver.
The Green Lamb range was modelled by the Finnish team that was competing in the Junior Championship.
Images from the Fashion Show. u q
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LA CALA NEWS
Custom Clubmakers at the Academy
DLGA & La Cala developing Junior Talent in Andalucia!
he David Leadbetter Golf Academy (DLGA) has added Custom Clubmakers International to their team. Custom Clubmakers; Alex Forrester and Stuart Bewley both have full qualifications from the prestigious Professional Clubmakers Society, the European Custom Clubmaking Society and Golf Clubmakers Association. Both have undertaken to service the Asian PGA Tour and the World Left-Handed Championships. The workshop is situated at the Leadbetter Academy building and is a fully-fitted PGA workshop, far above any other club-fitting rivals.
he David Leadbetter Golf Academy has recently launched its tour prep programme for aspiring young golfers hoping to make a playing career out of golf. Director of Instruction, Quintin van der Berg, hosts a free workshop each Wednesday between 4pm and 7pm, where all aspects of the game are covered. All golfers exposed to the programme now have the opportunity to receive the best instruction in Spain at the European Flagship Academy.
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It is important to have your clubs fitted correctly, as everyone is unique, no two golfers swing exactly the same and each swing characteristic can be measured by the professionals who then match the proper shaft to your individual swing characteristics. There are three elements to a true custom-fit set of golf clubs: the fitting, the selection of compatible components and the proper assembly and fine-tuning of each club.
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Tour prep programme outline: - Onsite Professional club-fitters. - Sports Psychologist to help with the mental aspects of the game. - Latest coaching technology includes V1 analysis software. - State-of-the-art putting studio.
Come down to the academy to have your clubs repaired or fitted correctly and see the improvement in your game.
Now young local golfers can receive "Instruction of Champions". All golfers below 4 handicap aged between 8 and 21 are eligible for this programme.
Please, visit us at La Cala Resort or contact us: Tel: +34 95 266 9037 or e-mail lacala@imgworld.com
Please contact the Academy for further details: Tel: 952 669 037 or e-mail: lacala@imgworld.com
p Custom Club-fitting Team: Alex, Vincent and Stuart.
p DLGA “Elite” Junior Team.
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LA CALA NEWS
Parent & Child Trophy at La Cala Resort wenty-four teams participated in the Parent & Child Trophy organised by the David Leadbetter Golf Academy and held on the North Course on Easter Sunday. Prior to the competition there was an instructional clinic delivered by Director of Instruction, Quintin van der Berg.
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The format was betterball stableford and the competition was won by Neil & Tommy Foster (44 points). Second, Axel & Axel Philipp Anspach (44 points) and third Francisco & Antonio Arjona (42 points).
The winners, Neil & Tommy Foster. p Axel & Axel Philipp Anspach (right) & Francisco & Antonio Arjona (far-right). u
Oldsters v Youngsters he Oldsters v Youngsters annual match took place in
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glorious February sunshine with the Youngsters gaining
revenge for last years' defeat on a scoreline of 9 1/2 to 4 1/2. Amongst the 56 players, ages ranged over eight decades and nationalities over 10 countries. In a break with tradition both teams were captained by ladies with 13 year old Jess Wilcox leading the Youngsters and Joan Stock in charge of the Oldsters. Jess is one of the growing band of young golfers at La Cala and Joan is well known for her work in organising the annual Cudeca charity tournament. A pleasant evening of tapas and drinks was concluded by the prizegiving with club captain Campbell McGarvie.
t Celebrations continue after the prizegiving. Below-right:
Captains All. Jess Wilcox and Joan Stock with club captain Campbell McGarvie.
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LA CALA NEWS
Over €6,000 raised at La Cala Resort for Tsunami disaster
Up to €14,000 raised by Charity Golf Competition at La Cala
areas and countries and all proceeds went to the Asia
p to €14,000 was raised by a charity golf competition in aid of diabetes sufferers and handicapped children held in glorious sunshine last January in the resort. The event was the culmination of a year's hard work by the La Cala Lions Diabetic Support Group and ADIMI for the handicapped children of Mijas.
p Event Participants ready to go.
p Pro/Am: Winning Team.
charity golf tournament held at the resort in January
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raised over €6,000 for the victims of the Asian
Tsunami disaster. The aim was to raise funds for the worst affected people, especially children in the different
Disaster Fund. The stableford event was organised by Clifford Heworth and the 'Welcome In' bar in Calahonda and took place on the North Course. Results:
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In all 132 players took part, 36 having qualified through monthly competitions held throughout 2004 to compete in teams with professionals. Organiser Barrie MacNab said he was extremely pleased with how the event was staged, saying: "It ran like clockwork." He added that all the golfers seemed to enjoy the day and he has already booked the La Cala venue for next year's staging of the event.
Ladies: 1st
Ritva Hagglund
37 points.
2nd
Kiki Bach
31 points.
3rd
Ritva Siren
29 points.
The competition was sponsored by Hamiltons, MDHIO, RomanBlinds4U, Costa del Sol Golf News and Pyramid Golf Balls with assistance from the Mijas Town Hall. The winners were:
Men (Handicap 1-17): 1st
Jeremy Jones
37 points.
2nd
Fernando Gil Garcia
35 points.
3rd
Kai Jakmo
34 points.
Pro/Am Team Winners: First
Men (Handicap 18-28): 1st
Gerrard Rippinger
35 points.
2nd
William Mellis
32 points.
3rd
John O' Dwyer
30 points.
Am/Am Team Winners: First
Overall gross. Gregory Bacon. 36 points - 5 handicap. Hole-in-one. Tony Hennessy. 16th hole.
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Manuel Quiros (Pro) Stan Moxon (10) Clive Ward (17) Lesley Cameron (26)
Bert Lagerway (20) John Sadgrove (15) Barbara Sadgrove (33)
LA CALA NEWS
ECCO hold International Sales Conference at La Cala
Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Golf Club
eading shoe manufacturer ECCO chose La Cala for its International Sales Conference to showcase its 2006 collection of golfwear. The Danish firm sells 12 million pairs of shoes annually and is the world's fifth biggest brand in golf shoes. ECCO has over 10,000 employees worldwide and has production facilities in five countries.
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The April sales conference was attended by sales directors from 24 countries who selected the items of stock they are going to promote during the coming year. This was the first time the conference was held in Spain and the organisers expressed their total satisfaction with the resort and the professionalism of the staff. Event Manager Jesper Thuen commented: "We are delighted with La Cala as a location for this important conference. Everything is great here - the hotel, the courses, the surroundings and views. We have been very well looked after and hope to return in the future."
he Annual General Meeting of La Cala Golf Club S.A. was held in early April and was addressed by the Board of Directors, including Philip Fitzsimons, Denis Foley, David Flynn, Lars Granberg and P.M. Borjessen. Also present was Golf Director Alan Saunders. After the meeting the members and directors enjoyed tapas and drinks in the clubhouse.
p Board of Directors.
During their stay the delegates mixed business with pleasure and staged a 27-hole competition.
p Samples of the ECCO range on display at La Cala.
p Some of the attendance at the AGM.
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LA CALA NEWS
Property Agencies Golf Challenge
La Cala Resort signs Major Agreement with largest German Real-Estate company
he first annual La Cala Resort Property Agencies Golf Challenge attracted over 90 real estate agents when held at the resort in February. The competition was held in conjunction with the launch of the Monte Alto Townhouse development of two and three bedroom luxury homes. The development received an enthusiastic welcome from the agents.
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n a vote of confidence in the re-emerging German market, La Cala has completed a major sales and
marketing agreement with the largest real estate agency in Germany, Engel & Völkers. Engel & Völkers has more than 1,000 employees and agents in its Hamburg headquarters and throughout its worldwide network of more than 150 real estate shops in 19 countries on four
The overall winner of the event was David Cleverly (38 points). He also won category I (handicaps 0-16.4) from Jamie Sureda (34 pts) and Mike Brown (32 pts). Category II went to Andrew Partridge (38 pts) from James Homan (38 pts) and John Harty (36 pts). Longest Drive was won by Chris Dyson with the Nearest-the-Pin prize going to Carlo Mason.
continents, operated by local licensed partners. It has a global listing of over 560.000 customers. Pedro Negrette, Property and Investment Manager at La Cala, stated that the agreement signed with Engels & Volkers: "signifies a joint effort of the two leading companies to intensively market the resort in Germany,
La Cala Managing Director, Denis Foley, outlined a number of new facilities at the resort with a 1,300 m2 spa being built, a third 18-hole course open in March and plans well underway for a new commercial centre and a sports centre. He stressed the range of real estate projects on offer, the quality of the build, the aftersales service and value for money. Property Consultant, Carlos Álvarez-Garmón, said that the resort was the heart of the growing Mijas Golf Valley with all the infrastructure already in place. He pointed out that only 12% of the land will be built on and drew attention to the value of golf membership, available for first-time purchasers. The Monte Alto development is being built on an elevated location in the scenic resort and interest is already strong. For more information contact the property sales office at (34) 952 669 027 or e-mail property@lacala.com.
p From left: Carlos Álvarez-Garmón, David Cleverly, Denis
Foley.
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Austria and Switzerland. It will include specific advertising campaigns, direct invitations to main customers and the operation of a roadshow that will tour all the major cities in the three countries." Engel & Völkers Managing Partner, Ralph Viereck, explained that they selected La Cala from all the developments on the Costa del Sol because it is the leading golf resort in the region with three 18-hole courses. "Besides the low building density and the spectacular views from every single property, the exclusive facilities available in the resort with a Five-Star Hotel, the soon-to-open 1,300 sq m Spa and the additional sports facilities such as a football pitch, are all extremely impressive.”
p La Cala and Engels & Volkers representatives signing the
joint agreement.
LA CALA NEWS
Top German TV Star visits La Cala Resort
Top Actor loves La Cala
ne of the most popular TV stars in Germany, Ulla Kock am Brink, recently visited La Cala Resort with her family. Originally booked for one round, the presenter played golf in the resort for four consecutive days. She was in Spain as a guest of the Hofsass tennis academy in Marbella. She said she loved La Cala and felt right at home in Spain, having studied Spanish at university in Bonn.
op British actor Denis Waterman says he "loves" La Cala Resort. He was speaking after playing the South Course and before returning to play the North Course on the second day of a golfing trip with a group of friends in February. He also stayed in the La Cala Hotel. "I love La Cala and hope to come here more often," he commented before joking that his game didn't do the course justice.
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Ulla Kock am Brink is a well-known presenter in Germany having worked for the national RTL, ZDF, ARD and ProSieben channels. She presents game shows, talk shows and gala events.
Perhaps best known for his role of bodyguard Terry McCann in the classic ITV series 'Minder', his latest work, for the BBC is a comedy-drama called 'New Tricks.' He plays out of the Lambourne Club in Buckinghamshire, England.
p Svenja Eckman of La Cala with Ulla Kock am Brink.
p Denis Waterman at the “19th Hole”.
El Corte Inglés Competition he qualifying heat for the Corte Inglés Trophy held at La Cala Resort's North Course during March was won by Fernando Gil García (39 points) in the Men's section and Carol Rees (34 points) in the Ladies' section. The format for both was individual stableford. The Junior prize went to Jorge Pérez Escudero (39 points).
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The competition attracted 90 players, divided equally between members and visitors alike, who were taking full advantage of the Easter break. All received a present of a putter from El Corte Inglés and the winners qualify for the zonal final, also to be played at La Cala. The zonal final will be contested by 16 teams from Málaga and eight from Cádiz. The three top teams from the zonal final will qualify for the national finals to be held later this summer.
p Judi Lentelink (Lady Captain), Carol Rees, & María Ángeles
(El Corte Inglés).
SUMMER 2005 · NEWSLETTER · 15
LA CALA NEWS
PGAE General Secretary at La Cala
p PGAE General Secretary Lawrence Thornton.
he General Secretary of the PGA's of Europe (PGAE), Lawrence Thornton, was one of the many visitors to the resort during April. Lawrence, or Lawrie as he prefers to be known, is the driving force behind the association which he describes as a network centre for the PGAs throughout Europe with 34 member countries and 12,000 affiliated professionals. Established as an independent company since 1993, the PGAE was founded to ensure that the administration of the professional game throughout the continent was standardised, on all fronts, to the highest degree of excellence demanded by European political and economic union.
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Lawrie Thornton was fulsome in his praise for La Cala: "La Cala is unique in the Costa del Sol. It has courses to satisfy every type of player. With three courses, one can be utilised for something more challenging in terms of
competitive golf and it is wonderful to see the development of the game being encouraged by La Cala with so many competent young ladies playing here (Lawrie visited during the Ladies Junior International Championships). We can put up too many barriers. We tend to tell young people what not to do rather than what to do. I've just played Campo Europa and I'm very pleasantly surprised at its quality, given that it's so new. The facilities at La Cala are excellent and so is the welcome. I don't go around saying that I'm the General Secretary of the PGAE and yet the welcome I receive here from everyone is absolutely great. Too many places don't welcome golfing visitors properly. I think this is an ideal location for our teaching professionals to bring pupils from their clubs to work on their game in a pleasant and relaxing environment." Lawrie was also confident about the future of the Costa del Sol as Europe's premier location for golfing holidays: "I would be surprised if other countries don't look enviously at what the Costa del Sol has to offer the golfer and try to copy it. Too many of these places are run by people with limited golf knowledge who are only interested in the financial side. It is easier to put prices up rather than improve the facilities. For example Greece has only five golf courses and they are about 500 miles apart. I've been coming to the Costa del Sol for 35 years. This is the best place to be. There is a much bigger selection of courses than anywhere else and it is time to concentrate on the positive aspects of the area."
FBD - Positive Annual Results ast year was the most successful year ever in the history of the FBD
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Group delivering excellent results with the group maintaining growth
momentum. Operating profits in 2004 were up 8.9%. In his review, Company Chairman Michael Berkery said he was confident regarding the FBD Group's prospects and that buoyant economic growth in Ireland provides a positive platform to maximise the group's strong position in their target insurance and financial service markets. La Cala Resort is p Michael Berkery.
FBD's biggest leisure and property development.
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PROPERTY RESALES
3 BEDROOM SEMI-DETACHED TOWNHOUSE OPPOSITE THE POOL AREA WITH VIEWS OVERLOOKING THE 18TH HOLE OF THE NORTH COURSE
Sales Price: Plot: Build: Bedroom: Bathrooms: Pool:
€495,000 243 m2 approx. 219 m2 plus carport and patio 3 3 (1 en-suite) Communal pool and green areas
Marble floors throughout except kitchen | Hot/Cold air-conditioning | Open fireplace | Fully fitted kitchen | Built-in wardrobes Video porter entry system | Alarm system pre-installed | Views overlooking the North Course towards the National Park and Alpujada Mountains | East/West facing | Private carport | Walking distance to Clubhouse | Gated community | Private Garden with direct access to pool area.
VILLA FRONT LINE GOLF 2ND HOLE, SOUTH COURSE
€1,350,000
Sales Price: Plot: Build: Bedroom: Bathrooms: Porches: Pool:
996 m2 approx: 500 m2 4 4+1 200 + m2 5 x 9 m2 (Heated)
Underfloor heating for the whole house regulated in each room | Air cond. in each room | 3 open fireplaces (Living room/TV room/Master bedroom) | Power shower in all bathrooms | Fully electric illumination outside | Designer handmade kitchen All wooden doors are double glassed | High wooden ceilings in living-, TV-, dining room and main porch | "BOSE" music system in whole house | Fully electric irrigation system | Electric double gated car parking | Patio room/guest office room can be fully converted and is fully installed | Basement for equipment below pool.
FRONT LINE GOLF VILLA PLOT TO THE 18TH FAIRWAY/GREEN OF THE NORTH COURSE
€390,000
Sales Price: Plot: Possible Build Area:
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1,163 30%
m2
PROPERTY RESALES
CHARMING 2 BEDROOM APARTMENT OVERLOOKING THE 9TH HOLE NORTH COURSE
Sales Price: Build: Bedroom: Bathrooms: Pool:
€320,000 95 m2 2 1 Communal pool and garden areas
Rustic stone floors throughout except bathroom | Hot/Cold air-conditioning | Fully fitted kitchen | Working fireplace | Underfloor heating in main bathroom | Built-in wardrobes | Incredible West-facing views to golf and mountains | The apartment sells fully furnished | Clubhouse, tees and putting green just across the road | Private, well-established development of only 12 properties.
2 BEDROOM TOWNHOUSE ALONGSIDE FIRST FAIRWAY OF SOUTH COURSE WITH VIEWS TOWARDS THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA
Sales Price: Build: Bedroom: Bathrooms: Pool:
€369,000 approx: 130 m2 living area plus porches, terraces and patio. 2 2 ensuite + 1 guest toilet Communal pool and garden areas
Marble floors throughout except kitchen | Hot/Cold air-conditioning | Open fireplace | Fully fitted kitchen | Built-in wardrobes | Video porter entry system | Private roof terrace | Possibility to convert the attic area into a 3rd bedroom of 16 m2 | Views overlooking the South Course towards the Mediterranean Sea | East/West facing | Private carport | Walking distance to Clubhouse | Gated community | Private Garden The house sells fully furnished and has a very private location on the development.
3 BEDROOM APARTMENT OVERLOOKING THE RESORT TOWARDS THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA
Sales Price: Build: Bedroom: Bathrooms: Pool:
€460,000 188 m2 + parking and storeroom 2 3 (2 ensuite) Communal pool and park areas
Marble floors throughout except kitchen | Hot/Cold air-conditioning | Fully fitted kitchen | Underfloor heating in main bathroom Built-in wardrobes | Walk in wardrobe main bedroom | Video porter entry | Alarm system fitted | Stunning Golf and Resort views Underground private parking | Private storeroom | Partly furnished - Beds, Sofas, etc.
SUMMER 2005 · NEWSLETTER · 19
LA CALA NEWS
La Cala invests over €2 million on Hotel Refurbishments a Cala has invested over €2 million in refurbishments to its Andalusian-style hotel in a major renovation of the 107 bedrooms, the restaurant and the addition of a new bar in the lobby. The hotel is recognised as one of the leading golf hotels in the Costa del Sol and apart from its Andalusian décor, is renowned for its traditional ambience and famous Andalusian welcome. The work, which began in March 2004, was completed within a year.
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Leisure Operations Director Susanne Roemer, says the renovations were undertaken to meet heightened guest expectations: "After being open for eight years we decided to upgrade the hotel facilities in line with the demands of the clientele and the continued expansion of the resort. The ambience of the restaurant 'La Terraza' has been improved through our refurbishments and the addition of a new chef, Salvador López Quintana. The Lobby Bar is completely new and an ideal place to relax before or after a meal or just to have a drink and enjoy the music of our resident pianist.” The expansion of the resort's facilities will continue next winter with the opening of an international-class luxurious spa. Major renovations were also carried out on the men's and ladies changing rooms in the clubhouse.
p Clubhouse changing rooms (top) and Lobby Bar (above).
20 · NEWSLETTER · SUMMER 2005
p Restaurant 'La Terraza' and Hotel Bedroom (inset).
LA CALA NEWS
St. Patrick's Day Competition he first La Cala Resort St. Patrick's Day Competition was held on March 17th on the North Course. The success of the event means it will become an annual fixture. The format was betterball stableford and the winners were Heikki Alanen (6) and Annelie Alanen (5) with 40 points. The runners-up were Richard Barker (13) and William Alexander Mellis (16). Third place went to Brian Gray (9) and Francisco Cervilla (5) with Ian Young (15) and Susan Young (17) in fourth. Fittingly on the Irish national feast day, the first prize was a weekend for two in the FBD-owned Faithlegg Resort in Southern Ireland.
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p All Irish for the day!.
After the presentation there was a very enjoyable lunch served in the clubhouse with a number of the participants entering into the spirit of the day by donning the Irish national colours of green, white and gold.
San Miguel Tournament his year's San Miguel Tournament was a huge success with 127 competitors taking part. This was the sixth staging of this popular event that employs the fourball betterball format.
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Results: 1st Chris Day & Francisco Cervilla 2nd Karl Schnacke & Aron Schnacke 3rd Urs Buhler & Chris O麓Gorman
42 points. 41 points 41 points
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LA CALA FEATURE
La Cala's new
Spa December Opening
beautiful indoor relaxation areas, including a delightful Tranquillity Room and a stunning Thermal Suite with a myriad of relaxing and enjoyable facilities. Treatment amenities include beautifully appointed therapy rooms with showers en suite, an exciting Rasul, a dreamy floatation bed and a suite where couples can enjoy together blissful two or three-hour treatment sessions.
cheduled to open next December, Caracala Spa will measure 1,300 square metres and will provide a wide range of effective and pampering therapies for men and women addressing their specific needs and aspirations with regard to positive health, skin-care, grooming, toning and weight loss plus total relaxation. The service provided by the spa, in addition to being totally professional, will also be focussed on the personal comfort and well-being of each individual guest.
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The renowned pioneers of premier international spas, husband and wife team Tanya and Allan Wheway, have been appointed to provide the design brief and create the operating philosophy for the spa and then to carry out the operational commissioning to ensure that the staffing, operating standards, therapies, programmes and service are all to an exceptionally high standard. A majority of spas in hotels have very restricted views and no outside exclusive facilities. The La Cala Resort hydropool will range from inside to outside and will have magnificent views. There will also be an exercise pool, extensive sundecks,
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The Spa is named after the Emperor Caracala who in 212 AD began the largest baths that Rome had ever seen. The baths functioned for about 300 years and could host 1,600 bathers: the poorest were not excluded, although they had fewer slaves than the rich to assist them. The sober exterior contrasted with the rich interior: floors paved with mosaics and marble, walls covered with mosaics and gilded with stucco works. Caracala Spa at La Cala Resort aims to carry on the Roman tradition (minus the slaves).
LA CALA NEWS
Annika Sorenstam's Coach at La Cala Resort
Irish Ladies National Team Coach, David Kearney
he coach to the world's best female golfer, Annika Sorenstam, visited La Cala Resort in April as part of a delegation from the Swedish Golf Federation. La Cala is the Federation's winter headquarters and Henri Reis was conducting a golf school for the Federation's p Annika Sorenstam. officials and sponsors. He took time out to speak about La Cala Resort and also Annika's future.
fter organising and attending a week long training camp at La Cala Resort for the Irish Ladies National Golf Panel, Head Coach David Kearney says he couldn麓t recommend the resort highly enough to fellow coaches. Kearney says it is a "one-stop-shop" for serious golf training camps as it is not necessary to leave the complex for the duration of the stay. "It is ideal for club pros to bring a group of players. All the facilities are perfectly suitable and all within easy reach and being so close to the airport, it is particularly suitable for short breaks. With three golf courses, a practice course, the David Leadbetter Golf Academy, chipping and putting areas and the gym, we couldn't have asked for more."
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"I like La Cala, it's good. I have to say I like the South Course even a bit more than the North but they are both good tests of golf. There are now three good courses and with the hotel on-site it is a great location for visiting club pros to bring their students. They can work on their swings and also have fun. It's a great way to learn and is very social."
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Kearney said that during the national panel's stay there was not a single element that was not professionally organised and he was free to concentrate on the coaching. "Everything; from the food, bedrooms, travel arrangements, facilities and tee-times, was organised perfectly and the players could even walk to their rooms after playing or practicising."
"Annika will continue dominating the game for the next few years. I can't see any players doing anything against her. Everytime she comes across something new she really wants to learn it. Apart from being very keen to learn, she hates to lose. She also has perfect rhythm and that's something you can't teach. She is the complete player, perhaps the best ever. At the moment everything in her game is working well."
p Henri Reis.
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p David Kearney at the DLGA practice range.
LA CALA NEWS
La Cala Resort Co-Op Day 2005 he seventh La Cala Resort Co-Op Day was held in
Member/Guest Invitational Day number of members invited guests to join them to
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mark of appreciation to all the agents and tour operators
early March. The competition was a pairs betterball with
who collaborate with the resort throughout the year.
full handicap. Conditions were tough and with the
Representatives of the largest operators on the coast
championship tees in play for the men it proved to be a
attended the event that was divided between instruction
real challenge of golf. However some fine scores were
classes from professionals at the David Leadbetter Golf
recorded. The honours went to the Lady Captain, Judi
Academy and a 9-hole competition on the recently
Lentelink and her guest Pam Madams, a member of El
opened Campo Europa.
Parador, M谩laga. The competition was followed by an
the complex during April. The day is organised as a
spend a warm, sunny day on the South Course in
excellent lunch in the Los Olivos restaurant in the The competition was won by Mo Smith of Golf and
clubhouse.
Leisure Breaks. Another big winner on the day was Edward Negus of Golf Services Iberia, who won the draw for a return trip for two people to any destination in Europe. This great prize was sponsored by Iberia. After the golf class and the competition, the participants
The winners: 1st Judi Lentelink (16) & Pam Madams (17) 44 points. 2nd Brian Gray (12) & Michael Gray (5) 43 points.
enjoyed a fine lunch in the La Terraza restaurant. 3rd Francisco Cervilla (8) & F. Bravo (10) This event has now become a fixture on the golf calendar for the tour operators who are looking forward to another successful season in 2005/2006.
p The winner of the draw, Edward Negus with event
coordinator Ana Nyblom.
40 points. 4th Sylvia McGarvie & Chris Day (7) 39 points.
p Lady captain, Judi Lentelink, & Pam Madams with club
captain, Campbell McGarvie.
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