La Cala Mixed Pairs

Occupying a fantastic hilltop position and offering spectacular views over the 54 holes on offer, La Cala is a magnificent golf and spa resort in the heart of the Costa del Sol and was our home for a week of sun, fun and great golf.

Round 1 Asia Course

The spectacular Campo Asia has plenty of challenging holes, guaranteeing a testing round of golf which puts a premium on the approach shots. The oldest of the three courses and the one most respected by the professionals, it is narrow and short, with four par 5 holes demanding skill and strategy.

With temperatures in the mid 20’s and with no wind, the conditions were perfect for high scoring and so it proved as by the end of the day 8 couples had managed to break 40 points. Simon & Michelle Craker from Cotswold Edge had played beautifully to record 44pts. Just one ahead of this, the ever consistent Surbiton duo of Richard & Rosemary Kennett had waltzed around the Asia course with 45pts. But the 1st round leaders, who had prepared diligently by arriving a week ahead, were Peter & Julie Morgan with a brilliant score of 46pts to sit atop of the leaderboard.

Round 2 America Course

The America course  is enhanced by spectacular views to the Sierra de Ojén and Mediterranean Sea. Its wide, linked fairways and relatively few bunkers make this a slightly easier driving course, though the hilly topography requires a lot of carry across steep brush-covered side slopes while the small raised greens demands more precise club selection to hit the mark.

After our first presentation dinner together, the group awoke the following morning to another beautiful day with clear blue skies. One of the first pairs to return to the clubhouse having played beautifully were the Essex pair of Wayne & Jane Collier. They knocked it round quite wonderfully and signed for a stunning 43pts. Still playing fantastic golf and continuing their fine form, Peter & Julie produced another great round. A change of course had not affected their scoring ability and they signed for a fabulous 44pts.

But the day belonged to the pairing from Handsworth, Ivan & Jayne Hutchings. With the author enjoying a front row seat, Jayne produced 7 pars & 2 birdies playing off her 20.8 h/cap. As we walked off the last green, she announced it was the greatest round of her life. You cannot ask for more that that! With a total of 44pts but with a back 9 of 25pts they won the day and how richly deserved it was.

Round 3 Europa Course

Campo Europa has generous fairways, flatter terrain and slightly larger greens than Campo America and Asia. Notable for one main bridge and four smaller bridges that cross the River Ojén, which feature on eight holes cutting across three fairways.

Once again the combination of perfect weather and conditions produced some wonderful scoring from the group. Newcomers Kevin & Julie Scott after a small blip in Round 2, came roaring back to card a brilliant 42pts. Beating them, but only on countback with 24pts on the back 9, the Abbeydale duo of John Adam & Pam Little played superb, but with John admitting Pam had contributed the most! But no pair it seemed could compete with the Corhampton team of Peter & Julie. They had now played all 3 courses and the change in layout had not affected their awesome scoring ability all week. They posted a “best of the day” 43pts to take a commanding 8 shot lead into the final round.

Round 4 Asia Course

For the final round we returned to the Asia course. No excuses now for not knowing the course! A steady week for the Forrester Park duo of Wayne & Jane was finished off with a great score of 42pts. Another couple who also had a top week, Simon & Michelle went 1 point better capping off a fine performance during the 4 rounds. But just taking the spoils on the day by the closest of margins on countback was Kevin & Julie Scott. This cemented their place finishing the 72 holes in overall 3rd position. All of the top 3 couples overnight signed off in great style. Richard & Rosemary carded a solid 40pts giving them the runners-up spot with a wonderful total of 165pts.

But the week belonged to Peter & Julie Morgan. After signing for a final round of 40pts they had gone “wire to wire” and with a total of of 173pts taken top spot by 8 shots and deservedly the title of “La Cala Mixed Pairs Champions”

An incredible week sadly come to an end. Beautiful weather with 3 great golf courses that tested every compartment of your game. Thanks to the staff at the hotel for taking such great care of us all. We look forward to returning soon and repeating the whole experience again!