Villa Padierna Michael Campbell Golf Academy

Marbella's Villa Padierna is a world-class hotel and golf resort

The Costa del Sol has long known how to attract golf enthusiasts. The plethora of world-class courses in the region, set amid a kaleidoscope of backdrops that range from rugged mountain to sparkling sea, is, however, just one small part of the overall package.

Golfers want good weather – the Costa del Sol has that in spades. They also want easy accessibility, all year-round – Malaga airport caters admirably for their needs. And then there’s the après golf activities such as the 19^th hole bar, fine dining, golf attire and golf property – nowhere else in the world can quite match the Costa del Sol on this front, either.

And now the region is adding another golfing string to its golfing bow – the forthcoming opening of the Villa Padierna Michael Campbell Golf Academy…The Villa Padierna Golf Resort has long been a magnet for golf pros and keen amateurs thanks to its splendid combination of all of the above, but now this new academy promises to tease out even more golfing joy for enthusiasts and eager beginners.

Named after New Zealander Michael Campbell, who won the US Open in 2005, this flagship academy will boast a state-of-the-art fitting centre, a junior academy where budding youngsters of all ages and abilities can learn from world-class coaches, and a whole new level of golf-related professionalism, including nutritional advice, technique tips, psychological hints and physical conditioning.

“This project, my first academy, is very exciting for me,” said Campbell. “This game has given me so much and it is a privilege to be able to give back to the game in this way, helping people learn to play and enjoy this great sport.”

Fellow PGA Professionals Steven Palmer and Daniel Williams will assist Campbell during the Academy’s early days, with an opening date set for this month.

“Golf has been my passion throughout my life,” said Williams, adding: “I am looking forward to working alongside the already amazing team of people at Villa Padierna, and working together to make this the most successful golf academy in Europe.”

The academy will also feature a purpose-built facility designed to hone the games of upcoming tour professionals, bringing further kudos to the Costa del Sol as the place to be if you love your golf – no matter what your handicap may be.