The fifth event of this year’s Andalucía Golf Challenge “Destination La Romana Golf Club Bahía Principe” Circuit was played on Saturday 28 July at one of Sotogrande’s other magnificent golf courses. Although a relatively new layout, La Reserva Club has already become a highly desired destination for players seeking exceptional golfing experiences. It is a must-visit for all golfers travelling to southern Spain and wanting to play at Europe’s finest courses.

The course was designed by long-time Costa del Sol-based American architect Cabell B. Robinson, who began in the industry as one of legendary designer Robert Trent Jones main disciples. In tune with his original maestro’s philosophy, Robinson created wide, open fairways merging into gently undulating, but challenging, greens

During the Andalucía Golf tournament, the greens were particularly fast and in perfect condition. As more than one player noted, they bore some resemblance to Augusta National’s greens.

The weather was superb on the day of the tournament, with a light breeze easing the summer temperature – barely over 30 degrees.

We had the honour of being accompanied by three times World Cup champion, Ryder Cup star and Spanish golfing legend Manuel Piñero who, in addition, to sharing his time with us, happily agreed to pose for selfies with many of the participants. Piñero has become something of a godfather for the circuit when we host an event at La Reserva Club – and we greatly appreciate his presence. 

As has become customary, this fifth edition of the 2018 circuit attracted players from throughout Andalucía – including Huelva, Almería, Sevilla, Córdoba and Málaga – as well as Sweden, the UK, Ireland, Italy, Switzerland, etc.

Prizes for the tournament included top-brand apparel and golf equipment from Puerto Banús boutique fairway+blue and Holiday Golf, while DO Somontano provided a selection of high-end wines.

The first five players in each category won places in the circuit’s grand final, to be held at Royal Guadalmina Golf Club (South Course) on 30 September and where the five winners of trips to the Dominican Republic will be decided.

These great grand final prizes comprise a week at Hotel Bahía Principe Bouganville (five stars and all-inclusive), flights and four rounds of golf: two at La Romana Golf Club, one at Punta Espada (Cap Cana) and another at Diente de Perro (Casa de Campo).

The leading players in category one at La Reserva Club were, in order: Alberto Jiménez Menéndez (41 points), Thomas Doyle (39), Oscar Martínez Carballo (37), Brian Moss (36) and Peter Browall (35).

In category two, the five who gained places in the grand final were: Pedro Díaz Burlo (39 points), Javier Burgués Hoyos (36), Martin Malone (also 36 but third as his handicap was higher), Manuel García (35) and Antonio Capasso (33).

As for the special prizes, closest to the pin was secured by Donald Gustavson, who just a few days earlier had won the longest drive prize at Valderrama; while longest drive among the women went to Yulia Golubeva and, for the men, Carlos Mena Quero, whose impressive shot will hold a special place in the annals of the course and our circuit. Comparable to the best from Jon Rahm – just awesome!

The scratch winner was Alberto Jiménez Menéndez, also first in category one. In addition to collecting the champion’s trophy, he was presented with a magnificent painting by renowned Marbella-based artist Alejandro Hermann.

Once again, a wonderful day of golf concluded with a cocktail reception/lunch and prize-giving presentation on one of La Reserva’s clubhouse terraces.

Forthcoming events on the Andalucía Golf Challenge “Destination La Romana Golf Club Bahía Principe” Circuit are: 18 August at Los Flamingos (Villa Padierna); 25 August at Valle Romano (Estepona) and 15 September at San Roque Club.

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