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.
 

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.

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

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!

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

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.

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
 

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
 

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 19^th – Friday 27^th 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!”

 

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.”
 

 

Sixty-one (61) full time students accompanied by fourteen (14) coaches and staff representing; Millfield, Bradfield, Loretto & Whitgift School, competed in the ‘II Desert Springs & Millfield European Schools Team Championships’ at the Desert Springs Resort between Saturday 14th to Tuesday 17th February 2015.

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). For tournament day one & two the format was 4 Ball-Better-Ball Pairs Stableford Points. The format for tournament day three was team individual Stableford Points Scores being combined to achieve the Teams accumulative Stabelford score.

“A very well organised, structured and implemented tournament.

The golf was excellent and a very valuable experience for Loretto Golf Academy in preparation for the 2015 season.

Based on this years experience and excellent customer service, we will be back next year!”

That is the verdict of Ryan Scott, PGA Coach for Loretto 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 Winning Team Members Sam Ledbury, John Dunn Butler, J P Ralph and Nicholaj Dahl with (Far Left) Loretto Golf Academy Assistant PGA Coach Tom Pichard, (Second Left) Ryan Scott Loretto Golf Academy PGA Coach and (Far Right) Loretto School Director of Sports Dave Burton Director

 

18-year-old Tom Meadows with a handicap of 22, from Loretto Golf Academy remarked:
“Although the course is narrow and challenging I have loved playing The Indiana at Desert Springs in the two years I have visited”.
“The Indiana course was in perfect condition and the catering was wonderful. The weather was sublime and our team won, all in all, a sensational week!”
“The Indiana course was in great condition and very challenging as always. The practice facilities are amazing, the best I have ever used, and the staff were all so friendly – a great week!”
Those were the respective views of 18-year old Chris Sinclair with a handicap of 23 and 18-year old Sam Ledbury with a handicap of 3.5, from Loretto Golf Academy.

 

Angus Flanagan from Team ‘Bradfield 1’ Winner of the Best Male Individual Scratch competition

                                           

Colin Burgess, Head of Golf at Bradfield College commented:
“This was an excellent tournament for our teams. We brought a very mixed group (H/Caps 0-26) and every one of them gained a great deal of valuable and competitive experience. The accommodation is first class, the facilities excellent and readily available, the meals much appreciated and enjoyed, and the tournament itself extremely well run.
Our less experienced players were made to feel both relaxed and welcome and all of our players thoroughly enjoyed being able to take part.
We played the course in a range of conditions from benign to challenging, so each round was totally different.
The information provided on a daily basis was very helpful, both with regard to the tournament schedule and getting prompt and detailed results.
Overall we have been made to feel very welcome and have greatly appreciated the help and hospitality that we have received.”
15-year-old William Gray with a handicap of 18, from Bradfield School remarked:
“The course was very well presented and managed in regards to a fantastic pace of play. The staff were all very polite and the food was excellent. I hope to be back next year!”
15-year-old Angus Flanagan with a handicap of 0, from Bradfield School remarked:
“I loved the 19th Hole- Service, awesome practice facilities and the staff were all so helpful and friendly.”

 

Sophie Caldon from Team ‘Millfield 2’ Winner of the Best Female Individual Scratch competition 

                                          

Karen Nicholls, Millfield School Director of Golf, commented:

“A great few days of golf on a challenging course with greens in excellent condition.

It was great to see young golfers mixing from different schools, making new friendships along the way.

It is always a fantastic experience at Desert Springs and Millfield School are pleased to have our association with the resort.

Thank you to you all, it was a fantastic tournament and we look forward to returning next year!”

18-year-old Beth Scott with a handicap of 5, from Millfield Golf Academy remarked:
“Thank you for a great stay, the apartment was lovely!
The staff were always there and willing to help us.
The course was in brilliant condition and the scenery was wonderful.
Thank you for a brilliant stay and I will hopefully see you soon”
16-year-old Elliot Dawson with a handicap of 5, from Millfield Golf Academy remarked:
“The golf was an entirely unique experience and I have never played a course like it.
The course layout was perfect for the event.
The apartment was very warming and we all felt very welcomed by the staff.”
 

William Gray from Team ‘Bradfield 2’ Winner of the Best overall individual Stableford points score 

 

 

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 group were accommodated in some of the privately owned apartments normally reserved for holidays and short breaks at Desert Springs and the resortąs 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.

 

Harpury College Golf Academy students working on there putting technique at the Desert Springs Short Game Academy

 

A Hartpury Golf Academy student plays their approach shot into Hole 1 'Cactus Point' on the Indiana course at Desert Springs

 

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

 

Seventeen-year-old Hartpury College Golf Academy Student Alex Chalk (Right) receiving his certificate for his Hole-In-One On Hole number 2 'Gulch' on 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!"

Between 27th & 31st January, two Darren Clarke Golf School PGA Instructors accompanied twenty four students aged between 15-21 years to escape the British winter and enjoy the sun in Spain and complete a 4­day training camp at Desert Springs.

 

Nineteen-year-old student Stephen Young remarked;

“The Indiana course was an unbelievable test of golf, it is the best course I have ever played in my life. The staff were sensational and this training camp was an unforgettable experience!

 

“Fantastic golf facilities, very friendly staff and excellent food, it was a fabulous experience.”

“The Indiana course was in immaculate condition and the practice facilities were out of this world. This has to be the best course I have ever played.

The accommodation and food were fantastic and the staff were wonderful, friendly and very polite.

In my opinion make Desert Springs your next golfing holiday destination without a doubt!”

Those are the verdicts of 16-year-old Harry McGeary and 21-year-old Alfie Neenan, two full time students from the Darren Clarke Golf School.

 

A Darren Clarke Golf School student plays their tee shot into Hole 14 ‘Tiburon’ on the Indiana course at Desert Springs

 

The group were accommodated in some of the privately owned apartments normally reserved for holidays and short breaks at Desert Springs and the resort¹s 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.

 

Darren Clarke Golf School students working on there putting technique at the Desert Springs Short Game Academy

 

Andy Peoples: Head of Operations & PGA Instructor at the Darren Clarke Golf School remarked:

“This is now our fifth return visit to Desert Springs Resort to complete our annual winter training camp.

Desert Springs is a fantastic resort, which we always look forward to returning to. The short game and practice facilities at the Golf Academy are superior, along with a golf course, which is different by its nature and challenging for everyone.

Many thanks to all of the staff, it has been a pleasure to be back once again at Desert Springs Resort.”