A group of golf students from Easton College, near Norwich, found the perfect way to beat the freezing British winter with a warm weather trip to La Manga in Spain.
A group of golf students from Easton College, near Norwich, found the perfect way to beat the freezing British winter with a warm weather trip to La Manga in Spain.
The facilities at one of Europe's elite sporting complexes helped them train, compete and prepare for the season ahead, which includes the remaining fixtures of the college year.
They were in good company - the England women's football team were also at La Manga, completing a training camp and four-team competition with Norway, Korea and Lyon FC. They helped provide the golfers with a brief, firsthand look at elite level competitors in training.
The eight-strong group of students are all completing the Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence golf programme, which consists of a National Diploma in Sport alongside an NVQ in Golf Studies, backed by England Golf.
They study at Easton College and use the golf facilities at nearby Bawburgh, where they are coached by professionals Mark Spooner and Peter Bower.
Those who made the trip to Spain were: Liam Upton (Mundesley), James Berry (Sprowston Manor), Jamie Denegri (Sheringham ), Tom Gowman (Costessey Park), Craig Chadwick (Bawburgh), Kristian Coop (Royal Cromer ), James Barrett (Ryston Park) and Aaron Bullock (Caldecott Hall).
They were divided into teams led by lecturers Mark Ames and Jonny O'Brien - and involved in keen competition.
Team Ames led the way after the first day on the North course, helped by Berry who played under his handicap to win the stableford. Coop meanwhile demonstrated much accuracy to win the nearest the pin competitions.
On the second day on the West course, Bullock was the clear winner and helped the team extend their lead.
They sealed the victory on the final day on the South course when all four team members won their matches in a head-to-head.
'It was a fantastic experience and a total success,' said Mark Ames.
Easton College is currently recruiting golf students, ideally single figure handicappers, for the next academic year.
For further details contact Mark Ames on 01603 731599 or email mames@easton.ac.uk
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