An international competition involving teams fromSpain,Italy, theCzech RepublicandBrazilwas held at La Cala Resort in Mijas, Málaga over two days at the end of March. This was effectively a rematch as the sides had all qualified for last year’s World Golfers’ Campionship (WGC) final held inSouth Africa. The 36-hole event was played on CampoAmericaand Campo Asia in brilliant sunshine and the host nation were victorious by five shots fromItalyin second andBrazilthird.
The WGC is designed to give golfers of all skill levels the thrill of representing their country in a global championship. It was first held in 1995 and the location for the final changes every year. Arnold Palmer is the WGC’s Tournament Patron and Severiano Ballesteros was Honorary Chairman of the Advisory Board.
Last year over 1000 players competed in the various qualifying events held at La Cala Resort and other golf clubs throughoutSpainfor a place in the National Final in what is considered to be the World Golf Championship for amateurs. This year the national final will take place in La Cala on the 1st and 2nd of September. The winners in each of five handicap categories in the national final go on to representSpainin the international final inSouth Africa, with all expenses paid.
The captain of the Italian side was Lorenzo Dussoni fromRome. He was very impressed with the facilities at La Cala. “This is my first time in the resort and I think it is an ideal holiday location. It has everything: three good courses, hotel, spa, football pitch and it is near the sea. The landscape is typically Mediterranean, very natural and the views are stunning.” Paulo Pimentel from theBrazilside described the complex as “very beautiful and a great location”, while his team-mate, British ex-pat Tim Shooter, who lives inRio de Janeiro, said he really enjoyed the competition and the location. “Both courses were great as was the competition itself. There were six teams this year and I think more countries will want to participate as word spreads about how enjoyable it is.”
The best individual score was recorded by Juan Antonio Ruiz Batana ofSpain. The three handicapper shot rounds of 70 and 79 to lead his team to victory. Juan Antonio has representedSpainin the last two international finals inThailandandSouth Africa. He says he put his local knowledge to good effect. “I live locally so I know the courses here quite well. That is a definite advantage but they are still difficult, especially if it is windy. It was a very enjoyable two days of competition and nice to meet up again with players from other national teams.” There was a positive reaction from theCzechRepublicteam who appreciated the opportunity to play golf in lovely, sunny weather when courses in their home country are closed due to the winter weather.
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