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Dec 19th, 2018
La Cala Resort provides stunning stage
For rising stars in Alps Tour Q School
Words: GolfPunk
For a seventh year running, the renowned La Cala Resort played host to some of the rising stars of world golf in December’s Alps Tour Qualifying School. The event was won by 20-year-old local talent Angel Hidalgo while Javier Ballesteros, son of the legendary Seve Ballesteros, was among the successful graduates.
A total of 38 players gained full playing rights for the 2019 Alps Tour at La Cala Resort, with Angel Hidalgo from nearby Marbella leading the way. He posted a superb three-round score of 14-under-par over La Cala’s Asia and America courses.
“We were once again delighted to welcome the Alps Tour Qualifying School to La Cala,” said Robert Mitchell, Director of Golf. “It’s tremendous to see such a high level of golf from these players and we are thrilled to be able to provide a fitting stage for it. It’s always pleasing to talk with these elite golfers and to receive such positive feedback from them on the courses at La Cala.”
Among those making the grade at La Cala were players from Europe, Africa, North America and as far afield as South America – Argentina’s Maximiliano Godoy finished the event in second place. Seven Spanish players earned playing rights for 2019, including Javier Ballesteros, son of the great Seve Ballesteros.
The winner, Angel Hidalgo made good use of his local knowledge of the beautiful La Cala courses, posting rounds of 69, 67 and a sparkling 65 to finish five shots clear of the pack. The young Spaniard represented his country in the European and World Championships in 2018, and he won two Spanish men’s championships in both match play and stroke play.
No fewer than 250 players from 27 countries contested the Alps Tour qualifying at La Cala Resort. 144 made it to the Final Stage with the top 65 and ties making the cut to play the final round. 38 players gained full playing rights on the 2019 Alps Tour with a further 107 golfers gaining partial playing rights.
The Alps Tour is a third level circuit for both professional and amateur players, a fantastic field of training for those aiming to the highest levels of tournament golf – Challenge Tour, European Tour and beyond. The 2018 Alps Tour featured 16 tournaments in six countries with a total prize fund of over €650,000.
Situated in the foothills of the beautiful Mijas Mountains with breath-taking views of the stunning Andalusian countryside, La Cala Resort offers an idyllic rural retreat. Although just 20 minutes from Marbella and only 30 minutes from Malaga airport, La Cala feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the coast.
Three superb championship courses, Campo America, Campo Asia and Campo Europa each present unique challenges and slot seamlessly into a natural, undulating backdrop of trees and flowers, rich with birds and wildlife. Designed by famous golf course architect Cabell Robinson, each 18-hole layout has been created to ensure a truly exhilarating experience. An additional 6-hole, par-3 course and world-class golf academy completes La Cala’s golfing experience.
La Cala resort boasts accommodation of the highest standard, including a newly renovated 107-bedroom hotel, a selection of on-site properties for sale and rental; from attractive 2-bedroom apartments to opulent 5-bedroom villas spread throughout the estate of approximately four million square metres. Residents can enjoy the luxurious spa and a selection of excellent restaurants and bars. There are also further leisure opportunities with FIFA standard football pitch, running circuit, gym, tennis and squash courts.
Nestled between the arresting beauty of the Sierra de Mijas Natural Park and the shimmering Mediterranean Sea, La Cala is a genuine haven of tranquillity. It’s the perfect base for exploring Andalusia and Spain’s fascinating cultural cities like Granada, Seville and Malaga.
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