News For Golf Holidays Spain

MILLFIELD’S GOLFING PUPILS PRAISE WARM WEATHER TRAINING
AT DESERT SPRINGS IN SPAIN

Pictured at Desert Springs in Spain are Millfield’s golfing pupils with coaches (left to right) Stuart Wells, Karen Nicholls and Phil Cookson.

“The golf course at Desert Springs in Spain is tricky but very good for your golf!”  That is the verdict of 16-year-old Daisy-May Kenny, one of 14 pupils from Millfield, the independent school in Street, Somerset, who have returned from their first visit to the resort to develop their individual golfing skills.

Pictured in action at Desert Springs in Spain is 16-year-old Daisy-May Kenny, a pupil of Millfield which has named the resort as the official Spanish home for its golf academy.

The school, which last year named the Desert Springs Resort and Golf Club in the Almeria region of south-east Spain as the official Spanish home for its golf academy, sent three staff with ten boys and four girls aged between 13 and 18 for four days of warm weather winter training in the resort while experiencing a golf course which offers a challenge to players at all levels.
 
During their stay at Desert Springs, the Millfield pupils played on its 18-hole Indiana golf course designed by former Great Britain and Ireland Golf Captain Peter McEvoy. They  also benefited  from one-to-one tuition in the resort’s golf academy which, according to sixth-former Nic Elliott (17), has “a great driving range and a very nice putting green – but the chipping and bunker facility was the best.”
 
The visit ended with a competition to win the Millfield Desert Springs Championship. Nic Elliott took the title followed closely by Ben Taylor (17) and Lewis Casserley (15).
 
The junior boys’ winner was Lewis Casserley and the girls’ winner was Sophie Keech (13) who returned a level par for the nine holes played.
 
Millfield’s director of golf, Karen Nicholls, said: “All the pupils enjoyed the experience of Desert Springs – not just playing the challenging Indiana golf course, but having the chance to work on all areas of their games on the excellent practice facilities. All are looking forward to the next trip to the Millfield Spanish home of golf!”
 
Desert Springs Golf Academy director Christine Langford, a former Ladies European Tour player and leading golf coach, added: “We were delighted to welcome the Millfield Golf Academy to Desert Springs. I am very excited about the prospect of further developing our relationship with the players, families and staff at Millfield, and to hosting many other such training camps from the school.”

The golf academy practice grounds at Desert Springs which are being used by Millfield’s pupils for winter training in warm weather to develop their individual golfing skills.

Additional information about golf at Millfield and  warm weather winter training camps at Desert Springs:

Golf at Millfield

Widely recognised as a school with one of the most extensive range of sporting facilities in Britain – including the use of two 18-hole golf courses and a driving range – Millfield established its golf academy in 1998. Today it is used by 35 pupils, a number which rises during the summer term. They include three England internationals – two boys and a girl.
 
Pupils are taught by the two PGA golf professionals employed by Millfield. They are its director of golf, Karen Nicholls, and Stuart Wells.
 
Says Karen: “The unique golf programme we offer at Millfield covers all aspects of the game including technical training, fitness, golf psychology, competitive golf, on course observation and analysis. Our excellent on-site facilities give the pupils the scope to practice all aspects of their game every day of the school year.”
 
Karen, who with the master in charge of golf, Phil Cookson, initiated the arrangement for a Spanish home for the golf academy, says that they chose Desert Springs because it offers the opportunity for all pupils to benefit from warm weather coaching using quality short game, long game facilities and a challenging golf course to improve their games.
 
Commenting on the importance and value of golf in schools, and the benefits it brings to the education of pupils, Millfield’s headmaster Craig Considine said: “Golf is a signature sport at Millfield. It provides challenges for our most able and a ‘life skill’ for those who wish to play recreationally. The self discipline and self regulation required for success on the golf course provides a model of behaviour that underpins success in all facets of life.”

For pupils in Millfield’s golf academy, golf lessons are fitted into their timetables and they have the opportunity to play local golf courses twice a week. They compete against some of the country’s top golf clubs including Woburn, Walton Heath, East Devon, Woodbury, Long Ashton and Saunton.
 
Millfield has chalked up an enviable record of successes during recent inter-school tournaments, including winning the ISGA Home International, HMC Foursomes,
World Schools Team and ISGA Schools Matchplay 2007/2008 competitions. The school also won the World Schools Individual Girls Tournament and was runner-up in the Individual Boys’ competition.
 
Alumni who started playing golf at Millfield and now are big names on the international golf circuit include Brian Barnes, Martin Gregson, Ruth Barry, Pip Barry, Garth McGimpsey, Michael King, Mark Mouland, Alex Marshall, Ben Evans and Luke Collins. 

Warm weather winter training camps at Desert Springs

Desert Springs, Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort and championship desert golf course, is proving to be one of the most popular destinations for warm weather winter training camps among the growing number of schools with their own golf academies and teams, currently estimated at around 90 in the UK. In addition to Millfield pupils, visiting groups have included golfing pupils from Reading Blue Coat School at Sonning-on-Thames, King Edward’s School in Bath and Loretto School at Musselburgh near Edinburgh.
 
All school golf trips to Desert Springs are bespoke. If desired, the programme can include time away from the golf course for some local sightseeing in what many regard as ‘the real Spain.’
 
During their stay pupils have opportunities to swim, play tennis and use the gymnasium, trim trail, jogging tracks, paddle tennis and beach volley ball courts.
 
Desert Springs is easy to reach from the UK, thanks to three international airports. They are: Almeria Airport, around 40 minutes away by road; Murcia Airport, 80 minutes by car, and Alicante Airport which is a drive of less than two hours. Airlines currently flying to the region from the UK include easyJet, Monarch, Ryanair, Jet2, Jetair Fly and Thomas Cook.
 
Already well-known as a resort specialising in family holidays, Desert Springs is gaining popularity as a centre for warm-weather training for cricketers and footballers, as well as golfers.
 
Accommodation is provided be in the apartments and villas available for holidays and short breaks at Desert Springs. Meals are served in the resort’s Croc Restaurant, part of the family-friendly Crocodile Club which is geared up for a wide variety of leisure activities.
 
A spokesman for Desert Springs said that, depending on the size of the group and its requirements, the total cost of a four-day trip for warm weather training, including flights, would work out at between £350 and £400 per person.
 

For details of training camps, sporting breaks – including three-day tuition packages with a professional, some including health and beauty treatments in the Day Spa – and family holidays contact: The Almanzora Group
E-mail: tag@almanzora.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 1242 680 299

Lady golfers Heather Patterson and Louise Gaw – both members of Edenwood Golf Club in Northern Ireland – have won this year’s grand final of the Golf 4 Women Salver at Desert Springs, Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort and championship desert golf course in the Almanzora region of Almeria in south-east Spain.

This is the first year that players from Northern Ireland have competed in the annual Salver competition, its ninth year.

Runners-up were last year’s champions Linda Bowden and Viv Monument from Bowood Golf and Country Club in Wiltshire.

The tournament was played in American Greensome format. The winning score was 39 points and the runners-up scored 37.

The event was run in conjunction with the Douglas Bader Foundation. The charity, set up in memory of the limbless wartime flying ace to assist disabled people, celebrated its silver jubilee last year.

More than £20,000 was raised for the charity by this year’s Golf 4 Women Salver which was a year-long event involving more than 3,000 women golfers from over 300 clubs throughout the UK.

Each club held a qualifying tournament on its own golf course, producing two winners who qualified for one of 11 regional finals. The winners of each regional final, together with last year’s champions, qualified for the grand final at Desert Springs.

Pictured at Desert Springs in Spain are competitors in the grand final of the Golf 4 Women Salver run in conjunction with the Douglas Bader Foundation.

The 24 players who enjoyed an all-expenses-paid four-night stay at Desert Springs played two practice rounds prior to the final round.

The Desert Springs Golf Academy director and ladies golf coordinator Christine Langford, who hosted the final and regional events, has successfully pioneered    Golf 4 Women in a bid to encourage more women to take up the sport.

The Desert Springs Golf Academy director and ladies golf coordinator Christine Langford (centre) is pictured with the winners of the Golf 4 Women Salver, Heather Patterson (left) and Louise Gaw from Northern Ireland.

Christine, a former Ladies European Tour player and leading golf coach, organises golfing holidays specifically tailored to the interests of lady players at Desert Springs. Also available are three-day tuition packages, with lessons by a professional in the Desert Springs Golf Academy, as well as three- and seven-day breaks. Some include health and beauty treatments in the Day Spa at Desert Springs.

For further information contact: The Almanzora Group
E-mail: tag@almanzora.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 1242 680 299

Millfield, the independent school in Street, Somerset, has named the Desert Springs Resort and Golf Club in the Almeria region of south-east Spain as the official Spanish home for its golf academy.
 
Next month (December) 15 pupils – 11 boys and four girls aged between 13 and 18 – will be the first to make a four-day visit to the resort to develop their individual golfing skills in warm weather while experiencing a golf course which offers a challenge to players at all levels.
 
Widely recognised as a school with one of the most extensive range of sporting facilities in Britain – including two 18-hole golf courses and a driving range – Millfield established its golf academy in 1998. Today it is used by 35 pupils, a number which rises during the summer term. They include three England internationals – two boys and a girl.

Pupils are taught by the two PGA golf professionals employed by Millfield. They are its director of golf, Karen Nicholls, and Stuart Wells.

Says Karen: “The unique golf programme we offer at Millfield covers all aspects of the game including technical training, fitness, golf psychology, competitive golf, on course observation and analysis. Our excellent on-site facilities give the pupils the scope to practice all aspects of their game every day of the school year.”

Karen, who with the master in charge of golf, Phil Cookson, initiated the arrangement for a Spanish home for the golf academy, says that they chose Desert Springs because it offers the opportunity for all pupils to benefit from warm weather coaching using quality short game, long game facilities and a challenging golf course to improve their games.

“The self discipline and self regulation required for success on the golf course provides a model of behaviour that underpins success in all facets of life,” says Millfield School’s headmaster, Craig Considine, pictured here.

Commenting on the importance and value of golf in schools, and the benefits it brings to the education of pupils, Millfield’s headmaster Craig Considine said: “Golf is a signature sport at Millfield. It provides challenges for our most able and a ‘life skill’ for those who wish to play recreationally. The self discipline and self regulation required for success on the golf course provides a model of behaviour that underpins success in all facets of life.”

During their stay at Desert Springs, the Millfield pupils will play on the resort’s 18-hole Indiana golf course designed by former Great Britain and Ireland Golf Captain Peter McEvoy. They will also benefit from one-to-one tuition in the resort’s golf academy.

Accommodation for the pupils and three staff accompanying them will be in the apartments and villas available for holidays and short breaks at Desert Springs. Meals will be served in the resort’s Croc Restaurant, part of the family-friendly Crocodile Club which is geared up for a wide variety of leisure activities.

Golf at Millfield

Millfield, the independent school in Street, Somerset, which has named the Desert Springs Resort and Golf Club in the Almeria region of south-east Spain as the official Spanish home for its golf academy.

For pupils in Millfield’s golf academy, golf lessons are fitted into their timetables and they have the opportunity to play local golf courses twice a week. They compete against some of the country’s top golf clubs including Woburn, Walton Heath, East Devon, Woodbury, Long Ashton and Saunton.

Millfield has chalked up an enviable record of successes during recent inter-school tournaments, including winning the ISGA Home International, HMC Foursomes, World Schools Team and ISGA Schools Matchplay 2007/2008 competitions. The school also won the World Schools Individual Girls Tournament and was runner-up in the Individual Boys’ competition.
 
Alumni who started playing golf at Millfield and now are big names on the international golf circuit include Brian Barnes, Martin Gregson, Ruth Barry, Pip Barry, Garth McGimpsey, Michael King, Mark Mouland, Alex Marshall, Ben Evans and Luke Collins.

Warm weather winter training camps at Desert Springs

The golf academy practice grounds at Desert Springs which will be used by 15 of Millfield’s teenage pupils in December to develop their individual golfing skills.

Desert Springs, Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort and championship desert golf course, is proving to be one of the most popular destinations for warm weather winter training camps among the growing number of schools with their own golf academies and teams, currently estimated at around 90 in the UK. Visiting groups have included golfing pupils from Reading Blue Coat School at Sonning-on-Thames, King Edward’s School in Bath and Loretto School at Musselburgh near Edinburgh.

All school golf trips to Desert Springs are bespoke. If desired, the programme can include time away from the golf course for some local sightseeing in what many regard as ‘the real Spain.’

During their stay pupils have opportunities to swim, play tennis and use the gymnasium, trim trail, jogging tracks, paddle tennis and beach volley ball courts.

Desert Springs is easy to reach from the UK, thanks to three international airports. They are: Almeria Airport, around 40 minutes away by road; Murcia Airport, 80 minutes by car, and Alicante Airport which is a drive of less than two hours. Airlines currently flying to the region from the UK include easyJet, Monarch, Ryanair, Jet2, Jetair Fly and Thomas Cook.

Already well-known as a resort specialising in family holidays, Desert Springs is gaining popularity as a centre for warm-weather training for cricketers and footballers, as well as golfers.

A spokesman for Desert Springs said that, depending on the size of the group and its requirements, the total cost of a four-day trip for warm weather training, including flights, would work out at between £350 and £400 per person.

For details of training camps, sporting breaks – including three-day tuition packages with a professional, some including health and beauty treatments in the Day Spa – and family holidays, call the Cheltenham-based Almanzora Group.

For further information contact: The Almanzora Group
E-mail: tag@almanzora.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 1242 680 299

Celebrity Captains for the 2009 Grand Final

Steve Richardson, Paul Way, D.J. Russell, Martin Poxon, Vinny Samways, David Lloyd, Steve Cram MBE, Jeremy Lloyds and Sir Ian Botham himself were just some of the keen celebrities and professional sportsmen at the resort to captain their amateur teams of 3 to compete for this years trophy; playing 36-holes over two days. Leukaemia Research was established in 1960 and is the only national research charity solely devoted to leukaemia and related blood disorders in both adults and children. The charity is committed to improving treatments, finding cures and learning how to prevent leukaemia, Hodgkin's and other lymphomas, myeloma and other related blood disorders, which are diagnosed in 24,500 people in the UK every year. Its work depends entirely on voluntary donations. Proceedings commenced on Thursday with a welcome BBQ and team draw announcement followed by a ‘Frank Sinatra’ tribute evening held at the Resort’s ‘Crocodile Club’. SunTalk radio show presenter Jon Gaunt was broadcasting live from Desert Springs during the tournament carrying out live interviews with the celebrity team Captains. To listen to his interviews with Sir Ian Botham, Vinny Samways, David Lloyd, Steve Richardson and Steve Cram MBE click here.

Sir Ian Botham with Team members; Paul Breen Turner, Kevin Robinson & Joe Burke

After two competition rounds, the eventual winners with a combined total of 174 stableford points were the team led by former European Tour and Ryder Cup player Steve Richardson, partnered by Mark Noble, Collett Sabona and Tom Ford.

2009 Winning Team Captain Steve Richardson with Mark Noble, Collett Sabona & Tom Ford

The Gala Dinner was held at the award winning El Torrente Restaurant in Desert Springs, entertainment being provided by ex talkSPORT Radio presenter Paul Breen Turner, ably assisted at the charity auction by Steve Cram MBE, where some incredible items were on offer including the opportunity to attend the 2010 Ladies Wimbledon Final with lunch in the members dining room with David Lloyd, which fetched 21,000.00 Euros.

Sir Ian Botham commented:

‘This year marks the third consecutive year that the Grand final of my Charity Series has been hosted at Desert Springs! Having SunTalk at this years event with Jon broadcasting his shows live from the resort and carrying out interviews with some of our celebrity guests has certainly helped in creating even more awareness for Leukaemia Research and has added an additional fun element to the competition.

Considering the times we all find ourselves in at the moment, I am extremely pleased with the generosity demonstrated by all of those involved in raising over 65,000.00 Euros for Leukaemia Research. That and the smile on everyone’s faces and the comments received from the attendees, both the amateur players and the celebrities, only goes to underline the success of the event and further confirms that my decision for the event to remain at Desert Springs was the right one. I am more than pleased to say that we shall be returning here again in 2010.’

Director of Golf, Simon Coaker remarked:

‘This event has now become a regular fixture within the Club’s calendar and is one that everyone at Desert Springs looks forward to. Over the last three years we have seen familiar faces, both celebrities and team players, returning to the resort to participate in the event which have resulted in friendships being developed. The quality of the Indiana course and the facilities available, coupled with the warmth of welcome offered to our guests all contribute towards creating a successful event. Together, this not only confirms the popularity of the event itself but also the maturity of the Desert Springs Resort & Golf Club on the international scene.’

For further information contact: Golf Reception
E-mail:golfreservations@almanzora.com
Telephone: +34 678 235 716

The Desert Springs family resort and golf club in south-east Spain which is to be the venue for the grand final of the Sir Ian Botham Charity Golf Series from Thursday, October 8 to Saturday, October 10 this year.

SunTalk’s ‘Gaunty’ to broadcast live from the event

The grand final in a series of three golfing events planned this year by Sir Ian ‘Beefy’ Botham to raise money for Leukaemia Research will be held at the Desert Springs family resort and golf club in south-east Spain for the third year running.

The event at Europe's only international award-winning luxury desert resort and championship golf course in the Almeria area of Spain from Thursday, October 8 to Saturday, October 10 follows the success of last year’s event which raised £60,000 (€70,000) for the charity.

“This was thanks to the support of the Desert Springs Resort, its owners and members, the competitors and social function guests, including celebrity friends and legends from the world of sport and the entertainment industry,” reports Sir Ian who, as the charity’s President, aims to raise even more this year.

Big names due to appear this year include: D.J. Russell, captain’s assistant to Ian Woosnam for the 2006 Ryder Cup; Steve Cram OBE, 1985 world record holder for the 1500 metres, 1000 metres and mile; Vinny Samways, 1991 FA Cup winner with Tottenham Hotspurs, and Steve Richardson, European Ryder Cup player for the ‘War on the Shore’ against America at Kiawah Island.

Also on hand will be SunTalk’s Jon Gaunt – known to listeners as Gaunty – who will be broadcasting live from the clubhouse at Desert Springs between 10 am and 1 pm on October 8 and 9.

His programme on the online radio station, which will include interviews with Sir Ian Botham and some of the celebrity guests, can be heard by visiting here and then clicking on the SunTalk icon. Listeners can call into the programme on 0044 20 33 64 7000 or email Jon Gaunt at gaunty@suntalk.co.uk

The Desert Springs family resort and golf club in south-east Spain which is to be the venue for the grand final of the Sir Ian Botham Charity Golf Series from Thursday, October 8 to Saturday, October 10 this year.

The 2009 Sir Ian Botham Charity Golf Series began at Remedy Oak Golf Club in England on July 14 followed by Archerfield Links Golf Club in Scotland on September 13 and 14. Each of the winning teams from these tournaments will compete in the grand final at Desert Springs.

Sir Ian, who owns a holiday home at Desert Springs and is a member of its golf club, added: “This event will give my fellow members and home-owners another rare opportunity to play with some world class sports stars, as well as some great celebrity friends, all of whom are kindly giving up their time to play, and enjoy the fun of it all!’

Golfers wishing to enter individually or as a team of three can download the official tournament entrance form from the website.

Desert Springs’ director of golf, Simon Coaker, urged would-be competitors to sign up as soon as possible. He said: “This event has proved to be extremely popular in the last two years and, with only 60 places available, we forecast the same this year. I strongly recommend that golfers reserve their places now to avoid missing out on this special opportunity to meet, play and have real fun with some great celebrities and sports stars.”

At the end of the event Sir Ian will present trophies to members of the winning team, and other prizes.

Leukaemia Research was established in 1960 and is the only national research charity solely devoted to leukaemia and related blood disorders in both adults and children. The charity is committed to improving treatments, finding cures and learning how to prevent leukaemia, Hodgkin's and other lymphomas, myeloma and other related blood disorders diagnosed in 24,500 people in the UK annually. Its work depends entirely on voluntary donations.

For more information:

• Golf at Desert Springs: telephone +34 637 861 591
• Property and Holidays: telephone +44 (0) 1242 680 299
• The Desert Springs Resort: www.almanzora.com

For further information contact: The Almanzora Group
E-mail: tag@almanzora.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 1242 680 299

Pictured with her trophy is the newly-crowned Champion of the 2009 English Ladies’ International Seniors Open in Cambridge, Christine Langford, pioneer of Golf 4 Women at Desert Springs in Spain.

A view of the golf course at Desert Springs which offers special Golf 4 Women holidays and events. For details call +44 (0) 1242 680 299 or visit www.almanzora.com

Christine Langford, ladies golf co-ordinator and Golf Academy director at Desert Springs – Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort and championship desert golf course in the Almeria region of south-east Spain – has been crowned Champion of the 2009 English Ladies’ International Seniors Open in Cambridge.
After leading going into the final, she held off the challenge of her long-term rival, and 15 time winner on the ladies tour, Cathy Panton-Lewis, to win the tournament by four shots.
PGA coach Christine, whose professional golf career spans 30 years, spends most of the year hosting events and golf schools at Desert Springs but also teaches at Bowood Golf and Country Club in Wiltshire. Two of her star pupils – Angie Bell and Daphne Lewis of Chippenham – were among other prize-winners at the Cambridge event. So was Desert Springs member and past club captain Helen Lavis. The four players together won the County Team prize representing Wiltshire.

During the past 20 years, Christine has successfully pioneered a host of activities and events planned to encourage more women to take up golf.

She has launched a series of specially packaged tuition and competitive events and holidays under the Golf 4 Women banner, attracting growing numbers of all-girl groups to visit for a week’s golf or learn to play for the first time. Some go to compete in major tournaments for lady golfers.

Simon Coaker, director of golf at Desert Springs, says that the resort’s pioneering Golf 4 Women programme makes it unique in golfing circles.

“For too long golf clubs have been boys’ clubs rarely catering for the golfing needs of women,” says Simon. “But we recognise them and are doing all we can to encourage more visitors and property owners at Desert Springs to enjoy the sport.”

For details of Golf 4 Women holidays and events at Desert Springs call +44 (0) 1242 680 116 or visit the website, www.almanzora.com

For further information contact: The Almanzora Group
E-mail: tag@almanzora.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 1242 680 299

A view of the golf course at Desert Springs, Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort and championship desert golf course in the Almanzora region of Almeria in south-east Spain, which has been selected by lady golfers from Scotland as the venue for their winter training.

Lady golfers from Scotland are the latest to select Desert Springs, Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort and championship desert golf course in the Almanzora region of Almeria in south-east Spain, as the venue for their winter training.

The success of the first training weekend at Desert Springs arranged for seven members and four coaches from the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association (SLGA) has prompted them to return in February.

The decision to train at Desert Springs followed a visit by the SLGA’s national coach Kevin Craggs who used the golf facilities to make training films for players. He was so impressed by the resort and its staff that he decided it should be used for training by what he describes as ‘the best lady players in Scotland.’

By opting for Desert Springs, the SLGA follows the Ladies Golf Union and the Golf Union of Wales which have selected the resort as their base for pre-season training.

Commenting on her group’s initial visit, the SLGA’s chairman of training Betty Patterson said: “The mild climate was conducive to productive practice at a time when the climate at home is cold.”

Betty was enthusiastic about the range of resort facilities within easy walking distance of the golf clubhouse. Those which the group used included the gymnasium and private film screening room. Others available include a spa, sports and fitness club, and pools.

Simon Coaker, director of golf at Desert Springs, said: "Desert Springs has become very well known as a destination for the warm weather winter training of the Elite players of both the English Counties and a host of National Squads.
“The squads of the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association represent the very best women's amateur golfers in Scotland and we are obviously delighted to be host to such an elite group of young players and feel that this further underlines our commitment to the world of women’s golf.
“Desert Springs can be presented to test the skills of the best players and I am delighted that as prestigious a body as the SLGA have selected the Indiana course and its Golf Academy as its winter training base and we very much look forward to welcoming them back this year.”

For more information about properties available, or golf at Desert Springs, contact The Almanzora Group on telephone +44 (0) 1242 680 116 or visit the website, www.almanzora.com

Background information about the Indiana golf course at Desert Springs

The resort

Desert Springs is Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort and championship desert golf course in the Almanzora region of Almeria in south-east Spain.

The resort occupies more than 300 hectares (750 acres) on an elevated plateau over the Rio Almanzora, near the coast of the municipality of Cuevas del Almanzora.

The first phase of the resort – already up and running – includes the Indiana Desert Golf Course and Club House and its international award-winning El Torrente Restaurant, as well as the Crocodile Club family restaurant and bar, with its pools, sun lawns and sand play bunkers.

Also open is the Sierra Sports and Fitness Club which has facilities for tennis, paddle, gymnasium and football.

The golf

At the heart of Desert Springs is its 72 par 18-hole USGA Indiana golf course designed by former Great Britain and Ireland Golf Team Captain Peter McEvoy. He was inspired by the desert courses of Arizona and California.

The dramatic nature of the Desert Springs fairways, set in a landscape of cactus, rock and flowering desert, is said to have taken golf in Spain to a new level of excellence.

Golf Club joining fees for Non-resident Membership, for a family of up to four, are waived in the case of Almanzora Bay Group’s own property purchasers.

The club runs a year-round calendar of tournaments for members as well as open tournaments including The Indiana Masters, The Desert Classic and The Professional Challenge Cup. In 2004 and 2007 it hosted Europe’s most prestigious amateur tournament, the King’s Cup - the Copa Del Rey - which is the Spanish International Amateur Open.

From October 30 to November 1, 2008, the Sir Ian Botham Charity Golf Classic was held at Desert Springs, raising more than €70,000 for Leukaemia Research. Sir ‘Beefy’ Botham was joined by celebrities and professional sportsmen captaining their amateur teams.

The climate

The resort takes it name from the region’s desert microclimate which is unique in Europe. It has the warmest winter weather on the continent with an annual average of more than nine hours of daily sunshine and maximum daily temperatures of between 16°C (60°F) and 30°C (86°F) throughout the year. Annual rainfall is less than 200 mm. The Almanzora’s coastal waters are among the cleanest and warmest in Europe, attracting both fish and diving enthusiasts.

Getting there

The Almanzora region is easy to reach, thanks to three international airports. The current journey time from Almeria International Airport to Desert Springs is around 50 minutes by road. Other international airports are at Murcia - 70 minutes by car on the new toll motorway direct to the Almanzora Valley (the toll is €11.5) - and Alicante which is less than two hours by road.

For further information contact: The Almanzora Group
E-mail: tag@almanzora.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 1242 680 299

Lady golfers in Wales have adopted Desert Springs, Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort and championship desert golf course in the Almanzora region of Almeria in south-east Spain, as their base for winter training camps.

The news follows the success of visits for pre-season training by the Elite Women’s and Junior Squads of the Golf Union of Wales (GUW). Now more are planned.

Nigel Edwards, director of player development and coaching at the Newport-based Golf Union, first visited Desert Springs soon after the GUW was established in 2007. This followed the merger of the Welsh Ladies Golf Union (founded in 1904) and the Welsh Golfing Union (founded in 1895).

“From the outset I was impressed by the Indiana golf course at Desert Springs and all the facilities in the resort,” says Nigel. “When our players and selectors told me they loved it as well, it was an easy decision to make it our pre-season practice venue.”

Players who have trained at Desert Springs during the winter months include 12 players in the under-18 Girls Squad. Now up to 10 lady members are planning a visit early in the new year to benefit from the resort’s Golf 4 Women programme led by leading PGA coach and Desert Springs' ladies’ golf ambassador Christine Langford [MORE DETAILS BELOW].

Enthusiastic about Desert Springs is 21-year-old Breanne Loucks, a member of Wrexham Golf Club, pictured here kissing the South African Amateur Strokeplay Champion’s trophy she won this year (2008)

Among Welsh enthusiasts for Desert Springs is 21-year-old Breanne Loucks, a member of Wrexham Golf Club who is expected to turn professional soon.

In the past year Breanne, who has been playing since she was nine years old, has carried off the trophies for both Match Play Champion and Stroke Play Champion in South Africa, as well as Irish Champion, Welsh Order of Merit Champion and best Amateur in Wales.

Breanne describes the calibre of the course at Desert Springs as “millionaire’s golf.”

She said: "The Desert Springs Golf Academy offers specially designated practice areas specifically designed to allow you to practise every challenge of the game. There is a great chipping green and a fantastic putting green. The short game bunker practice area is ideal for practising your bunker play. On the course, the fairways are excellent and the greens are like carpets.

“I also like the way that the layout of the resort has been carefully planned so that all the golf and other facilities are close to hand, without having to walk miles!"

Golfing holidays specifically tailored to the interests of lady players at Desert Springs include three-day tuition packages – with lessons by Desert Springs' ladies’ golf ambassador and PGA coach Christine Langford – and bespoke hen party golf weekends. Also available are three- and seven-day breaks, some including health and beauty treatments in the Day Spa at Desert Springs.

• For details of Golf 4 Women holidays and events at Desert Springs call +44 (0) 1242 680 116 or visit the website, www.almanzora.com
  
• To find out more about the Golf Union of Wales call +44 (0) 1633 436040 or visit the website www.golfunionwales.org

Background notes about Christine Langford & Desert Springs

PGA coach and Desert Springs' ladies’ golf ambassadorChristine Langford who has pioneered Golf 4 Women at Desert Springs in Spain.

Christine Langford

In the past 20 years Christine has successfully pioneered a host of activities and events planned to encourage more women to take up the sport.

Christine, whose professional golf career spans 30 years, is the ladies golf ambassador at Desert Springs. Drawing on the experience of 15 years playing in major tours around the world, and her role as a founder member of the Ladies European Tour, she now devotes herself to coaching more women to play.

At Desert Springs she has launched a series of specially packaged tuition and competitive events and holidays under the Golf 4 Women banner, attracting growing numbers of all-girl groups to visit for a week’s golf or learn to play for the first time.

Simon Coaker, director of golf at Desert Springs, says that the resort’s pioneering Golf 4 Women programme makes it unique in golfing circles.

“For too long golf clubs have been boys’ clubs rarely catering for the golfing needs of women,” says Simon. “But we recognise them and are doing all we can to encourage more visitors and property owners at Desert Springs to enjoy the sport.”

A view of the golf course at Desert Springs which lady golfers in Wales have adopted as their base for winter training camps.

The resort

Desert Springs is Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort and championship desert golf course in the Almanzora region of Almeria in south-east Spain.

The Golf Club House at Desert Springs. For details of golfing holidays and breaks call +44 (0) 1242 680 299 or visit www.almanzora.com

The resort occupies more than 300 hectares (750 acres) on an elevated plateau over the Rio Almanzora, near the coast of the municipality of Cuevas del Almanzora.

The first phase of the resort – already up and running – includes the Indiana Desert Golf Course and Club House and its international award-winning El Torrente Restaurant, as well as the Crocodile Club family restaurant and bar, with its pools, sun lawns and sand play bunkers.

Also open is the Sierra Sports and Fitness Club which has facilities for tennis, paddle, gymnasium and football.

Growing numbers of would-be women golfers enjoy an introduction to the sport at the Desert Springs Golf Academy, pictured here. For details call +44 (0) 1242 680 299 or visit www.almanzora.com

The golf

At the heart of Desert Springs is its 72 par 18-hole USGA Indiana golf course designed by former Great Britain and Ireland Golf Team Captain Peter McEvoy. He was inspired by the desert courses of Arizona and California.

The dramatic nature of the Desert Springs fairways, set in a landscape of cactus, rock and flowering desert, is said to have taken golf in Spain to a new level of excellence.

Golf Club joining fees for Non-resident Membership, for a family of up to four, are waived in the case of Almanzora Bay Group’s own property purchasers.

The club runs a year-round calendar of tournaments for members as well as open tournaments including The Indiana Masters, The Desert Classic and The Professional Challenge Cup. In 2004 and 2007 it hosted Europe’s most prestigious amateur tournament, the King’s Cup - the Copa Del Rey - which is the Spanish International Amateur Open.

From October 30 to November 1 this year (2008) the Sir Ian Botham Charity Golf Classic was held at Desert Springs, raising more than €70,000 for Leukaemia Research. Sir ‘Beefy’ Botham was joined by celebrities and professional sportsmen captaining their amateur teams.

The climate
The resort takes it name from the region’s desert microclimate which is unique in Europe. It has the warmest winter weather on the continent with an annual average of more than nine hours of daily sunshine and maximum daily temperatures of between 16°C (60°F) and 30°C (86°F) throughout the year. Annual rainfall is less than 200 mm. The Almanzora’s coastal waters are among the cleanest and warmest in Europe, attracting both fish and diving enthusiasts.

Getting there
The Almanzora region is easy to reach, thanks to three international airports. The current journey time from Almeria International Airport to Desert Springs is around 50 minutes by road. Other international airports are at Murcia - 70 minutes by car on the new toll motorway direct to the Almanzora Valley (the toll is €11.5) - and Alicante which is less than two hours by road.

For further information contact: The Almanzora Group
E-mail: tag@almanzora.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 1242 680299

Sporting celebrities & legends from the world of Golf, Football, Horse Racing, Snooker, Athletics, Cricket, Rugby and the entertainment industry gathered in support of the Sir Ian Botham Charity Golf Classic Grand Final, presented by joint sponsors talkSPORT Radio and Java Trading Company at the Desert Springs Resort and Golf Club between Thursday 30th October and Saturday 1st November, 2008. The event raised in excess of 70,000 Euros for Leukaemia Research.

Ian Woosnam OBE, Steve Richardson, Paul Way, D.J. Russell, Peter Baker, Jimmy Case, Mick Fitzgerald, Dennis Taylor, Steve Cram MBE, Matt Dawson MBE and Sir Ian Botham himself were just some of the keen celebrities and professional sportsmen at the resort to captain their amateur teams of 3 to compete for this years trophy; playing 36-holes over two days.

Leukaemia Research was established in 1960 and is the only national research charity solely devoted to leukaemia and related blood disorders in both adults and children. The charity is committed to improving treatments, finding cures and learning how to prevent leukaemia, Hodgkin's and other lymphomas, myeloma and other related blood disorders, which are diagnosed in 24,500 people in the UK every year. Its work depends entirely on voluntary donations.

Proceedings commenced on Thursday with a welcome cocktail and BBQ and team draw announcement followed by a fun ‘Casino Evening’ held at the Resort’s ‘Crocodile Club’ to raise money to be donated to Leukaemia Research.

talkSPORT Breakfast radio show presenter Alan Brazil and Current Affairs presenter Jon Gaunt were broadcasting live from Desert Springs during the tournament with talkSport’s Golf Correspondent Rupert Bell patrolling the course on both tournament days carrying out live interviews with the celebrity team Captains during their rounds.

After two competition rounds, the eventual winners with a combined total of 177 stableford points were the team led by former Worcestershire and England cricketer Neal Radford, partnered by his two sons Luke and Neal with Norman Emery.

Runners up were the team captained by former Wasps and England Rugby Union player Matt Dawson MBE, with a combined total of 169 stableford points, just one point ahead of the team captained by Sir Ian Botham himself!

The Gala Dinner was held at the award winning El Torrente Restaurant in Desert Springs, entertainment being provided by talkSPORT Radio presenter Alan Brazil, 1985 World Snooker Champion Dennis Taylor and renowned auctioneer Rosa McDermott.

At the Charity Auction held after dinner, some incredible items were on offer including the opportunity to play a round of golf at Desert Springs with 2006 Ryder Cup Captain and US Masters Champion Ian Woosnam OBE, which fetched 5,000.00 Euros and the opportunity to attend a private dinner at Coutts Bank with Sir Ian Botham which made 9,500.00 Euros.

Sir Ian Botham commented: -

‘My decision to select Desert Springs to host the Grand Final of my Charity Golf Series for 2008 was the right one! Having talkSPORT as joint presenting sponsor of this years event with both Alan and Jon broadcasting their shows live from the resort has certainly helped in creating even more awareness for Leukaemia Research and has added an additional fun element to the competition which is what it’s all about.

Considering the times we all find ourselves in at the moment, it is really pleasing that this year we have managed to exceed the funds raised last year, which underlines the success of the event.

The support for the grand final of my Charity Golf Series shown by the Desert Springs Resort and its Owners and Members was wonderful, as was the generosity and support of Java Trading and the commitment from my sporting celebrity friends to give up their time to help raise these vital funds for the Charity, Leukaemia Research, of which I am President. As a result, I am pleased to announce that once again I have selected Desert Springs to host the Grand Final of my 2009 Charity Golf Series.’

Commenting on the Indiana course, Ian Woosnam OBE remarked: -

‘Having last been here in 2004, the first thing I noticed was how mature the landscaping had become. It's a course that provides you with a test for every shot you have in your bag. The course is in immaculate condition with greens of equal quality to those we play our own tour events on. If you want to hone your game, immaterial of what standard of golfer you are, then this is the place to come!"

Director of Golf, Simon Coaker remarked: -

‘There is no equal to Desert Springs in terms of the quality of the Indiana course and the warmth of welcome offered to our guests. Desert Springs continues to benefit in terms of its reputation for quality and as a venue that can host the most important events, national and international. The success of these newsworthy high profile events brings great prestige not only to the Resort, but also to the local area, the Municipality of Cuevas del Almanzora and the Levante Almeriense as a whole. The confidence in the resort evidenced by Sir Ian in selecting Desert Springs to host the Grand Final of his 2009 Charity Series underlines the growing maturity of the Desert Springs Resort & Golf Club on the international scene.’

Celebrity Captains for the 2008 Grand Final

Sir Ian Botham starts his round on the Indiana course at Desert Springs

Ian Woosnam Tees Off on the Indiana course at Desert Springs

For further information contact: Golf Reception
Email: golfreservations@almanzora.com
Telephone: +34 637 861 591

Christine Langford

Desert Springs Resort & Golf Club Academy Director and Ladies Golf Ambassador Christine Langford has been made an Advanced Fellow of the Professional Golfers Association. Chris received her award at a ceremony at the PGA´s West Region Headquarters in March.

PGA chief executive Sandy Jones said:
"PGA Advanced Fellow Professional status is awarded to members who have made a significant contribution to golf within their field of expertise. Many will enjoy strong national and even international reputations and the honor recognises their outstanding achievement within the sport."

Chris, who is one of the first women to receive the award, is also one of the best-known women coaches in Britain and has been in the profession for over thirty years.  She has competed on all the major tours and is a founder member and former chairman of the Ladies European Tour.

Following a successful playing career, in which she won 5 tournaments Chris became the first woman professional to be appointed head professional at a committee run golf club in the UK.

Chris established her own golf school business in 1992 at Bowood Golf & Country Club. Since that time she has been a coach to the English Ladies Golf Association, National Coach to the Welsh Ladies Golf Union and numerous County Golf Associations.

Chris currently hosts the unique ‘Golf 4 Women’ programme at Desert Springs Resort and Golf Club in Almeria Spain where she is also responsible for the Desert Springs Golf Academy.

Speaking of receiving the award, Chris said:
“I am honored to have been recognised by the PGA in this way. I have been lucky to enjoy a very varied career in golf and after 32 years in the profession I am enjoying my work more than ever. Since coming to Desert Springs my enthusiasm for teaching and playing has increased considerably, I am also enjoying the promotional work that the ‘Golf 4 Women’ programme involves and working at a resort that has the potential to be one of the best in Europe”.

Simon Coaker, Director of Golf at Desert Springs commented,
“It is wonderful to see Chris’s achievements recognised by the PGA. With over 30 years experience in the world of professional golf, Chris has used her considerable expertise to offer a unique range of events and holidays specifically tailored for our lady guests, visitors and owners at the Resort.

Christine Langford coaching

About the  ‘Golf 4 Women’ programme at Desert Springs:
The Golf 4 Women programme at Desert Springs offers a comprehensive range of tuition and playing events aimed specifically at the woman golfer. For beginners the ‘Get into Golf’ package will fast track the aspiring golfer whilst the ‘Golf 4 All Pro-Am’ featuring the players of the Ladies European Tour will satisfy the most accomplished and competitive players. Women golfers of all ages and stages are catered for in a wide range of special offers.

Desert Springs Golf Academy practice grounds

About Desert Springs Resort:
Desert Springs Resort and Golf Club is the only luxury desert resort in Europe. Located in the Almanzora in Almeria in south-east Spain, it has the warmest, driest and sunniest winter climate on the whole of the Iberian coast and in Europe without exception. It recently won the National Homes Overseas Landscape Gold Award, the Daily Mail Best Almeria Development Award, the Bentley International Homes Awards for Best Spanish Development and Best International Architecture, as well as the 2006 Spanish National Madera Verde Environmental Award and the 2007 Trade Leaders Club New Millennium Gastronomy Award, for the Tourism, Hotel and Catering Industry for its El Torrente Restaurant.

Desert Springs

About The Indiana Course at Desert Springs:
Inspired by the famous desert courses of Arizona & California, The Indiana course is built to full USGA specifications. A spectacular example of man’s creativity in harmony with nature; its emerald green fairways are set amongst massive rocky outcrops, arroyos and dry rivers. The contrast of the immaculate fairways and “desert springs” with the arid landscape of cactus, rock and flowering desert, all framed within a panorama of landmark mountain ranges, is stunning at all times of year.  Over 600,000 cacti and other desert plants grow progressively more dense and troubling, the further your shot is off the fairway, so the course is both demanding and exhilarating and offers a variety of shot making challenges to test the skill level of every player, from the beginner to professional.

The quality of the Indiana course is confirmed by its selection by both the Golf Union of Wales (GUW) and the Ladies Golf Union (LGU), as their “Spanish Home” for the warm weather winter training of their Elite Squad Members and also by the Royal Spanish Golf Federation, for whom Desert Springs hosted the 2004 & 2007 Spanish Amateur Open as well as the 2007 Spanish Professional Seniors & Ladies Championships. Its Academy of Golf provides practice facilities, second to none, for LET and PGA European Tour players as well as National squad and County Union members.

For further information contact: Simon Coaker
E-mail: scc@almanzora.com
Telephone: +34 678 235 716