Mark Davies (4th from left) Sussex CCC Club Coach with Sussex County Cricket Club players: Lewis Harchett, Ashar Zaidi, Chris Liddle, James Anyon, Steve Magoffin, Jon Lewis & Matthew Hobden.

Sussex County Cricket Club players are now back in England having completed a successful 12 days of warm weather fitness and cricket training between 26th February & 10th 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.

Mark Davies, Sussex CCC Coach and his team of two staff accompanied eight 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 2014 season.

Mark Davies, Sussex CCC Club Coach said:

“We have experienced and benefitted from great hospitality, top quality food and excellent cricket practice facilities here at Desert Springs Resort. In my opinion the Desert Springs Cricket Academy has the potential to become an extremely sought after location for elite cricket training camps.”

‘Spinning Practice Session’ at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy

‘Batsman Practice Session’ at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy

‘Batting Practice Session’ at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy

Sussex CCC player Matthew Hobden remarked of the Cricket Academy:

“Desert Springs Resort is excellent for a pre-season training camp. The food was excellent and the Gym had everything we needed for working out; the wickets played very well and most importantly gave us a chance to get used to bowling on grass in advance of the start of the season!”

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 player James Anyon remarked of his experience:

Desert Springs is both a great location and facility for a pre-season winter training camp.

The food and hospitality provided to us all was fantastic and I look forward to returning in the future!”

Dear Ellie,

Thank you so much for our lovely day yesterday. The food, as always, was fantastic and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves

Once again many thanks.

Kind regards,

Iris Hamilton.

Scottish Golf Union Boys & Girls International Squad members during their annual 5-day intensive winter training camp at the 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.

Five officials from the Scottish Golf Union accompanied eight boys and nine girls for their annual 5 days of warm weather winter training at the Desert Springs Resort between Monday 10th – Friday 14th February.

“Great facilities that were in excellent condition.

Desert Springs Resort is a great venue to practice your golf all year round!”

That is the verdict of 14-year-old Hazel MacGarvie, one of the Scottish Girls International Squad members.

From Left to Right – Scottish Ladies National Coach Kevin Craggs, Laura Carey, Scottish Golf Union National Performance Coach, Neil Marr & Scottish Performance Development Manager Kevin Cademy Taylor.

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

Scottish Golf Union Squad members work on their putting technique at the Short Game Academy.

Scottish Golf Union Squad members work on their chipping technique at the Short Game Academy.

Kevin Craggs, Scottish Golf Union Ladies National Coach commented:

“The SLGA National Coaching Programme is aimed at providing a supporting role that contributes towards the development of team and individual skills, deemed necessary to boost performance standards. This can only be achieved when the learning environment facilitates players and support staff needs. The Desert Springs facility is of high professional and commercial standards, giving players the ideal opportunity and environment to develop their skills.”

A Scottish Golf Union Girls National Squad member plays their Tee shot on Hole 2 “Gulch” on the Indiana course at Desert Springs.

Murray Naysmith, 16-year-old Scottish Golf Union Boys Squad member remarked of his experience at Desert Springs:

“I really enjoyed playing the Indiana course and using the golf academy practice facilities at Desert Springs because they were both in excellent condition!”

A Scottish Golf Union Boys National Squad member plays their approach shot on Hole 15 “Abyss” on the Indiana course at Desert Springs.

A Scottish Golf Union Boys National Squad member plays their Tee shot on Hole 4 “Cinch” on the Indiana course at Desert Springs.

Kevin Cademy Taylor – Scottish Golf Union Performance Development Manager remarked:

“Our Scottish Golf Performance Camp at Desert Springs provided us with access to a top class golf course and facilities we required for an effective delivery of all aspects of Performance Golf. All facilities were in super condition with professional staff on hand at all times with no request being a problem. Their support during the camp really enhanced our experience. I would defiantly return back to Desert Springs, many thanks again for everything.”

David Kearney, ILGU Coach (Back Row Centre) with members of the Under 18 & Under 21 Irish Ladies International Squad at Desert Springs during their annual visit to the Desert Springs Resort for their annual 7-day intensive winter training camp.

Four officials from the Irish Ladies Golf Union accompanied eleven girls aged between 15 – 20 years for their annual 7 days of warm weather winter training at the Desert Springs Resort between Saturday 15th – Saturday 22nd February.

“Excellent staff and very good food. The Resort provides great facilities and a great golf course. Thanks for everything!”

That is the verdict of 18-year-old Shannon Burke, one of the Irish Ladies Golf Union International Squad members. 
 

An ILGU Squad member works on their putting technique at the Short Game Academy
 

ILGU Squad members work on their bunker play technique at the Short Game Academy

On his return visit to Desert Springs, David Kearney, ILGU Coach commented:

“The academy practice facilities were perfect for our training and practice needs and The Indiana course was in very good shape.  As we have become accustomed, both the girls and all of the coaches were very well looked after by all of the staff.

Thanks once again for everything!”

An ILGU Squad member plays their approach shot on Hole 4 “Cinch” on the Indiana course at Desert Springs, 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.

Naimh Ward, 17-year-old ILGU Squad member remarked of her experience at Desert Springs:

“I really enjoyed playing the Indiana course and it was in fabulous condition. The resort has great practice facilities that enable us to work on our games.

The staff were excellent and the food was great.”

Fellow ILGU Squad member, 19-year-old Chloe Ryan commented:

“The staff throughout the resort were very friendly and helpful all through the week, and I really enjoyed the food.

Thanks so much for all of your help and keep up the good work!”

Far Left Matthew Maynard (Coach) & Far Right Dean Conway (Physiotherapist) with Tom Maynard Trust players: Andy Carter (Nottinghamshire), Tom Curran (Surrey), George Edwards (Surrey), Cameron Herring (Gloucestershire), Greg Holmes (Glamorgan), Fynn Hudson-Prentice (Sussex), Rob Keogh (Sussex), Mattie McKiernan (Lancashire), Dewi Penryhn-Jones (Glamorgan), Aaron Thomas (Warwickshire) & Jon Webb (Warwickshire)

 
The first intake for the new Tom Maynard Academy, comprising eleven professional cricketers from nine of the UK’s first class counties, accompanied by seven supporting staff are now back in England having completed a successful nine days of warm weather fitness and cricket training between 13th – 21st 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.

‘Net Practice Session’ at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy

Matthew Maynard headed the delivery of the programme.  Former Gloucestershire, Yorkshire and Australia all-rounder Ian Harvey and Head of Elite Coach Development at the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Gordon Lord, 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.

‘Throwing at the Stumps’ training session

Matthew Maynard remarked of the Cricket Academy:

“The first thing to say is that we had a really fabulous group to work with.  Eleven lads, drawn from eight of the first class counties: a real mix of characters and personalities, with ages ranging from 16 through to mid-20s.  Sitting here, on the morning of day five, it’s clear that the players have bonded and there is a wonderful camaraderie within from the group.  Work has been hard, both in the nets and away from them on the various fitness programmes, with the odd fierce bouncer, but the spirit is excellent, and there has been plenty of time for relaxation.  The laughter has grown steadily louder and become more prolonged as the week has gone on."

‘Bowling Practice Session’ at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy

"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.  There hasn’t been one complaint.  Not even a grumble."

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

"Desert Springs Resort Superintendent, Anthony Brooks and his team had been working on the new grass nets for several months and with Sussex County Cricket Club due out for pre-season training next week, the Academy players were effectively christening them and giving everything a bit of a dry run.

The surfaces played well enough.  In fact 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 that year, were close to spot on.  No question of there being any need to look elsewhere for 2015, everything we need for a group of cricketers working outdoors early in the year is right here.”

‘Batting Practice Session’ at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy

Sixty-eight full time students accompanied by fifteen coaches and staff representing; Millfield, Bradfield, Durham, Loretto, Reeds & Wellington School, competed in the inaugural

‘Desert Springs & Millfield European Schools Team Championships’ at the Desert Springs Resort.

Desert Springs Resort, Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort and championship desert golf course in the Almanzora region of Almeria in south-east Spain, was host to the inaugural Desert Springs & Millfield European Schools Team Championships between Saturday 15th to Tuesday 18th February 2014.

The Team Championship was open to boys and girls of all ages with a maximum handicap of 24 and was held over 3 days (54-Holes). The tournament format was 4 Ball-Better-Ball Stableford Points on day 1 & 2 with day 3 being the Best two Individual Stableford Points Scores from each Team being combined to achieve the Teams accumulative Stableford score.

Lorreto School Golf Academy Winning Team Members Marcus Crowe, Cameron Blair, Oliver Duley & Yannick Artigolle with (Far Right) Loretto Golf Academy Director of Golf Rick Valentine.

“It’s a great warm up for the season ahead! The practice facilities were excellent and the competition was of a high standard.”

That is the verdict of 18-year-old Marcus Crowe, from the Loretto School Golf Academy based at Scotland's leading Scottish private boarding school, set in 85 acres of leafy campus just outside Edinburgh that provides an all-round education for just over 600 boys and girls aged 3-18.

Loretto School Golf Academy Director of Golf, Rick Valentine commented:

“This was a great event to start off the season. The teams enjoyed their stay and their golf has benefitted from both the competition and practice.”

A student plays their approach shot into Hole 15 “Abyss” on the Indiana course at Desert Springs, Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort and championship desert golf course in the Almanzora region of Almeria in south-east Spain.

17-year-old Matthew McClerry, from Bradfield College remarked:

“This was the ideal venue to hold the Schools Championships. Comfortable accommodation, excellent practice facilities, a challenging but enjoyable course and very tasty food! I very much hope that I get the chance to return to Desert Springs, not only next year but later in life as well.”

Colin Burgess, Head of Golf at Bradfield College commented:

“I will be deeply unpopular with my colleagues when I return. I have had a genuine holiday in spectacularly scenic and comfortable surroundings enjoying a very well organized tournament, excellent meals and a lifestyle to which it is all too easy to become accustomed. How soon can I book for next year ?”

A student plays their approach shot into Hole 18 “Last Chance” on the Indiana course at Desert Springs, Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort and championship desert golf course in the Almanzora region of Almeria in south-east Spain.

Karen Nichols, Millfield School Director of Golf, commented:

“The tournament enables all age groups, levels and standards of golfers to play together. School golf is the future of golf and this event has provided opportunities to all. Desert Springs is a great resort with a great golf course that provides a challenge to all.

15-year-old Alfredo Curbishley, from Millfield School remarked of his experience:

"I thought the accommodation was very nice with the rooms comfortable for everyone. I would like to thank the staff and golf club for hosting this event. It was good fun and the golf course was in great condition!"

Stuart Wells, Millfied School Head Coach remarked:

“The tournament format worked really well. A handicap event where players of all abilities could compete against each other and all be in with a chance of winning. This is just what schools golf needs to help young players gain experience and develop as golfers.” 

Richard Miller, from Durham School reported:

"The resort accommodation exceeded our expectations. All of the staff were excellent, they couldn't do enough for us, presentation, friendliness, knowledge, approachability and assistance-10 out of 10 across the board."

Terry Harrison, from Reeds School reported:

"A great start to the golfing season in a super sporting location, lovely to see the sun!"

18-year-old Louis Laville, from Reeds School remarked:

"Very good fun to play on a challenging course outside of the UK!"

17-year-old Jen Vincent, from Reeds School commented:

"I played well on an awesome course! Better than being in England!!"
 

Thirty-four full time students from the Hartpury College Golf Academy during their annual 5-day intensive winter training camp at Desert Springs Resort.

During 9th – 14th February, three Hartpury College Golf Academy PGA Instructors accompanied thirty-four students aged between 15–18 years to escape the British winter and enjoy the sun in Spain and complete their annual 5–day training camp at Desert Springs.

Eighteen year old Student at the Hartpury College Golf Academy, Matt Aston remarked of his experience 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.”

17-year old Sarah Riddeu commented:

“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.”

A Hartpury College Golf Academy student plays their tee shot on Hole 4 “Cinch” on the Indiana course at Desert Springs.

The group were accommodated in some of the privately owned Apartments, Townhouses 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 in the 'El Torrente' Restaurant each evening. During their time at the resort the players utilised the excellent practice facilities at the Golf Academy and played the Indiana golf course.

A Hartpury College Golf Academy student working on their putting technique at the Desert Springs Short Game Academy

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 who would do anything to make your stay better.”

A Hartpury College Golf Academy student plays their tee shot on Hole 1 “Cactus Point” on the Indiana course at Desert Springs.

Twenty students from the Darren Clarke Golf School during their annual 4-day intensive winter training camp at Desert Springs Resort.

During 21st – 25th January, three Darren Clarke Golf School PGA Instructors accompanied twenty boys aged between 15-19 years to escape the British winter and enjoy the sun in Spain and complete a 4–day training camp at Desert Springs.

Nineteen year old Student at the Darren Clarke Golf School, Paddy Carser remarked of his experience at Desert Springs:

"This has been a superb training camp and is the best place we have ever played golf!”

Eighty-one full time students from the Lee Westwood Golf School during their annual 4-day intensive winter training camp at Desert Springs Resort.

During 13th – 17th January, eight Lee Westwood Golf School PGA Instructors accompanied seventy-seven boys and four girls aged between 15-18 years to escape the British winter and enjoy the sun in Spain and complete a 4-day training camp at Desert Springs.

Full time student at the Lee Westwood Golf School Abbe Symanes remarked of her experience at Desert Springs:

"The golf course was fabulous, challenging but at the same time great.

Lee Westwood PGA Instructors and Staff from left to right: Kiran Mistry, Simon Dainty, Andrew Kirk, Mark Hetherington, Jack Murgatroyd, Allan Craston, Michael Welch & Georgia Cook