Welcome toGolf Panorama

GOLF PANORAMA 3

editorial

Jorge PandoDirector ofOperations of theBendinat Group

In this issue we review an eventful year for the Bendinat Group´s two courses– the staging of the European Open in July at the London Golf Club andthe reformation of the greens at Real Golf de Bendinat. The BendinatGroup has invested in both courses over the years to keep the standards as highas possible, and the choosing of the London Golf Club for the Open, and itssuccess as an event, proves the validity of this policy.

We also focus on the Andratx area of the island where two of the Group´sprojects are situated. Las Vistas is due for completion shortly, while Sa Calahas already been handed over and owners are enjoying the exceptional viewsand proximity to the sea. The interest in these two projects confirms our beliefand commitment to quality, and that quality is the best investment you canmake – especially in the times in which we find ourselves. We also make ajump to the other side of the island to Portocolom, where a pioneeringwater cycling scheme is discussed by landscape architect Salvador Cañis, a firstfor Bendinat and for the island.

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CONTENTS

Bi-annual publication.

Distributed to members of RealGolf de Bendinat, Bendinat Estate

residents, 5 star hotels, BendinatCommercial Centre, The

Anchorage Club, the London GolfClub, etc. Sold throughnewsagents in Mallorca.

EDITED BYReal Golf de Bendinat

C/ Campoamor, s/n07181 Calviá. Mallorca

www.bendinat.comTel. +34 971 405 200. Fax +34 971 700 786

e-mail: info@bendinat.com

PRODUCTION, DIRECTIONAND ADVERTISING

Nimbus ComunicaciónPaseo Mallorca, 32-A. 1º

07012 Palma de Mallorca. Tel. +34 971 228 133Fax +34 971 713 035

e-mail: nimbus@nimbus.es

DESIGNsingularcomunicacion.es

EDITORIAL STAFF ANDCONTRIBUTORS

José Manuel Mateos, José L. Pilco,Nuria Berlanga, Andrés Hurtado,

Jorge Talavera, Gloria Méndez,Beatriz Pinzón, Jack Thorpe, Jaime

Sastre, Clive Leiscester, HumphryCarter and Elena Seijas.

PHOTOGRAPHY:Francisco Garví, Korpa Press, Juanjo

Vega, and file of the Bendinat Group.

PHOTOMECHANIC AND PRINTERSBahía Industria Gráfica

All rights reserved PM XXXXXX

We would like to thank ouradvertisers without whose help the

publication of this edition would nothave been possible.

The editor does not necessarilyidentify with the opinions of the

contributors.

The validity of the informationincluded in this magazine is correct at

time of going to press but may besubject to change.

PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER

Just three kilometres from the town of Andratx, onthe way to San Telmo and Dragonera, is the unspoiltvillage of S’Arraco. 6S’ARRACÓ

“If you want to flee from the problems of the world;if you want to immerse yourself in spring and surroundyourself with trees in blossom; if you want to reach forthe stars…go to the Island of Calm”.

SANTIAGO RUSIÑOL

Contrary to most football managers, Gregorio Manzanodid not become a coach after retiring from football;he was in fact a teacher.

GREGORIO MANZANO

The lighthouses of Cap Salines to the south east ofMallorca and Capdepera in the north-east, are at theextreme ends of Mallorca´s southern coast.

THE OTHER COASTOF MALLORCA

The London Golf Club has bided its time to secure aprestigious tournament such as The European Open.With an all star golfing line-up including thedefending champion Colin Montgomerie, 2008 OpenWinner Padraig Harrington and Ryder Cup playersSergio Garcia and Justin Rose, it was always destinedto be a big event and a real crowd-puller.

THE 2008EUROPEAN OPEN

Number 14 · 2008

COVERRafael Nadal, Wimbledon and

Olympic winner, coses his home ofMallorca to relax and play golf

when not on tour.

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S’Arracó,MALLORCA’S SECRET

CORNER

By: Nuria BerlangaPhotos: Golf Panorama Archive

article

JUST THREE KILOMETRES FROM THE TOWN OF ANDRATX,ON THE WAY TO SAN TELMO AND DRAGONERA, IS THEUNSPOILT VILLAGE OF S’ARRACO. THIS RURAL VILLAGE HASA POPULATION OF AROUND ONE THOUSAND INHABITANTSAND IS HOME TO A NUMBER OF ARTISTS WHO LOOK FORINSPIRATION FROM THE ISLAND’S BEAUTY ANDTRANQUILLITY.

The village’s name originates from the Arabic ar-rakon (corner ornook) and it shares its name with the valley in which it lies betweenAndratx and Palomera. Initially, S’Arraco was a hamlet of just fourfarms and the surrounding area was a popular hide out for local banditsand Arab pirates who operated from the nearby island of Dragonera.

During the beginning of the 18th century, the hamlet started toflourish and grow with the construction of a few houses around thesmall chapel of Santo Cristo. This operation was financed by AntoniFerrabdell Vell who is considered to have been the founder of thevillage. In the 19th century the chapel was converted into a parishchurch with its pearl tower, oval windows and rectory.

In 1850, S’Arraco enjoyed a period of rapid development and withinthree years the first road was built opening up an important commerciallink to Palma. Wine was the principal local industry and so a numberof villagers began to emigrate to France. This flourishing local industry

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Can Martine is a prime example ofMallorcan architecture one can findin the area.

San Telm is just one of the beautifulbays near S’ Arraco

Dragonera Natural park is one of thehighlights of S’Arraco

brought great wealth to the village. The impressive modernist housesdotted around the village were built by the descendants of the firstimmigrants to France. Special mention should also be given to theold school and S´Arraco´s three bars, Can Nou, Can Viguet and CanPrima, which are still the main meeting points in the village.

S’Arraco is well worth a visit as it has managed to preserve thespirit and beauty of rural Mallorca. It is extremely popular with hikerswishing to explore the island, in particular the nearby La Trapa estatewhich is rich in Mallorcan flora and fauna.�

Many people emigrated from the villageof S´Arraco in the 19th century

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Les Cadetes de Majorque

In 1953, the descendents of the 800 S’Arraco and Andratx families who emigrated to France founded the Les Cadetes de Majorquecultural foundation to preserve the traditions of their homeland. The foundation used to publish a bimonthly magazine called Paris-Baleares from 1955 to 1998.

Close to the port of Andraitx, S´Arracó retains its rural charm

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Santiago Rusiñol“Go to the Island of Calm”

“IF YOU WANT TO FLEE FROM THE PROBLEMS OF THE WORLD; IF YOU WANT TO IMMERSE YOURSELF IN SPRING AND SURROUNDYOURSELF WITH TREES IN BLOSSOM; IF YOU WANT TO REACH FOR THE STARS…GO TO THE ISLAND OF CALM”. THESEARE SOME OF THE WORDS WITH WHICH ACCLAIMED ARTIST AND WRITER SANTIAGO RUSIÑOL ENDED ONE OF HIS MOSTFAMOUS LITERARY CREATIONS IN 1922. MALLORCA STILL HAS THIS FEELING TODAY AND IS STILL A REFUGE OF CALMFROM THE STRESSES OF TODAY´S WORLD.

By: Andrés Hurtado Photos: Golf Panorama Archive

article

GOLF PANORAMA 11

In his book “La Isla de la Calma”, Santiago Rusiñol I Prats (Barcelona1861-Aranjuez 1931) describes Mallorca as a rural and welcomingisland steeped in tradition and customs. The book became a best seller,attracting the interests of readers from overseas and the first touriststo the island.

Santiago Rusiñol first visited Mallorca in 1893 accompanied by hisfriends Raimon Casellas, Genis Muntaner and Alexander Font. Thespectacular Mallorcan countryside, the clear, bright light, the differentcolours of the fields and the rich lush gardens and estates, in particularRaixa, inspired Rusiñol to capture the island’s beauty on canvas andto write a series of articles for the Catalan newspaper La Vanguardiawhich were later compiled in the book Cartas Desde Una Isla: Lettersfrom an island.

Rusiñol came from a wealthy bourgeois family but the artist had abohemian personality and a burning desire to travel. This took himto Paris, Italy and across all of Spain until he eventually returned toMallorca in 1901 looking for peace and tranquillity to help him recoverfrom his addiction to morphine. He was greatly influenced by theimpressionists and this can be seen in his art.

A year after his return, Rusiñol and Joaqin Mir were commissionedto produce a series of decorative wooden wall and ceiling fittings forthe Gran Hotel in Palma. He later held his first exhibition in theCirculo Mallorquin.

Rusiñol lived in El Terreno, Palma, but spent a great deal of time inSoller where he painted and supported a number of cultural eventswith the help of his close friends Gabriel Alomar and Joan Alcover.However, Rusiñol could never remain still for long and so he leftthe island only to return occasionally to paint new images and completehis book La Isla de la Calma.

The island was a great inspiration for Rusiñol; he was passionate aboutMallorca and his feelings are expressed in his writing and paintings.One painting in particular, Jardi de Muntanya, Sa Coma IV, highlightshis love for the island and in 2006 it was sold for a record 840,188euros at an auction at Sotheby’s.

In the year he died he was named an adopted son of Palma and giventhe keys to the city. Since then a monument was put up and a streetwas named after him in honour of his work and appreciation ofMallorca.�

Rusiñol’s bohemian spirit led him all over Europe until he foundpeace and tranquillity in Mallorca

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Gregorio Manzano,FROM SCHOOL TEACHER TO MANAGER OF RCD MALLORCA

By: Jorge TalaveraPhotos: Francisco Garví

interview

“I suffered an injury when I was 18 duringmy military service in Seville and that wasthe moment I decided I was going to studypsychology and become a teacher. I nevercompletely turned my back on football andin 1983 while I was teaching in Santistebandel Puerto in Jaen, I started training juniorteams. After obtaining my coaches badge,I moved on to regional and national sides andstarted to dedicate more time to football”.After working at a number of second divisionsides he moved up to the first division withValladolid, Atletico Madrid, Real Mallorcaand Malaga before returning again to RealMallorca.

“There are many similarities betweencoaching football and teaching. It is a jobthat requires constant motivation. I miss thetime when I was a teacher but, on the whole,I love my new chosen profession. Footballis very demanding and setting new goals anddevising new plans are not always easy tofulfil. First division football is extremelycompetitive.”

GREGORIO MANZANO TOOK OVER AS COACH OF REAL MALLORCA FOR THESECOND TIME IN FEBRUARY 2006, AFTER HAVING WON THE COPA DEL REY WITHTHE CLUB IN 2002. CONTRARY TO MOST FOOTBALL MANAGERS, GREGORIOMANZANO DID NOT BECOME A COACH AFTER RETIRING FROM FOOTBALL; HE WASIN FACT A TEACHER.

Manzano has found the perfect place to liveand play golf in his Bendinat home

Gregorio Manzano with Jorge Pando, theDirector of Real Golf de Bendinat

“I feel extremely comfortable here in Mallorca;its high living standards are unquestionable”

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“Aside from the game, you have to satisfy the fans. A lot of fans cometo the games to relax, let off steam and we have to try and helpthem do this in a positive way by playing competitive and excitingfootball in a professional way. When we achieve this and the teamis united, the level of personal and professional satisfaction is enormous;it’s difficult to explain the exact feeling created by this.”

What he least likes about his job is the lack of control over certainobstacles. “Football is a game, but sometimes events happen whichare impossible to control and at times, are quite unfair. One alwayshas to account for mistakes made by the referees and at times thisis when one loses a bit of faith in the game. But, I’m always optimistic.One always has to try to do the right thing despite the fact you arenot always going to win.”

Gregorio Manzano’s two stints at Real Mallorca have meant thathe has lived on the island for five years and recently bought anapartment in Sa Vinya, Bendinat. “I feel very comfortable on theisland; its high living standards are unquestionable. I’m not rulingout becoming a permanent Mallorca resident one day in the future.”

Gregorio Manzano would like to see Real Mallorca return to Europeanfootball. “I would not mind coaching in the Premier League in Englandbecause I think that this is the best league in Europe, where thebest football is being played as it used to be in Spain and Italy.”.�

A writer?I don’t know…I read a lot, especially books about psychology.Eduardo Mendoza, Isabel Allende, Antonio Machado. I wasreally moved by John Boyne’s “The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas”which I have just finished reading.

Favourite Meal?As I’m from Andalusia, it has to be gazpacho. But I also likeMallorcan food, especially pa amb oli (bread with olive oiland tomato) and tumbet (a type of Moussaka).

The best footballer in history?I prefer to pick them by generation as opposed to singlingout an overall player. Each decade is special with players likeAlfredo Di Stefano and Pele in the 50s and 60s, then therewas Cruyff and Maradona and, without doubt, Zinedine Zidane.

And this generation?Gines and Messi

Another sport apart from football?

Golf, I find it very relaxing. (Manzano is a VIP member of RealGolf de Bendinat)

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This was achieved in the 1980s in TheAnchorage in Illetas, in the 1990s in SesOliveres and in the early 2000 in Sa Vinya,where small "villages" with varying heightsof buildings, special details and colours wereused to create something different to normalrepetitive "blocks" of apartments.

Central to our projects is the landscaping.Recognizing the scarcity of water, only plantsthat are local and require minimal wateringare used in nearly the entire garden project.Not only will this produce an aestheticallypleasing and more durable garden, but ownerswill find their community fees will be loweras a result.

In addition, in Porto Colom, a revolutionarynew "reed-bed" filter system is included in theproject. This has already been completed,situated in the gardens closest to the

roundabout. Water used by residents forwashing, showering etc ("grey water") will bepassed through plants and gravel and turnedinto re-usable clean water that will be used inthe gardens.

In terms of ecologically friendly items, apartfrom the gardening, this project features solarpanels for all apartments to save energy andreduce hot water costs, as well as specialinsulating materials and double glazing tosave further energy costs. Low wattagelighting is used in all communal areas andtoilets use double flush systems.

Please contact us for any further informationand we welcome suggestions to ensure wecreate as ecological and pleasant a project aspossible in this beautiful corner of the island.�

www.bendinat.com

The Bendinat Groupproject in Portocolom,

ECOLOGICAL AT HEART

PORTOCOLOM IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND NATURALLY PRESERVEDFISHING VILLAGES IN MALLORCA. IN ALL BENDINAT GROUP PROJECTS THEAIM HAS BEEN TO ADD SOMETHING TO THE AREA, BY USING LANDSCAPING,LARGE POOL AREAS AND SOFT MEDITERRANEAN ARCHITECTURE TO TURN IT INTOSOMETHING SPECIAL. PROJECTS WITH A HUMAN SIZE AND PERSPECTIVE.

A professional

gardenerSalvador Cañis is a specialisedgardening technician who is thedirector of garden designers Arbres IEntorn. He was born in Tarragona andstudied landscaping at the Rubio ITudori de Cataluña College. He holdsa professorship in agriculture. He hasbeen working with the BendinatGroup for over ten years and is incharge of the group’s gardens andlandscapes. Among his mostprestigious projects are Ses Oliveres,Sa Vinya, Las Adelfas and Sa Cala.

By: Gloria MéndezPhotos: Golf Panorama Archive

article

GOLF PANORAMA18

From Cap Salines to the lighthouse of Capdepera, THE OTHER COAST OF MALLORCA

By: José M. Mateos Photos: Francisco Garví and Golf Panorama Archive

article

THE LIGHTHOUSES OF CAP SALINES TO THE SOUTH EAST OF MALLORCA AND CAPDEPERA IN THE NORTH-EAST, ARE AT THEEXTREME ENDS OF MALLORCA´S SOUTHERN COAST. BETWEEN THEM THERE ARE OVER 50 CALAS OR COVES, SOME VERYSMALL AND ONLY REACHABLE BY SEA OR ON FOOT WHILST OTHERS ARE LARGER WITH STUNNING UNSPOILT BEACHES.IT IS A LANDSCAPE FULL OF CONTRAST AND ATMOSPHERE – THE “OTHER COAST” OF MALLORCA.

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Our tour starts at the Cap Salines lighthouse, home to a coastal investigation centre andjust past it you enter an area of breathtaking cliffs known as Marmol (marble). It is also a verypopular place for fishing. If you continue travelling east, you will come across Santanyi bay,a natural port surrounded by old fishermen’s houses that nestle by the water’s edge. TheMondrago National Park, spanning an area of 785 hectares of white, rolling beaches andsecluded bays, is situated just a few minutes away. It is a prime example of the topographyof this part of the island.

The next stop on our tour is Porto Petra. This old port once exported the prized sandstoneof Santanyi; and on to Cala D’Or, now an important and highly popular residential locationfull of nightlife and modern facilities.

Portocolom and San Salvador.

Spectacular view of theInternational BalloonRegatta over Cala Millor

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Between here and Porto Colom are ten little bays and beaches.Portocolom is one of Europe´s largest natural harbours and a haven forfishing boats and small yachts. As a village it is as though time hasstood still. The architecture has not changed for 50 years and contributesto the traditional sea port atmosphere.

Porto Cristo and its lighthouse date back to 1851. The region hasdeveloped into the area’s principal commercial and tourism centre andmarks the point where the south coast meets the east, at Sa Comabeach, bordering the Sa Punta d’Amer National Park and the Bayof Cala Millor. Cala Millor is one of the most important tourist resortson the island and every April it celebrates an international hot airballoon festival.

The countryside begins to change the further east you travel. FromCala Millor you will come across the Costa de los Pinos (the Pine coast)and then the famous Canyamel beach which in Spanish means “honey

The undulating interior turns into spectacular coastline

Cala Rajada lighthouse is locatedwhere the east coast is closest to Minorca

GOLF PANORAMA 21

cane”. It is so named because in the 15th century it was one of theisland’s main sugar producing regions. The region overlooks theimpressive mountain Cap Vermell which is famous for its caves, losCuevas Ermintaño or more commonly known as the caves of Arta.

Before reaching the eastern most point of the island and the imposingCapdepera lighthouse situated 58 metres above sea level (built in 1861)it is hard to resist making a stop at the port town of Cala Ratjada. Dueto the port’s close proximity to Menorca, it is an important economichub of this region.

The south east coast of Mallorca is rich in its culture, tradition andnatural beauty. Inand there are towns and villages to discover suchas Campos, Santanyi, Sant Llorenc, Son Servera, Capdepera andArta, towns that strongly maintain their culture and agriculturaltraditions whilst keeping pace with the development of the Mallorcaneconomy that began in the 1950s.�

Cala Varques

Cala Rajada nightlife

Mallorca continues to be the cosmopolitan heart of the Mediterranean. Very few islands manageto unite so many glamorous people at the same time and being just a few hours flight frommost major European cities makes it one of the most attractive spots in the world. Its richnatural environment and its diverse and exciting social scene make it a unique paradisedestination.

Glamorous Mallorca

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1

By: Beatriz PinzónPhotos: Juanjo Vega

1. The Spanish Royal Family hosts its finalreception of the summer

2. Queen Sofia with her grandchildren andPrincess Letizia

2

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3

Royalty, Hollywood stars, sporting legends and chart topping musicians can regularly bespotted on the island for either business or pleasure enjoying Mallorca’s many excellentrestaurants and hotels or attending gala weddings, charity events or birthdays.

The island’s hidden corners, the Mediterranean character of its villages and people and its breathtaking natural beauty are what make Mallorca the crowning glory of the Balearics islands.

A host of international celebrities own properties in Mallorca and many spend a great dealof time on the island and not only during the summer months but throughout the year becauseof Mallorca’s mild Balearics climate. The island also boasts a rich cultural and social life aswell as excellent sporting facilities and shopping.�

3. The World Number One tennis playerRafael Nadal being honoured by hishome town Manacor

4. The singer Café Quijano got married inMallorca

5. Kiryl of Bulgaria is an excellent kitesurfer

6. The King of Spain with his new launch

4

5

6

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Las vistas de AndratxA modern, minimalist project

with some of the best sea viewsin the Mediterranean

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Only after 300 days of excavations was itpossible to lay the first foundations of thisproject. Cut deep into a mountain and withbreathtaking sea views, this project has oneof the most stunning locations in the area.

The standard of architecture, by Alex vonWarberer, and the quality of materials makeit unique. Philip Starke, Loewe tvs, outdoorspa baths and teak floors are included as wellas an infinity pool and on a clear day, viewsof Ibiza from the roof terraces.

The project is now being handed over toowners who are discovering the convenienceand enjoyment of being close to the sea, asummer beach club, the pretty and lively portof Andraitx and the golf course of Andraitx.

www.bendinat.com

GOLF PANORAMA28

MALLORCA HAD MANY REASONS TO CELEBRATE DURING

THE BEIJING OLYMPICS. NOT ONLY DID THE ISLAND’S TOP

SPORTING HEROES, CYCLIST JOAN LLANERAS AND THE

WORLD NUMBER ONE TENNIS PLAYER RAFAEL NADAL,WIN GOLD MEDALS, BUT AT LEAST 18 GOLD MEDALS WERE

WON BY THE HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL BRITISH TEAM WHO

TRAINED ON THE ISLAND BEFORE THE GAMES BEGAN.

Mallorca has become one of the principal training grounds for someof Britain’s top teams. 2 years ago British cycling set up a permanenttraining camp in the Port of Pollensa, staying at the sea front HotelGaleon. In January 2008, the Endurance Team began their rigoroustraining regime on the island and their efforts were rewarded with4 gold medals.

Last winter, the British Olympic team visited the island for a seriesof training sessions. The sprint team, led by triple gold winner ChrisHoy, visited the island in November for an intensive training regime;and the Endurance team of Ed Clancy, Geraint Thomas, Paul Manningand double gold winner Bradley Wiggins chose Mallorca for the finalpre-Beijing training camp in July. They picked up a gold medal atthe Olympics for their efforts.

The golden islandMallorca has become one of theprincipal training grounds for

some of Britain’s top teams.

By: Jack Thorpe Photos: Golf Panorama Archive

article

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In January, the team spent a week cycling the unforgiving road up anddown from Sa Calobra. Their other training regime saw them cyclingvarious routes from Pollensa up to Arta and down from Sa Pobla toManacor and then back again to Pollensa via Inca.

After training so hard, the teams now know the roads like the backsof their hands. During a number of training sessions they teamedup with local Mallorcan cycling clubs to keep them company.

Team GB cycling have bought a number of apartments in the Portand have the services of an English-owned expert bicycle repairshop to hand. Training aside, many GB team members enjoy the islandfor their holidays. Some are considering buying holiday homes inthe area. One could say that Mallorca has become a home fromhome. Gold medallist Rebecca Romero in particular, whose fatheris Mallorquin, spent the first three years of her life growing up on theisland.

It is not only Mallorca’s mountain roads which led to British Teamwins at this year’s games. In April, the women’s swimming team spenttwo weeks training at the Son Hugo swimming complex in Palma. Itwas here that they trained for their last swimming session beforeproducing two of the biggest shocks in Beijing. Rebecca Adlingtonwon two gold medals, breaking the World and British records.

The island’s yacht races have also been important for many of Britain’sOlympic sailors. Gold medallist sailor Ben Ainslie participated in a

number of regattas in Mallorca along with a number of other TeamGB sailors. The women’s trio gold medallists, Sarah Ayton, SarahWebb and Pippa Wilson, have also competed in the island’s manyregattas.

Over the next four years, in the run up to London 2012, Mallorca willbecome increasingly important for the British Olympic Team’spreparations.

The GB junior swimming team has already been on the island to train.Many of these young swimmers will be old enough to compete inthe 2012 games. Plans are underway for a specialist swimming pooltraining centre for Olympic teams to be built by a private Britishcompany on the island with the full backing of the British OlympicTeam.

British divers are also organising training camps in Palma which isjust a few hours flight from the UK. The island’s wide range of trainingfacilities and its healthy, fresh Mediterranean diet make it the idealsetting for athletes to train.

At the November World Travel market in London, Rebecca Romero,representing the British medal winners who trained in Mallorca,was personally thanked by the Balearic government for the commitmentto Mallorca. Mallorca will no doubt play a highly influential role inBritain’s preparation for 2012. �

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“We offer a wide range of services frominterior design, advice on furnishings, projectmanagement, and property renovations.”

Good organisation is essential to Lares. “Wehave a highly trained and multi-skilled team.Every project is unique and requires the teamto think out of the box, to be imaginative,creative and on target.”

Understanding what the customer wantsis extremely important. You need tounderstand their psyche before embarkingon a project. “A viability study is alwayscarried out before any project is started. Wehave to familiarise ourselves with the likesand dislikes of our clients, their life style,how they intend to use their property. Thisis a vitally important process. Our clientsusually provide us with a lot of informationon their likes and dislikes before we startwork. After this they leave us to get on withthe job.”

Lares,QUALITY DECORATION,

INTERIOR DESIGN AND

RENOVATION SOLUTIONS

By: Jaime Sastre Photos: Francisco Garví

article

LARES, AN INTERIOR DESIGN AND RENOVATIONS SPECIALIST, PRIDES ITSELF ON ITS CREATIVITY, ORGANISATION ANDTEAM WORK. LARES WAS SET UP AS A FAMILY BUSINESS 20 YEARS AGO AND TODAY, UNDER THE DIRECTION OF ANGELESTELLEZ, IT IS THE MARKET LEADER IN MALLORCA.

In Lares, every project is unique and every project different

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Lares’s headquarters is based in Bendinat

Plaza. It is divided into the workshops and

design studios in one section, and the quality

decoration and international modern

furnishing shop on the other. “Every year we

alter our range and never reduce our prices.

What we don’t sell we donate to charity.”

Lares’s unique and exquisite interior design,

decorative and renovation skills have been

used in a wide range of properties including

villas, luxury apartments, country estates,

offices, commercial outlets and sports clubs

including Real Golf de Bendinat and the

Arenal Yacht Club. Angeles Tellez admits

that Lares is an ambitious company. “We love

new challenges and we follow each challenge

through with zest and dedication. Our desire

to excel with each new project has been an

integral part of our success and growth.

We specialise in a quality and honest service.”

“We are learning and evolving our skills every

day. We pride ourselves on being up to speed

on all the latest international developments

and trends. Every year we attend the five

major international trade fairs in Milan,

Frankfurt, Paris, Barcelona and Madrid and

make regular overseas business and fact

finding trips abroad, particularly to England.”

The company is now spreading its horizons

internationally. “We are about to embark on

our first project outside Spain by reforming

a property in England.” �

Experience, professionalism and personalitycharacterise Lares’s work ethic

GOLF PANORAMA36

GOLF PROTAGONISTS

Fisher King at The 2008 European Open

GOLF PANORAMA 37

GOLF PROTAGONISTS

Record numbers attended the first day at The London Golf Cluband The Bendinat Group was part of the action….

THE LONDON GOLF CLUB HAS BIDED ITS TIME TO SECURE A PRESTIGIOUS TOURNAMENT SUCH AS THE EUROPEANOPEN. WITH AN ALL STAR GOLFING LINE-UP INCLUDING THE DEFENDING CHAMPION COLIN MONTGOMERIE,2008 OPEN WINNER PADRAIG HARRINGTON AND RYDER CUP PLAYERS SERGIO GARCIA AND JUSTIN ROSE,IT WAS ALWAYS DESTINED TO BE A BIG EVENT AND A REAL CROWD-PULLER. HOWEVER, EVEN THE EUROPEANTOUR WAS SURPRISED WHEN MORE THAN 23,000 SPECTATORS TURNED OUT ON THE FIRST DAY – A RECORDNUMBER FOR SUCH A TOUR FIXTURE.

Just ann

ounc

ed!

The Eu

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an 2

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will ta

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at t

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olf

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.

GOLF PANORAMA38

GOLF PROTAGONISTS

38

Despite being a new location after a 13 year stint at The K Cluband previously being a relatively hidden gem in the golfingworld, The London Golf Club grabbed national and internationalheadlines, as well as more than 35 hours of Sky coverage, thanksto record-breaking scores, praise for The Heritage Courseand the odd professional outburst...

Over the four days, Monty failed to make his mark on thescoreboard. Instead Wentworth’s Ross Fisher dominated

throughout, finishing an impressive -20 par, while Garcia camerunner-up, seven shots off the pace, and Ryder Cup rookieGraham McDowell took third place in a tournament thatcaptured the south east county.

It’s estimated that the event brought more than £5.5 millionworth of revenue into Kent that week. Quite an impressiveincome for the Garden of England, but that’s not the only figurethat added up to make The European Open the success it was:

63 shots for Ross Fisher to cardHeritage Course record

-20 under par winning score of 268

76 Flag Poles

£2.4 million total prize fund 1 snappy dresser!

1 Defending Champion

771 Merchandise Tent Credit Card Transactions 1000s of autographs

GOLF PANORAMA40

GOLF PROTAGONISTS

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23,856 Spectators on Free Ticket Thursday57,221 Spectators in Total

735 Grandstand Seats • 3475m2 of Tentage16 miles of Rope • 2500 White Stakes • 500 Crowd Barriers

23 Pro Am teams

300 Accredited Media • 10 Articulated TV Lorries • 110 TVStaff • 40 On-Course Microphones • 21 TV Cameras & 60

Camera Positions

152 Professional Golfers

89 Umbrellas 9,600 Practice Balls

500 Volunteer Marshalls5 Exhibition Tents including The

Bendinat Group

£506,392 for the winner • 1 British boxing legend 50 Greenkeepers

1978 Hospitality Covers

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The 7th CPM Charity Golf Tournament was held last July at RealGolf de Bendinat. The funds collected during the event haveall been used for the building of a reconstructive surgery unitin Tanzania.

For seven consecutive years, the CPM has raised money to providehealth education for medical professionals in the third world,training them to provide much needed plastic surgery.

On Friday, the PRO-AM took place and the following day, theOfficial Tournament awarded the scratch winner prize to CarlosMuñoz with 31 points, who received a 2 days green fee atthe London Golf Club (Bendinat Group) including 2 nightsaccommodation for 2 people in one of the Luxury Life Style

Hotels in London, as well as a Henry Cotton jacket personalizedfor the CPM.

The first classified (Mens) was Manuel Luís Beltrán with 37 pointsand Joana María Alemany won the Ladies Category with 35points.

The men´s Longest Drive went to Juan Luís Magnier, and theClosest Ball to the pin went to Juan Luís Martínez.In the Ladies Category, Mª Jesús Sánchez won both the longestdrive and the closest ball to the hole.

On the Sunday, a children´s tournament was held allowing theyounger golfers to play golf and enjoy themselves.�

Cirujanos Plastikos MundiGolf Tournament

Jorge Pando, Carlos Muñoz, Scratch winner, Raquel Alvarez and Javier Beut from CPM.

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Briguite Rowecamp, with a final score of46, won the XV Angel SanchezCabezuedo Memorial tournament at RealGolf de Bendinat in June.

Diego Wencelblat, with 41 points,topped the men’s table. Miguel A.Rapado finished second with 40 points.

In the ladies’ category, Angela Garcia andJuana Maria Alemany finished joint firstwith 37 points.

Rodrigo Rodriguez was the Senior winnerwith 38 points, closely followed in secondplace by David Morris with 37 points.

Eric Eycman and Sandra Perez came firstand second in the Juniors’ category with42 points each.

One of the highlights of the tournamentwas the demonstration of cigar makinggiven by the Cuban Yaima Herrera.

The tournament was brought to a closeat Real Golf de Bendinat’s clubhouse witha spectacular Argentine barbequefollowed by a raffle and awardceremony.�

XV Ángel Sánchez CabezudoMemorial Tournament

Yaima Herrera making a cigar.

Briguite Rowecamp was presented withher trophy by Juan Ferragut, President ofReal Golf de Bendinat, accompanied byfriends and family of Angel Sanchez.

GOLF PROTAGONISTS

Raul Blanco carded 41 points to win thefirst Fujitsu Siemens Tournament at RealGolf de Bendinat in July. Luis Cuadrilleno,with 37 points, came second in the men’scategory.

In the ladies’ category, Juana MariaAlemany won with 41 points and MariaBuades, with 38 points came second.

With a final score of 36 points, BartolomeRubi won the Seniors’ category. NoelScully came second with 35 points.

Daniel Avedillo hit the men’s longest driveand Nuria Zaragoza the ladies’.

Federico Paez won the men’s closest tothe hole competition; Maria Dolores Perythe ladies’.

After the tournament the players enjoyeda cocktail party at the Real Golf deBendinat club house which was thenfollowed by the award ceremony.�

Raul Blanco, winner of the tournament with his trophy.

The first Fujitsu Siemens Tournament

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On the eve of the tournament, participants and guests gatheredat Real Golf de Bendinat’s clubhouse for a gala dinner.

Comedian Joe Goodman, singer Jess Conrad and stuntmanRocky Taylor were some of the guests at the dinner.

The tournament was brought to a spectacular conclusion witha gala dinner held at the Casino de Mallorca. The winners, MikeEngland and his team, were presented with their trophy andafter this ceremony a charity auction followed which servedto bump the grand total of money raised up to 235,000 euros.

In November, the money raised was distributed to the variouscharities and individuals the tournament helps at the LinderGolf & Wellness Resort in Bendinat. Presiding over thepresentation ceremony were Calvia Councillor for Tourism, KateMentink, Jorge Pando, the director of Real Golf de Bendinat,Andreas Heider and Daniel Cavaria, the managing directorsof Engel & Volkers (the main sponsor of the event) and thedirector of the Hotel Lindner, Tatiana Pilati.

With the 235,000 euros raised this year, two specially adaptedminibuses were bought along with special wheelchairs, technicalequipment and medical treatments. Money was also put forward

THE ROBERT WINSOR CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENTRAISED 235.000 EUROS FORDISABLED AND UNDER PRIVILEGED CHILDREN IN MALLORCA

THE ROBERT WINSOR CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT, SPONSORED BY ENGEL

& VOLKERS, WAS HELD AT REAL GOLF DE BENDINAT IN MAY AND RAISED

235,000 EUROS. THANKS TO THE DEDICATED SUPPORT OF PRIVATE

BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS, THE TOURNAMENT HAS BECOME ONE OF THE

LARGEST FUND RAISING EVENTS IN SPAIN.

The winners of the first prize MikeEngland and Marc Cameron Jr withKate Mentink and Robert Winsor.

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to help children receive needed surgery. The items purchasedwere distributed among Mallorcan charities which includedAspace, Fundacion Handisport, Minyones, Joan XXIII, AllenGraham Charity, Fundacion Sergio Garcia, Amiticia, Aspanob,Asdica, Joves Navegants de Balears, Mater Misericordia, CentroOcupacional Isla, Fundacion Respiralia, Aspaprode and Asnimo.

Robert Winsor has helped improve the apartment owned bythe Association of Mothers with Disabled Children as well ashelping to improve the day-to-day lives of many disabled andneedy children and their families. The Robert Winsor charityhas also paid for vital operations and treatments for children in

the Balearics, on mainland Spain and the United Kingdom.Robert has dedicated the past 28 years of his life, ten in Mallorca,to raising funds for the disabled and was honoured for his workby Queen Elizabeth II when she named him a Member of theBritish Empire.

All of the beneficiaries attended the presentation to personallythank Robert, his wife Maria and his charity for their great workwhich deserves the full recognition, support and thanks ofMallorca. The interest Robert Winsor has shown in helping toimprove the lives of our community deserves much morethan a simple thank you.�

Johnny Briggs’s team. Kenny Lynch and his three team mates.

Two great comedians Jasper Carrott and Tom O´Connor share a joke

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London Golf Club Members were in Double ‘O’ Heaven at asocial event in November 2008. The dress code was DJs anddiamonds for an evening of champagne cocktails and canapés,fireworks, casino tables and a spot of espionage to find anexquisite piece from jewellers Boodles!�

Diamonds & DBs

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Bendinat is renewed

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Real Golf de Bendinat has opened its newgreens at nine of its holes after 5 weeksof work to improve their condition.Experts have confirmed they will remainin optimum condition for at least the next30 years. Real Golf de Bendinat hasrenovated eight of the first holes for thefirst time since the course was opened24 years ago. Irrigation comes from theEDAR Bendinat water treatment plant.Water in Mallorca is an alkaline-sodium

The course is inperfect playingcondition thanksto recentrenovations tothe greens.

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mix with a trace of calcium from the island’s sand, which erodesthe ground. This is why the green improvements have beencarried out six years earlier than planned.

Great care was taken in the planning. The key to the operationwas an exhaustive investigation and selection of the grass usedto make certain that it kept to Bendinat’s primary goals – toguarantee the course´s quality making sure that the workwas carried out at a time when the least number of memberswould be affected. But in doing so the project was complicatedby the August high temperatures and the 80 percent humidity.Regardless of these extreme conditions, the work was carriedout in record time to the highest standard.

The grass originates from one of the best lawn areas in Spainin Plasencia. Here the grass is grown on silicon sand which islow in organic material and perfect for the construction ofgreens.

Real Golf de Bendinat’s ground staff prepared the land forthe new greens which is technically known as tepe or turf. Theymade the maximum use of the old greens by re-laying theturf on the ante greens at the same holes whilst the companyIbergreen laid the new greens.

The work step by step

The relaying of the green grass was carried out in seven phases:

View of the old greens and the work which has been carried outat the first eight holes

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1. The areas which needed to be relayed are marked out

with new turf.

2. The grass is carefully removed from the ante-greens (not

to be relayed).

3. Once the grass is removed, the surface of the ante-greens

is improved along with the drainage of the area where

the new turf is to be laid.

4. The turf is carefully removed from the existing greens because

it is going to be relayed on the ante greens.

5. The same process is carried out on the greens.

6. The new turf is laid on the greens

7. The final phase involves the preparation of the surface of

the greens which is rolled, raked and fertilised with the

necessary nutrients to ensure the correct density of the grass.

This creates the best playing surface.

Since September, professionals and amateurs have been able

to play off some of the best greens in Spain. The greens have

been enlarged ensuring that Real Golf de Bendinat offers its

members a cutting-edge golfing experience with the latest

sporting and technical developments.�

The new greens use the very best turf

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The clubhouse was nominated by the readers of Club Housemagazine in its annual poll.

In 2008 the club was able to demonstrate to the golfing worldjust how professional its staff, instructors, facilities and servicesare when it staged the European Open.

Director General, Heath Harvey, said “Winning this awardthree years in a row is incredible. It shows that the club is doingthe right thing and that we are moving in the right direction.The award also proves that investing in your product producesresults.”

Next year, the club is planning to carry out a series ofimprovements, in particular to the changing rooms. Theclub is also considering building a conference zone which canbe used for weddings and large events to expand their servicesand defend their prestigious title.�

Owned by the Bendinat Group, the club was this year crowned the Best Clubhousein the United Kingdom for the third consecutive year.

The London Golf Club has beennamed the Best Clubhouse in theUnited Kingdom

The London Golf Club is owned by the Bendinat Group.

Mallorca, at the EuropeanOpen

Jorge Pando, director of Real Golf de Bendinat at the BendinatGroup stand with Sarah Mullis and Andrew Spence.

The European Open attracted thousands of visitors.

The board of the Bendinat Group was extremely pleasedwith the success of the European Open and the capacity of theclub to stage such an important event.

Jorge Pando, director of Real Golf de Bendinat and co-directorof the London Golf Club said “the tournament was a successin every area.

The players were satisfied with the course and surroundingsand the European Tour agreed that it is a first class venue.”�

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The former President of Finland, MarttiAhtisaari,who was recently awarded theNobel Peace prize, spends his summersin Bendinat where he has owned aproperty for the past few years and is aregular golfer after having started playingnearly ten years ago.

Ahtisaari, born in 1937, was presidentof Finland between 1994 and 2000 andhas dedicated the past eight years tomediating in international conflicts. “Thisaward is recognition of all the work I havecarried out throughout my career” anemotional Ahtisaari said on collecting hispeace prize.�

Marti Ahtisaari playing one his favouritesports with Bendinat Castle in thebackground

Nobel prize winner Martti Ahtisaari, a close friendof Real Golf de Bendinat

Marti Ahtisaari with Jorge Pando

Robert Murray

I was shocked and deeply saddened when my good friendDebbie Cameron called me to tell me Robert Murray hadpassed away on his 48th Birthday.

Two years ago at my charity golf event, Robert, as always,bought a team, he would not come to the Gala Dinneras it was his son's birthday, however that did stop himbidding on the phone for the top item, a round of golfand lunch with Sergio Garcia, together with his closefriends Terry Cameron and Paul Charleston he boughtthe item, Robert took his son Andy to play golf and havelunch with Sergio.

I recall another auction I was conducting, I had just takena bid from Robert of 1,000 euros for an item, I said whowill bid me 1,250 euros, Robert put his hand up again,I said you are bidding against your self, he just laughedand kept his hand up, such was the kindness andgenerosity of this lovely man.

He will of course be greatly missed by his family andhis many friends.

Very very sad and all too soon.

Robert Winsor M.B.E.

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25 years with Urbanizadora CalviaTo celebrate over 25 years withUrbanizadora Calvia, (the BendinatGroup) Tony Salom, technical directorand Rafael Barceló, chief accountantwere each presented with a magnificentwatch.

They are among the longest servingmembers of the team, although manymembers of the Bendinat team havebeen with the company for over 15 years.

Antonio and Rafael were with thecompany when the Garden Villas, Golfphase 1 and the Anchorage were on thedrawing board, and have seen thecompletion of the projects as well asmany more recent ones such as SesOliveres, Sa Vinya and Las Adelfas.

Congratulations on behalf of theBendinat team for all their dedicationand professionalism during the pastquarter-century!�

The inaugural Bendinat-London Golf Club Challenge didn’t endin the tourists’ favour, despite glorious weather in Mallorca.Kitted out in shorts, the London Golf Club team failed totake home the trophy, after the first inter-club match at RoyalBendinat Golf Club. The home team took the title by a whisker,

winning 2-1 with one match halved. It’s hoped a return matchwill be played in 2009 at The London Golf Club.

London Golf Club Members were also treated to a superb wine-tasting during their stay on the island, courtesy of The BendinatGroup.�

London Golf Club drawthe “shorts” straw at Bendinat!

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On May 1, the hotel reopened its doorsto the public after an extensive make overby architect Alvaro Sans. The new focusof the hotel is the sea; and now all 144hotel rooms look out over theMediterranean.

This hotel serves two markets. On the onehand it continues to cater for thetraditional holidaymaker with its vast

range of facilities, which include threeswimming pools (two outdoor and oneheated), four restaurants, and a healthspa including Sol Meliá’s exclusive Yhi Spa.On the other hand the hotel has beenredesigned to cater for the growingbusiness convention market with its new

state-of-the-art Business Centre. The

centre has eight fully equipped meeting

and banqueting halls.

The Meliá de Mar was built by the Buadesfamily who also once owned one of theisland’s most famous hotels, the Hotel

Formentor. In the 70’s, the Meliá de Marwas bought by the founders of the SolMeliá hotel chain, the Escarrer family. Eversince, the hotel has been considered oneof the chain’s top establishments.

Today, the hotel is considered to be a fineexample of modern internationalarchitecture and has been included inDocomono, the magazine dedicated tothe preservation of great urbanarchitecture

Baron Philippe de Rothschild used to stayat the hotel when visiting Mallorca; andRomain Gary, the double Goncourt Prize-winning writer, described it as “one ofthe best hotels I know”. Nobel-prizewinning writer Camilo José Cela held hisweekly gatherings here too.

As part of the recent reformation, thefaçade of the hotel has been restoredusing traditional Mallorcan stone fromSantanyi, and the corridors on all sevenfloors have been elaborately decoratedwith an impressive collection ofcontemporary art.�

Hotel Meliá de Mar, in harmony with the sea

DESIGNED BY THE ARCHITECT JOSÉ MARIÁ

CODERCH IN 1964, THE HOTEL MELIÁ

DE MAR, IN ILLETAS, CONTINUES TO SET

THE STANDARDS FOR LUXURY, SERVICE AND

QUALITY ON WHICH ITS OWNERS SOL

MELIÁ PRIDE THEMSELVES. THIS YEAR THE

GROUP DECIDED TO RAISE STANDARDS

FURTHER BY REFURBISHING THE HOTEL AND

TAKE EVEN MORE ADVANTAGE OF ITS

SPECTACULAR SEAFRONT SETTING.