Troon Golf continues to expand its world-wide sphere of influence with a contract to manage La Quinta Golf Country Club along Spain’s Costa del Sol, just outside Marbella. The Arizona-based golf management company oversees operations at more than 200 golf courses in 31 states and 31 countries.
Situated in the heart of Costa del Sol’s golf valley, La Quinta Golf & Country Club features 27 holes designed by golf course architect Manolo Pià±ero. Each course is integrated into the natural surroundings with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra Blanca mountain range that surrounds the valley. Three nine-hole courses share similar characteristics of sloping fairways and deep bunkers that challenge players of every skill level. While La Quinta Golf Resort is home to a myriad of upscale amenities, plans are currently being finalized for a substantial course renovation to begin in 2009.
Exciting changes at La Quinta Golf & Country Club include the appointment of the new director general, Scott Evans, along with Antonio Pineda, the new golf course superintendent.
Evans’ impressive resumà© features leadership and general manager positions at several highly acclaimed golf clubs in Dubai and England, including Bearwood Lakes in London. Evans’ led Bearwood Lakes to a full membership status, as well as a top 100 ranking and most recently worked for Troon Golf on a number of European projects. Pineda brings valued agronomic experience to the club after working at three well-known golf courses in Spain. Most recently, Pineda served as the project manager and agronomy director at a facility previously managed by Troon Golf in Estepona, Spain. Pineda has a Master’s degree in Environment and Water Resources and graduated from the Turfgrass Management Program at Michigan State University.
“La Quinta Golf & Country Club is an exciting addition to our portfolio,” stated Bruce Glasco, Troon Golf’s senior vice president & managing director, Europe, Africa & Middle East. “We are confident that the strength and depth offered by both Scott Evans and Antonio Pineda will make a positive impact at the facility.”
Besides a Westin hotel with state-of-the-art Arabic-style spa and kid’s club, current amenities at La Quinta Golf & Country Club also include banquet suites, private meeting rooms and the
Borja Pascual, owner of La Quinta Golf & Country Club stated, “We see the collaboration with Troon Golf as a great opportunity to enhance the quality of service as well as the maintenance of the golf course. After 20 years in the golf industry on the Costa del Sol and the recent construction of many new golf courses, we understood that we had to differentiate ourselves from the rest. We definitely believe that Troon Golf, with Scott and Antonio leading the team, is the perfect choice. I am certain
La Quinta Golf & Country Club will host high profile tournament golf later this year when it welcomes The European Senior Tour for the inaugural Benahavis Senior Masters that will take place from 2nd to 4th October. Course architect Pià±ero, who was part of Europe’s winning Ryder Cup team at the Belfry in 1985, will feature in the tournament alongside a strong field of eligible Senior Professionals.
Jose Antonio Mena Castilla, Mayor of Benahavis, said, “Benahavis looks forward to welcoming the European Senior Tour in 2009. Golf is an important part of Benahavis and I am sure the European Senior Tour professionals and spectators alike will enjoy the beautiful scenery and pleasant environment that exists here.”
Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, Troon Golf EMA is committed to developing Troon Golf’s presence in Europe, Middle East and Africa. This rapidly expanding division now oversees operations at 38 courses in 12 countries including Dubai, Portugal, Spain and England with further expansion planned across all regions.
La Quinta Golf Country Club www.laquintagolf.com
Troon Golf www.troongolf.com