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Azahara Muñoz, last year at Aloha, where she picked up the title she will be hoping to defend this year at Guadalmina.
Guadalmina prepares to welcome its first women’s Open de España

Guadalmina prepares to welcome its first women’s Open de España

Holder Azahara Muñoz and Carlota Ciganda, the best-placed Spaniard, have confirmed their places for the tournament

Alberto GÓmez

Friday, 15 September 2017, 12:27

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Real Club de Golf Guadalmina, in San Pedro de Alcántara, designated host of the womens Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España this year, has gone back to its roots. With the aim of improving the spectacle for the competition, which is part of the European Tour, the essence of the plans of legendary designer Javier Arana has been recovered.

A number of modifications have been made in anticipation of the tournament which takes place from 21 to 24 September. For example, the usual 18th hole will be the first, leaving hole 17, par five, as the last to increase the chances of a grandstand finish.

On the other side, in the area closest to the sea, the order will revert to the one initially designed by Javier Arana with what is usually the 10th hole, the par three which runs parallel to the sea and without the most emblematic of the course, will now be the 11th.

The course is also in much better shape generally after investment on the part of members to remodel the bunkers, an improvement from which they are able to benefit even before the professionals, says Ignacio de Cuvillo, managing director of RCG Guadalmina.

The Open de España is the fourteenth date on the Ladies European Tour calendar and will unite big names from across the sport. The biggest Spanish players have already confirmed their participation;Carlota Ciganda, one of the best European golfers at the moment, as demonstrated by her Solheim Cup performance, will be in attendance while San Pedro-born Azahara Muñoz, will be looking to defend her title.

It will be the fourth time that the Costa del Sol welcomes the tournament, after Los Flamingos in 2010, La Quinta in 2011 and Aloha Golf in 2016. On the first occasion, the legendary Laura Davies took the honours, while it was her compatriot Melissa Reid who triumphed in 2011. Last year it was the turn of local star Azahara Muñoz to shine as she came out on top in a spectacular duel with American Beth Allen to become the first Spaniard to win the competition.

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