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Millfield Golfers have first training session in Spain's Desert Springs
On Saturday 12th December, the day after the end of term, 14 pupils (ten boys and four girls) and three golf staff embarked on their first trip to the new Millfield Spanish home of golf: Desert Springs resort, Almanzora, Spain. The resort is set in the south eastern part of Spain and can boast good weather throughout the year. However Millfield's first visit experienced both the good and the bad, although this did not stop the group from having a great four days training.
After the early morning flight the group transferred to Desert Springs and were taken to their accommodation, which consisted of very smart Town Houses situated right next to the practice facilities - putting green, chipping green and driving range. After settling in and having a short lunch, all headed off to the driving range for some tuition before going out for nine holes on the challenging Indiana golf course. The course proved to be demanding for all but the boys decided they needed a little more challenge so opted to play off the back tees the rest of the time.
The second day of the training camp started with an early morning run followed by a relaxing breakfast before heading off to either the driving range or short game area for some tuition from Karen or Stuart prior to the afternoon round of golf. This saw some excellent golf played by all, especially by Ben Taylor who played his first round without dropping a shot and returned a score of 5 under par. Ben is an England U18 boys squad member and is currently representing England U18 in a three man team in South Africa. Daisy-May Kenny led the girls with a six over par round, playing to her handicap but followed closely by Sophie Keech who was eight over par.
The third day again started with an early morning run followed by breakfast. Then the group headed off to the practice areas to tweak the swings ready for the third round of golf in the afternoon. This day saw the weather change from warm and sunny to cold and windy. This certainly made the Indiana golf course more difficult, not just hitting fairways but making sure you hit the ball in the correct place on the greens, if not you could be faced with a very tricky putt, often finishing with a three putt. All the pupils played some excellent golf but Nic Elliott proved he likes playing in windy conditions, returning a level par round.
With the final day upon them there was no time for an early morning run as it was too dark, so the group went straight for a good breakfast before going out on the course for the last nine holes before returning home. Again scoring was consistent and all to play for the title of ‘Desert Springs Champion 2009'. After some great golf shots, Nic held on to his lead and took the title followed closely by Ben Taylor and Lewis Casserley. Lewis was the junior boy's winner and the girl's winner was Sophie, who played excellent golf returning a level par for the nine holes played.
All the pupils enjoyed the experience of Desert Springs, not just playing the challenging Indiana golf course but having the chance to work on all areas of their games on the excellent practice facilities. Nic Elliott commented that the "driving range was great, very nice putting green, but the chipping and bunker facility was the best". Daisy-May Kenny added that the course was "tricky but very good for your golf". All are looking forward to the next trip to the Millfield Spanish home of golf.
Photo 1: Coaches Stuart Wells, Karen Nicholls and Phil Cookson with the 14 pupils who went to Desert Springs
Photo 2: Daisy-May Kenny
Photo 3: Ben Taylor
