Spanish team decided for World Golfers Championship Final

Ana Nyblom , La Cala Golf Manager (Center) & four of the Winners: Juan Antonio Ruiz, Pedro Luis Batista, Gabriel Martin, Fco Javier Gil

The team to represent Spain in the international final of the World Golfers’ Championship (WGC) in South Africa has been decided after two days of intense competition at Spain’s largest golf complex, La Cala Resort. Over 130 players contested the national decider after winning preliminary qualifiers held in more than 10 courses throughout Spain, in which over 1000 players competed.

The national final was held on two of La Cala’s three courses and five players have qualified to represent their country in the international final at the end of October. The five who won through in the different handicap categories are: Juan Antonio Ruiz Batana, Málaga (0-5.4), Pedro Luis Batista Pérez, Murcia (5.5-10.4), Gabriel Martin Pulido, Málaga (10.5-14.4), Fco. Javier Gil Pérez, Málaga (15.5-20.4), and Jose Antonio Gallardo González, Málaga (20,5-25,4).

The national finals of the WGC were also held in La Cala Resort last year and the Spanish team finished second in the international final, held in Thailand. The President of the Golf Federation of Andalucía, Ángel de la Riva, says the competition is becoming more popular every year. “Until the event was held last year at La Cala Resort we had not heard about it but now we know more and understand how big it really is. Twenty teams competed in the international final last year and this year there will be over forty.”

La Cala’s Leisure Manager, José Navas, said the resort was proud to be the host for the national finals and he thanked the other clubs throughout Spain who held preliminary qualifiers. He wished the team the best of luck in South Africa as they attempt to go one better than last year and win the competition outright.

The winner of the 0-5.4 category, Juan Antonio Ruiz Batana, was retaining the title that he won last year. This time around he had to go to a sudden death play-off with Alvaro Hernandez Ruiz from Madrid. The Benalmádena resident said: “Last year in Thailand was a fantastic experience. The event was superbly organised and I’m delighted to have qualified again. I’ve never been to South Africa but I hear the courses we will be playing are all excellent.” The winner of the 5.5-10.4 category, Pedro Batista, previously worked at La Cala Resort and he put his local knowledge to good effect. He was loud in his praise of the condition of the courses. “Congratulations to all the greenkeeping staff. The condition of the courses is excellent and the greens are very fast and true. The courses played long and with a strong wind scoring was difficult, so I’m delighted to have won my category and the opportunity to represent Spain at the international finals.”

Also present at the prize giving were the players who represented Spain last year. Speaking on their behalf, Carlos Ruiz Castilla said the experience was unforgettable and it afforded amateur players the opportunity to be treated like professionals.

Since 1989, la Cala Resort has developed into the biggest golf and leisure destination in Spain with 3x18 holes golf courses, a luxury five star hotel and spa, sporting facilities plus a David Leadbetter Golf Academy. The resort is ideally located in the heart of the Costa del Sol between Marbella and Mijas and only 30 minutes from Málaga International Airport.

For more information www.lacala.com/world-golfers-championship/en

Published: 28/08/11