La Cala Resort has been chosen by Australian professional golfer Rebecca Artis, fourth in the Ladies European Tour ranking, to prepare her entry to the US Tour and the final tournaments of the LET. The golf and leisure resort, nestled between the sea and mountains, is home to excellent training facilities and is renowned amongst elite athletes who choose this complex to prepare for their upcoming tournaments.

Rebecca Artis, at just 26 years of age, is a professional golfer on the Ladies European Tour and member of the ALPG (Australian Ladies Professional Golf). She recently spoke to us about having spent a few days at La Cala Resort to train and get ready for her upcoming tournaments. After taking the time to assess the different options between Málaga and Sotogrande, she opted for this complex as, in the words of the lady herself, “it had the best training facilities and best practice balls”
Artis currently stands fourth in the Ladies European Tour ranking, meaning constant training is required to secure her world standing. Without a doubt, Spain, and in particular Costa del Sol, offer the perfect climate to play golf.

Director of Golf at La Cala Resort, Agustín Alonso, had the opportunity to speak to Rebecca, who revealed a few interesting titbits about the demands of training and her experience at the complex, in particular, at the different golf courses that form part of the complex.
A. Rebecca, how have you enjoyed your time at La Cala?
R. You guys have really treated me well, the resources that you have here are amazing. I have had time to enjoy the academy, the fitness centre and the two golf courses I’ve had the chance to play. On the one hand, Campo Asia, is a technical course; you really need to tee-off well to play the ball and, on the other, Campo America, is completely the opposite; it is much more spacious, with more open greens, but you have to hit the ball harder as it is a longer course.
A. How would you compare La Cala to the courses you play on the Tour?
R. As it is in the mountains, you have holes at different elevations, just like at the Evian Championship; also, the greens feature drops that you sometimes can’t see, just like the courses we play. I think it offers a great experience and is good training for the tournaments I have coming up.
A. Exactly which tournaments do you have coming up?
R. I’m heading to the Helsingborg Open in Sweden, the Evian Championship and the French Open. Afterwards, I will play a couple of tournaments in Asia before playing the LPGA Qualifying School at the end of the year.
A. I understand your objective is to obtain the LPGA Tour card and play there, but would you combine the two Tours?
R. The Ladies European Tour has meant a lot to me, I really enjoy playing the tournaments and can’t see myself leaving even if I get my card. Also, I’ve got some leeway as I have the card until 2017 after I won the Scottish Open this year, which makes life a lot easier for me.
A. Being Australian, what are the main differences between the European and Australian Tours? Where do you feel more at home?
R. I have to admit that I feel at home in both locations. Fortunately, the Australian tour is only played between January and February, when it’s winter in Europe and playing is just not the same here, meaning it is perfect.
A. What did 2013 mean to you?
R. 2013 was a really good year for me after I won in Helsingborg and obtained 3 Top 10s; however, I think this year has been the best by far. I am fourth in the Order of Merit ranking, have obtained 3 Top 10s and won in Scotland, which is one of the best in terms of prize money. That has given me enough peace of mind to try for the LPGA.
A. How are things on the Women’s Tour?
R. Honestly, it is getting much better. Over the last 4 years, 5 tournaments have started to offer more than €500,000 in prize money, which is important. Perhaps the number of events has dropped, but we are setting our sights on Asia just like the Men’s Tour and I think we’re heading in the right direction.
A. After you play in Australia, do you relocate to Europe or do you travel every time you have an event?
R. In Spring, we have a couple of tournaments in Asia. Afterwards, I head back to Australia until the European tour starts and I set up camp in England. After the French Open, I travel to Australia as I am based there for the Asian tournaments.
A. Why did you choose England?
R. I’m not sure really, perhaps because I have friends there. The weather there is awful though, so I’m thinking of relocating to somewhere else and the south of Spain has it all. Also, you have treated me so well, I wouldn’t rule out a repeat visit in the future.
A. Would you recommend this resort as a training camp for other players on the Tour?
R. Definitely, in fact, I came on a recommendation. Your training structure is excellent and the weather is perfect. I would like to come back to play Campo Europa, as I haven’t been able to do so this time.
A. You’re welcome here any time Rebecca, thank you very much