This is the case of Azahara Muñoz, born in San Pedro de Alcántara (Marbella), who plays in the LPGA Tour in the United States and the Ladies European Tour. What's more, this player from the Málaga coast, whose career has been unstoppable despite her youth, received the Lady Golf Award for the Best Spanish Professional Player in the first edition of these awards in March 2013. The aim of these awards is to recognise the work of sportswomen, companies and means of communication in the world of Spanish women's golf. Azahara participated in the Solheim Cup (the women's version of the Ryder Cup) for the third time in 2015. She had previously played and won in Ireland in 2011 and in Colorado in 2013. This has never been achieved by another Spanish player.
Noemí Jiménez, also from San Pedro de Alcántara, is considered to be the great promise of Spanish golf. This player, specifically from Guadalmina, studied Tourism and Business at the University of Arizona before taking on the challenge of becoming a professional and competing with the best players in the world.
Even younger, and with a great future ahead of her, is Ana Peláez, also from Málaga, a 17-year-old amateur and the winner of the last Annika Invitational, who is also a member of the European team for the PING Junior Solheim Cup. Ana Peláez made her debut in the Ladies European Tour (LET) this year.
Good climate, leisure and excellent infrastructure
The reasons for this success are varied and important. Presently, with more than 70 courses, the Costa del Sol is the destination with the greatest concentration of golf courses in continental Europe. The combination of the facilities and infrastructure provided, the complementary offer of leisure and hotels and Málaga's favourable climate clearly set it apart as the best tourist area to enjoy this sport.
Another attraction, and guarantee, are the events and tournaments that are hosted by courses on the Costa del Sol, which include exhibitions, inter-club events, and professional, amateur and pro-am competitions. These competitions attract recognised golfers and keen amateurs from a great variety of backgrounds.
