Spanish golfing legend Miguel Angel Jimenez may be out of competition with a broken leg but it didn’t deter his enthusiasm at the opening of the Miguel Angel Jimenez Municipal School of Golf.
Situated in the La Colina Urbanisation of Torremolinos near Malaga, the School of Golf boasts a practice ground and a 9-hole pitch and putt course and it’s a project that fulfils the most demanding requirements to practise this sport, for so long associated with the Costa del Sol.
Miguel was surrounded by the local authorities, media, football players, bullfighters, national and Andalucian federations, José María Zamora, golf professionals –José María Cañizares, Manuel Piñero, Juan Quirós, Manuel Quirós- and many, many friends.
Miguel Angel Jimenez showing a broken leg has not curtailed his trademark demeanour at the opening of his Miguel Angel Jimenez School of Golf Academy. (Photo – Tony Doro).
“This is a dream come true as golf has given me everything and I want to give back,” said Jimenez.”
“My goal was to develop and promote golf in this area and it’s been achieved with the opening of the Academy.
“The land is a 50-year concession from the Town Hall. We have very popular prices and will be focused mainly on children and families with special discounts for them.
“I have designed the Par 3s 9 holes. The 7th honours the 12th at Augusta, one of my favourite holes in the whole world. Playing my first Masters in 95 I practiced with Seve and Olazábal; I hit a perfect eight iron to the 12th green and said: Is this the difficult hole you talk about? They laughed and answered: “Wait, wait till the tournament starts”. On Thursday, I am on the 12th tee and the green had disappeared!!”
Miguel’s School of Golf is laid out on 7 hectares of gently sloping land, parallel with the railway line that runs between Málaga and Fuengirola.
The Pitch and Putt measures more than 30,000 m₂while the practice ground a further 16,000. The remaining land incorporates an extensive wooded area, as well as a plot for the Clubhouse, car park and relaxation zones.
The nine par 3 holes ranges in distance from 54 to 128 metres.
The 7th hole at the Miguel Angel Jimenez School of Golf Academy he has modelled on the 12th hole at Augusta National. (Photo – Tony Doro)
The course and tees are all natural grass of the Bermuda Tifway 419 variety with the greens being Agrostis 007.
Two artificial lakes are linked by a stream that comes into play on a number of holes and nine bunkers surround the very enjoyable course, although one that demands a fair amount of accuracy.
The driving range is 250 metres long and has a capacity for 40 players who will be able to practise on either natural or artificial grass.
There are 15 pylons that light up the driving range making it possible to use the facility all year round at night.
Furthermore, the Academy is equipped with a swing analysis centre.
The Clubhouse, car park and relaxation areas will be built in the second phase of the Project.
