Testimonials
  • From: Daniel Walker
  • Date: Tuesday 12th May, 2015
  • Subject: Comments from Daniel Walker following his groups golfing break at Desert Springs Resort between 8th-11th May, 2015

Daniel Walker Golf Party at Desert Springs Resort

 

On Friday 8th May, Daniel Walker arrived with a party of 10 golfing friends to Desert Springs Resort for a 3-day golfing break.
The group were accommodated on a full board basis in some of the privately owned villas at the resort and enjoyed 3 rounds of golf on the Championship Indiana course.

Daniel Walker remarked of the break: –

“This was simply a fabulous stay, sensational hospitality, the weather and golf were perfect and the staff were always willing and smiling!”

Jack Robbins remarked of his stay at Desert Springs –

“Thank you for the wonderful service, we have had a wonderful weekend.”

David Slemen remarked: –

“Great Golf and the best service ever!”

Simon Morgan commented: –

"Wonderful service with great golf, lots of fun!”

  • From: Allan Parr
  • Date: Tuesday 12th May, 2015
  • Subject: Allan´s comments following his successful completion of the purchase of a two bedroom Colonial Townhouse at Desert Springs Resort

Townhouses at Las Sierras IV

 

Peter,

"The reason for this mail is to thank Desert Springs for the way they dealt with the sale of the above property to my wife Angie and myself.

The whole process was seamless from beginning to end, and this was largely due to your Commercial Manager Paul Gutierrez and Natalia Ruffinelli Gonzalez.

Paul recommended to us a first class solicitor (Paloma Moreno-Torres) who looked after our interests both with the bank and at the Notary, Paul also explained to us all the purchase costs and at the end of the day, he was about right with his estimate.

Natalia Project Managed the installation of the kitchen magnificently, taking on board all the changes requested by Angie, who now loves the kitchen.

The overall result is that Angie and I are now the proud owners of a top of the range Town House on a Five Star Resort and we both look forward to spending as much time as we can out there.

Thanks again to you and your staff."

Best regards,

Allan
 

  • From: Swedish Golf Association
  • Date: Saturday 18th April, 2015
  • Subject: Comments from the Swedish Golf Association team members and coaching staff following their 8-day winter training camp at Desert Springs between 10th - 18th April, 2015

Two PGA Instructors accompanied twelve members of the Swedish Golf Association National Team aged between 45 – 54 years for 8-days of warm weather winter training at the Desert Springs Resort between 10th – 18th April 2015.

The Swedish Golf Association is responsible for golf practice and development in Sweden. The country's 500 golf clubs are members of the Association, which in turn is split into 21 districts.

Swedish Golf Association Team Members and Coaching Staff during there inaugural winter training camp at Desert Springs Resort

 

Bjorn Isberg, Swedish Golf Association Coach remarked;

“This was a fantastic first visit to Desert Springs. Everything we required was catered for, wonderful accommodation and a pristine golf course.

The staff couldn’t have been more helpful and we are already looking forward to returning in 2016!”

“A perfect week in such a beautiful location with a wonderful course and very friendly staff, thank you.”

“I loved my time at Desert Springs and in particular my Hole-In-One on the 2nd Hole made it even more memorable!”

“Beautiful accommodation and a pristine golf course, I will definitely be back!”

Those are the verdicts of team members Matts Dornell, Thomas Nilsson & Peter Ingvarsson respectively.


Thomas Nilsson presented with his Hole-In-One Certificate by Desert Springs Resort Golf Services Manager, Kirk Lovell

 

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 prior to the team members embarking on their rounds on The Indiana course.

The team members and officials were accommodated in some of the privately owned villas 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 day in the ‘El Torrente’ Restaurant.

  • From: Pro Coach Yorkshire Cricket
  • Date: Friday 10th April, 2015
  • Subject: Comments from Pro Coach Yorkshire Cricket following their 5-day winter Cricket training camp at Desert Springs between 5th - 9th April, 2015

Back Row Left to Right; Pro Coach Yorkshire Cricket Academy Coach Andy Laws, Aahan Sabharwal, Chris Taylor and Jack Riley. Bottom Row Left to Right; Ish Sabharwal, Adam Langhorne and Mark Lawson (Coach)


Pro Coach Yorkshire Cricket Academy players are now back in England having completed a successful five (5) days of warm weather pre-season cricket training between Sunday 5th & Thursday 9th April at Desert Springs Resort, Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort and championship desert golf course with its very own dedicated Cricket Academy, in the Almanzora region of Almeria, Andalucía in south-east Spain.

Pro Coach Yorkshire Cricket, based at Headingley, Leeds, is the official coaching provider for Yorkshire County Cricket Club, responsible for organising and delivering cricket coaching courses throughout Yorkshire for children and adults, both beginners through to budding young professionals.

Pro Coach Yorkshire Cricket Academy Coaches Andy Laws and Mark Lawson accompanied five (5) players who completed bowling, batting and fielding practice training sessions as they stepped up their physical preparations for the upcoming 2015 season.

Mark Lawson, Pro Coach Yorkshire Cricket Academy Coach, commented:
“Desert Springs is the perfect setting for Pre-Season training for both first class and amateur teams. The training facilities are as good as any about and we can’t wait to come back!”

Andy Laws, Pro Coach Yorkshire Cricket Academy Coach, remarked:
“As a consequence of the short flight from the UK making logistics simple, coupled with the first class cricket training facilities and staff that are incredibly friendly, Desert Springs is ideal for Pre-Season training. We will most definitely be booking again!”

‘Nets Practice Session’ at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy

  • From: Michael Welch
  • Date: Tuesday 7th April, 2015
  • Subject: Comments from PGA Coach Michael Welch following his 8-day coaching camp at Desert Springs between 28th April - 6th May 2015

PGA Golf Professional and Instructor Michael Welch accompanied one of his pupils for 8-days of warm weather winter training at the Desert Springs Resort between 28th April – 6th May 2015.

 

"Hi Simon

Just thought I would drop you a line to say thank you for your hospitality these past 8 days.

The whole resort was in fantastic condition, please can you pass on our appreciation to all of your staff for making our stay so productive and enjoyable.

Hope to return soon."

Kind regards

Michael
 

  • From: Ian Woods
  • Date: Friday 3rd April, 2015
  • Subject: Ian´s comments following his 3-day family break at Desert Springs Resort between 28th & 31st March, 2015

Hi Simon,

I just wanted to say a very big thank you to you and Leticia for organising our stay.

We had a wonderful time.

The golf course is in wonderful condition and I thoroughly enjoyed my two rounds.

On the first day I paired up with one of your members called Steve who was very friendly and showed me round.

The second day I arranged for my wife and son to meet me on the 17th green and join me for the last hole.

I parred both, so my 4 year old, who's never seen me play golf before, now thinks his dad must be a decent golfer!

I've been a regular at La Manga over the past 15 years but I was very disappointed with the condition of the greens there last year.

I will definitely be recommending Desert Springs to my friends and hope to come again in the near future.

All the very best

Ian

 

  • From: Yorkshire County Cricket Club
  • Date: Monday 30th March, 2015
  • Subject: Comments from Yorkshire County Cricket Club following their Pre-Season Cricket Training Camp held at Desert Springs Resort between 22nd & 27th March, 2015

Yorkshire County Cricket Club Coach Anthony McGrath (Top Row Far Right) and Sam Hinchcliffe Head of Customer Operations (Bottom Row Far Left) with squad players Ryan Gibson, Josh Shaw, Jim Wainman, Jonathan Tattersall, Dan Hodgson & Elliot Callis attending the Pre-Season Training Camp


Yorkshire County Cricket Club players are now back in England having completed a successful five (5) days of warm weather pre-season cricket and fitness training between Sunday 22nd & Friday 27th March at Desert Springs Resort, Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort and championship desert golf course with its very own dedicated Cricket Academy, in the Almanzora region of Almeria, Andalucía in south-east Spain.

Andy McGrath, Yorkshire CCC Bowling Coach and Sam Hinchcliffe accompanied six (6) players who completed bowling, batting and fielding practice as well as strength and conditioning training sessions as they stepped up their physical preparations for the upcoming 2015 season.

Andy McGrath, Yorkshire CCC Bowling Coach, commented:
“This was a fantastic week and a great start for the lads ahead of the season.
The cricket facilities & staff were first class and all of our needs were catered for and we would definitely recommend and use again in the future.”

 

‘Nets Practice Session’ at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy

‘Batsman Practice Session’ at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy


The training camp worked on a specific and carefully planned programme covering technical skills, strength and conditioning and both individual and group activity.

Yorkshire CCC players said of their pre – season training experience at Desert Springs Resort:

“Superb facilities, excellent hospitality, great week!”  Dan Hodgson

“Nice to use grass nets having been indoor in England all winter, great experience!” Jonathan Tattersall

“Delightful cricket facilities in a picturesque setting, refuelled by excellent cuisine.” James Wainman

“An outstanding opportunity for Pre-Season, a great week!” Ryan Gibson

“Very accommodating staff in a lovely part of the world. Excellent Pre-Season facilities and I would love to come back!” Elliot Callis

The players and coaches were accommodated in some of the privately owned Townhouses 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 El Torrente Restaurant.
 

  • From: Swedish National Disabled Golf Team
  • Date: Monday 30th March, 2015
  • Subject: Comments from the Swedish National Disabled Golf Team following their Winter Training Camp held at Desert Springs Resort between 22nd & 29th March, 2015

2014 World Amateur Team Disabled Golf Champions from Left to Right: Niklas Wiktor, Jorgen Tjelander, Alexander Hjalmarsson, Daniel Stark (Coach), Marcus Malo, Kristoffer Eklund, Per Sjoberg & Joakim Bjorkman attending the Winter Training Camp at Desert Springs Resort


Current World Amateur Team Disabled Golf Champions, The Swedish National Amateur Disabled Golf Team, are now back in Sweden having completed a successful seven (7) days of warm weather training between Sunday 22nd & Sunday 29th March at Desert Springs Resort, Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort and championship desert golf course, in the Almanzora region of Almeria, Andalucía in south-east Spain.

During their time at the resort the players utilised the excellent practice facilities at the Golf Academy and played the Championship Indiana course.

Daniel Stark, Coach to The Swedish National Amateur Disabled Golf Team remarked:

“I loved the greens, especially first thing in the morning. Even though the course was busy, there was always a sensation of calm.

The surroundings of Desert Springs only added to the complete desert experience.

We loved the fact that we could play in the morning and then again in the afternoon!

The staff were extremely helpful and always on hand, we received anything we asked for within 10 seconds.
We will definitely be returning to Desert Springs!”

Squad member Per Sjoberg commented:
“The Indiana course provides for a very good test of golf, especially if there is a breeze, making you think about each shot you are going to play.
The conditions of the course and practice facilities were excellent.”

The players and officials where accommodated in one of the privately owned Country Villas 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.

  • From: Neil Rayer
  • Date: Monday 23rd March, 2015
  • Subject: Comments from Neil Rayer further to a 3-day golfing break with 15 friends to celebrate his birthday at Desert Springs Resort between 20th - 23rd March 2015

 

On Friday 20th March, Neil Rayer arrived with 15 friends to Desert Springs Resort to celebrate his birthday.
The group were accommodated on a full board basis in some of the privately owned villas at the resort and enjoyed 3 rounds of golf on the Championship Indiana course.

 

Neil Rayer commented;

“The team at Desert Springs catered for our every need.
From day one, nothing was too much trouble. Fantastic villas, a golf course that held challenges for all, delicious food and wine, and most of all service with a smile.

This made the trip extra special and a great way to celebrate my birthday with 15 friends, thank you.

Neil Rayer.

  • From: Marcus Trescothick
  • Date: Thursday 19th March, 2015
  • Subject: Comments from Somerset CCC Captain Marcus Trescothick following their Cricket Pre-Season Training Camp at Desert Springs Resort between 4th - 12th March 2015

Somerset CCC Net Practice Session at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy

 

Trip to Spain was great for me! – Marcus Trescothick
 

Marcus Trescothick has hailed his participation in Somerset's pre-season tour to Spain as having gone "brilliantly" as he completed his first overseas cricket trip for almost five years.

The Somerset captain said the pre-season trip to the Costa de Almeria had reminded him of how much he had enjoyed tours when he was younger.

Trescothick had previously endured a number of issues with touring overseas, having withdrawn from England's tours of India and Australia in 2006 owing to a stress-related illness. He later withdrew from Somerset's pre-season tour to the United Arab Emirates in 2008 for the same reason, and returned from India after completing only two matches of the county's 2009 Champions League T20 campaign.

 

Somerset CCC at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy

 

When Somerset qualified for the tournament in 2011, Trescothick had no intention of travelling, so last week's trip to the Desert Springs resort represented a significant step forward for the 39-year-old.

"Last week was great – it was the first time I've been on a pre-season cricket trip for a number of years, so that was a nice feeling, to get away and get a bit of sun on the back, and do a bit abroad," he said.

"You forget what it's all about. I'd forgotten what touring was like – and the week I spent reminded me how much I used to enjoy it.

A bit of cricket in the morning, a bit of golf in the afternoon, and go from there – I really enjoyed it."

Trescothick's return to touring was eased by a two-day trip to the Desert Springs resort with team-mate Alfonso Thomas the previous week.

Director of cricket Matt Maynard was involved in running the Tom Maynard Trust Training Camp at the resort the week before Somerset arrived – so Trescothick took the opportunity for a recce.

"I went the week before, when Matt was out there with the Tom Maynard Trust," he said. "Alfonso and I went out there together – he went for four days, and I just went out to have a look at the place to get a feel for what it was all about, knowing the following week we had the pre-season trip."

On the experience as a whole, Trescothick said completing the trip had shown him he was "generally moving in the right direction", and not only in terms of his cricket.

"It went brilliantly – I couldn't ask for more," he said. "It's great that you get the extra preparation time, so already you've had a week out on grass – then you're coming back here a week ahead of where you need to be."

"I think it just gives you that extra little bit of confidence that you need to know that you're generally moving in the right direction – not just cricket-wise but also in terms of lifestyle and those things."

Ahead of his 23rd summer as a professional, Trescothick said he still had a great hunger and enthusiasm for the game. He scored 1,156 first-class runs at 42.81 last season – and is relishing the new year, which begins with a friendly against Glamorgan next week.

 

Marcus Trescothick (Back Row, 2nd Left) Somerset County Cricket Club Captain with his team relaxing after the completion of their Pe-Season Training Camp at Desert Springs Resort

  • From: Elizabeth Scott
  • Date: Wednesday 11th March, 2015
  • Subject: Elizabeth´s comments following thetrilife.com's one Week Triathlon Training Camp held between 2nd - 9th March 2015, with participants accommodated at Desert Springs


Members of the the trilife.com team during their tiathlon training camp at Desert Springs

 

Thetrilife.com athletes are now back in England having completed a successful seven (7) days warm weather triathlon training camp between 2nd – 9th March whilst accommodated at Desert Springs Resort, Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort and championship desert golf course, in the Almanzora region of Almeria, Andalucía in south–east Spain.



Stretching, strength and core work at the Sierra Sports Club for the trilife.com triathlon team 

 

Trilife.com company directors Duncan & Elizabeth Scott, along with Richard Jones and Senior Coach Ashleigh Ahlquist accompanied seven (7) triathletes as they stepped up their physical preparations for the upcoming 2015 season.

Trilife.com Company Director Elizabeth Scott remarked of their experience at Desert Springs Resort: –

“Desert Springs was firing on all cylinders!

It is so nice to know that the staff can help us with any issue that arises, and do so with a smile on their faces.

Our clients are happy and so are we!”

 


Training session at the Vera swimming pool

 

Attending triathletes Brenda and Claire Connor remarked: –

“The Townhouses were very well presented, and everything required to make our stay comfortable. A fantastic stay!”

Triathlete Duncan Hayes added: –

“Fantastic Resort. Clean and tidy, all good!”

 


All ready for the bike ride!

  • From: Michael Douglas
  • Date: Wednesday 11th March, 2015
  • Subject: Michael´s comments following his one golf break at Desert Springs Resort between 28th February - 7th March 2015

Dear Carmen,


Just a short note to thank you and your girls for looking after Sylvia and myself so well last week.

It made all the difference to us.

 

Kind regards,

Michael Douglas
 

  • From: Scottish Golf Union
  • Date: Monday 9th March, 2015
  • Subject: Comments from Kevin Cademy-Taylor, Scottish Golf Performance Development Manager following their Pre-Season Winter Golf Training Camp at Desert Springs Resort between 15th February - 01st March, 2015

Hi Simon,

It was great to finally catch up with you face to face last week.

I was just wanting to drop you a note regarding our recent training camp at Desert Springs.
All the players and staff thoroughly enjoyed the first class training facilities on hand.
The resort staff couldn’t have been more helpful.

  • The guys in the Caddy master area looked after all our needs, they were very friendly and went out of their way to ensure we had everything required
  • The girls on the golf reception were very helpful and always greeted us with a smile and a welcoming warmth
  • The clubhouse staff liaised with me direct and again were extremely responsive to any of our requirements
  • Kirk, Wow… what can I say about Kirk, his attention to detail was just incredible, he couldn’t have made our stay any better in terms organisation, flexibility and professionalism. You have a real asset there. Always polite but when necessary able to deliver a direct message, liaised with me direct on all matters concerning the players allowing myself and the staff an opportunity to address any small issues that may have occurred during the camp.


Overall the players and staff had an amazing time and we will be looking forward to a return trip.

I may even look to come back over this summer……

Once again many thanks

Regards

Kevin

Kind regards
Kevin Cademy-Taylor
Scottish Golf Performance Development Manager

  • From: Sussex County Cricket Club
  • Date: Thursday 5th March, 2015
  • Subject: Comments from Sussex CCC following their Cricket Pre-Season Training Camp at Desert Springs Resort between 23rd February - 4th March, 2015

Sussex County Cricket Club Bowling Coach Jon Lewis (Far Right) and Nicholas Lee Sussex County Cricket Club Strength & Conditioning Coach (Far Left) with players attending the Pre-Season Training Camp

Sussex County Cricket Club players are now back in England having completed a successful ten (10) days of warm weather pre-season cricket and fitness training between Monday 23rd February & 4th March at Desert Springs Resort, Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort and championship desert golf course with its very own dedicated Cricket Academy, in the Almanzora region of Almeria, Andalucía in south-east Spain.

Jon Lewis, Sussex CCC Bowling Coach and his team of two staff accompanied nine (9) players who completed bowling, batting and fielding practice as well as strength and conditioning training sessions as they stepped up their physical preparations for the upcoming 2015 season.

Jon Lewis, Sussex CCC Bowling Coach, who represented England across all three formats of the game, amassing 849 first-class wickets during his first-class career, commented:
“Our second training camp at Desert Springs has been a resounding success, the staff were welcoming, helpful and efficient throughout our stay.
There seems a real hunger for improvement and the openness of the resort to our feedback I am sure bodes well for the development of an outstanding cricket facility for years to come.”

 

‘Nets Practice Session’ at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘Batsman Practice Session’ at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy

 

The training camp worked on a specific and carefully planned programme covering technical skills, strength and conditioning and both individual and group activity.

Sussex CCC players said of their pre – season training experience at Desert Springs Resort:
“Great service & people! Awesome preparation for the season!” Craig Cachopa

“Another great trip to Desert Springs. A perfect preparation for the season ahead, well looked after and great facilities!” Steven Magoffin

“A great 10 days with fantastic facilities, nice weather and lovely staff.” Timothy Moses

“Great facilities and well looked after.” Ben Brown

“Looked after tremendously – lovely location, facilities, weather and staff, thank you!” Michael Yardy

“My first time here, very pleasantly surprised, nets very good to bowl on.” Ajmal Shahzad

“Thank you for a great trip. The facilities were fantastic and gave us a great preparation for the coming season.” Christopher Liddle

“Great facilities, welcoming staff & brilliant accommodation, thank you.” Lewis Hatchett

“My first time here. Great preparation for the season ahead with everything we needed on site and easily accessible, thank you.” Tymall Mills

The players and coaches were accommodated in some of the privately owned Villas & Townhouses 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 El Torrente Restaurant.

  • From: Scottish Golf Union
  • Date: Thursday 5th March, 2015
  • Subject: Comments from the Scottish Golf Union following their Pre-Season Winter Golf Training Camp at Desert Springs Resort between 15th February - 01st March, 2015

Between Sunday 15th – Sunday 22nd February 2015, nine (9) boys and twelve (12) girls representing the Scottish Golf Union Boys & Girls International Squad and seven (7) officials were at Desert Springs Resort for a seven-day intensive training programme, followed between Sunday 22ndFebruary – Sunday 1st March by a further tranche of eighteen (18) boys representing the Scottish Golf Union Boys International squad and five (5) officials, to develop their individual golfing skills in warm weather while experiencing a golf course which offers a challenge to players at all levels.

 

The Scottish Golf Union Boys & Girls International Squad at Desert Springs Resort for Winter Training


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.

16-year-old Matthew McCulloch with a Handicap of +2 remarked: –

“The facilities on offer are phenomenal and you definitely have to take advantage of the pure greens on offer.
The course is nothing like I have experienced before, a great test of golf!"

17-year-old Joanne Free with a Handicap of 2 remarked of her first visit to Desert Springs: –

“This is my first time at Desert Springs with the Scottish Golf Academy and the camp has been definitely one to remember.
We have enjoyed the different experiences and have really found the facilities to be of an extremely high standard which is perfect for preparing for our forthcoming 2015 season."

15-year-old Jillian Farrell with a Handicap of 5 commented of his experience: –

“This experience has provided so many benefits to our squad’s golf, with first class greens and tight fairways to sharpen our games.
I would like to thank, on behalf of the girls, all of the support staff and sponsors who have helped us throughout the camp.”

 

The Scottish Golf Union Boys International Squad at Desert Springs Resort for Winter Training

 (Left to Right) Kevin Cademy-Taylor, Scottish Golf Union Performance Development Manager & Scottish Golf Union Regional Performance Coaches George Boswell, Kevin Craggs & Ian Muir 

Scottish Golf Union Boys International squad players working on their putting technique at the Desert Springs Short Game Academy

Scottish Golf Union Boys International player plays their approach to Hole 15 ‘Abyss’ on The Indiana Course

Scottish Golf Union Boys International player plays their Tee shot to Hole 2 ‘Gulch’ on The Indiana Course

 

Scottish Golf Union Regional Performance Coach Ian Muir said: –

“ This was my first time at Desert Springs and I had a fantastic time.

The facilities are great and perfect for Winter Training and the players had a ball.

We all very much look forward to returning soon.”

The students and officials were accommodated in some of the privately owned Apartments and Pueblo Villas 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.

For further information on the Scottish Golf Union visit their official website www.scottishgolf.org
 

  • From: Nick Dougherty
  • Date: Wednesday 4th March, 2015
  • Subject: Comments from 3 Time European Tour Winner Nick Dougherty following his Training Camp with Coach Stuart Cartwright at Desert Springs Resort between 26th - 28th February , 2015

Three times European Tour Winner Nick Dougherty, accompanied by his coach Stuart Cartwright, returned to Desert Springs Resort for the second consecutive year to complete a three (3) day training camp between Thursday 26th – Saturday 28th February in preparation for the new golfing season.

 

Nick Dougherty (Left) with his Coach Stuart Cartwright at The Desert Springs Golf Academy

 

Nick commented:
"During the many years of playing on the European Tour, it’s not often you see a facility that provides the same quality seen on tour. For this reason, I choose Desert Springs as the ideal European venue for my pre-season training.
The warm and welcoming service makes any trip to Desert Springs memorable; personally I can't wait to get back!"

Nick utilized the excellent practice facilities at the Desert Springs Golf Academy where he was able to work with his coach and take advantage of the use of the Desert Springs short game academy and take it to the course on The Indiana.

 

Nick Dougherty working on his short game at the Desert Springs Golf Academy


           

Coach Stuart Cartwright fine-tuning with Nick Dougherty at the Desert Springs Golf Academy   


Coach Stuart Cartwright remarked:
“I travel the world coaching Tour Professionals, Top amateurs, all the way to beginners; Desert Springs delivers a five star service from the moment you arrive, to the very last shot of your trip.
With a golf course and practice facilities that would rival any European Tour Tournament, Desert Springs is a venue that has simply got it right!
Personally, I can’t wait to come back…”

 


 

Nick Dougherty takes it to the course on The Indiana
 

  • From: Tom Maynard Trust Cricket Academy
  • Date: Tuesday 3rd March, 2015
  • Subject: Comments from Matt Maynard after the II Tom Maynard Trust Cricket Academy Training Camp held at Desert Springs Resort between 19th - 27th February, 2015

Tom Maynard Trust players: Alexander Barrow (Somerset); Bradley Erasamus (Surrey); Alex Wakely (Northants); Basil Akram (Hampshire); Andrew Umeed (Warwickshire); Mark Adair (Warwickshire); Matt Taylor (Gloucestershire); Liam Norwell (Gloucestershire); Barney Gibson (Yorkshire); Jack Murphy (Glamorgan); Jamie Porter (Essex) and Adam Tilcock (Nottinghamshire)

 

The second intake for the Tom Maynard Academy, comprising twelve (12) professional cricketers from ten (10) of the UK’s first class counties, accompanied by ten (10) supporting staff are now back in England having completed a successful nine days of warm weather fitness and cricket training between Thursday 19th – Friday 27th February at Desert Springs Resort, Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort, championship desert golf course and dedicated Cricket Academy in the Almanzora region of Almeria in south-east Spain.

 

Head of the delivery of the programme Somerset Director of Cricket Matthew Maynard (Third From Left) with coaching staff; former Leicestershire, Kent & England wicket-keeper/batsman Paul Nixon (First Left), former England Head Physiotherapist Dean Conway (Second Left) and former Gloucestershire, Yorkshire & Australia all-rounder Ian Harvey (Far Right)

 

  ‘Net Practice Session’ at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy

 

Funded in its entirety by The Tom Maynard Trust, in future years it is hoped the programme might form part of the ECB’s player pathway, designed to work with young and emerging county cricketers at the start of their careers as part of a programme helping them prepare for the UK county season.

 

‘Catching’ training session

 

Somerset Director of Cricket Matthew Maynard headed the delivery of the programme.  Former Gloucestershire, Yorkshire and Australia all-rounder Ian Harvey along with Mark Garaway, to help look at the players’ action type and personality profiling, were among those delivering specialist sessions to the players; and former England Head Physiotherapist, Dean Conway, oversaw the fitness and physical work of the players whilst at Desert Springs.

 

‘Batsman Practice Session’ at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy

 

The Academy worked on a specific and carefully planned programme covering technical skills, strength and conditioning and both individual and group activity culminating with a special one-day match between the Tom Maynard Academy XI and the Spanish National side.

 

‘Slip Catch Practice Session’ at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy

 

Matthew Maynard remarked of the Cricket Academy:

“The nets and the way the group was looked after were, again, outstanding

 We had a really fabulous group to work with.  Twelve players, drawn from ten of the first class counties: a real mix of characters and personalities. The players bonded and there was a wonderful camaraderie within from the group.  Work has been hard, both in the nets and away from them on the various fitness programmes organised by Dean Conway, and as all of the players have individual programmes to follow, the way the Academy timetable had been arranged, they were all given sufficient time to work on those. 

The support we’ve had on the ground has been absolutely brilliant.  Desert Springs is a great place to seclude yourselves away as a group.  The resort has everything we need, the facilities are very good and the food has been great.

The surfaces played very well and the facilities, with so much space for fielding, room for kit, bowling machine and pretty much all you’d need for a small group practicing outdoors for the first time this year, were close to spot on.  Everything we need for a group of cricketers working outdoors early in the year is right here.” 

 

In addition to the net sessions, there was a heavy emphasis on fielding. 

 

 

One of the objectives of the camp has been to provide some off field support and to offer some tools to help the players with their game plans and preparation. All have had one-to-ones to discuss game plans, to find out what aspects of the week will be of most value to them to take into the coming season.

Mike Fatkin delivered a session to the players on the work of the Tom Maynard Trust, important background for the Academy intake.  He spoke about some of the educational projects the Trust was now involved in and a healthy discussion took place about some of the pitfalls of life as a young professional sportsman; everything from anti-corruption to insurance and injury, from contracts and agents to alcohol and through to career planning. 

Matthew Maynard summarized the II Tom Maynard Cricket Academy at Desert Springs Resort by stating: –

“We look forward to returning to Desert Springs in 2016!”

  • From: Paul Hutchinson
  • Date: Monday 2nd March, 2015
  • Subject: Paul´s comments following his golfing groups 4-night golf break at Desert Springs between Thursday 12th - Monday 16th February, 2015

“4 night golf trip – Simply brilliant”

 

Myself and five other male friends recently had a four night, three rounds of golf at Desert Springs. 

The quality of accommodation, customer service and golf course were excellent. 

The staff are very friendly and all spoke good English which helped as we do not speak Spanish!!!

  • From: Scottish Golf Union
  • Date: Wednesday 25th February, 2015
  • Subject: Comments from players that attended the Scottish Golf Union Winter Golf Training Camp at Desert Springs between Sunday 15th - Sunday 22nd February, 2015

 

Between Sunday 15th – Sunday 22nd February 2015, six (6) boys and twelve (12) girls representing the Scottish Golf Union Boys & Girls International Squad and seven (7) officials were at Desert Springs Resort for a seven-day intensive training programme to develop their individual golfing skills in warm weather while experiencing a golf course which offers a challenge to players at all levels.

The players were accommodated in some of the privately owned Pueblo villas at Desert Springs and the resort’s executive chef was on hand to cater for the dietary requirements of individual players dining in El Torrente Restaurant.

During their time at the resort the players utilised the excellent practice facilities at the Golf Academy and played the Championship Indiana course.

 

 

16-year-old Matthew McCulloch with a Handicap of +2 remarked: –

“The facilities on offer are phenomenal and you definitely have to take advantage of the pure greens on offer.
The course is nothing like I have experienced before, a great test of golf!"

17-year-old Joanne Free with a Handicap of 2 remarked of her first visit to Desert Springs:

“This is my first time at Desert Springs with the Scottish Golf Academy and the camp has been definitely one to remember.
We have enjoyed the different experiences and have really found the facilities to be of an extremely high standard which is perfect for preparing for our forthcoming 2015 season."

15-year-old Jillian Farrell with a Handicap of 5 commented of his experience:

“This experience has provided so many benefits to our squad’s golf, with first class greens and tight fairways to sharpen our games.
I would like to thank, on behalf of the girls, all of the support staff and sponsors who have helped us throughout the camp.”
 

 

  • From: Ricky Willison, Ealing Golf Club
  • Date: Saturday 21st February, 2015
  • Subject: Comments from players that attended the annual Ealing Golf Club Winter Golf Break at Desert Springs between Saturday 21st - Wednesday 25th February, 2015

PGA Golf Professional and Instructor Ricky Willison accompanied thirteen (13) of his members from Ealing Golf Club in Essex for their annual winter golfing break at the Desert Springs Resort between Saturday 21st  & Wednesday 25th February 2015.


The players were accommodated in some of the privately owned Apartments and Townhouses at Desert Springs and the resort’s executive chef was on hand to cater for the dietary requirements of individual players dining in El Torrente Restaurant.

 

During their time at the resort the players utilised the excellent practice facilities at the Golf Academy and played the Championship Indiana course.

 

Ricky Willison remarked:

“As always all of the staff were first class.

The Indiana course was again in excellent condition and it is an absolute pleasure to return year in, year out.

We will be back for sure!"

 

Russell Pearson remarked of his experience:

“There is only one word to describe my first visit to Desert Springs…..perfecto!.”

 

John Nugent commented: –

“I have ben coming to Desert Springs for seven years now and the service has always been fantastic, but this year it has gone to a different level!"

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