February 10 to 23 in Murcia, Southern Spain

Something for everybody at

Hacienda del Alamo Women's

Winter Festival

By COLIN FARQUHARSON

Tournament Controller

I had a telephone call today from a 19-handicap lady who asked if it was worth her while going to the Hacienda del Alamo Women's Winter Golf Festival?

She appreciated that the weather down in Murcia, southern Spain from February 10 to 23 would certainly be better than anywhere in the British Isles and that the opportunity to use five-star practice facilities every day could make her a better golfer when she comes home than when she arrived.

But, would there be any handicap prizes, she asked. "Is it not a Festival for the low handicap amateur or professional?"

The answer is that the Hacienda del Alamo Women's Winter Golf Festival, which is supported by Glenmuir, was originally aimed at the "elite" players for lack of a better word. But since then we have widened the concept to become a Golf Festival to be enjoyed by all, whether you are a lady professional, a scratch golfer or you play off 20 in your club medals.

*The lady professionals are competing against themselves for cash prizes.

*The low handicap lady amateurs are competing against themselves for three-figure amateur prize vouchers.

*The mid-to-high handicap lady amateurs are also competing against their peers for amateur prize vouchers.

EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAMME

The 2008 Hacienda del Alamo Women's Winter Golf Festival is very much an experimental programme. We shall be asking competitors what bits they liked, what bits they didn't like (hopefully none), what things they would like to see added to the programme.

+In 2009, the Festival might stretch to three weeks ... if there is a big enough demand for it.

+In 2009, the Festival might have some events outwith Hacienda del Alamo Golf Resort, at neighbouring courses - if there is a demand for more variety.

+In 2009, the Festival might mushroom into the Murcia Ladies Open Tour ... if there is a demand for it.

+In 2009, an extended Festival programme could be opened up to include men's opens, junior opens, mixed, women's and men's foursomes - if enough people say they would support such a move.

PLAY YOUR PART IN SHAPING FESTIVAL'S FUTURE

So why not put your name down for the 2008 Hacienda del Alamo Women's Winter Golf Festival? Play your part in shaping its future.