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Junior Masters - Top International Golf Squads return - New Course Supervisor - UNICEF Circuit - Still the Biggest Resort - Top Premiership Teams visit.
LA CALA NEWS
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SUMMER 2008
LA CALA NEWS
WELCOME
Dear Members, Residents and Guests, Next year sees the twentieth anniversary of the laying of the first stone in the resort. There are not too many golf complexes on the Costa del Sol that can boast of such a period of ownership by the same company. The promoters, FBD Holdings plc, continue to display their commitment to La Cala’s development as the premier golf resort in southern Europe with the opening of the new buggy garage and the 19th Hole terrace extension. In January the Royal Spanish Golf Federation confirmed that we are once again the biggest golf resort in Spain. Another anniversary to celebrate is that this newsletter is now ten years old. Below right, you can see the cover of issue one from 1998. It was only four pages long and its development in both size and range has mirrored that of the resort itself. Since the last newsletter we have again staged the Junior Masters and the team from Galicia retained their crown. It was nice to welcome back Azahara Muñoz, one of the rising stars of Spanish golf, to the prize-giving. Azahara was a member of the winning team from Andalucía in 2004. Now on a golf scholarship in the US, she is expected to turn professional after college and we wish her well. We have recently appointed a new Senior Course Supervisor and the changes being implemented by Enrique Díaz are already being favourably received. Following on from our successful Guinness World Record held in aid of UNICEF, that raised almost €18,000 last summer, a new UNICEF golf circuit was launched at La Cala in March. The resort will also host the final in December. Once again this summer we will host a number of big golfing events such as: the Max Clifford Celebrity Golf Challenge, the Spanish Communications Media Tournament and the La Cala & You Summer Challenge. I hope you will be able to either compete in them or drop in over the coming months for some celebrity spotting. It has been a very busy winter/spring with visits from a number of top football teams, including English Premiership sides, Sunderland and Reading. It is gratifying that, without exception, they were complimentary about both the football and general facilities available in the complex. Last but not least, a special welcome is extended to our newest residents at Monte Alto and Real Altavista who are currently receiving the keys of their new homes. The offer of golf membership when buying directly from the promoter continues as does the Privilege Card Scheme which allows owners to avail of a number of advantages at the various resort facilities. La Cala Resort Newsletter - Edition 1, 1998
Until the next edition in the autumn, I hope you enjoy your time with us.
CONTENTS: Denis Foley Managing Director La Cala Resort
Junior Masters Top international golf squads return New Course Supervisor appointed UNICEF Circuit Still the biggest resort Top football teams visit
4 5 7 8 9 31, 32, 33
18 th hole, Campo Asia.
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) 952 669 041 - Fax: (+34) 952 669 022 - 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.
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LA CALA NEWS
Galicia successfully defend the Junior Masters
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he team from Galicia defended its interregional Junior Masters title at the resort in early January. This prestigious event is held in conjunction with the Andalusian Golf Federation and the regional federations of Madrid, Valencia, Asturias, Balearics, Catalonia, Galicia, Murcia and Andalucía competed for the title. Teams are comprised of two boys and two girls, under 21-years of age. The competition was comprised of individual matches over two days. Galicia, who took the title for the first time last year, won by three shots from Catalonia, with Andalucía a further stroke back in third place. Galicia’s captain, José Luis Gómez, said they were delighted to successfully defend the title. “This competition is seen as very important and prestigious, so we are delighted to retain the trophy for another year. We played Campo Europa this year and it was very testing but in Azahara Muñoz receiving an award from La Cala’s Commercial Director, José Navas.
The Galicia team. L to R: Santiago Tarrío, Amanda Goyos, José Luis Catoira Gómez (captain), Teresa Puga & Gonzalo Guisasola.
the end we just held on. It is great to be able to come to the biggest golf complex in the country and compete in such a well-organised event. All the players see it as very important and are really keen to be selected. They also enjoy the opportunity to meet the other best players in the country during the holiday period.” The Vice-President of the Andalusian Federation, Irma Stemmann, said the competition was “marvellous” as it encouraged young players and they are the future of the sport. “As far as I am concerned, this is a very important competition. Young players are the future and it is great to see eight regions represented and such a high standard. At federation level we are delighted that La Cala is promoting competitive junior golf,” she said. The first staging of the competition in 2004 saw some of the top names in amateur golf in Spain competing. These included subsequent European Tour winners; Pablo Martín, and Álvaro Quirós. Amongst the girls who took part were Belén Mozo and Azahara Muñoz who were part of the victorious European Ping Junior Solheim Cup team in Sweden in 2003. Azahara returned to the resort for the prizegiving for this year’s event. Now on scholarship at Arizona State University in the U.S.A., she was the 2004 Girls’ British Open champion and was only beaten in the final in 2005. She also played on the Spanish team that was third in the 2006 Women’s World Amateur. Azahara says the Junior Masters is a great competition for up-and-coming players and even though golf is an individual game, it’s much more fun to play for a team than just for yourself. She added she was not surprised that the members of the 2004 Andalusian team have gone on to such acclaim, saying the standard was exceptionally high and she expected their success. Azahara has one more year in college in the U.S. and then intends to try and secure her card to play the LPGA. The high level of the players competing in the event reflects the high regard in which La Cala Resort is held in Spanish amateur golf circles. Its aim is to continue promoting competition at the highest level among promising young Spanish players with the goal of improving overall standards and cementing Spain’s position in junior golf at a European level.
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LA CALA NEWS
Top English girls return
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he leading English u-18 lady golfers and their ‘Elite’ squad both held training camps in the complex during February. The seven leading u-18 players were joined by the top four elite girls, who ranged in age from 15 to 18. The elite players are the best performers selected from four regional groups of top juniors. National u-18 coach, Pat Smillie, was joined by a performance/fitness coach and a physiotherapist. This was the third consecutive year that the girls had used La Cala for their winter training. Pat Smillie says the main advantage for her is that everything is on-site and they can walk from the hotel to the practice areas and the courses. Other national teams to have recently used La Cala include: Ireland, England, Germany and Holland, as well as various regional squads from the U.K..
The two squads with their trainers and Pat Smillie, (back left).
Noordwijkse Golf Club
Latvian girls on training break
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The club first used the resort as a training base two years ago and decided to return because of the range of courses and practice facilities. Two of the players represent their country internationally and many are planning professional careers. Team captain Wibo Roest said they were again very pleased with their stay and are already looking forward to coming back in the future.
Although golf is a growing sport in Latvia, as yet the country with two 18-hole and a nine-hole, has fewer courses than our resort, which incorporates 60 holes in total.
ne of the top ranked clubs in Europe sent their men’s first team squad to the resort on a winter training break in late January. Noordwijkse Golf Club has been consistently ranked by leading journalists and course architects as the eighth best course in Europe. The links layout is half an hour from Amsterdam. The squad members were preparing for their national championships, the Dutch premier league.
The Noordwijkse squad.
he Latvian girls’ junior team stayed and trained at our complex for almost a month this March. The top four u-18 female players in the country were preparing for the coming season and received coaching from the David Leadbetter Academy head instructor, Quintin van der Berg. Their main competition is the European Girls’ Team Championship in Scotland in July. They used all the high-tech training facilities on-site, including the TaylorMade Performance Lab. They also played the resort’s courses which they found to be more difficult than their home courses. Their visit coincided with a trip to the resort by the Latvian boys’ team.
The Latvian girls’ team on the first hole of Campo Asia.
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LA CALA NEWS
Top German coach holds training camp
O Martin Hasenbein on Campo Europa
ne of the top German golf coaches, Martin Hasenbein, brought a group of 11 players for a week-long training camp at the resort in early March. Martin is the Head of Education with the PGA of Germany and is head-coach of Golf Team Germany, an elite group of professionals
who play on various tours. The group includes Martin Kaymer and Bettina Hauert. Earlier this year Kaymer won the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship and finished second to Tiger Woods in the Dubai Desert Classic. Hauert has already won twice on the Ladies European tour. Hasenbein says the idea behind the training trip to La Cala was for the students to practice like professionals. There was individual player analysis over two days and a lot of targeted practice sessions using Trackman and Sam Lab technology. He also held theoretical courses to improve strategy and technical aspects. He said he chose La Cala because of the practice facilities and was very complimentary about the level of organisation as many of his requests for his practice sessions were unique, such as placing two pins on the greens. Although La Cala is Spain’s largest golf resort with a total of 60 holes, Hasenbein said the group didn’t play much as it was a much more practice-orientated visit.
Ana rubs shoulders with future stars
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L to R. Caroline Hedwall, Isabelle Boineau, Ana Nyblom & Carlota Ciganda.
ur golf events organiser, Ana Nyblom, recently travelled to La Reserva in Cádiz for the prestigious Queen’s Cup. One of the biggest amateur competitions in Europe, it is ranked alongside the Ladies British Amateur Open in terms of importance. There were 99 competitors after the handicap entry cut-off was set at scratch. The three lowest handicaps were Junior Solheim Cup players, Caroline Hedwall of Sweden (+5.6), Spain’s Carlota Ciganda (+5.4) and Isabelle Boineau of France (+3.8).
Suzuki choose La Cala for photo shoot
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he giant Japanese multinational Suzuki chose the resort as a key location to promote its new Swift Splash range of cars. La Cala has often been used for product launches and as a photographic location due to its stunning scenery. Photographs of the cars will feature in the new Swift catalogue to be distributed throughout the United Kingdom.
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LA CALA NEWS
The Resort appoints Senior Course Supervisor
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he resort has announced the appointment of a Senior Course Supervisor, with responsibility for all the courses. Enrique DĂaz has gained a lot of experience in the maintenance of golf courses since he qualified from university in Seville as an Agronomist in 1992. He subsequently completed a course in the design, engineering and maintenance of golf courses in Alicante. In the following 10-year period he gained experience in a number of courses including an eight month period at Sudbury Golf Club in UK as well as working in Valladolid, Tenerife, Madrid, Huelva, Menorca and Malaga.
and smoothness. In addition, fairways have been verti-drained, tees have been extended, levelled and re-sown with Rye grass, putting surfaces have been increased and certain greens have been re-turfed. A spectacular, new elevated tee on the 1st of Campo America is now open for play.
L to R: Enrique DĂaz, Alan Saunders, Director of Golf, Pedro Batista, Golf Operations Manager, on the new 1st tee of Campo America.
Enrique joined the team at La Cala in 2002 and supervised the construction of Campo Europa. To date his main responsibility has been the ongoing implementation of the Course Maintenance Programme. Enrique is now responsible for the maintenance of the three courses and all the green areas in the resort and is in charge of a team of over 40 experienced course professionals. He has set out a comprehensive maintenance and improvement plan with summer and winter programmes and a water management scheme. He has identified further improvement in the conditioning of the greens as one of his first priorities, resulting in improved speed, consistency
Final urbanisation works in complex
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he final works on the urbanisation of the resort have begun at sector C-14 and it is expected that they will be completed this autumn. The sector is to the south of the David Leadbetter Golf academy and is just before the roundabout, on the left. In total there are 44 licensed and serviced plots with an average size of 1,600 square metres. This is one of the last infrastructure projects to be completed by the main developer, FBD Holdings plc.
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LA CALA NEWS
New UNICEF Golf Circuit launched
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NICEF has launched a new golf circuit on the Costa del Sol with the aim of buying a million doses of antibiotics to help children infected with HIV/AIDS. The first event was held at La Cala at the end of March. In all there are eight competitions and the final will also be held at La Cala, on December The organising committee from UNICEF with Begoña Salas of the Patronato de Turismo (right).
L to R. The category winners, Antonio Pimentel, José Nieves & Ricardo Fernandez-Ochoa with Marisa de Miguel Calafat of UNICEF.
13th. The circuit launch was attended by the brothers and sisters of the late Olympic skiing champion, Francisco (Paco) FernándezOchoa, who passed away in 2006. Paco had offered his services as the torch bearer for the circuit when it was first proposed in 2001. The idea is that an Olympic-style torch will symbolically go from course to course, collecting money for the charity. Blanca Fernández-Ochoa described the event as a “great start” to the circuit. She added that although it was difficult to get all the Fernández-Ochoa brothers and sisters together at the same time, they were delighted to be able to assist in the launch of the circuit in memory of their brother Paco, who was himself a fine golfer. She added, “There was a great atmosphere on the day, the course is quite testing and I enjoyed the round hugely. It was my first time in La Cala Resort and the scenery and the whole area are marvellous.” Last July, when setting a Guinness World Record for the largest number of golfers to participate in one competition in one day, La Cala Resort raised almost €18,000 for UNICEF.
UNICEF also collected money through on-course competitions.
The Fernandez-Ochoa Family in action.
Over the last 60 years UNICEF has worked in 156 countries and territories in helping children to reach adolescence. It is the major provider of vaccinations in the world’s poorest countries, aids the health and nutrition of children, improves water quality, provides basic education, protects against violence and the impact of HIV/AIDS. Results: Category 1: (hcp – 12.4) 1st. Ricardo Fernández-Ochoa 36 points 2nd. Juan Manuel Fernández-Ochoa 35 points 3rd. Francisco Cervilla Rodríguez 33 points Men Category 2: (Hcps 14 up) 1st. Antonio Pimentel Jiménez 41 points 2nd. Federico Torres Suau 39 points 3rd. Heimo Kupsu 37 points
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Category 3: (hcp 24.5 – 36.4) 1st. Jose Nieves Tobosco 2nd. Felima O’ Callaghan 3rd. Pedro Gutiérrez Rodríguez
33 points 30 points 24 points
Juniors: Daniel Cameron
35 points
LA CALA NEWS
Our resort continues to be the biggest in Spain
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ur resort continues to be the largest golf resort in Spain. For the third consecutive year, the Royal Spanish Golf Federation has confirmed that La Cala, with 60 holes, is the country’s largest golf resort. In total there are now 359 golf clubs in the country, 19 more than in 2007. Andalucía, with 93 is the region with the most clubs, followed by Catalonia with 42. During the year 10 new 18-hole courses were federated as well as two 9-holes and five pitch and putt courses. The Mayor of Mijas, Antonio Sánchez, welcomed the announcement. “Mijas Town Hall is proud that the market leader and largest golf resort in the country is one of the facilities available in the municipality. We recognise the positive impact for the whole area of having such a prestigious development located here and
feel sure that La Cala Resort will continue to lead the way in promoting tourism and economic activity in the area. We are very aware that the resort is well recognised at a European level and this also has a very positive impact for Mijas and whole Costa del Sol area.” The news has also been welcomed by The Andalusian Golf Federation. “The RFGA is delighted that La Cala Resort continues as the market leader for golf resorts in the country. It shows the importance of Andalucía as a major golf destination and highlights the range of world-class facilities in the region. La Cala has not sacrificed quality for size and the standard of its courses and facilities is evidenced by the number of prestigious national and international competitions held on its three 18-hole courses.”
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Everything you desire in one location, La Cala Resort, the best location for your dream home. Monte Alto is an exclusive development of luxury townhouses located in a private community with fantastic views of our three 18-hole courses.
• Golf Membership available for our three golf courses. • Panoramic views of La Cala Resort. • Exclusive Community with private pool and landscaped gardens. • Resort Management Company offers owners complete aftersales services. • Developed by the Irish Insurance Group, FBD Holdings plc. • Designed by Architects with experience in developing Residential Golf Resorts in the USA and Europe
102 luxury two and three-bedroomed townhouses • Private gated community • Each property has a private underground garage • Air-conditioning/heating • Fully-fitted kitchens • Master bedroom/dressing room with en suite bathroom • Master bathroom with spa bath and underfloor heating • Open dining/living area with fireplace • Ample terraces and private gardens
The Property Sales Team. L to R: Elena Montes, Bernd Dellwig & Nicole Kniesel.
The La Cala Property Sales team are available 7 days a week to answer any inquiries you may have regarding the Monte Alto development. La Cala Resort also has an in-house legal team and an after-sales department that can look after all your administrative requirements.
For further information please contact: Bernd Dellwig at the Property Sales Office. property@lacala.com • www.lacala.com T. +34 952 669 027 • Fax: +34 952 669 022
A team of professionals to guarantee your new home G & J Arquitectura SL Monte Alto has been constructed with total respect for the environment. The design allows for the best views and best orientation to take advantage of the sun and light. When the number of buildings and their layout was being decided, we were very conscious of the existing architectural style of the resort but also added the latest in design features and the most modern facilities. Carlos González & Rodolfo Jacobson, G &J
MDCI Project Developers SL MDCI’s assignment in all residential projects at La Cala has been to manage, coordinate and supervise the strict fulfilment of the promoter’s targets by all parties involved in the design and development process, thus guaranteeing the delivery of a truly exceptional product. “We are proud to be part of the development of Monte Alto, our sixth project for La Cala Resort, where the quality of design, construction, lifestyle and respect for the environment have prevailed. “We have been, and continue to be, actively involved in all stages of the project – from inception to final delivery – and we are pleased to congratulate La Cala and all future owners of Monte Alto for their outstanding choice.” – Mark Lawson, MDCI Managing Director
Mark Lawson, MDCI
Ejecucion del Planeamiento SL Ejecución de Planeamiento SL (Ejecupla) is the company charged with ensuring that all the property designs related to the development conform to the various local authority regulations and meet the highest standards. It is a company with many years’ experience in urban design and planning and deals with all the administrative, legal and technical issues involved.
José García Pulido & Fernando García Jiménez, Ejecupla
The La Cala Technical Team The La Cala Technical team are responsible for the co-ordination of the project with the project managers, MDCI. Salvador and Javier are in charge of the supervision of the works and the handover of the properties to the clients. They ensure that the properties meet all the technical and quality specifications and all the requirements of the new owners.
Salvador Sánchez & Javier Berrocal, Project Co-ordinators
LA CALA NEWS
Golf Societies Challenge
T The winning team with Alan Saunders and Ana Nyblom of La Cala Resort.
he inaugural Golf Societies Challenge took place in early January with 12 teams taking part. This was the first of five such challenges to be held this year with the final being staged in November. The aim of this new event is to encourage greater cooperation
and competition between the many societies operating along the Costa del Sol. The first competition was a great success with a very positive reaction from the participants, most of whom have signalled their intention to return and compete in the remaining events. The general opinion was summed up by the President of the Marbella Ladies Golf association, Beatriz Crawford-Carse: “The organisation, the service and the event as a whole was terrific. Many thanks to all involved. It could not have been better.” This view was echoed by Bill Potts of the International Golf Society: “We thought it was a great day, very well organised to say the least. We will see you again soon.” Apart from specially engraved prizes, the winners also received vouchers for some of the resort’s facilities such as Caracala Spa and the TaylorMade Performance Lab. Any societies who wish to take part in the next challenge should contact Ana Nyblom at 952 669 047 or e-mail events@lacala.com.
zenoLINK golf swing analysis now available
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he innovative zenoLINK 3-D biomechanics application suite is now being used at the David Leadbetter Golf Academy (DLGA) in the resort.
With this exciting new technology, DLGA instructors can collect biomechanical data on golfers. The golf motion is first captured on video. The two-dimensional video is then sent to the zenoLINK processing center in the USA where it is transformed into the three-dimensional anatomical representation of the golfer performing the golf swing. The data is then accessed by the instructor in a graphical and numerical format that allows performance analysis and movement evaluation. The instructor can then recommend specific, individual training exercises to improve the golfer’s movement and performance.
The Director of Instruction at the academy, Quintin van der Berg, says the system offers much more information than is available
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with the naked eye: “The zenoLINK system offers amazing insight into the player’s movement that may not always be visible to the instructor. If you want to optimise your movement during the swing and therefore your power, speed and also accuracy, zenoLINK will analyse your current performance related to your optimum performance and the instructor can use this information in designing an improvement programme.
“With the aid of Zenolink 3D motion capture systems, researchers have been able to identify the true measurement of a good golf swing. The answer is not how close your swing looks like Ernie Els or Tiger Woods on a video camera, the answer is how efficient your swing measures compared to the best players in the world. In other words, there are a lot of ugly looking golf swings on tour, but they seem to get the job done. The question you should be asking yourself is how can I make my golf swing get the job done?”
LA CALA NEWS LA CALA NEWS
La Terraza Restaurant - fusion food with a local twist
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he new menu of fusion food in La Terraza Restaurant, recently introduced by Executive Chef David H. Del Amo, has already proved to be a big success. David, who has extensive experience in top restaurants in Spain, has decided to offer a fusion of Spanish and Oriental menus to complement the range of international dishes that has always been available.
local produce and the menu also offers a wide range of popular Mediterranean and international dishes.
David has selected the top dishes from a range of Oriental countries such as China, Thailand and Japan to produce the Asian Nights menu every Thursday. Meanwhile, Tuesday night is dedicated to Spanish Regional Dishes and features the best of the different regions of this huge and varied country. Each week a different regional cuisine is highlighted and the variety on offer both surprises and delights diners. David is from Burgos in northern Spain and has many years experience in top restaurants. These include restaurant Martin Berasategui in San Sebastian, which received three stars from the Michelin Guide and which they also rated as one of the top 30 restaurants of the world and in Barcelona’s Neichel restaurant, which has two Michelin stars. He says that Oriental food is becoming very popular now in Spain and he wishes to offer the finest dishes available to the restaurant’s patrons. The regional dishes of Spain allow him to showcase the cuisine of one of the emerging gastronomic cultures of Europe. Whenever possible he insists on using David H. Del Amo
Tuna marinated in soya and ginger with sweetcorn mousse.
Quail filled with foie sauce.
Chicken with cashew nuts, pineapple, vegetables and honey. Summer evenings at La Terraza Restaurant
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LA CALA NEWS LA CALA NEWS
Ironman Joseph takes on the Alps
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Joseph at the La Plaza urbanisation
a Plaza resident, Joseph Queis, is competing this summer in one of the toughest mountain bike races in the world. The Jeantex Bike TransAlp 2008 is a 660 km, 8 stage race across the Alps at the end of July. The longest stage of 122 kms, incorporates 3,879 metres of climbing. The total distance of climbs involved is 21,640 metres with the highest point of the race at 2,768 metres. It is a two-person race and the two always have to be less than a minute apart. Joseph is racing with a Dutch friend, Sander Lendemeir in the Masters category with a combined age of more than 80. Joseph is 64 and Sander is 28. The race starts in southern Germany and crosses through Austria and Switzerland before ending in Italy. Joseph is a retired golf professional who has owned a property in the resort since the mid 90’s. He has always liked biking and endurance events, having competed in 17 triathlons, including four
Ironman of Hawaii races, regarded as the world championship. In this a 3,900 metre swim is followed by a 180 km cycle and a 42 km marathon. Joseph’s best time for this was 9 hours, 34 minutes. He says that due to difficulties with his knee he could no longer complete the marathon and had to find another challenge. “I think this will be much tougher than the Ironman because of the elevation changes and as it lasts for eight days. It is one of the biggest races in the world and for me the attraction is the physical challenge. I like climbing as I get great satisfaction from feeling I can overcome such a mountain. There is a waiting list to enter and 600 pairs will take part.” Joseph has been training for three or four hours every day in the Mijas mountains since December. Sometimes his La Plaza neighbour Andrew Bywater joins him. Joseph says that as the training progresses he is pushing himself farther and farther. “I’m pretty confident of completing it but it is a very dangerous race with steep descents. Even in training I have had more than 15 falls. As the training continues I’m feeling better and better.”
LA CALA RESORT IS PARTNERED WITH
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Tel: (+34) 952 669 033 Fax: (+34) 952 669 034 e-mail golf@lacala.com www.lacala.com
Adrian Murphy: “I canʼt wait until next year.”
Lesley Kitching: “Itʼs my first time here and itʼs wonderful.” Jeff Rawlins: “Excellent, great value for money.” Mark Holland: “Beautiful surroundings, superb weather and organisation.”
Now you have the chance to play all three of our courses in one tournament, enjoying the superb winter weather of the Costa del Sol. Campo America, Asia and Europa present different challenges to golfers of all levels. All three courses require informed
Harri Huovila: “Itʼs a fantastic event.”
decisions from the tees and a level of course management that will test your golfing strategy. The format is stableford and the overall winner is the player with the best score over three rounds. There are also daily prizes.
FULL PROGRAMME PACKAGES: Hotel - Golf - Spa Price for Golfer: €625 + 7% VAT
Price for Companion €395 + 7% VAT
• 5 nights in shared double room with daily Breakfast Buffet • 4 Days of Golf including shared Buggy and on competition days, Picnic Bag • 4 Days Thermal Circuit/Spa Experience • Visit to Mijas village • Welcome cocktail • Lunch Buffet (including beverages) • Gala Dinner with prize-giving ceremony (including beverages) • Individual Use supplement: €165 + 7% VAT
• 5 nights in shared double room with daily Breakfast Buffet • 4 Days Thermal Circuit/Spa Experience • Nuat Namman Treatment at Caracala Spa • Visit to Mijas village • Welcome cocktail • Lunch Buffet (including beverages) • Gala Dinner with prize-giving ceremony (including beverages)
Golf Only Price for Golfer: €260 + 7% VAT includes:
Price for Companion: €150 + 7% VAT includes:
4 Days Golf and Shared Buggy, Welcome cocktail, Lunch Buffet at Clubhouse (including beverages), Gala Dinner with prizegiving ceremony (including beverages), 1 Day Thermal Circuit/Spa Experience.
Includes: Welcome cocktail, Spa Experience - 2 hours, Spa Mosaic Decleor Treatment, Gala Dinner with prize-giving ceremony (including beverages), 1 Day Thermal Circuit/Spa Experience.
Limited number of spaces available
LA CALA NEWS
Programme of Events Come and join us in La Terraza Restaurant or the 19th Hole for the best Spanish and international dishes. Alternatively, why not let us organise your special dinner or social function. We can cater for all types of events in Hotel La Cala or in our spacious clubhouse. Depending on the season, we offer our valued guests a variety of themed evenings and entertainment. MONDAYS – Management Cocktail We invite all hotel guests and resort residents to join us in the Lobby Bar or on the Andalusian Patio of the hotel.
TUESDAYS – Spanish Regional Dishes & Shish Kebab Barbecue Come and try the regional dishes from the different areas of Spain. La Terraza Restaurant €32 + VAT From June 3rd to September 16th you can also enjoy barbecued shish kebabs, specially prepared beside the hotel swimming pool. Live music from 22:00
THURSDAYS – Asian Night A great range of Asian food is on offer from Japan, China, Thailand. etc.. Experience a taste of the Orient. €28 + VAT Timbales music from 22:00
SATURDAYS – Argentinean Barbecue & Mariachis
Argentina is home to the most famous barbecues in the world. Experience a fabulous Argentinean barbecue right here on our clubhouse patio. A taste of the Pampas! Succulent Argentinean beef and other meats with special garnishes and side dishes. €32 + VAT Mariachis – Mexican music in La Terraza Restaurant from 22:00. From June 7th to September 13th. Subject to alteration.
Pon Reservations: Tel. (+34) 952 669 000
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La Cala Golf Competitions: May – December 2008
IMPORTANT SPORTING EVENTS
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
All major sporting events are broadcast live in the 19th Hole (clubhouse) or in Bar Califa (hotel). Why not come along and watch your favourite sports in comfort? We have all the major sports channels, including Setanta Sports with live coverage of the U.S. Tour.
May Football. UEFA Cup final. Manchester Football. FA Cup final Football. Champions League final Football. ROI v Serbia Tennis. French Open
June 7th – 29th 7th 12th – 15th 14th 21st 23rd – July 6th
Football. European Championship finals Rugby. New Zealand v Ireland Golf. US Open Rugby. New Zealand v England Rugby. New Zealand v England Tennis. Wimbledon
July 5th – 27th 6th 10th – 14th 17th – 20th 18th – 22nd 30th – Aug 3rd
Cycling. Tour de France Motorsport. British Grand Prix Cricket. First Test: England v S Africa Golf. Open Championship Cricket. Second Test: England v S Africa Cricket. Third Test: England v S Africa
August 7th – 10th 7th – 11th 8th – 24th 25th – Sep 7th
Golf. USPGA Cricket. Fourth Test: England v S Africa Olympic Games Tennis. US Open
September 13 – 14 19th – 21st th
th
Athletics. IAAF World Athletics Final Golf. Ryder Cup
Peugeot Challenge Cup Spain Italian Goodlife Circuit
1st 6th – 7th
Interclub Day Rhys Daniels Trust Fundraising Celebrity Classic Max Clifford Celebrity Golf Challenge Peter Stock Memorial Week TaylorMade Junior Championship (Open To All Juniors)
JUNE
JULY
4th – 6th Spanish Communications Media Tournament 12th – 13th La Cala & You Summer Challenge 20th La Cala De Mijas Feria Trophy (Open)
AUGUST
9th 16th 22nd 27th 31st
Fischer Open Golf Series Promotur Circuit Golf Societies Summer Tournament Aesgolf Summer Circuit Final Rfeg 75th Anniversary Trophy Rfeg 75th Anniversary Trophy - Seniors
OCTOBER
25th Italian Goodlife Circuit 26th Golf Societies Autumn Tournament 27th – Nov 1st XII Members Festival
NOVEMBER
23rd Xv Cudeca Cup (Open) 26th – 28th La Cala Golfworld Open (Open) 30th Golf Societies Winter Tournament
DECEMBER
6th – 9th 11th 13th 31st
III Marbella Amateur Open Asga Circuit Christmas Trophy Final Of Unicef ‘Relevo De Golf’ Circuit San Miguel End-of-Year Competition (Open)
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www.lac ala.com for the latest offers. Tel. (+34) 952 669 033
October 4th 22nd
MAY
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6th – 7th 9th – 14th 22nd
14th 17th 21st 24th 26th – June 8th
2008
League. Super League final Rugby League. World Cup final
Fax (+34) 952 669 034 E-mail: golf@lacala.com
LA CALA NEWS
Andalucía Day
O
ver 60 players competed in the annual Andalucía Day competition on February 28th. Played in beautiful sunny conditions, the best score was recorded by 7-handicapper Jason Senior with 41 points. The 18.5 handicap and over section was won by Javier Del Cubo Arroyo with 39 points off 24 handicap. The best junior was Youssef Karti. The competition was
played on Campo America and after the round the players were treated to a special range of Andalusian tapas.
Results: Category 1: to hcp 18.5 1st Jason Senior 2nd Bruno Schaefer 3rd Marcus Backman
41 points 40 points 40 points
Category 1: hcp 18.5 up 1st Javier Del Cubo Arroyo 2nd Francisco Morales Cortes 3rd Cesar Acevedo Aragones
39 points 35 points 34 points
Juniors 1st Youssef Karti 2nd Antonio Jimenez Pimentel 3rd George Twyman
48 points 44 points 39 points
L to R. Back Row: Francisco Morales, Javier Del Cubo, Isabella Muller, Bruno Schaeffer, Jason Senior. Front Row: Antonio Jimenez, Youssef Karti, George Twyman.
New arrival
Buggy garage opens
C
T
ongratulations to Quintin and Gerlinde van de Berg on the birth of their first child. Cailyn, who weighed 3.9 kg, was born on April 15th at the Costa del Sol Hospital in Marbella. Quintin is the Director and Senior Instructor at the David Leadbetter Golf Academy and Gerlinde also works in the academy’s front office. Quintin and Gerlinde met in 1997 in Johannesburg where he had started his apprenticeship at the Royal Johannesburg Golf & Country Club and she was working at the Westcliff Hotel having studied hotel management. In 2000 they moved to London where he worked at the Cranfield Golf Academy and she at the Radisson Edwardian Hotel. In 2002 the couple moved to Spain and took over the running of the academy in the resort. We wish them all the best and will keep a close eye on Cailyn’s advancement in the world of golf. Rumours that Quintin has already tested Cailyn’s performance in the TaylorMade Lab have been discounted as Quintin concedes he will have to wait until she can at least stand.
he new, covered, buggy parking building was opened at the end of April. Measuring almost 1,500 m2, it is one of the biggest garages of its kind in Europe, with sufficient internal space for over 200 buggies. The covered parking will be used for the recharging of electric buggies while there is also a 700 m2 external collection zone. The building also incorporates a workshop, vehicle washing area and machine rooms. The roof of the building will be used as a 300 m2 extension of the 19th Hole terrace area and will incorporate green areas. With 160 buggies at present, La Cala has one of the biggest buggy fleets in Europe. The cost of the development is over €1 million. Meanwhile, in course news, the redeveloped 14th hole of Campo America is now open for play. The old green and the temporary tee on the right side of the hole are being maintained as options in the event of course refurbishments. It will also be available for ‘elite’ groups who require another short game practice area. The elevated new first tee of Campo America opened in March. The artificial grass strip in play during the seeding process will also be retained as a back-up measure to protect the tee.
SUMMER 2008
17
LA CALA NEWS LA CALA NEWS
Leading Property Chief chooses La Cala
O
ne of the most important figures in
of our house here. In the middle of winter
the real estate market in the Czech
we go skiing but we intend to spend the
Republic and Slovakia has bought a
rest of those cold months in La Cala. If
townhouse in the Monte Alto development.
we were just going to come for a couple
David Krajny is the President of the REMAX
of weeks a year or for weekends we would
property
both
probably have bought an apartment but
countries. The company has 85 branches
we can run our businesses from here by
in the Czech Republic and 40 in Slovakia.
internet, so Monte Alto is ideal. You know
David and his partner, Lucie Madlova, who
you are in a house with a lot of privacy
runs a wine importation business, moved
but it is still very easy to maintain,� says
into Monte Alto in March and plan to spend
David.
sales
multinational
in
three to four months of the year there. “We
18
SUMMER 2008
are keen golfers and as the courses in the
Before joining REMAX, David spent 17
Czech Republic are normally closed over
years with the Wrigley chewing gum
the winter months, we plan to make full use
company and was Vice President of
LA CALA NEWS LA CALA NEWS
Marketing in North America and Regional
David is not overly concerned about the
M.D. in Central and Eastern Europe. He
current slowdown in the Spanish property
says they looked around a lot before
market. “People may wonder at my decision
opting for La Cala and, in particular, Monte
to buy now with the market on the Costa
Alto. “We investigated Dubai, South Africa,
del Sol being affected by global economic
Florida, etc., but in the end we chose here
conditions. However, prominent locations
because of the great location and weather,
and prominent properties will not be so
the quality of build, the range of services
affected by property market fluctuations.
available from the resort and, of course,
The weather, facilities and investment
the
explains:
opportunity will keep attracting buyers to
“Although there are a good number of
La Cala. In addition, the local authorities
homes here, many are only occupied for
are restricting new golf developments, so
a few weeks of the year. Therefore, we
current golf resorts are good investments.
have great privacy in a gated community.
I can see a big increase in interest from
In Dubai, for example, you have to
the Czech Republic, particularly as golf is
reserve golf or tables in a restaurant more
the fastest growing sport in the country.
than a week in advance. Everywhere is
As more and more courses are opening,
overcrowded. Also, there are cultural
the game is becoming accessible to the
differences to consider. South Africa has
middle classes. Many of these people will
social problems and Florida is so far away
want to play during the Czech winters and
from Europe. La Cala is a very well-known
will look at buying property in a location
resort in the Czech Republic and is one
like La Cala”.
golfing
facilities”.
Lucie
of the preferred foreign destinations for Czech golfers. We can be much more
David, who plays off 4 and Lucie, a 7-
flexible in our use of the house and we can
handicapper, may well be blazing a golfing
even drive here if we want to.”
trail from East to West.
Personal coach is famous in Czech Republic
D
avid brought his own personal golf coach to La Cala for a week’s tuition and it wasn’t just any coach either. Pavel Nic is one of the most famous names in golf in the Czech Republic. He is attached to the most prestigious clubs in the country, including Prague GC and was the national team coach from 1996 to 2002. Both his sons are professionals, one teaching and the other is on tour. Pavel will also be involved in the promotion of the resort among Czech golfers.
SUMMER 2008
19
LA CALA NEWS
Hotel Offers
Golf & Hotel Packages
3 Nights B&B & 1 Green Fee, from 5 Nights B&B & 2 Green Fees, from 7 Nights B&B & 5 Green Fees, from
€274 € 469 €745
David Leadbetter Golf Academy & Hotel Packages
3 Nights B&B and 2 days Mini School from 4 Nights B&B and 3 days Mini School from 5 Nights B&B and 4 days Mini School from 5 Nights B&B and 4 days Beginner to Winner from
€470 €639 €785 €673
Rates are per person sharing a double room with terrace. Rates include room, buffet breakfast & golf (excl. 7% VAT). Rates & David Leadbetter Golf Academy are subject to availability.
Supplement for Clubfitting Session in TaylorMade Performance Lab (2 hours session): €104 (incl. VAT)
Specially for Families During the holiday season La Cala Resort turns into the ideal location for parents, children and grandparents alike to relax and have fun.
Kidsʼ Club & Junior Programme available during summer (14th July – 22nd August, inclusive).
Family Hotel Package Valid Valid 29th June – 31st August
Leave your ʻlittle onesʼ with us, confident they are having a great time, while you are too.
Two connecting double rooms for the price of one. For only €252 per night, including buffet breakfast, excl. 7% VAT. Offer valid for families and children up to 16 years. Maximum 2 adults and 2 children.
Junior Golf Camp at the David Leadbetter Golf Academy 5 days for children between 7 & 16 years €150 per child, incl. 7% VAT.
If you stay for more than five nights you will receive 2 free green fees and a shared buggy (to be played during the stay). You will also receive 2 free vouchers for our Spa Experience/Thermal Circuit.
For further information please contact the David Leadbetter Golf Academy directly. Tel (+34) 952 669 037.
BOOK NOW AND GET A SPECIAL
10% EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT Save 10% of your selected rate when booking 90 days in advance.
Tel: 952 669 016 • Fax: 952 669 013 • hotel@lacala.com Don’t forget, you can also book online at
www.lacala.com 20
SUMMER 2008
LA CALA NEWS
Golf Offers
Green fee prices
2008
Rates include 7% VAT
Low
Medium I
Medium II
High
23 June - 31 August 02 June - 22 June 25 February – 18 May 19 May - 01 June 01 December - 31 December 01 September - 14 September 15 September - 28 September 29 September - 30 November
GREEN FEE 18 holes
€45
€57
€57
€72
BUGGY 18 holes
€21
€21
€38
€38
Medium II
High
Special golf packages Rates include 7% VAT
2008 Low
Medium I
23 June- 31 August 02 June- 22 June 25 February – 18 May 19 May - 01 June 01 December - 31 December 01 September - 14 September 15 September - 28 September 29 September - 30 November
2 Green Fees (with shared buggy) 1 Week (with shared buggy) 3 Course Pass Juniors (under 16)
€90
€114
-
-
€230
€260
-
-
-
-
€150
€180
€32
€40
€40
€40
Tel: 952 669 033 • Fax: 952 669 034 • golf@lacala.com Don’t forget, you can also book online at
www.lacala.com SUMMER 2008
21
LA CALA NEWS
Busy Easter of golf
T
he Easter weekend was one of the busiest times of the golfing year at the resort with a range of competitions for family members of all ages. Male or female, young or old; there was something for everyone. The annual AESGOLF Circuit for seniors began proceedings on Good Friday with 60 players from all over the country competing on Campo America and enjoying lunch Caracala Spa Ladies Open. Alison Kirk with La Cala staff and last year’s winner Maribel Gordon.
Ritva Hagglund (centre) with the prizewinners in the ladies category of the AESGOLF competition.
afterwards. The next day 90 players teed off in the ‘El Corte Inglés’ competition on Campo Asia. In spite of the large turnout nobody managed to play to their handicap with a score of 35 points being the best returned. Meanwhile, Easter Sunday was a real family day with the annual Parent & Child trophy on Campo Europa. Giving family members the chance to play together in the Greensomes, alternate shot format, the winning pair was an
RESULTS: AESGOLF Circuit Hcp: – 16.4 1st. J. Benito Román (4) 2nd. A. Basterrechea Palacios (12) 3rd. J.L. Ordovas Artieda (12)
39 points 36 points 36 points
Hcp: 16.4 – 26.4 1st. F.J. Serna Ullibarri 2nd. S. Olivas García 3rd. A. Stecchini Del Río
39 points 37 points 37 points
(21) (26) (26)
Ladies: 1st. R. Hagglund (12) 33 points nd 2 . L. Vallejo Quesada (25) 33 points 3rd. M.P. Valdiva Beneroso (31) 33 points
El Corte Inglés Trophy
The top two pairings in the Parent & Child Trophy.
Men: 1st. F. Gómez Berrocal 2nd. J. Vernon 3rd. T. Riggs
(17) (3) (10)
35 points 33 points 33 points
Ladies: 1st. C. Olsson 2nd. S. Robbins 3rd. A.M. Ljunggren
(14) (22) (10)
31 points 30 points 29 points
Juniors: Winner: A. Pimentel Jiménez (20) 35 points John Vernon & Carin Olsson are the La Cala Resort representatives in the area final.
Parent and Child Trophy 1st. J. Santolalla Jimenez & M. Flores Delgado 2nd. J. Galindo Maqueda & C. Galindo Carrasco 3rd. E. Granskog Pensar & A. Granskog Sierra
67 strokes 69 strokes 69 strokes
Caracala Spa Ladies Open 1st. Alison Kirk 2nd. Vivien Shute 3rd. Jenny Chesterton
22
SUMMER 2008
(25) (31) (31)
37 points 36 points 36 points
LA CALA NEWS
uncle and nephew combination. Last, but not least, the ladies had their own competition on Easter Monday and the action returned to Campo America with the Caracala Spa Ladies Open. With a great range of prizes and treatments from the luxurious spa on offer, this is an event that no lady golfer should miss. There was even a goody bag for all the players. The victor here was Alison Kirk with 37 points. Many players decided to enter a number of the competitions over the holiday period and turn the Easter weekend into a family golfing holiday. Such was the success of the idea that it is planned to repeat it next year.
Carin Olsson and Sylvia Robbins with La Cala’s Susana Garrido at the El Corte Inglés Trophy prizegiving.
St. Patrick’s Day Trophy
T
he fourth St. Patrick’s Day Trophy was held on the saint’s feast day and the Irish national holiday, March 17th. La Cala is not only Spain’s largest golf resort but it’s also Irish-owned and the trophy is one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year. There was a real Irish atmosphere to the day with many of the participants dressing up in the national colour of green. At the lunch, traditional Irish food and drink was served to the accompaniment of traditional music.
Marcus and Riitta Liisa Backman with 45 points. The runners-up were James Reid and David Gilchrist with 41, while Philip Shute and Roy Davies were third on the same score. Fittingly on the Irish national feast day, there was a draw for a break at Faithlegg House Hotel & Golf Club in Ireland. The lucky winner was Raija Alhonen.
The winners, Marcus and Riitta Liisa Backman with La Cala Golf Operations Manager, Pedro Batista and club captain, Brian Gray.
Played on Campo Europa, the format was better-ball stableford and the winners were Results: 1st Marcus & Riitta Liisa Backman 2nd James Reid & David Gilchrist 3rd Philip Shute & Roy Davies 4th Heikki & Anneli Alanen 5th Brian & Joy Garvey
45 points 41 points 41 points 39 points 39 points
Nearest-the-Shamrock: Dieter Kopsch: Stay at Faithlegg House Hotel & Golf Club: Raija Alhonen Best dressed: Tony Robinson
SUMMER 2008
23
TWO-BEDROOM APARTMENTS OVERLOOKING THE RESORT TOWARDS THE MEDITERRANEAN
Sales Price: Build Approx: Bedrooms: Bathrooms: Pool: • Marble floors throughout except kitchen • Hot/Cold air-conditioning • Fully-fitted kitchen • Built-in wardrobes
From: €279,000 to €289,000 144 m + parking and storeroom 2 2 (1 en suite) Communal pool and garden areas 2
• Walk-in wardrobe main bedroom • Video porter entry • Shutters in all bedrooms • Stunning views to the Mediterranean
• Underground private parking • Private storeroom • Fully furnished
TWO-BEDROOM TOWNHOUSE ALONGSIDE COMMUNAL POOL WITH VIEWS OF THE 18th FAIRWAY AND GREEN OF CAMPO AMERICA.
Sales Price: Build Approx: Bedrooms: Bathrooms: Pool: • Marble floors throughout except kitchen • Hot/Cold air-conditioning • Open fireplace • Fully-fitted kitchen
• Built-in wardrobes • Video porter entry system • Private roof terrace • East/West facing
€360,000 134 m living area plus porches, terraces and patio 2 2 en suite + 1 guest toilet Communal pool and green areas 2
• Private car port • Walking distance to clubhouse • Gated community • Private Garden
TWO THREE-BEDROOM TOWNHOUSES WEST-FACING WITH VIEWS OVER THE 17TH & 18TH HOLES OF CAMPO ASIA
Sales Price: Build Approx: Bedrooms: Bathrooms: Pool: • Marble floors throughout except kitchen • Hot/Cold air-conditioning • Underfloor heating in both master bathrooms • Electric shutters in main rooms • Open fireplace
• Fully-fitted kitchen • Built-in wardrobes • Video porter entry system • Views to golf course • East/West facing
From €525,000 to €595,000 246 m2 + 112 m2 de porches and terraces 3 3 (1 en suite) Communal pool and green areas • Private garage and storeroom • Walking distance to clubhouse • Gated community • Private urbanisation of just 22 townhouses and 10 semi-detached villas
THREE-BEDROOM SEMI-DETACHED FRONT-LINE VILLA WITH VIEWS OF CAMPO ASIA
Sales Price: Build Approx: Bedrooms: Bathrooms: Pool: • Marble floors throughout except kitchen • Hot/Cold air-conditioning • Open fireplace • Fully-fitted kitchen • Built-in wardrobes
• Video porter entry system • Alarm system installed • Electric Shutters • East/West facing
€450,000 219 m plus private garden and car port 3 3 Communal pool and gardens 2
• Private car port • Walking distance to clubhouse • Gated community • Private garden
FOUR-BEDROOM DETACHED SOUTH-WEST FACING VILLA WITH VIEWS OF CAMPO ASIA
Sales Price: Plot size: Build Approx: Bedrooms: Bathrooms: Pool: • Air-conditioning • Jacuzzi in master bathroom • Shutters in all bedrooms
• Pre-installation for alarm • Gress floor tiling
€795,000 501 m2 180 m2 plus private garden, car port & terraces 3 2 Private pool and gardens • Built-in wardrobes • Open fireplace
FOUR-BEDROOM DETACHED FRONT-LINE GOLF VILLA WITH VIEWS OF CAMPO ASIA
Sales Price: Plot size: Build Approx: Bedrooms: Bathrooms: Pool: • Air-conditioning • Jacuzzi in master bathroom • Fully installed alarm system • Gress floor tiling
€1,200,000 817m2 367m2 plus private garden and terraces 4 4 en suite & guest toilet Private pool, gardens and double garage
• Built-in wardrobes • Wine cellar • Open fireplace • Double garage • Fully-fitted American kitchen with all • Very private location towards the 12th green appliances of Campo Asia
LA CALA NEWS
First La Cala & You competition is big success
T
he first golf competition held for members of La Cala Resort’s affinity programme took place in late February with almost 80 players competing. The day’s best score was returned by Dioniso Martin Castellano with 44 stableford points. Dioniso is also a member of the David Leadbetter Golf Academy in the complex.
The La Cala & You programme was initiated in 2007. It is open to anyone over 18 who completes an application form in the resort. The programme offers a range of benefits to its members, including significant discounts on hotel & golf packages, six free buggies a year and restaurant discounts. More information is available at www.lacala.com. The next La Cala & You competition will be held on July 12th and 13th. Called the ‘Summer Challenge’, this is a better-ball stableford played over two days with an additional practice day. Results: Hcp: 1 – 18 1st Roberto Rivas Murray 37 points 2nd Antonio Cecilla Donoso 33 points 3rd Pierre Rene Ruebens 32 points Hcp: 18 + 1st Dionisio Martín Castellano 44 points 2nd María Victoria Gaspar Fernández 40 points 3rd Ove Sovik 37 points
Dioniso Martin Castellano with Ana Nyblom & Andrés Báez of La Cala Resort.
VII Property Agencies Golf Challenge
S
eventy property professionals competed in the VII Property Agencies Golf Challenge at the resort in March. Played on Campo Europa, the best score was from Andrew George, playing off 20, who matched his handicap with 36 stableford points. Speaking at the presentation of prizes, La Cala’s Managing Director, Denis Foley, outlined an analysis of the current property situation according to information received from an international Madrid-based valuation company. He revealed that the company expects that the recovery of the property market will begin in the coastal regions, as overseas buyers are
not so dependant on bank financing and that integrated golf resorts will lead the way. Denis Foley concluded: “It is satisfying to know that La Cala continues to be in a good position for the future. At the moment a major redevelopment of the clubhouse area is underway to provide an enlarged terrace above an underground garage for the resort’s 160 buggies. In addition, significant improvements have been made to the courses that have included reseeding, the enlargement of greens and construction of new tees.” One of the major advantages for potential buyers in choosing a new property at La Cala is there are no joining-fees to become members of the golf club with access to three 18-hole courses. At present, the complex is offering luxury townhouses and apartments from €380,000.
Results: The top three prize-winners. L to R: George Thomson, Rocío Martín Aguilar & Andrew George.
26
SUMMER 2008
1st Andrew George (T5 Estates) 36 points 2nd Rocío Martin Aguilar (Sol Marbella) 35 points 3rd George Thomson (Viva Estates) 34 points 4th Graham Matthews (Viva Estates) 33 points 5th Domingo Cordero Molina (Sol Marbella) 33 points
LA CALA NEWS
Norwegian Church raises €9,500
T
he Norwegian Seamen’s Church in Calahonda has raised €9,500 through a fundraising golf competition at the resort in early February. The money will be used for the church’s youth groups. Eighty golfers entered the competition, played on Campo Asia. The event was won by La Cala’s first Norwegian captain, Erling Johnsen, who used his local knowledge to play one shot better than his 18 handicap, giving him a two stroke victory over last year’s winner, Odd Enoksen. Competition organiser Inger Hanche: “It was a very successful day and everything was perfect. We had many more players than last year and 120 people attended the lunch. Everybody is talking about how well La Cala organised the event and we also got great support from our sponsors, volunteers and of course, all the players. We gave out prizes worth approximately €4,000.” The Norwegian Seamen’s Church is an international network of social meeting places that Norwegians can call “home”.
Results: (Individual stableford) Men: 1st Erling Johnsen 2nd Odd Enoksen 3rd E. V. Pettersen Ladies: 1st Wencke Waage 2nd Trine Elusaas 3rd Gunn Overgaard
L to R: Erling Johnsen, Inger Hanche, organiser, and Steinar Lindvig (Norwegian Church).
(18) (18) (5)
37 points 35 points 34 points
(36) (34) (27)
35 points 34 points 33 points
San Miguel Trophy
T
he eighth San Miguel trophy was held on New Year’s Eve. This Open Fourball is one of the most popular competitions of the year with almost 130 players taking part in the stableford event, held on Campo Asia. The last day of the year saw brilliant sunshine and conditions more in keeping with northern European summers. After an eagerly contested competition, the high scores reflected the large entry and the good scoring conditions. The regional marketing manager for San Miguel, Miguel de Hoyos, said the competition presents a unique opportunity for the company: “We have been involved in the promotion of golf for a number of years. It is a sport that shares common values with our company and our brand: the drive to improve day-by-day, great enthusiasm and the search for perfection. In addition, staging the event at La Cala Resort brings added value as it is one of the finest resorts on the Costa del Sol. The close relationship between San Miguel and Andalucía is not accidental. One of our production centres is in Málaga city. We feel particularly linked to the city and its environs and are therefore pleased to be able to contribute to the cultural and sporting
development of the area.” After the completion of the competition there was a cocktail and tapas in Los Olivos before the revellers left to prepare for the New Year celebrations.
Gonzalo & Jorge Zubieta with José Navas & Ana Nyblom of La Cala.
Results: 1st Gonzalo Zubieta (19) & Jorge Zubieta (4) 2nd Antonio González (21) & José Luis García (13) 3rd Cristobal Rodríguez (14) & José Díaz (9)
41 points 41 points 40 points
SUMMER 2008
27
LA CALA NEWS
Burns Night
A
Burns supper is a celebration of the life and poetry of the poet Robert Burns, author of many Scots poems including ‘Auld Lang Syne,’ generally sung at New Year celebrations around the world. The suppers are normally held on or near the poet’s birthday, January 25, known as Burns night. It is becoming a bit of a La Cala tradition given the number of kilt owners in the resort. So if someone calls out “fair fa yer honest sonsie face” and you don’t know what they are on about, you might consider yourself lucky or be inspired to reserve a place for next year’s celebration. You never know, you might even share a dram with Tam O’ Shanter himself, before Mrs O’ Shanter catches up with him. Well-known Scots, Campbell McGarvie and Iain Macaulay raise their glasses to Robbie!
The Mulligan
La Cala 2008
L
T
ast November we launched a monthly bulletin informing residents and members of all the happenings and developments at the resort. It’s called The Mulligan because of some of our members’ attachment to the term. The idea is that residents can keep in touch with what’s going on in the complex and the members can see who’s winning the weekly competitions and whose handicaps need attention. They can also plan their own golfing schedule by checking on the upcoming club and open competitions. Printed copies are available monthly in the 19th Hole and past copies can be accessed at www.lacala.com.
28
SUMMER 2008
his group of 24 players came from The Netherlands for a three-day trip in April. They are staff and customers of Rabobank from the Lopikerwaard district. They stayed in Hotel La Cala and played Campo Asia and Campo America. They made a great effort to mark their first ever trip to the resort with their unique t-shirts, which certainly drew a few glances. A bank spokesman said the feedback from the customers was 100% positive and the bank plans a number of similar trips to the resort in the future.
LA CALA NEWS
Madrid Federation renews agreement
T
he Federation of Golf of Madrid and La Cala this spring launched a new competition based at the federation’s technical centre in Madrid. Called the La Cala Resort Circuit, the two best scores from each of five qualifying events will be invited to contest the final in the resort at the end of August, when they will also stay in Hotel La Cala. Over 400 players have already entered the qualifiers. In conjunction with the final there will be a competition open to all members of the Madrid Federation played on the same day on the same course. The April qualifier was won by Juan Carlos Gómez (right).
Engineering group choose La Cala for business seminar
H
alma, one of the world’s top engineering groups specialising in products for safety and improving life quality, held a two-day seminar on strategy and implementation for the MDs of their subsidiary companies at the resort in January. One of the main purposes of the seminar was to identify future leaders for the business and Divisional Chief Executive Nigel Young says it is very important to get people off-site and La Cala is a great location, being easy to get to and very cost-effective. “This is an opportunity to relax and enjoy the
marvellous facilities here at the resort. It works out very cost-effective for us, compared to the U.K, even taking flights into account. We held sales conferences here on four previous occasions and it really is perfect for us. I am sure we will be back again.” Halma, based in the U.K., had sales of over €500 million last year and employs more than 3,000 people. It operates in mainland Europe, the U.S., the Middle and Far East.
Health Managers meet in resort
O
ver 50 managers from the Costa del Sol district of the Andalusian Health Service attended a seminar in the resort in early February to outline the objectives for the coming year and to plan the programme for the managers. This was the first time the annual seminar was held at La Cala and a spokesperson said they chose the resort as it was centrally located for the delegates and also offered a tranquil location that is ideal for concentrating on business objectives. The seminar was also addressed by the well-known Spanish TV journalist Joaquín Arozamena, who is now a professional in delivering training programmes. The delegates stayed in Hotel La Cala during the two-day meeting. The district contains 12 health centres from Torremolinos to Estepona. Almost 1,000 staff are employed serving approximately 500,000 people.
SUMMER 2008
29
REAL ALTAVISTA GOLF IS AN EXCLUSIVE PROJECT OF LUXURY APARTMENTS, LOCATED IN A NATURAL RETREAT WITH BREATHTAKING VIEWS OF OUR 3 GOLF COURSES. • Panoramic views of La Cala Resort • Golf Membership available • Exclusive Community with private pool and landscaped gardens • Resort Management Company offers complete after - sales services
• 2 and 3 bedroom luxurious frontline golf apartments with high standard quality fi ttings. • 2 Bedroom 148m2 plus private garage and storeroom • 3 Bedroom 190m2 plus private garage and storeroom
LA CALA NEWS LA CALA NEWS
Football teams train at the resort Sunderland AFC
T
he resort has been used as a training base by top clubs from eight countries this winter, including: Sunderland AFC, Reading FC and Peterborough United (England), Sevilla (Spain), Dynamo Moscow (Russia), Borussia Monchengladbach (Germany), BSC Young Boys (Switzerland), Heracles Almelo (Holland), Bohemians FC (Ireland) and FC Fyn Odense (Denmark). Apart from the range of training facilities on offer, the teams are also attracted by the exclusive use of the football pitch, which allows them to tailor their training programmes to their specifi c needs.
Portugal and that worked well in terms of the shape and state of mind we came back in. A change of scenery is always good. Sometimes it is diffi cult to work on certain things on the training pitch because of the weather conditions. “It is nice to have better conditions, to get a break from things, to recharge the batteries and also to get the players away together – and the staff as well, because they deserve a break too.”
Group of Sunderland players on the 1st tee of Campo America. L to R: Craig Gordon, Dean Whitehead, Dwight Yorke, Michael Chopra & Jonny Evans.
Sunderland’s manager, the ex-Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane, said the purpose of the training camp was to freshen up his squad for the run-in to the end to the campaign. “The fact is it’s a training camp. We are training in a proper footballing set-up. Essentially, it’s just a change of scenery. I know weather conditions in the UK have not been great and our training pitches just seem to take the brunt of it. “It is nice for the lads to get out into a decent environment, like we’ve done before. I think last season we went to
Reading FC
E
nglish Premiership side, Reading FC, spent four days training in the complex in early March. This was Reading’s first visit to the complex under manager Steve Coppell, the ex-Manchester United and England winger. He described the La Cala facilities as “fantastic” and was pleased that the visit coincided with severe weather conditions in the U.K.. The Reading side contains three Irish internationals: Shane Long, Kevin Doyle and Stephen Hunt and former Chelsea and Leeds United defender Michael Duberry as well as highly-rated striker Dave Kitson. Stephen Hunt & Kevin Doyle at Hotel La Cala.
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Dynamo Moscow
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or the third time in the last four years, one of the most famous names in club football, Dynamo Moscow, spent two weeks in a winter training camp at the resort. The internationally recognised side spent the first two weeks of February at the complex before the resumption of their domestic championship.
Dynamo Moscow v IFK Goteborg.
Dynamo are one of the most famous Russian clubs and the current squad includes players from seven countries. In 1972, for the only time
in the history of Russian football, they made it to the final of the European Cup Winners Cup but lost to Glasgow Rangers in Barcelona. A club spokesman said: “We have returned for the third time because of the quality of the facilities and the exclusivity provided. We are the only football team using the pitch and the only team staying in the resort. This is very important for us as it gives us great privacy and also flexibility. In addition, we are treated very well here and the staff are more than willing to help us in any way. It is great to get the chance of warm-weather training at this time of year. The players have been very impressed with Caracala Spa in the hotel.” During their stay, Dynamo played at La Cala against Polish and Ukrainian opposition before their final match against top Swedish side IFK Göteborg, the only Scandinavian team to have won a European cup competition. They won the UEFA Cup in 1982 and 1987. The match with Dynamo finished 1-1.
Bohemians FC
I The Bohemians FC squad
rish side Bohemians FC spent a week at the resort this February in preparation for the Irish season that began in early March. This was the first visit of the club to La Cala
and new manager Pat Fenlon said it gave him the opportunity to get to know his players and for them to gel as a squad. Fenlon was appointed on December 22nd last year and he may have access to unprecedented funds as in 2006 the club’s members decided to sell their Dublin ground, Dalymount Park, for development in a €60 million deal, which includes the provision of a new 10,000 seater stadium. One of the top sides in Ireland, the current squad includes international forward Glen Crowe who has twice played for the Irish team.
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Borussia Mönchengladbach play Young Boys
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wo of the bigger names in European club football, Germany’s Borussia Mönchengladbach and Young Boys of Berne, Switzerland played a friendly in the complex at the end of January. Both teams were in Spain on warm-weather training breaks. Mönchengladbach brought over 200 supporters who had travelled from Germany just to see the team in training. Although, now in the second division, Mönchengladbach is the fourth largest club in Germany and lost the 1977 final of the European Cup to Liverpool, but also made four appearances in the UEFA Cup with wins in 1975 and 1979 against losses in 1973 and 1980. Their director of football is Christian Ziegle, who played for Bayern Munich, AC Milan, Liverpool and Tottenham and the squad includes German international Oliver Neuville. In terms of progress in European club competitions, no other Swiss club got further than Young Boys did, when they reached the 1959 European Cup semi final.
Borussia Mönchengladbach in action against Young Boys
Danish side beat Mijas CD to win inaugural Mijas Cup
Heracles Almelo
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O
D Mijas lost out to FC Fyn Odense of Denmark in a challenge match for the inaugural Mijas Cup at the football pitch on Andalucía Day. The cup was sponsored by Mijas Town Hall and the Danish side ran out 3-0 winners. Just as the Mijas Cup is contested at the Mijas Hippodrome on Andalucia Day, it is hoped that the Mijas Cup in football will also become an annual event at La Cala Resort. FC Fyn Odense were staying in the complex on a week-long training break. It was their first visit to the resort.
The Odense captain, Morten Panduao, with the Mijas Cup.
ne of the top Dutch football sides, Heracles Almelo, were here for a week at the start of January. The club has won their national title twice and is very cosmopolitan, with 12 countries represented in the squad. Manager Guus van Lenthe was extremely pleased with the training break. “Everything was great for us at La Cala. The pitch was ‘beautiful’ and the food and rooms were also excellent. We had a very good training camp and are now looking forward with renewed vigour to the rest of the season. This is just what we needed at this time of year and we had nothing but fine weather during our stay.”
Heracles Almelo
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LA CALA NEWS
Caracala Spa – your new club in the resort
“I L to R. Alan, Wendy, Tania & Feri.
regularly come here to relax in the lounge area or on the terraces and read the newspapers. They even provide us with a selection of dailies in English. My father was here last week and he said he was never as pampered in his whole life, so it’s great for older people too.”
t’s the best thing we’ve done in the four years we’ve been here at La Cala,” says Feri Deacon of his decision to take out membership in Caracala Spa for himself and his wife, Tania. He says, “We use the spa three or four times a week. We love the pool, jacuzzi and the Rasul. It’s so nice to come over and have a swim and get warm. It’s just so relaxing.” Tania adds, “We
Membership of Caracala Spa is really taking off and Feri and Tania are just one couple in a group of people who decided to join in January. They live in Colinas del Golf and their near neighbours, Alan Jewett and Wendy Warren also joined at the same time. Wendy says it’s great to have an indoor swimming pool and that the atmosphere is very inviting. “The staff are really friendly and very nice. It’s also great for an invigorating massage. Sometimes we come with Feri and Tania and also with other couples in groups, or individually. We use the spa at least twice a week and are delighted we joined.” Both couples also say they make full use of the other facilities that come with spa membership, such as the gymnasium and the floodlit tennis courts. To find out more about membership, call: 952 669 010.
SPA MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE If you like our spa (and we know you will), why not apply for membership? Membership is available on a weekly, monthly, four monthly or annual basis. Membership offers you extra benefits at the spa and gymnasium in addition to great discounts throughout the resort. Weekly membership is €120 with a full year’s subscription only €950. Owners and golf club members have preferential rates.
Benefits included in the membership programme: • Access to the Spa Experience, Hydrotherapy Pool and Exercise Pools for up to 3 hours each day. • Access to the gymnasium at the clubhouse. • Access to professional skin-care advice. • Use of private lockers, complimentary towels and robes. • Discounts on hotel prices, tennis courts and in the bars and restaurants.
Caracala Spa: The Costa del Sol’s finest indoor/outdoor spa facility • Spa Experience/Thermal Suite • Treatments: Spa Packages, Body Treatments, Hair & Beauty Treatments, Special Treatments for Men
• Product Range: Decleor & Ytsara • Membership & Gift Vouchers • Open 10:00 to 20:00 • Located in Hotel La Cala
Contact us: Tel: 952 669 010 Fax: 952 669 042
spa@lacala.com www.lacala.com
HOTEL & SPA PACKAGES 2008
SPECIALLY FOR GOLFERS
HOTEL & SPA PACKAGES 2 Nights B&B and Energy Booster, from €251 pp + 7% VAT 3 Nights B&B and a Beauty Break, from €316 pp + 7% VAT 5 Nights B&B and a Tranquillity Escape, from €532 pp + 7% VAT 7 Nights B&B and a 3 day Destress and Pamper Programme, from €824 pp + 7% VAT
Golfers Revival €60 pp incl. VAT Spa Experience, Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage, Selected Herbal Infusion.
10% Discount when you book 90 days in advance Don’t forget, you can also book online at
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Spa Experience (2 Hours) €30 pp incl. VAT The Thermal Suite which includes: Hammam, Herbal Steam Room, Garden Crystal Sauna, Experience Showers, Igloo, Kneipp Foot Baths, Tepidarium with heated seats and Relaxation Room. The Indoor and Outdoor Hydropools plus Sun Deck. The Indoor Exercise Pool. Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage (25 mins.) A localised treatment for commonly tense areas.
€35 pp incl. VAT
Tel: 952 669 016 • Fax: 952 669 013 hotel@lacala.com
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LA CALA NEWS
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