Los Naranjos Golf Club is hoping to use the Andalucia Costa del Sol Open de España as the platform to enhancing its global appeal and hosting future high-profile professional and amateur tournaments.
The exclusive Marbella venue provided a fitting venue for the climax to this season’s Race to Costa del Sol on the Ladies European Tour (LET) as Thailand’s Atthaya Thitikul was crowned a worthy winner of the 2021 Official Rankings title.
Spain’s Carlota Ciganda was among the players to lavish praise on Los Naranjos after claiming a deserved four-shot victory in the Andalucia Costa del Sol Open de España to win her national title for the first time, and Julián Romaguera, general manager of Los Naranjos Golf Club, believes that the event can provide the catalyst for further success in the coming years following a recent period of significant investment.
“Ever since I joined the club in 2016, I had the vision of hosting a Tour event here, but I was not comfortable enough with the quality of standards we were providing both in clubhouse and the golf course.,” said Romaguera.
“I have had the opportunity in my career to work in the golf industry in USA, Asia and Mexico and I wanted to bring a bit of the best of each place to the club. Over the years we have been improving in all aspects to make significant changes to make big tournaments happen.
“Los Naranjos Golf Club today has all the elements needed to host any professional or amateur at any level; a great conditioned golf course, top standard service, upgraded facilities and also a fully committed team. This tournament was very important to the reputation of the club, both domestically and internationally, we’re delighted with the feedback that we have received and believe that it will be the start of an exciting new chapter for the club.”
Los Naranjos was hosting the Andalucia Costa del Sol Open de España for the first time in its prestigious history, and players faced a supreme test of their golfing skills on the 6,532m, par-72 Robert Trent Jones Snr layout following a series of significant improvements over the last few years.
Among the changes to have been made, the tees, fairways, greens and bunkers have all been upgraded. In addition, the club has also carried out work to improve the drainage and cart paths, meaning members and guests can enjoy the course in optimum condition all-year round.
Ciganda said: “I’m very happy, it’s a tournament that I really wanted to win. I love Spain and to win your country’s tournament is something very special so I’m happy with the way I played. To shoot two bogey-free rounds round here is great golfing, it was quite tough in the back nine with the wind, so I was pleased with how I played all week.”
“It’s hard to explain (winning in front of the home fans), I get emotional because I love Spain and I love my family, so it’s just amazing to win this week.”
Thitikul added: “It is a pleasure to have been able to play in the Costa del Sol region as the 2021 Race to Costa del Sol champion. It means the world to me.
“I am honoured to have won this title in my first full season on the Ladies European Tour and I would like to thank the Costa del Sol Tourist Board for their support.”
The Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España signals the start of an exciting time for the Region of Andalucia as the build-up begins to the 2023 Solheim Cup, which will take place at Finca Cortesin Hotel, Golf & Spa in September 2023.
