News For Golf Holidays Spain

Desert Springs has been selected to host the inaugural ‘Millfield Family Golf Open’ between Wednesday 20th to Friday 22nd October 2010.

“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.

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, the independent school in Street, Somerset, established its golf academy in 1998.

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.

In 2009 Millfield 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.

Karen Nicholls, Millfield School Director of Golf remarked, “The aim of this event is to raise the awareness to both parents and children of the outstanding coaching programme in place at Millfied School for its academy students. The event provides an opportunity for parents and children to meet personally with Millfield School’s Headmaster, staff, the PGA Professionals responsible for their golfing education, current Millfield golf academy pupils who will be in attendance at the resort training and to introduce them to the superb training facilities available at Desert Springs.”

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

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 who will be in attendance for the event 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.”

The event package for the ‘Millfield Family Golf Open’ costs £395 per pair and comprises the following:

• 2 Nights resort accommodation at Desert Springs
• Breakfast each morning at ‘El Torrente Restaurant’
• Coaching each day from Millfield Golf Academy PGA Professionals
• Two rounds of competitive golf on the Indiana course (4 Ball-Better-Ball format)
• Welcome Party and presentation from Craig Considine, Millfield School Headmaster

Prize presentation and party at ‘The Crocodile Club’

If you would like to join in the inaugural ‘Millfield Family Golf Open’ then please contact Karen Nicholls, Director of Golf at Millfield School for further information.

For further information contact: Karen Nicholls
Email: kln@millfieldschool.com
Telephone: +44 (0) 1458 444 201

In 2004 Desert Springs Resort and Golf Club was officially appointed as the Spanish Home for the warm weather winter training of the National squad members of the Welsh Ladies Golf Union.

1st Tee at the Indiana Course

Following the merger of the Welsh Ladies Golf Union and the Welsh Golfing Union, The Golf Union of Wales was established on 1st January 2007 with the affiliation of 158 clubs.

At this time Richard Dixon CEO of the Golf Union of Wales and Simon Coaker, Director of Golf at Desert Springs signed the official agreement for Desert Springs to be appointed the Spanish Home for the warm weather winter training of the Women’s Elite Squads of the Golf Union of Wales through to 2010.

This contract has now been renewed through to 2013.

Desert Springs Golf Academy

Nigel Edwards, Director of Player Development and Coaching for the Golf Union of Wales remarked:

“The facilities at Desert Springs; the Indiana Golf Course, the Academy of Golf and Lodge Accommodation are wonderful. The Golf Union of Wales is delighted to continue the long standing association with Desert Springs. Having spent time at Desert Springs with our Ladies Squad earlier this year and experienced the wonderful facilities first hand, the continuation of our agreement with Desert Springs is an easy choice. Everyone appreciates the quality of the facility and the hospitality of all the staff. The golf course and practice facilities provide our Ladies and Girls with everything they need to prepare for the tournament season.”

Jeremy Bennett takes one of his pupils through their paces on the putting green at Desert Springs

Speaking of the renewal of the agreement, CEO of the Golf Union of Wales Richard Dixon said:

"The Golf Union of Wales are delighted to continue the relationship with Desert Springs established in 2004. The facilities the resort offers are fantastic and the Women’s Elite Squads have gained greatly from their time spent over the last 6 years warm weather training at the venue and they will be back in action training at Desert Springs this winter."

Simon Coaker, Director of Golf at Desert Springs commented,

“The Women’s Elite squads of the Golf Union of Wales represent the very best amateur women golfers in Wales and we are obviously delighted to continue to be host to such an elite group of young players.”

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

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