WELCOME
Dear Members, Residents and Guests, What a great time to be on the Costa del Sol with its wonderful winter climate. While Northern Europe is struggling through its annual quota of cold winds, rain, storms and snow, those lucky enough to be here are enjoying crisp, bright days and clear blue, sunny skies. A special welcome is extended to our newest residents at Real Altavista who recently received the keys to their new homes. The design and construction teams have diligently overseen the development of the project over the last two years. The second phase of this apartment development is at an advanced stage and is already proving very popular due to its excellent location and competitive pricing. It is worth noting that golf membership is available when you buy direct from the promoter. We would like to especially congratulate our two new golf club captains, Bob Gordon and Carol Rees. Both are extremely popular and active members of the club. We wish them well during this important year. La Cala Resort continues to develop. We have recently completed the upgrade of our hotel and clubhouse. Our next new facility will be the luxury Caracala Spa. The project team includes Tanya and Allan Wheway, the renowned pioneers of premier international spas. We plan to complete our pre-opening activities during March and have already commenced the recruitment of the new team. Blanca Schubert will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the spa. It has been an exciting time since the publication of the previous edition of this newsletter last autumn. The staging of the Ladies European Tour qualifying school in November was an outstanding success and has confirmed our position as one of the leading golf resorts in Europe. Amongst our other successful events were the La Cala GolfWorld Open and the first All Ladies Pro-Am. As always the newsletter features some of the international personalities who enjoyed a round of golf on one or more of our three courses. Our hotel and restaurants also played host to a number of important corporate conferences and functions. Details of these and some upcoming events are included in the newsletter. I would like to end with some words of recognition for our members at La Cala. Firstly, for volunteering their services as marshals and assistants during the Ladies European Tour event and secondly for helping Joan Stock to raise over €12,000 for Cudeca, a local cancer care charity organisation Whether you are a regular or first-time visitor to La Cala, I hope that you enjoy reading this newsletter and that it may inspire you to return and maybe even stay longer next time.
CONTENTS: Denis Foley Managing Director La Cala Resort
Ladies European Tour Q-school We speak to the new Club Captains Caracala Spa set to open First residents of Real Altavista Andalucia retain Junior Cup Cudeca holds successful fundraising competition New Club Champions are crowned
4, 5 & 6 7 10 11 15 18 31
t Front Cover: Anna Rawson.
LET photos courtesy of Bosco Martín, www.boscomartin.com Some of the companies and organisations that feature in this edition:
We welcome your comments and suggestions. Please contact Dion Breen 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 - press@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.
NEWSLETTER . WINTER - SPRING 2006 . 3
Euro Q-School at La Cala Resort is Unqualified Success
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he Robe di Kappa Ladies European Tour (LET) Qualifying School for next season held last November on the North Course was an unqualified success. The competition decides which players will qualify to compete on the premier professional tour for ladies in Europe during the 2006 season. Four rounds of the Q-school were preceded by a two round pre-qualifying tournament. In all 165 professionals and leading amateurs from 15 countries took part. This was a significant tournament not only for La Cala Resort and the Costa del Sol but for Spanish golf in general as it serves to promote the region as a quality destination that boasts high-class, international courses. Tournament Director Andy Lott was fulsome in his praise for the organisation of the event and the preparation of the course for the tournament: “The event was very good, the course was very well prepared and the personnel very helpful and supportive. It is a better venue than others we have recently used and placed great emphasis on strategy and course management. “There have been absolutely no complaints from the players and about half the players in the final round were new to this level which is encouraging for ladies golf in general. The standard is getting higher and this has been particularly evident over the past five or six years. We are looking forward to coming back to La Cala Resort next year and a decision will be taken on this shortly.”
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Clare Queen.
The smooth running of the Q-school was greatly aided by a team of volunteers drawn from the members of the La Cala Golf Club. They helped with general marshalling, the reporting of scores and the transport of the players throughout the event. The green keeping staff were also required to prepare the golf course to meet the requirements of the LET. This covered all areas of the course from tees to greens and work began months before the tournament proper. During the competition days the staff had early morning rises to complete the removal of dew and the final preparation of the course before the first 8 a.m. tee times. The Q-school was won by Belgian Ellen Smets who finished the four rounds on 288, four under par, to win on a count back from Sarah Kemp of Australia. Sophia Renell of Sweden and Anna Rawson of Australia, the third round leader, finished tied for third position a shot further back on three-under-par. Smets has competed on the Tour for three years and finished 92nd in the 2005 season. She decided to return to the Q-school to improve her playing category. The only two Spaniards to qualify were both amateurs, Tania Elosegui Mayor of San Sebastian and Beatriz Recari Eransus of Pamplona. Both finished on +5, easily surviving the +9 cut off point. Smets was impressed with the layout of the North Course. “It is a really attractive course with fabulous views. Luckily there was some rain earlier that softened it. I would also like to play it when it is dry as it would be even more difficult. You have to be very precise with distance control. I really enjoyed playing here.”
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4 . NEWSLETTER . WINTER - SPRING 2006
Q-school Winner Ellen Smets.
2 1
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5
4
1 2 3
Sarah Kemp. Nuria Clau. Tania Elosegui.
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Ellen Smets. Isabella Maconi putting on the 16 th.
NEWSLETTER . WINTER - SPRING 2006 . 5
LET Pro-Am Memories
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he Q-school was followed by a very successful AllLadies Pro-Am on Campo Europa. This featured teams of three amateurs with each of the professionals who had just gained their tour cards. Setting a standard for other golfers on the Costa, with all groups completing the 18 holes in under four hours, the winning team of this inaugural event was: Antonella Cvitan (professional), Elisabeth Sjokvist, Maj-Britt Moller and Ingrid Nylen. 1
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Lisa Magnusson, Carol Rees La Cala Resort lady captain, Sofia Renell, Ritva Hagglund.
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Third placed team: Soledad Anaya de la Cรกmara, Elly de Man and Dianne Bellamare with the event sponsors.
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Professionals and amateurs alike enjoy the first All-Ladies Pro-Am on the Costa del Sol.
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Isabella Muller, Judi Lentelink, Anna Rawson (Professional golfer & model), Brenda Branton.
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Kirsten Mossin, Ellen Smets, Jessica Wilcox, Caroline Bacon.
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Maribel Gordon & Barry Ball (Marshal).
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Joan Stock & Maggie Coombes.
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6 . NEWSLETTER . WINTER - SPRING 2006
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New Club Captains take Office a Cala Golf Club´s new captains are now well installed in office and are undertaking their many tasks with great gusto. Bob Gordon and Carol Rees are looking forward to being the first captains to have a full year in office with three 18-hole courses open. They expect to be very busy with more properties being sold and more members joining the club. Both Bob and Carol are also looking forward to the inauguration of the Ladies Senior League with all ladies over 50 eligible to play in matches against other Costa del Sol clubs.
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Bob, who plays off 17, has been living in Mijas Costa for the past three years but has been a club member for five. Married to fellow member Maribel, who is from Barcelona, Bob is a semi-retired consultant solicitor. He initially joined La Cala on the recommendation of a friend who was already a member and comments: “You can’t be bored at La Cala because of the variety of the three courses with their different levels of difficulty. It is also a great club from a social point of view and it welcomes golfers of all abilities with many nationalities represented.”
Fourteen handicapper Carol also lives in Mijas where she has had a property for 10 years. Before joining La Cala she played all the courses in the region and opted to join the La Cala club as it offered the most for members. Here she can play in competition with husband Danny, something she regards as an advantage as in other clubs the men and ladies can only compete amongst themselves. Her aim for the coming year is to ensure that everyone continues to enjoy playing. Unlike many golf clubs on the Costa del Sol, La Cala holds twice weekly members’ competitions on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The Saturday competitions are very varied in format and appeal to playing members of all levels whereas the Tuesday handicap qualifying competitions are a little more serious. Bob and Carol are keen to continue this ‘dual’ weekly pattern and being enthusiastic about the social side are considering the introduction of new social activities for not only playing members, but for non-playing spouses and partners.
NEWSLETTER . WINTER - SPRING 2006 . 7
Update aracala Spa, the Costa del Sol’s newest and most luxurious spa, will open its doors this spring and already expectation is high. The international spa design and consultancy company who are involved in the project, Wheway International, have expressed their satisfaction with the progress to date and say that as the opening day gets ever closer the unique advantages of the spa are becoming clearer.
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Tanya Wheway highlights the indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy pool as one of the main features as it will offer fantastic views of the resort and this level of luxury is unique on the Costa del Sol. Other exciting features will be the excellent therapy rooms such as the Dry Float, Wet Room for body scrubs and traditional soap massages plus the exotic Rasul for mud bathing. “The Couples Suite is also very uncommon. Friends, partners, mothers and daughters, etc. can share top-totoe treatments in total privacy. Relaxation areas are becoming more and more important. The spa will have the Thermal Suite, which is a heated relaxation area with a cooler zone beside it. The sun decks will also offer a luxurious location to take in the fantastic views of the resort. Furthermore, with the addition of an indoor exercise pool, the resort will have three swimming pools,” comments Tanya Wheway. The spa manageress is Blanca Schubert. She joins La Cala after a career in the hotel and spa industry in Switzerland and Germany. This included being responsible for the opening and operation of a spa in the Hotel Holiday Inn, located in Passau, Germany.
She is very excited about Caracala Spa and believes it can be the market leader in the Costa del Sol as not only is it a luxurious spa with excellent facilities but is set in a stunning location.
FACILITIES Indoor Heated Swimming Pool with exercise area Thermal Circuit comprises: Haman Sauna Herbal Steam Bath Igloo Sensory Showers Kneipp Foot Baths Tepidarium Hydrotherapy Pool
Other Facilities: Spa Café and Solarium Six Therapy Rooms Dry Float Rasul Couples Room Relaxation Room Beauty Room Boutique
We have a full range of treatment packages to awaken your senses and to relax you totally. We use the top brands available, such as Décleor, and Ytsara. Consult our specialists or visit our web site, www.lacala.com. Why not join our spa? Do you live in La Cala or the Costa del Sol and wish to join our spa? We can offer a programme designed for your needs. Our spa manageress, Blanca Schubert is available to answer all your queries. Call her at the number below. The perfect present Are you looking for the perfect St. Valentine’s Day present or something for a birthday, Mothers’ Day or Fathers’ Day? We have the answer with gift vouchers suitable for all. Caracala Spa Opening Special Offer Valid until 17-09-06 Two nights in a double room with buffet breakfast, thermal circuit, Vichy shower and Samunprai treatment– Cataplasmas on a base of warm Thai herbs. Selected herbal teas.
Price per person in double room: €309 + VAT. For more information contact: spa@lacala.com Tel. +34 952 669 010 or +34 952 669 000 p
(L to R) Allan Wheway, Spa Manageress Blanca Schubert, Tanya Wheway.
10 . NEWSLETTER . WINTER - SPRING 2006
LA CALA NEWS
New Owners - The Howleys and Oxleys evelopments on the property front continue unabated at the resort. New urbanisations under construction include the Real Altavista apartments and the Monte Alto townhouses. The first residents in Real Altavista accepted their keys to their new three bedroom penthouse apartment at the beginning of December. The apartment has been bought by two English couples, Geoff & Julie Howley and Tony & Mandy Oxley. Geoff and Tony are business colleagues in Preston and the families intend to share their new holiday home as neither can be on holidays at the same time.
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Geoff says they were immediately attracted to La Cala after staying in the hotel and being impressed by the surroundings. “What attracted us to La Cala was the wonderful views and the tranquillity, being away from the hustle and bustle of the coast. We intend to spend between six and seven weeks a year here. Therefore we opted for an apartment because of the ease of
maintenance and the 24-hour security. Although we both have families we are all interested in playing golf. This was another huge attraction.”
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(L to R) Tony & Mandy Oxley, Geoff & Julie Howley, Margarita ValderramaProperty Services.
Ken and Eunice Muir een golfers Ken and Eunice Muir are excited about moving into their new three-bedroom penthouse in Real Altavista. Gynaecologist Ken and Executive Nurse Director Eunice live just outside Glasgow and intend to use their new home several times a year. They have been coming to the Costa del Sol on holidays for the last 14 years and decided to buy in La Cala because of the overall facilities and the quality and variety of the golf courses. Another motivating factor was the launch of a daily Glasgow – Malaga flight.
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“The primary reason for choosing La Cala was golf. We are both keen players and the courses and associated facilities are top-class. We intend to come here several p Eunice and Ken Muir. times a year as weekend trips are now possible. We have joined the golf club and intend to play in the members’ competitions. The overall service we received from La Cala has been superb and the handover and legal parts were conducted very professionally,” comments Ken.
NEWSLETTER . WINTER - SPRING 2006 . 11
12 . NEWSLETTER . WINTER - SPRING 2006
NEWSLETTER . WINTER - SPRING 2006 . 13
LA CALA NEWS
Top Juniors compete in La Cala ome of the top junior golfers in Spain competed for the prestigious Junior Cup on Campo Europa over two days of individual and foursomes matches in January. The Junior Cup is an inter-regional event between the golf federations of Andalucía, Madrid, Valencia and Extramadura. The four person teams were comprised of two boys and two girls.
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The title was retained by the home side of Andalucia comprising of Patrick Simard, Gervasio Cuquejo, Belén Mozo and Azahara Muñoz. The two girls, who are currently on golf scholarships in U.S. universities, shot 66 and 67 respectively in the final round on the par 71 course. The team captains and officials, including federation presidents, vice presidents and directors, were also highly complimentary about the competition and its organisation. The captain of the Andalucian winning team Manuel Garbayo said: “It was a complete success. Campo Europa was in great condition and of course La Cala Resort is a tremendous location and a tremendous complex. It is important for our best players to have this type of competition and the standard was very high.” The captain of the Madrid team, Antonio Barquero, was equally fulsome in his praise saying, “it all went really, really well and we are delighted to be involved with such a well-organised competition.”
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The Madrid team with captain Antonio Barquero.
Results:
1st Andalucía: Patrick Simard, Gervasio Cuquejo, Belén Mozo and Azahara Muñoz 2nd Madrid: Alberto Doniga, Araceli Felgueroso, Bárbara Perera and Pedro Oriol 3rd Valencia: Jordi García del Moral, Lluis García del Moral, Irene Pajares and Laura Martínez 4th Extremadura: Jorge Campillo, Rosana Gómez, Cristina Turégano and Adolfo Juan
Speaking at the presentation of prizes the Mijas councillor with responsibility for sport, Francisco Marín thanked La Cala Resort and the Andalucian Golf Federation for all the great work they did in organising the competition.
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The winning team from Andalucía with captain Manuel Garbayo.
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Team Valencia with captain Carlos Marti.
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Team Extramadura with captain Francisco Javier Colomo.
NEWSLETTER . WINTER - SPRING 2006 . 15
LA CALA NEWS
First La Cala GolfWorld Open he first La Cala GolfWorld Open was held at the end of November and start of December. This is a totally unique competition with three rounds being played over three different 18-hole courses all within the same complex. Due to its position as the largest golf resort in Spain, La Cala is the only complex in a position to offer this choice of courses to players.
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Fifty golfers from a variety of countries competed for the honour of securing the first GolfWorld title and the competition was a huge success despite inclement weather on the final day that reduced the event to 36 holes. Most of the players confirmed their intention to return for the second staging of the event this coming November. Non-golfers also enjoyed a great week of organised sightseeing and entertainment organised by the resort. Results:
Overall Champion John Moules (Ireland)
68 points
Category 1 (hcp 0 - 14.4) 1st
Gordon Campbell (UK)
63 points
2
Steve Hooper (UK)
63 points
3rd
Jacob Aaholm (Denmark)
62 points
nd
Category 2 (hcp 14.5 - 32.0) 1st
Heimo Kupsu (Finland)
64 points
2
Raj Chima (UK)
62 points
3rd
Gunter Zapf (Austria)
61 points
nd
Wednesday, November 30th. North Course Best Lady
Olivia Parry (UK)
29 points
Best Man
Steve Hooper (UK)
35 points
Thursday, December 1st. South Course Best Lady
Olivia Parry (UK)
28 points
Best Man
John Parry (UK)
35 points
Top: John Moules accepting his trophy from Director of Golf, Alan Saunders and Leisure Operations Director, Susanne Roemer. Left: Category 1 winner, Gordon Campbell and right: Participants and friends enjoying a night of Mexican music.
16 . NEWSLETTER . WINTER - SPRING 2006
LA CALA NEWS
XII Cudeca Cup at La Cala Resort raises over €12,000 he twelfth Cudeca Cup at La Cala Resort last November was an outstanding success, raising almost 12,500 euros for the cancer care charity. The organisation is providing 16 inpatient beds in its Benalmadena hospice. The money raised will go towards the capital costs and also towards the employment of medical and auxiliary staff.
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The President and founder of Cudeca, Joan Hunt, described the sum raised as “a wonderful amount of money” and said the members of La Cala were “the most generous people we have ever met”. She praised the organisation of the competition, describing the atmosphere as “fantastic” and added: “This is a wonderful help towards the finance of our care of patients who are suffering from terminal cancer. On their behalf and also the doctors, nurses and all staff and volunteers of Cudeca, I am sending our heartfelt thanks and admiration for your generosity. Since 1994
the total financial help given to the Cudeca hospice from the members of La Cala has been more than €80,000.” Cudeca is a charity that provides palliative home care, free of charge, to patients suffering from terminal cancer and to their families. To date over 3,000 cancer sufferers have been helped by the organisation. Over 70 players took part in the stableford competition, held on the North Course. The golf was followed by lunch, a raffle and auction. The event was organised by Cudeca volunteer and La Cala member Joan Stock. The overall winner was La Cala Resort resident Alan Jewett with 41 points. Promising junior Jess Wilcox won both the junior and ladies prize with 37 points.
Results:
Men Category 1 (to 14.5) 1st
Greg Bacon
38 points
2
Pete Chadwick
37 points
3rd
David Millar
36 points
4
Fco. Cervilla
35 points
nd
th
Men Category 2 (14.5 +) 1st
Alan Jewett
41 points
2nd
Merv Coombes
35 points
3
Ray Clarke
34 points
4th
John Hart
31 points
1st
Jess Wilcox
37 points
2
Isabella Muller
35 points
3rd
Maribel Gordon
35 points
4
Carol Rees
30 points
1st
Jess Wilcox
37 points
2nd
Tom Bacon
36 points
3
Oliver Wilcox
36 points
4th
Sean Jewett
18 points
rd
Ladies nd
th
Juniors
rd
18 . NEWSLETTER . WINTER - SPRING 2006
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(L to R): Merv Coombes, Lady Captain - Carol Rees, Men’s Captain Bob Gordon, Fco. Cervilla and overall winner Alan Jewett.
LA CALA NEWS
Property Agencies Golf Challenge he second La Cala Resort Property Agencies Golf Challenge attracted over 60 real estate agents from 36 property and finance companies as well as law firms when held on Campo Europa in September.
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Campo Europa was in perfect condition and received an enthusiastic welcome from the agents who had competed in the event, who regarded it as another excellent addition to the extensive range of top class facilities in the resort. The overall winner of the event was Bob Langley (45 points). He also won category I (handicaps 0-16.4) from Juan López Moreno (40 pts) and Paul Rossiter (39 pts). Category II went to Joe Bautista (44 pts) from Juan Antonio López Álvarez (42 pts) and Miguel Santos de Rosendo Hurtado (41 pts). Longest Drive was won by Juarez Dias Marques with the Nearest the Pin prize going to the only participating lady, Stefanie Noll. For more information contact the property sales office at (34) 952 669 027 or e-mail property@lacala.com.
20 . NEWSLETTER . WINTER - SPRING 2006
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From left: La Cala Property Sales Manager, Bernd Dellwig and Bob Langley, overall winner.
Property agents at the prize-giving.
LA CALA NEWS
IV Property Owners’ Championship here was a large turn out for the IV Property Owners’ Championship, held on Campo Europa at the end of September. Over fifty players took part, reflecting the rise in the number of residents in the resort. After the competition all the participants enjoyed drinks and tapas in the Los Olivos restaurant in the clubhouse. This was a prefect opportunity for the newer residents to get to know some of the longer established people and many expressed their intention to join the La Cala Golf Club and take part in the regular weekly competitions.
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Property Services Manager, Alan Howes with Men´s winner John Brooks (above) and Ladies winner Jill Davies (left).
Results: Men 1st John Brooks 2nd Michael Zelley 3rd Jean Paul Koep
36 points 35 points 35 points
1st Jill Davies 2nd Sylvia McGarvie 3rd Valerie Penney
39 points 37 points 30 points
Ladies
Sky Sports Presenter in La Cala ormer European Tour player and Sky Sports golf presenter, Richard Boxhall, visited the resort in September and played the North Course and Campo Europa. He was impressed by both courses and thought Campo Europa is a good, tight course and will improve as it matures.
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Richard Boxhall was a top tour player during the 90s and is now a full-time on-course commentator for Sky Sports. He was participating in a golf outing for the financial division of Reuters as part of their global golf challenge. During his stay he played various holes with different groups of players and gave them the benefit of his extensive experience in the game. The facilities at La Cala means that it attracts many corporate groups for golf competitions or to combine leisure breaks with business meetings in one or more of the many conference rooms available. These rooms boast a wide range of modern communications facilities and special packages and are available to cater for the different demands of various groups.
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Richard Boxhall.
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Competitors in the Reuters Global Golf Challenge.
NEWSLETTER . WINTER - SPRING 2006 . 21
PROPERTY RESALES COLINAS DEL GOLF - 3 BEDROOM SEMI-DETACHED VILLA CLEAR GOLF VIEWS OF THE SOUTH COURSE AND CAMPO EUROPA WEST-FACING – LARGE GARDEN
Sales Price: Build: Bedrooms: Bathrooms: Pool:
€865,000 311 m 3 3 (1 ensuite) Communal pool and park areas 2
Marble floors throughout, except kitchen | Hot/Cold air-conditioning | Fully-fitted kitchen | Underfloor heating in the main bathroom | Built-in wardrobes | Video porter entry | Alarm system | Stunning Golf and Resort views | Underground private garage | Private storeroom | Games room in basement | Excellent private position | Tastefully decorated.
3 BEDROOM MID FLOOR APARTMENT IN LOS ALTOS OVERLOOKING THE RESORT TOWARDS THE MEDITERRANEAN
Sales Price: Build: Bedrooms: Bathrooms: Pool:
€460,000 188 m2 plus parking and storeroom 3 3 (2 en suite) Communal pool and park areas
Marble floors throughout, except kitchen | Hot/Cold air-conditioning | Fully-fitted kitchen | Underfloor heating in the main bathroom | Built-in wardrobes | Walk-in wardrobe in the main bedroom | Video porter entry | Alarm system | Stunning Golf and Resort views | Underground private parking | Private storeroom.
FRONT LINE GOLF - VILLA PLOT ADJACENT TO THE 8TH FAIRWAY OF THE SOUTH COURSE
Sales Price: Plot: Buildability: Project: Build costs:
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€285,000 m2
501 35% included / approved by the Town Hall approx: €350,000
PROPERTY RESALES CHARMING 2 BEDROOM APARTMENT LA PLAZA OVERLOOKING THE 9TH HOLE- NORTH COURSE
Sales Price: Build: Bedrooms: Bathrooms: Pool:
€320,000 95 m 2 1 Communal pool and garden areas 2
Porcelain floors in kitchen, bathroom and corridor | Carpets in all other rooms | Hot/Cold air-conditioning | Alarm system | Fully installed kitchen | Working fireplace | Underfloor heating in the bathroom | Built-in wardrobes | Incredible west-facing mountain and golf views | Clubhouse, putting green and South Course just across the road | Private, well-established development of only 12 properties.
3 BEDROOM TOWNHOUSE WEST-FACING WITH VIEWS OVER THE 18TH GREEN OF THE NORTH COURSE
Sales Price: Build approx: Bedrooms: Bathrooms: Pool:
€399,000
145 m2 living area plus porches, terraces and patio 3 3 en suite and 1 guest toilet Communal pool and green areas
Attic area was converted into 3rd bedroom | Marble floors throughout, except kitchen | Hot/Cold air-conditioning | Open fireplace | Fully-fitted kitchen | Built-in wardrobes | Video porter entry system | Private roof terrace | Views to golf course | East/West facing | Private car port | Walking distance to Clubhouse | Gated community Private Garden.
3 BEDROOM SEMI-DETACHED TOWNHOUSE OPPOSITE THE POOL AREA WITH VIEWS OVERLOOKING THE 18TH HOLE OF THE NORTH COURSE
Sales Price: Plot: Build approx.: Bedrooms: Bathrooms: Pool:
€469,000 243 m 219 m plus carport and patio 3 3 (1 ensuite) Communal pool and green areas 2 2
Marble floors throughout, except kitchen | Hot/Cold air-conditioning Open fireplace | Fully-fitted kitchen | Built-in wardrobes | Video porter entry system | Pre-installed Alarm System | Views overlooking the North Course towards the national park and the Alpujada Mountains | East/West facing | Private car port | Walking distance to Clubhouse | Gated community | Private Garden with direct access to pool area.
NEWSLETTER . WINTER - SPRING 2006 . 23
LA CALA NEWS
Top Dutch Football Team train in La Cala utch first division football side FC Twente held a week-long training camp in the resort in early January. This coincided with the league’s winter break and culminated with a match against Dutch second division outfit Volendam on the La Cala pitch.
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Twenty four players and a team of officials made the trip and they stayed in Hotel La Cala where they also held tactics meetings and set up a temporary physiotherapy room. Although most of the players are Dutch they also have professionals from Russia, Georgia, Sweden, Greece and Burkhino Faso. Commercial Director, Jan Van Halst said they were delighted with La Cala as a training venue: “There are three things we look for in a training camp: the pitch, the food and the sleeping arrangements. The pitch was perfect. We arrived in October to inspect the facilities and everything we requested was carried out. The food was excellent and totally suitable for our training needs and the sleeping arrangements were also perfect. We have absolutely nothing to complain about.”
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FC Twente´s first team.
Costa Gaels stage Football Tournament he resort’s sports pitch was the venue for a different type of football, a Gaelic Football tournament in October when teams from Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales and Spain all contested the second annual Costa Gaels GAA Tournament. The Costa Gaels were founded during the summer of 2003 in Marbella when a group of Irish ex-pats realized they were missing one vital element from the ‘old country’ – Gaelic Football. Since then the club has grown steadily and matches have already taken place against teams from various countries.
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The presentation of the cup to the winning Marbella captain.
24 . NEWSLETTER . WINTER - SPRING 2006
The tournament was played over two glorious sunny days and the local team emerged victorious in the final over Tullysaran from Armagh, Northern Ireland. The tournament also had a large social element and visitors and locals alike enjoyed the facilities of the La Cala clubhouse during their time in the resort.
LA CALA NEWS
Senior League Team retain Trophy ongratulations to the La Cala Senior Mens League team that have successfully defended their hard won title following another year of interclub competition. The league is contested by teams of over 55s and La Cala again overcame 12 other clubs from all along the Costa del Sol. The league gives many members the opportunity to represent their club under the able captaincy of Francisco Cervilla. The six-man teams play each others courses with the top four stableford scores counting.
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The victorious Senior League team.
Final of AESGOLF Circuit he Association of Senior Golfers in Spain held the final of their AESGOLF Circuit Trofeo Golf 56 competition on Campo Europa in November. The association is for men over 55 and women over 50 and almost 80 players took part.
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The overall winners of the Trofeo Golf 56 circuit that was played in various Costa del Sol courses during the summer were: Men’s category 1.
Handicaps (0 – 16.4), Johan Nederveen.
Men’s category 2.
Handicaps (16.5 – 36.4), Carlos Bernal Fernández.
Ladies.
Anne Smith.
The winners of the La Cala competition were: Results: Men’s category 1 1st Javier Pérez de Leza 2nd Andoni Basterrechea Palacios 3rd James Smyth
Ladies 37 points 36 points 36 points
Men’s category 2 1st Carlos Bernal Fernández 2nd Javier Serna Ullibari 3rd Luis Poggio Traveller
1st Silvia Saez López 2nd Ritva Hagglund 3rd Anne Smyth
36 points 28 points 28 points
Non-AESGOLF members 36 points 34 points 30 points
1st Dolores Paredes Chacón 2nd Brian Twigg 3rd Jorge Sojo
34 points 31 points 30 points
The regional delegate for the association in Andalucía, Edmundo Sánchez del Río, paid tribute to the organisation of the event: “The treatment we receive in La Cala Resort is extremely professional and we are very pleased to bring the event to the course. We feel the circuit will also bring more visitors to the region.” The main sponsors were the Junta de Andalucía, Turismo Andaluz and Vitania. The circuit returns to La Cala for their first tournament of 2006 that takes place on Easter Saturday, April 15th. For more information Tel. 952 669 033.
NEWSLETTER . WINTER - SPRING 2006 . 25
LA CALA NEWS
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Danske Bank play Campo Europa
Swiss BHF-Bank visit La Cala
ver 70 players took part in a very successful Danske Bank competition held on Campo Europa in December. Following a shot gun start all the competitors enjoyed an exceptional day with the organisers commenting: “There were moments when the participants stopped to enjoy the spectacular views and it was an honour to have the opportunity to take part and be allowed to play the course. The course is in great condition with spectacular tree or bunker-lined holes and excellent greens.”
he BHF Bank of Switzerland held its first golf tournament in La Cala during October with early cloudy weather giving way to glorious sunshine for the rest of the day.
Following the round there was a Swedish buffet lunch in the hotel. The organisers also commented on the magnificent resort with its wide range of facilities.
Golfers from Germany, Denmark and England made up most of the field. With handicaps ranging from 5 to 50, almost every category of player was represented. After a very pleasant round of golf, the bank invited all the participants to a buffet dinner in the club’s restaurant. The day’s best players received fantastic prizes in the awards ceremony that followed. The organisers commented that it was a very well-organised tournament and they are already looking forward to repeating the event next year. The bank opened its representative office in Mijas some time ago in order to be closer to its clients living on the Costa del Sol.
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Prize-giving in the La Cala hotel.
Elbe Weser Tournament
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Erik Moeller & John Frank.
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he final of the Elbe Weser Tournament took place in the resort at the start of November. The finalists qualified through a series of four events held in the north of Germany that were called ‘Golf & Gourmet’. Fittingly the golf was followed by a buffet in the clubhouse. Main sponsors, German realestate company, Engel & Völkers are agents of La Cala. Organiser Leonard Petersen commented: “Golfers in good spirits, a beautiful golf course, unsurpassable weather with great organisation from La Cala have made this final a memorable event for all involved.”
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LA CALA NEWS
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President’s Challenge on Campo Europa eventy delegates at the 16th Annual Congress of the PGAE - the Professional Golfers Association of Europe - took part in their President’s Challenge, a Ryder Cup style matchplay competition, on Campo Europa in early December. The association coordinates the work of the different PGAs throughout Europe with 34 member countries and 12,000 affiliated professionals. The association was delighted with the resort and the competition. According to their own web site www.pgae.com: “The PGAE were given an unforgettable treat on Day 2 when they took part in the President’s Challenge at the sumptuous and visually seductive surrounds of La Cala Resort. The annual 18-hole competition took place on the mesmerising Campo Europa which, combined with two more 18-hole course plus a pleasing par three test, completes the Costa del Sol’s most expansive and exclusive golfing getaway. Add the 5-Star La Cala Hotel and the David Leadbetter Academy, all stylishly designed and blended into the magnificent inland terrain, and La Cala is well justified in describing itself as ‘one of the most complete residential and tourist developments in Southern Europe…nestling between the Mijas mountains and the Mediterranean… with stunning views that linger long in the memory.’ ”
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Toyota European Golf Final 2005 he inaugural Toyota European Golf Final was staged at La Cala in November. The event was run by specialist golf event management company, PA Golf Associates based in the UK. Winners of Toyota golf events from countries throughout Europe qualified to play in this very special final played over the North and South courses.
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Sydkusten Trophy he 13th annual Jyske Bank/Sydkusten Trophy was held on Campo Europa in November. There were over 100 participants, with all the Nordic countries represented in the stableford competition. The Sydkusten Trophy is organised by the Swedish newspaper of the same name and takes place on seven Costa del Sol courses each year. After the highly successful event the players had lunch in Hotel La Cala. Results: Handicap 6.1 - 18.4 1st Thomas Gromer (11.9) 2nd Bo Zaine (16.3) 3rd Jan Bjorklund (18.4)
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Handicap 18.9 - 36.0 43 points 42 points 39 points
1st Ulf Krensler (21.6) 2nd Carin Olsson (19.2) 3rd Gladys D’Mello (27.2)
37 points 36 points 36 points
LA CALA NEWS
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RCI Costa del Sol Golf Challenge he eleventh RCI Costa del Sol Golf Challenge took place on the North Course in early September. RCI is a holiday provider that deals with ten million people annually. The La Cala competition was held for its affiliated clients in mainland Spain and the Canary Islands. The RCI Business Development and Planning Manager, Ángeles García-Tenorio Ortega, said she was extremely happy with the event and looked forward to bringing the competition back to La Cala Resort next year. For the second year in a row the team representing the Patronato de Turismo won the main prize. Team members: Vicente Rodríguez Trujillo, Manolo Fernández, Miguel Prieto and Jesús Calvo Vivero.
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The winning team from the Patronato de Turismo.
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Scottish Institute of Sport
he resort welcomed the Scottish Institute of Sport during January. The visit was part of the institute’s golf programme and 11 of the top juniors from the country spent a week practising in La Cala. Supported by lottery funding, the institute concentrates on nine sports and deals with the development of 16 - 18 year olds. It provides technical coaching, nutrition and psychology programmes and also has an international competition programme. One of its past pupils, Clare Queen qualified at November’s Q-school for the Ladies European Tour. The institute’s National High Performance Golf Coach is Steve McNally. He says the group chose La Cala because of its three challenging, championship courses and superb practice facilities. During their stay they conducted sports science testing on the physical demands of playing on undulating courses.
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(Back row L to R): Audrey Duncan (support staff - Strength & Conditioning), Jenna Wilson, Kylie Walker, Roseanne Niven, Krystal Caithness and Karen Young (support staff Sports Physiotherapy). (Kneeling L to R): Steve McNally, Henry Scott and Paul O´Hara.
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LA CALA NEWS
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2005 Golfing Year Ends in Style he traditional End of Year San Miguel Open Tournament held on the last day of 2005 was an outstanding success with 132 players competing in good weather on Campo Europa. With such a large number of players there was a shotgun start for this fourball stableford competition. This event was a real ‘United Nations’ of golf with representatives from: Spain, Holland, Ireland, England, Argentina, Wales, Scotland and more. Results:
1st
José Manuel González Norin & Javier Arcas Cubero
46 points
2nd
Friedrich & Caj Rainhard
42 points
3rd
Unai Arizmendi Real de Agua & Francisco Jesús Polaina Navarro
40 points
Cristobal Martín Padilla & Francisco Bravo Grau
40 points
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Competition winners with Director of Golf Alan Saunders and Events Manager Ana Nyblom.
Captains’ Day he first Saturday in October saw the biggest club day of the year when the Captains’ Day competitions were held on the North Course. There was an extremely large turnout with the course proving to be an especially tough test as it was being prepared for the Ladies Euro Qschool. The large turnout of 100 players was in no doubt due to the popularity of the two outgoing captains; Campbell McGarvie and Judi Lentelink. Even more attended the Captains’ dinner held that night in the clubhouse that included the premiere of an audio-visual spectacular charting the year in images.
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Five handicapper, Greg Bacon, capped a memorable year on the golfing front by taking the first prize, having won the
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Captains Judi Lentelink & Campbell McGarvie with the winners.
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prestigious individual championship for the Coombes’ Plate in June and later adding the club championship. The ladies winner, Jess Wilcox, also capped a fine year by taking the ladies prize. This young player has a bright future in the sport having already dropped in handicap to 11. Results:
Category I Handicap 0-14 1st Greg Bacon (5) 2nd Terry Franklin (14) rd 3 Francisco Cervilla (7) 4th John Brooks (13)
38 37 36 36
points points points points
39 38 35 35 35
points points points points points
Category II Handicap 15+ 1st Philip Shute nd 2 Merv Coombes 3rd Gerry Rippinger 4th Heimo Hupsu Ladies 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th
Jess Wilcox (11) Sylvia McGarvie (23) Ritva Hagglund (11) Liz McGuire (16) Maggie Coombes (24)
LA CALA NEWS
New Club Champions a Cala Resort’s new club champions have been decided after a fully subscribed Members Festival Week of top-class golf during October. During the week there were 558 rounds of competitive golf played, resulting in almost 54,000 shots being played.
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The highlight of the week was the individual stroke play club championships that went to Greg Bacon and Anneli Alanen. Greg capped a fine year completing the last two holes in two under for a level par 73 on the North Course. He took his second club championship by two from John Chatto on 75 with Bjorn Ljunggren third on 76. Anneli Alanen took her sixth club championship, shooting 81 to win by two from up-and-coming junior Jessica Wilcox. Lisa Magnusson was third on 85. Lisa Magnusson compensated somewhat by capturing the Club Individual Stableford Championship with 34 points. The men’s section was won by Heikki Alanen with 35 points. The Millenium Cup betterball stableford competition was won by Christer and Kirsti Makela with 48 points. Gordon Edwards and Terence Franklin were second on 45, the same score as third-placed Mervyn and Margaret Coombes. The first event of the week was a Texas Scramble won by Dianne Dew, Roger Dew, Bob Gordon and Maribel Gordon. The Gert Landin Cup was the final event. It was contested in Ryder Cup format between the Nordic Countries and the Rest of the World who were victorious over the Scandinavians by 111/2 to 91/2. Another prize awarded at the end of the week was the Mixed Knockout Trophy that was won by Greg and Caroline Bacon. A special presentation of the Roy White award was also made to Caroline Bacon for her tireless work with the Ladies League.
Men’s Club Champion, Greg Bacon, Club Captain Campbell McGarvie and u Golf Operations Manager, Pedro Batista.
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LA CALA NEWS
Goodies v Rascals he finale of the outgoing Captains’ year was the traditional Goodies v Rascals Ryder Cup style encounter with teams selected by draw from a hat. The match took place on Campo Europa in October with Judi Lentelink’s Goodies beating Campbell McGarvie’s Rascals 11-7 to take the cup. The match was played from the Captains special long tees and tapas and wine were enjoyed afterwards.
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SPECIAL PRIZES Ladies longest drive - Pam Harold. Men´s nearest the pin - Erling Jonson, who received a special prize of a magnum of Scotch whisky, made in the distillery in Scotland where Campbell’s grandfather and great-grandfather worked.
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The Goodies.
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The Rascals.
Erling Johnson accepting u his prize from Campbell McGarvie.
Madrid Golfers take on La Cala wenty members of the Ladies Golf Federation of Madrid visited La Cala for three days of competition at the end of September to compete against a ladies team from the La Cala Golf Club. The trip was a prize for the Madrid ladies who qualified through a series of tournaments held throughout the year. During their visit the ladies stayed in the La Cala hotel and held two days of competition against the local ladies team on the North and South courses and they then played Campo Europa on the third day. The competition was won by the La Cala team who used their local knowledge to gain a narrow victory.
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The President of the Federation’s Sporting Division, Paloma Enríquez, described the visit as “phenomenal” and was full of praise for the welcome accorded to her members by the La Cala ladies and officials. A qualified referee, she also expressed her delight at the decision of the Ladies European Tour to hold their qualifying school on the North Course. “It is a fine test of golf and is very important for ladies golf countrywide in Spain,” she commented. The Madrid and La Cala teams
32 . NEWSLETTER . WINTER - SPRING 2006
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LA CALA NEWS
Doubles Matchplay and Turkey Trot he current ladies captain Carol Rees and Olivia Parry retained their club doubles matchplay championship by defeating Lisa Magnusson and Kirsten Mossin in early December. The Men´s title went to Greg Bacon and Rob Wilcox who prevailed over 2006 captain Bob Gordon and John Parry.
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The prize giving was preceded by the Turkey Trot Christmas Lunch in the Los Olivos restaurant in the clubhouse. Over 70 members enjoyed the splendid three course meal and a table quiz specially designed by the Lady Captain.
The presentation of trophies took place in conjunction with the prize-giving for the annual Turkey Trot individual stableford competition. Turkey Trot Prizewinners Men
Handicap 15 - 28, Merv Coombes Handicap 0 - 14, Don Cameron
Ladies
Isabella Muller
Juniors
Oliver Wilcox
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Turkey Trot: Bob Gordon, Maggie Coombes, Don Cameron.
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Doubles KO Winners: Carol Rees & Olivia Parry with Bob Gordon.
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Turkey Trot: Mervyn Coombes, Maggie Coombes, Bob Gordon.
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Doubles KO Winners: Rob Wilcox & Greg Bacon with the captains.
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Turkey Trot: Isabella Muller, Maggie Coombes, Bob Gordon.
Ashe Tray uring November the Ashe Tray was competed for between teams of ladies and gents. With a format of betterball matchplay, the ladies were victorious by 4 to 2. This event is sponsored by Peter and Anne Ashe - long-time residents of the resort. Started in 2004 the ladies now lead by 2 - 1. The competition was followed by drinks and tapas in Los Olivos.
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Anne Ashe with the captains.
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LA CALA NEWS
DLGA 20 Club he David Leadbetter Academy has started a new club for young talented golfers interested in pursuing a career in the sport. It is intended to act as a stepping stone to the professional ranks.
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Quintin van der Berg teaching one of his promising juniors.
Twenty top players will form an exclusive group that will receive intensive daily tuition from the academy’s director and head instructor, Quintin van der Berg. The players will also have access to the ultimate in training aids being used by many top touring pros. This is a state-of-the-art 3D motion analysis simulator that will be the only one of its kind in mainland Europe. It is expected that many of the world’s top players will also use the system at the academy. In addition, the group of players will benefit from the other training systems in place at the academy as well as free range balls, free use of the par 3 course, discounted rates at the three La Cala courses and cost price merchandise. The cost of the 12 month course is €3,000. Places are limited to 20 and early booking is advisable. t
Group instruction at the academy.
Polish trip to La Cala group of 15 Polish golfers visited La Cala in January for the final day of a pro-am tournament. They played in groups with local professionals and their visit was filmed for Polish TV. The group are all interested in buying properties in the Costa del Sol and according to the organiser of the visit, Agnes Marciniak of Alias Investments, they loved La Cala and the Costa del Sol in general.
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“They love the climate here where they can play golf all year round. They also like the atmosphere and the Spanish people. This has been a very successful trip and a number have expressed their interest in returning with family or friends to look at the investment
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opportunities in more detail. A number are already planning return trips within a month.” Poland is a fast growing market for Spanish real p Competition winner, Krzysztof Gradecki. estate. Agnes Marciniak confirmed that the success of the tournament means that they will definitely hold it again next year.
LA CALA RESORT MAP
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