. The record of the Spanish Women's Open remains devoid of victories for golfers from our country.

. Olympian Azahara Muñoz leads the 'Spanish armada', which returns to the land where it was born, both in a literal and golfing sense.

. The squad of Spanish players numbers fifteen, many of them with enormous potential.

Second in 2002, 2003, 2009, 2011 and 2014, fifth in 2012, seventh in 2013…, Spanish golfers have a score to settle with the Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España Femenino, a competition of the European Professional Tour held at Aloha Golf between September 22 and 25 with the main sponsorship of the Ministry of Tourism and Sport of the Junta de Andalucía, Turismo Costa del Sol and the Association of Municipalities of the Western Costa del Sol.

The large group of Spanish players present on the magnificent Malaga course – with special mention for the local player Azahara Muñoz, recently the Olympic representative of our country in Rio de Janeiro – are demanding the main spotlight in a tournament that has been elusive throughout the history of this competition.

The intention is clear: to shatter the negative legend that has prevented a Spanish representative from inscribing her name in the tournament's record books since its first edition in 1982 at the then Las Aves course, now Valderrama.

Led by the aforementioned Azahara Muñoz, responsible for numerous triumphs for Spanish golf both in her amateur and professional stages, the squad of Spanish players rises to fifteen players, among which are golfers who this year have already achieved victory in various Professional Circuits.

This is the case of Nuria Iturrios from the Balearic Islands, a brilliant winner in the Lalla Meryem Cup held in Morocco in mid-May, or Carolina González from Barcelona and María Parra from Cádiz, who have triumphed in the LET Access Series 2016, the former once, the latter twice.

María Parra's professional debut

Special mention goes to María Parra, who turns professional on the Monday before the tournament with a very outstanding amateur record – number 4 in the World Amateur Ranking – so this Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España Femenino will be her debut as a professional.

Apart from her, the list of Spanish players includes a large number of golfers who are taking their first steps in the professional field, such as Natalia Escuriola, Noemí Jiménez, Marta Silva, Camilla Hedberg, Elia Folch or Silvia Bañón.

Alongside them are others whose careers have already taken off, such as Marta Sanz and Mireia Prat, as well as golfers with extensive experience such as María Beautell, Carmen Alonso and Laura Cabanillas, always competitive in any tournament that, as is the case of the Spanish Women's Open, is worth its salt.

This interesting and diverse group of Spanish title contenders faces one of the highest quality entries in the history of the Spanish Women's Open, which has so far been free of victories by players from our country.

Raquel Carriedo in 2002; Ana Belén Sánchez in 2003; Tania Elósegui and Emma Cabrera tied for second place in 2009; again, Tania Elósegui in 2011 and Carlota Ciganda in the 2014 edition – the last one held so far – came close to a title that the best players on the Ladies European Tour now also aspire to, with special mention for the five previous winners present at Aloha Golf: South African Connie Chen, Englishwomen Melissa Reid and Laura Davies, Australian Stacey Keating and Welshwoman Becky Brewerton.

ANDALUCÍA COSTA DEL SOL PROGRAM OPEN DE ESPAÑA WOMENINO 2016

Monday, September 19

Official presentation press conference (11:30 am)

Aloha Golf, Urbanización Aloha, s/n, 29660 Nueva Andalucía – Marbella (Málaga).

Tuesday, September 20

Official training sessions

Wednesday, September 21

Pro-Am with 3 amateurs and 2 professionals on each team (first tee time 08:20 hours) Awards ceremony on the terrace of Aloha Golf (around 20:00 hours)

Thursday, September 22

First day of competition; 126 players (tee times from 08:30 hours)

Friday, September 23

Second day of competition; 126 players (tee times from 08:30 hours)

Cut-off set at the top 60 ranked and tied

Saturday, September 24

Third day of competition (08:30 – 15:00 hours, approximately)

Sunday, September 25

Last day of competition (08:30 – 15:00 hours, approximately)

The awards ceremony will take place around 3:30 pm.

Essential support for a highly important tournament

The support of the Andalusian Regional Government's Ministry of Tourism and Sport, Costa del Sol Tourism and the Association of Municipalities of the Western Costa del Sol in this tournament is part of a sports and tourism promotion effort, aware of the appeal of golf among national and foreign tourists, who find in this sport an additional incentive when choosing this Spanish region as a destination.

This prestigious competition is also supported by Reale Seguros, the Royal Spanish Golf Federation, the Royal Andalusian Golf Federation, Aloha Golf Club, the Spanish National Sports Council, and the Ladies European Tour. It is organized by Deporte & Business.

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RELEVANT TOURNAMENT DATA

Aloha Golf Club

Opened in 1975
Address: Aloha Urbanization, s/n. 29660 Nueva Andalucía – Marbella (Málaga)
Telephone: 952 907 085
Fax: 952 812 389
e-mail: info@clubdegolfaloha.com
web: www.clubdegolfaloha.com

Nearest airport: Malaga (60 km)
Designer: Javier Arana
Number of holes: 18 (plus 9 par 3s)

Institutional sponsors: Ministry of Tourism and Sport of the Andalusian Regional Government, Costa del Sol Tourism and Association of Municipalities of the Western Costa del Sol

Tournament sponsors: Reale Seguros, Royal Spanish Golf Federation, Royal Andalusian Golf Federation, Aloha Golf Club, Higher Sports Council and Ladies European Tour

Promoter: Royal Spanish Golf Federation

About the Ministry of Tourism and Sport of the Andalusian Regional Government

Andalusia is one of the world's most comprehensive tourist destinations, offering a diverse and high-quality range of experiences that places it among the top choices for both international and domestic tourists. Furthermore, Andalusia is an international benchmark for golf tourism. Its exceptional climate allows for year-round play on over a hundred courses, located in prime locations with stunning landscapes or close to idyllic beaches.

About Tourism Costa del Sol

Its nearly 70 courses have made the province of Málaga-Costa del Sol the leading golf destination in Europe, hence its nickname, the Costa del Golf. Few places like the Costa del Sol offer so many attractions in one destination, because our province not only boasts superb infrastructure for playing golf, but also a privileged climate that allows for year-round play.

About Aloha Golf

Located in the heart of the Golf Valley in Marbella, Aloha Golf is a club that boasts one of the most beautiful and unique golf courses in Spain. This par-72 parkland course features a traditional design that demands precision off the tee and a good approach shot to the green. Undulating terrain, lush woodland, and lakes are among the distinctive features of Aloha, along with spectacular views of the Sierra La Concha mountain range and the Mediterranean Sea. Having hosted the Andalusian Open three times, the course offers the opportunity to enjoy blossoming trees year-round.