Tarragona, 28th April 2014 - Lumine Mediterránea Beach & Golf Community, developed its position among Europe’s leading golf venues with the completion of the Challenge Tour’s Challenge de Catalunya, captured by Spaniard Antonio Hortal. Firing a course record equaling 63 over the Greg Norman-designed Lumine Lakes course in round two, Hortal’s winning total of 14-under-par left him three clear of England’s Callum Shinkwin and a host of accomplished competitors.
Picking up a €25,600 cheque, Hortal rises to 3rd place in the Challenge Tour ranking. He commented: “I am happy to have won this tournament especially with the level of players that here: Tour players, tournament winners and a Ryder Cup player - I'm thrilled! Now I see that I have the ability to win and believe in myself more now. This win means everything right now.”
Hosting the event for the first time, the championship layout proved a great success with competitors, receiving high praise from the field. Current Challenge Tour number one Jordi Garcia Pinto said: “I really like the course; it is a great design in great condition.”
Three time European Tour winner, Pablo Martin Benavides continued the support: “I did not know the area before and have found it fantastic. They [Lumine] have done a spectacular job and have a great team that knows how to do things.”
Whilst 2008 Ryder Cup player, Oliver Wilson, said: “I really like the area and the facilities are awesome. I wish we played more courses like this on the Challenge Tour.”
“We are really pleased with the players’ reactions to the course this week,” commented Calle Carlsson, General Manager, Lumine Golf & Beach Club. “The team has worked hard under Troon management over the past years and we have had some great feedback on the conditioning and service. Congratulations from all the team to Antonio on a fantastic performance!”
One of Europe’s most diverse golfing destinations, Lumine Golf Club includes the Greg Norman designed Lakes Course which also plays host to the European Tour Qualifying School Stage 2 and the Nordea Tour, and the more traditional Hills Course which runs through pine and olive trees with spectacular views of the nearby coastline. The two championship courses are further complimented by the aptly named 9-hole Ruins Course, another Norman design that weaves its way through Roman archaeological remains completing the diverse 45-hole offering of immaculately presented facilities that caters for golfers of all ages and abilities.
The region’s capital, Tarragona, is home to some of the best restaurants in the Costa Daurada while Lumine’s Beach Club, situated above the Playa Del Llarga bay, is fast becoming one of the most fashionable venues. Set within the pine-clad hillsides, the Beach Club is also home to the award-winning Lumine Restaurant where head chef Eduardo Cuesta has already become somewhat of a legend in the area. Combined with 7km of golden sandy beach, the Costa Daurada also provides golfers the perfect setting for relaxation and indulgence after a round.
Image 1: Challenge de Catalunya champion Antonio Hortal
Image 2: Lumine Lakes Golf Club 7th hole
