Dateline:	10th February 2018
	Source:	Desert Springs Golf Club
	Subject:	Hartpury College
	Title:	Hartpury College Golf Academy Complete Their Annual Golf Winter Training Camp At Desert Springs Resort

Matt Ellis, Golf Academy Manager & PGA Instructor, Paul Johnson, Level One Tutor & and Joanne Cawthorne, P.A to the Performance Director at Hartpury College Golf Academy, accompanied twenty-nine (29) students aged between 16 – 19 years for 5-days of warm weather winter training at the Desert Springs Resort between Sunday 04^th – Friday 09^thFebruary.

 

Student George Bryant-Stroud of the England Regional Squad remarked:

“I can’t get enough of the practice facilities, the chipping green is so good, its perfect for my preparation for the season, thank you for a great week!”

 “I just love coming back to Desert Springs every year, what more can I say!”

 “Great golf course, great facilities and great service, thank you!”

 

Those are the verdicts of Adrian Mylrea and Alex Sadler respectively, both 17-year-old full time students from the Hartpury College Golf Academy.

 

The training camp utilized the excellent practice facilities at the Desert Springs Golf Academy where the PGA Instructors were able provide one-to-one tuition and take advantage of the use of the Desert Springs short game academy prior to the students embarking on their rounds on The Indiana course.

 

Matt Ellis: Golf Academy Manager & PGA Instructor at the Hartpury College Golf Academy remarked:

“Another great trip.

The course was excellent as were the practice facilities.

The food was fantastic all week and all of the staff at the resort were most helpful. We really can’t fault our stay.”

 

Paul Johnson, Level One Tutor at the Hartpury College Golf Academy commented:

“I look forward to the trip to Desert Springs every year and it never disappoints. Great facilities and a golf course that I never get tired of playing and all of the staff were amazing as usual.”

 

Joanne Cawthorne, P.A to the Performance Director remarked:

“Fantastic facilities, the food was excellent and the welcome we received again was fabulous.”

 

The students and officials were accommodated in some of the privately-owned apartments normally reserved for holidays and short breaks at Desert Springs and the resort’s executive chef was on hand to cater for the special dietary requirements of individual players dining each evening in the ‘The Crocodile Club’ Restaurant.

 

The Hartpury College Golf Academy provides players with the opportunity to develop their knowledge and golfing skills by offering regular coaching and playing time.  PGA Professionals at Hartpury College provide the coaching and practice sessions, which take place around academic sessions, so that students are developing both their academic and golfing abilities.

 

For further information on The Hartpury College Golf Academy visit their official website www.hartpury.ac.uk

 

For further Information contact:

Kirk Lovell
Tel. +34 647 414 899
E-mail: kl@almanzora.com

---

 

	Dateline:	9th January 2018
	Source:	Desert Springs Golf Club
	Subject:	Hartpury College
	Title:	Hartpury College Golf Academy Set To Return To Desert Springs For Winter Training Camp

In 2013 The Hartpury College Golf Academy, based in Gloucester, England, made their inaugural visit to Desert Springs Resort to complete their Warm Weather Winter Training Camp in preparation for the following seasons tournaments.

Since that time, The Hartpury College Golf Academy have been both a regular and welcome visitor to Desert Springs Resort, and it is with pleasure that we announce their scheduled return once again this year.

Between Sunday 04th January – Friday 09th February, Desert Springs will be host to twenty-eight (28) students and four (4) professional staff from The Hartpury College Golf Academy for a five-day intensive training programme to develop their individual golfing skills in warm weather, utilising the excellent practice facilities at the Golf Academy and playing the Championship Indiana golf course.

During the training camp, players can enjoy opportunities to swim, play football and tennis and use the gymnasium, trim trail, jogging tracks, padel tennis and beach volley ball courts. They also have access to the resort’s Private Reserve which incorporates a spa, private sauna and Jacuzzi suite, personal fitness workout room, games room with bar, and a home cinema.

Accommodation for the players and officials is in some of the privately-owned apartments normally reserved for holidays and short breaks at Desert Springs Resort.

The resort’s executive chef will be on hand to cater for the special dietary requirements of individual players dining in the Crocodile Club Restaurant.

For further information on The Hartpury College Golf Academy visit their official website www.hartpury.ac.uk

 

For further Information contact:

Kirk Lovell
Tel. +34 647 414 899
E-mail: kl@almanzora.com

---

 

	Dateline:	7th February, 2017
	Source:	Desert Springs Golf Club
	Subject:	Hartpury College
	Title:	Hartpury College Golf Academy Complete Their Annual Golf Winter Training Camp At Desert Springs Resort

Matt Ellis, Golf Academy Manager & PGA Instructor, Neil Jones, Level Two Tutor, Paul Johnson, Level One Tutor & and Joanne Cawthorne, P.A to the Performance Director at Hartpury College Golf Academy, accompanied thirty-one (31) students aged between 16 - 18 years for 5-days of warm weather winter training at the Desert Springs Resort between 29^th January & 03^rd February.

The Hartpury College Golf Academy provides players with the opportunity to develop their knowledge and golfing skills by offering regular coaching and playing time.  PGA Professionals at Hartpury College provide the coaching and practice sessions, which take place around academic sessions, so that students are developing both their academic and golfing abilities.

Student George Bryant-Stroud of the England Regional Squad remarked:

“The practice facilities here are just awesome!

This was the perfect preparation for the season ahead, see you next year!”

“What a brilliant week at Desert Springs, I got so much out of the training camp to take forward into my season, thank you to all of the staff!”

 

“A sensational training camp and a stunning golf course, thank you for looking after us so well.”

 

“I just love coming back to Desert Springs, everything is just so good here to allow a player to hone their game. The golf course was in just stunning condition!”

Those are the verdicts of Alexandra Giles of the England Regional Squad, Alex Talbot of the England Regional Squad and Reece Swain, all full time students from the Hartpury College Golf Academy.

The training camp utilized the excellent practice facilities at the Desert Springs Golf Academy where the PGA Instructors were able provide one-to-one tuition and take advantage of the use of the Desert Springs short game academy prior to the students embarking on their rounds on The Indiana course.

The students and officials were accommodated in some of the privately owned apartments normally reserved for holidays and short breaks at Desert Springs and the resort’s executive chef was on hand to cater for the special dietary requirements of individual players dining each evening in the ‘The Crocodile Club’ Restaurant.

Matt Ellis: Golf Academy Manager & PGA Instructor at the Hartpury College Golf Academy remarked:

“This was my first visit to Desert Springs, what a resort!

We were made to feel welcome by everybody and the facilities are first class.

Thank you for a sensational training camp, the students have got so much from their week and we look forward to seeing you all again in 2018!”

Paul Johnson, Level One Tutor at the Hartpury College Golf Academy commented:

“I am very familiar with Desert Springs Resort and have to say that the experience and the standards just get better and better, thank you so much and see you next year!”

For further information on The Hartpury College Golf Academy visit their official website www.hartpury.ac.uk

For further information contact: Kirk Lovell
Tel. +34 647 414 899
E-mail: kl@almanzora.com

---

 

	Dateline:	20th January, 2017
	Source:	Desert Springs Golf Club
	Subject:	Hartpury College
	Title:	Hartpury College Golf Academy Set To Return To Desert Springs For Winter Training Camp

 

The Hartpury College Golf Academy, based in Gloucester, England, have selected the Desert Springs Resort to host their fifth consecutive winter training camp.

Between Sunday 29th January - Friday 3rd February, Desert Springs will be host to twenty thirty-two (32) students and four (4) professional staff from The Hartpury College Golf Academy for a five-day intensive training programme to develop their individual golfing skills in warm weather, utilising the excellent practice facilities at the Golf Academy and playing the Indiana Championship golf course.

 

During the training camp, players can enjoy opportunities to swim, play football and tennis and use the gymnasium, trim trail, jogging tracks, paddle tennis and beach volley ball courts. They also have access to the resort’s Private Reserve which incorporates a spa, private sauna and jacuzzi suite, personal fitness workout room, games room with bar, and a home cinema.

 

Accommodation for the players and officials is in some of the privately owned apartments and townhouses normally reserved for holidays and short breaks at Desert Springs Resort.

 

The resort’s executive chef will be on hand to cater for the special dietary requirements of individual players dining in the Crocodile Club Restaurant.

 

For further information on The Hartpury College Golf Academy visit their official website www.hartpury.ac.uk

For further information contact: Kirk Lovell
Tel. +34 647 414 899
E-mail: kl@almanzora.com

---

 

	Dateline:	8th February, 2016
	Source:	Desert Springs Golf Club
	Subject:	Hartpury College Golf Academy
	Title:	Hartpury College Golf Academy Complete their Annual Golf Winter Training Camp at Desert Springs Resort

 

Richard King, Golf Elite Programme Manager and PGA Instructor, Paul Johnson Sport Performance & Excellence in Golf Coach and Joanne Ronald, Head of Department for Sport at Hartpury College Golf Academy, accompanied twenty-four students aged between 16 - 18 years for 5-days of warm weather winter training at the Desert Springs Resort between 31st January and 5th February.

The Hartpury College Golf Academy provides players with the opportunity to develop their knowledge and golfing skills by offering regular coaching and playing time.  PGA Professionals at Hartpury College provide the coaching and practice sessions, which take place around academic sessions, so that students are developing both their academic and golfing abilities.

Student Caitlin Evans-Brand remarked;

“The staff and facilities were extremely welcoming and made the week amazing!”

 “The Indiana is an excellent course in superb condition!
We were all made to feel so welcome, what a week!”

“The Indiana is a great course in a spectacular environment with really kind, attentive and helpful staff.”

“Beautiful weather, fantastic facilities, and a faultless golf course, a great week!”

 

Those are the verdicts of Josh Marshall, Reece Swain and George Bryant, all full time students from the Hartpury College Golf Academy.

The training camp utilized the excellent practice facilities at the Desert Springs Golf Academy where the PGA Instructors were able provide one-to-one tuition and take advantage of the use of the Desert Springs short game academy prior to the students embarking on their rounds on The Indiana course.

The students and officials were accommodated in some of the privately owned apartments normally reserved for holidays and short breaks at Desert Springs and the resort’s executive chef was on hand to cater for the special dietary requirements of individual players dining each evening in the ‘El Torrente’ Restaurant.

 

Richard King: Golf Elite Programme Manager & PGA Instructor at the Hartpury College Golf Academy remarked:

“Another fantastic tour to Desert Springs Resort where our students got to use the outstanding facilities and golf course in preparation for their competitive season. I just wish we could stay for longer!”

 

For further information on The Hartpury College Golf Academy visit their official website www.hartpury.ac.uk

For further information contact: Alfonso Castiñeira
Tel. +34 670 613 900
E-mail: acm@almanzora.com

---

 

	Dateline:	8th January 2016
	Source:	Desert Springs Golf Club
	Subject:	Hartpury College
	Title:	Hartpury College Golf Academy set to return to Desert Springs for Winter Training Camp

 

The Hartpury College Golf Academy, based in Gloucester, England, have selected the Desert Springs Resort to host their fourth consecutive winter training camp.

The Hartpury College Golf Academy provides players with the opportunity to develop their knowledge and golfing skills by offering regular coaching and playing time. There are three full-time PGA Professionals at Hartpury College who provide the coaching and practice sessions, which take place around academic sessions, so that students are developing both their academic and golfing abilities.

Between Sunday 31st January - Friday 5th February, Desert Springs will be host to twenty five (25) students and three (3) professional staff from The Hartpury College Golf Academy for a five-day intensive training programme to develop their individual golfing skills in warm weather, utilising the excellent practice facilities at the Golf Academy and playing the Indiana Championship golf course.

 

Richard King, Golf Elite Programme Manager and PGA Instructor at the Hartpury College Golf Academy said:

“The warm weather training opportunity at Desert Springs coupled with the outstanding golf facilities, provides the players with the opportunity to practice and bond together in an environment that allows quality practice and golf performance and we are all very much looking forward to returning!”

 

During the training camp, players can enjoy opportunities to swim, play football and tennis and use the gymnasium, trim trail, jogging tracks, paddle tennis and beach volley ball courts. They also have access to the resort’s Private Reserve which incorporates a spa, private sauna and jacuzzi suite, personal fitness workout room, games room with bar, and a home cinema.

Accommodation for the players and officials is in some of the privately owned apartments normally reserved for holidays and short breaks at Desert Springs Resort.

The resort’s executive chef will be on hand to cater for the special dietary requirements of individual players dining in the resort’s award-winning El Torrente Restaurant.

For further information on The Hartpury College Golf Academy visit their official website.

For further information contact: Alfonso Castiñeira
Tel. +34 670 613 900
E-mail: acm@almanzora.com

---

 

	Dateline:	9th February 2015
	Source:	Desert Springs Resort
	Subject:	Hartpury College Golf Academy
	Title:	Hartpury College Golf Academy Complete Their Annual Golf Winter Training Camp At Desert Springs Resort

 

Three Hartpury College Golf Academy PGA Instructors accompanied twenty-seven students aged between 15 - 18 years for 5-days of warm weather winter training at the Desert Springs Resort between 1st and 6th February.

The Hartpury College Golf Academy provides players with the opportunity to develop their knowledge and golfing skills by offering regular coaching and playing time. PGA Professionals at Hartpury College provide the coaching and practice sessions, which take place around academic sessions, so that students are developing both their academic and golfing abilities.

Sixteen-year-old student Rowan Warren remarked;

“A lifetime experience I will never forget!
Pristine practice facilities and the golf course was in superb condition, a real test. All of the staff were very helpful and courteous.”

“This was my second visit to Desert Springs and it delivered another sensational week. First class practice facilities and a golf course in perfect condition, the food was awesome and all of the staff were extremely friendly and attentive.”

“This was my first visit to Desert Springs. Superb practice facilities!”

Those are the verdicts of 17-year-old Sm Wood and 16-year-old Josh Roberts, two full time students from the Hartpury College Golf Academy.

 

The training camp utilized the excellent practice facilities at the Desert Springs Golf Academy where the PGA Instructors were able provide one-to-one tuition and take advantage of the use of the Desert Springs short game academy prior to the students embarking on their rounds on The Indiana course.

The students and officials were accommodated in some of the privately owned apartments normally reserved for holidays and short breaks at Desert Springs and the resort’s executive chef was on hand to cater for the special dietary requirements of individual players dining each evening in the ‘El Torrente’ Restaurant.

Of particular note was the impressive Hole-In-One by Alex Chalk on the 2nd Hole of The Indiana Course.

Alex commented;

“I will always remember Desert Springs for two things, my Hole-In-One on the 2nd and the friendliness of all of the staff!”

 

Richard King: Golf Elite Programme Manager & PGA Instructor at the Hartpury College Golf Academy remarked:

“We always look forward to returning to Desert Springs Resort to complete our annual winter training camp.

At Desert Springs we always have a fantastic experience.

All of our needs are catered for and the staff throughout the resort are always really helpful.

I simply cannot speak highly enough of Desert Springs!”

 

For further information on The Hartpury College Golf Academy visit their official website.

Alfonso Castiñeira
Tel. +34 670 613 900
E-mail: acm@almanzora.com

---

 

	Dateline:	17th February 2014
	Source:	The Almanzora Goup Ltd
	Subject:	Hartpury College Golf Academy
	Title:	Hartpury College Golf Academy Complete Their Annual Winter Training Camp At Desert Springs

 

 

“This is my second year coming to Desert Springs Resort with Hartpury College, and it is fair to say that the high standard of the accommodation and condition of the Indiana golf course and golf academy practice facilities have been kept impeccable.”

“Desert Springs is a fantastic resort with a golf course you would not miss any opportunity to play on. The resort has beautiful surroundings and I have had an amazing time and would definitely recommend it to others.”

Those are the verdicts of 18-year-old Matt Aston and 17-year old Sarah Riddeu respectively, two of thirty-four full time students aged between 15 – 18 years from The Hartpury College Golf Academy, based in Gloucester, England, who have returned from their annual visit to the Desert Springs Resort for a 5-day intensive winter training programme to develop their individual golfing skills between Sunday 9th – Friday 14th February.

The training camp utilised the excellent practice facilities at the Desert Springs Golf Academy where the PGA Instructors were able provide one-to-one tuition and take advantage of the use of the Desert Springs short game academy.

Jo Harvey remarked of his experience at Desert Springs:

“This was my first time at Desert Springs Resort and already I can´t wait to return!

I feel my golf has taken a massive step forward in only a week. I´d like to say a big thank you to Richard King and the Staff that came and organised the training camp and a big thanks to all Desert Springs Staff.”

Hannath Stradding commented of her experience at Desert Springs: -
“This is my second time at Desert Springs Resort and if anything the course and facilities have improved.

The staff here are vey accommodating and the facilities are second to none.

I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute at Desert Springs and would not hesitate to recommend the resort to anybody.”

Richard King, Academy Manager at Hartpury College Golf Academy commented:

“Another fantastic week at Desert Springs Resort and plenty of playing and practice in the sun!

The staff and facilities are outstanding and I would recommend the resort to any golfer.”

Hartpury College Golf Academy PGA Instructors Paul Johnson and Luke Fisher commented of their experience at Desert Springs respectively:

“I thoroughly enjoyed the week at Desert Springs. The course is a fantastic test of golf, with the resort offering excellent facilities too.”

“This was my first visit to Spain and Desert Springs and hopefully not the last!

Great service from all the staff that would do anything to make your stay better.”

• For details of Golf & Sports Training Camps, Corporate Golf Events and Meetings at Desert Springs call 01242 680 116 or visit the website.
• To find out more about the Hartpury College Golf Academy visit the website.

Additional background Information

 

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 Darren Clarke Golf School students, visiting groups have included golfing pupils from, Lee Westwood Golf School, Millfield School, 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, football 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 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 that is geared up for a wide variety of leisure activities and the award winning El Torrente Restaurant at the Club House.

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.

The Desert Springs Resort & Golf Club

Facilities already completed and in use at Desert Springs include:

• a par 72 -18-hole USGA Indiana golf course designed by former Great Britain and Ireland
  Golf Team Captain Peter McEvoy who was inspired by the desert courses of Arizona and California.
• a golf academy whose PGA qualified teaching professionals cater for several international
  teams, for the women’s elite squads of the Golf Union of Wales and for many of the English County Union’s elite squads; PGA European Tour and LET players.
• two hard tennis courts, two paddle courts, beach volley ball and two football pitches - one is a
  full-size grass pitch; the other is designed for five-a-side games;
• a Cricket Academy with facilities that comprise; a six bay grass wicket and run up with nets, a
  two bay artificial wicket with nets, a full length artificial grass wicket, a Professional Bola Bowling Machine with 28 ball feeder, a slip catch cradle and a specific hard standing area, which provides outside space for facilities such as a free weights gym, stretching mats and a medical area
• a Spanish colonial style Golf Club House with a lounge, bar, restaurant, locker rooms, TV and
  reading rooms, and a Ralph Lauren Golf Boutique;
• The Crocodile Club which provides family fun at the heart of the resort with pools, equipped
  sand play areas, a kid’s battery powered John Deere Gator circuit and a games room as well as a Jacuzzi, sun lawns and a pool bar;
• a health and fitness club and spa.

Awards

In 2005 Desert Springs won the Daily Mail Best Almeria Award and the Bentley International Property Awards for the Best Spain Development and Best Architecture. In 2006, it was awarded the Spanish National Madera Verde Prize for Environmentally Sensitive Development. In 2007, the El Torrente Restaurant received the New Millennium International Gastronomy Award for the Tourist, Hotel and Catering Industry. This award was created by the Trade Leaders Club with the aim of distinguishing companies from all countries, for the outstanding quality of their products or services.

 

The climate of the Almanzora coastal region

Desert Springs 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.

Reader enquiries:
NOTE: High Resolution Images available upon request.
Simon Coaker
The Almanzora Group Ltd
The Manor, Boddington, Cheltenham,
Gloucestershire GL51 0TJ
Tel: +44 (0) 1242 680116
Email: tag@almanzora.com

---

 

	Dateline:	17th February 2014
	Source:	Desert Springs Golf Club
	Subject:	Hartpury College Golf Academy
	Title:	Hartpury College Golf Academy Complete Their Annual Winter Training Camp At Desert Springs Resort

 

The Hartpury College Golf Academy provides players with the opportunity to develop their knowledge and golfing skills by offering regular coaching and playing time. PGA Professionals at Hartpury College provide the coaching and practice sessions, which take place around academic sessions, so that students are developing both their academic and golfing abilities.

“This is my second year coming to Desert Springs Resort with Hartpury College, and it is fair to say that the high standard of the accommodation and condition of the Indiana golf course and golf academy practice facilities have been kept impeccable.”

“Desert Springs is a fantastic resort with a golf course you would not miss any opportunity to play on. The resort has beautiful surroundings and I have had an amazing time and would definitely recommend it to others.”

Those are the verdicts of 18-year-old Matt Aston and 17-year old Sarah Riddeu respectively, two full time students at Hartpury College.

The students and officials were accommodated in some of the privately owned apartments normally reserved for holidays and short breaks at Desert Springs and the resort’s executive chef was on hand to cater for the special dietary requirements of individual players dining each evening in El Torrente Restaurant.

During their time at the resort the players have utilized the excellent practice facilities at the Golf Academy and played the Indiana golf course.

Hannath Stradding commented of her experience at Desert Springs: -

“This is my second visit to Desert Springs Resort and if anything the course and facilities have improved. The staff here are very accommodating and the facilities are second to none. I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute at Desert Springs and would not hesitate to recommend the resort to anybody.”

Richard King, Academy Manager at Hartpury College Golf Academy commented:

“Another fantastic week at Desert Springs Resort and plenty of playing and practice in the sun! The staff and facilities are outstanding and I would recommend the resort to any golfer.”

For further information on The Hartpury College Golf Academy visit their official website.

Martin Brannstrom
Tel. +34 670 613 900
E-mail: mb@almanzora.com

---

 

	Dateline:	11th February 2013
	Source:	The Almanzora Goup Ltd
	Subject:	Hartpury College Golf Academy
	Title:	Hartpury College Golf Academy Winter Training Camp At Desert Springs A Resounding Success!

 

“When I arrived and saw the Resort, I thought to myself 'this is gonna be good!'

The golf facilities are excellent, a very long Driving Range at the Academy, with many bays and natural grass to practice from which is invaluable.

Both the chipping green and putting green are large enough to accommodate a high number of players at any one time and the greens on the course are quick, much quicker than those we play on at home!”

That is the verdict of 16-year-old Jack Munday, one of 26 full time students from The Hartpury College Golf Academy, based in Gloucester, England, who have returned from their first visit to the Desert Springs Resort for a 5-day intensive winter training programme to develop their individual golfing skills.

Three full-time PGA Professionals at Hartpury College accompanied twenty boys and six girls aged between15 - 18 years for 5 days of warm weather winter training at the Desert Springs Resort between Monday 4th – Saturday 9th February.

The training camp utilised the excellent practice facilities at the Desert Springs Golf Academy where the PGA Instructors were able provide one-to-one tuition and take advantage of the use of the Desert Springs short game academy.

Student Sarah Ridell, aged 18 remarked of the Indiana course:

“Awesome, a fantastic layout and excellent quality which certainly provides a test of a variety of shots you will require to score well.

The course certainly improves your course management skills.”

Richard King, Academy Manager at Hartpury College Golf Academy commented:

“I have had a fantastic experience at Desert Springs; from the very first minute of our arrival to the resort and the ‘Meet & Greet’ we experienced, I knew that our stay would be ideal.

The golf facilities are simply excellent; it feels like you are on Tour, an experience comparable to Ryder Cup venue Celtic Manor. The RangeBall pyramids at the Golf Academy, endless balls and the staff at the Range...it does feel special!

Everybody is friendly and smiling at all times, it is the kind of place where you would love to work...I can´t praise it enough.
If you want to go to a place to practice, improve your golf skills and be treated like a Pro, then come to Desert Springs!”

• For details of Golf & Sports Training Camps, Corporate Golf Events and Meetings at Desert Springs call 01242 680 116 or visit the website.
• To find out more about the Lee Westwood Golf School visit the website

 

Additional background Information

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 Darren Clarke Golf School pupils, visiting groups have included golfing pupils from, Millfield School, 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 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 that is geared up for a wide variety of leisure activities and the award winning El Torrente Restaurant at the Club House.

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.

The Desert Springs Resort & Golf Club

Facilities already completed and in use at Desert Springs include:

• a 72 par 18-hole USGA Indiana golf course designed by former Great Britain and Ireland Golf Team Captain Peter McEvoy who was inspired by the desert courses of Arizona and California;
• a golf academy whose PGA qualified teaching professionals cater for several international teams, for the women’s elite squads of the Golf Union of Wales and for many of the English County Union’s elite squads; PGA European Tour and LET players.
• two hard tennis courts, two paddle courts, beach volley ball and two football pitches - one is a full-size grass pitch; the other is designed for five-a-side games;
• a Spanish colonial style Golf Club House with a lounge, bar, restaurant, locker rooms, TV and reading rooms, and a Ralph Lauren Golf Boutique;
• The Crocodile Club which provides family fun at the heart of the resort with pools, equipped sand play areas, a kid’s battery powered John Deere Gator circuit and a games room as well as a jacuzzi, sun lawns and a pool bar;
• a health and fitness club and spa.

Awards

In 2005 Desert Springs won the Daily Mail Best Almeria Award and the Bentley International Property Awards for the Best Spain Development and Best Architecture. In 2006, it was awarded the Spanish National Madera Verde Prize for Environmentally Sensitive Development.

In 2007, the El Torrente Restaurant received the New Millennium International Gastronomy Award for the Tourist, Hotel and Catering Industry. This award was created by the Trade Leaders Club with the aim of distinguishing companies from all countries, for the outstanding quality of their products or services.

The climate of the Almanzora coastal region

Desert Springs 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.

Reader enquiries

NOTE: High Resolution Images available upon request.

Simon Coaker
The Almanzora Group Ltd
The Manor, Boddington,
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL51 0TJ
Tel: +44 (0) 1242 680116
Email: tag@almanzora.com

---

 

	Dateline:	11th February, 2013
	Source:	Desert Springs Golf Club
	Subject:	Hartpury College Golf Academy
	Title:	Hartpury College Golf Academy Winter Training Camp At Desert Springs A Resounding Success!

 

 

As previously announced, The Hartpury College Golf Academy, based in Gloucester, England, had selected the Desert Springs Resort to host their 2013 winter training camp.

The Hartpury College Golf Academy provides players with the opportunity to develop their knowledge and golfing skills by offering regular coaching and playing time. There are three full-time PGA Professionals at Hartpury College who provide the coaching and practice sessions, which take place around academic sessions, so that students are developing both their academic and golfing abilities.

Between Monday 4th - Saturday 9th February 2013, Desert Springs was host to twenty six students and three professional staff from The Hartpury College Golf Academy for a five-day intensive training programme to develop their individual golfing skills in warm weather, utilizing the excellent practice facilities at the Golf Academy and playing the Indiana Championship golf course.

The students and officials were accommodated in some of the privately owned apartments normally reserved for holidays and short breaks at Desert Springs and the resort’s executive chef was on hand to cater for the special dietary requirements of individual players dining in the award-winning El Torrente Restaurant.

During their time at the resort the players have utilized the excellent practice facilities at the Golf Academy and played the Indiana golf course.

“When I arrived and saw the Resort, I thought to myself 'this is gonna be good!'

The golf facilities are excellent, a very long Driving Range at the Academy, with many bays and natural grass to practice from which is invaluable. Both the chipping green and putting green are large enough to accommodate a high number of players at one time and the greens on the course are quick, much quicker than those we play on at home!”

That was the verdict of 16-year-old student Jack Munday.

Student Sarah Ridell, 16 years of age, remarked of the Indiana course:
“Awesome, fantastic layout and quality which certainly provides a test of a variety of shots you will require to score well and improves your course management skills.”

Richard King, Academy Manager at Hartpury commented:
“I have had a fantastic experience at Desert Springs; from the very first minute of our arrival to the resort and the ‘Meet & Greet’ we experienced, I knew that our stay would be ideal.

The golf facilities are simply excellent; it feels like you are on Tour, an experience comparable to Ryder Cup venue Celtic Manor. The Range Ball pyramids at the Golf Academy, endless balls and the staff at the Range...it does feel special!

Everybody is friendly and smiling at all times, it is the kind of place where you would love to work...I can´t praise it enough.

If you want to go to a place to practice, improve your golf skills and be treated like a Pro, then come to Desert Springs!”

For further information on The Hartpury College Golf Academy visit their official website.

For further information contact: José Ignacio Olea
Email: jioz@almanzora.com
Telephone: +34 670 613 900

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	Dateline:	12th December 2012
	Source:	Desert Springs Golf Club
	Subject:	Hartpury College Golf Academy
	Title:	Hartpury College Golf Academy Select Desert Springs to Host 2013 Winter Training Camp

 

 

The Hartpury College Golf Academy provides players with the opportunity to develop their knowledge and golfing skills by offering regular coaching and playing time. There are three full-time PGA Professionals at Hartpury College who provide the coaching and practice sessions, which take place around academic sessions, so that students are developing both their academic and golfing abilities.

Between Monday 4th - Saturday 9th February 2013, Desert Springs will be host to twenty six students and three professional staff from The Hartpury College Golf Academy for a five-day intensive training programme to develop their individual golfing skills in warm weather, utilising the excellent practice facilities at the Golf Academy and playing the Indiana Championship golf course.

Richard King, Academy Manager at Hartpury said:
“The warm weather training opportunity at Desert Springs coupled with the outstanding golf facilities, provides the players with the opportunity to practice and bond together in an environment that allows quality practice and golf performance.”

During the training camp, players can enjoy opportunities to swim, play tennis and use the gymnasium, trim trail, jogging tracks, paddle tennis and beach volley ball courts. They also have access to the resort’s Private Reserve which incorporates a spa, private sauna and jacuzzi suite, personal fitness workout room, games room with bar, and a home cinema.

Accommodation for the players and officials is in some of the privately owned apartments normally reserved for holidays and short breaks at Desert Springs.

The resort’s executive chef will be on hand to cater for the special dietary requirements of individual players dining in the resort’s award-winning El Torrente Restaurant.

For further information on The Hartpury College Golf Academy visit their official website.

For further information contact: José Ignacio Olea
Email: jioz@almanzora.com
Telephone: +34 670 613 900

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