Leadbetter Academy to open at La Manga

World-renowned golf coach David Leadbetter will open his new academy at Murcia's five-star La Manga Club in September

World-renowned golf coach David Leadbetter will open a new academy at Murcia's five-star La Manga Club in September.

Leadbetter's new academy at one of Europe's stand-out golf and leisure resorts - which opens on September 15 - is the centrepiece of an extensive €1 redevelopment of the Club's teaching and practice centre.

The only such facility in mainland Spain - and one of a collection of 28 in 13 countries - will have two tuition rooms packed full of the latest technology, including Trackman, SAM PuttLab and K-Vest.

"It's a great honour and privilege for everyone at La Manga Club that David Leadbetter has interrupted his busy schedule to open the new academy," said La Manga Club's General Manager, Jose Ansejo.

"The significant investment that has taken place in the new state-of-the-art facilities here at La Manga Club will help to ensure that the resort is truly in a class of its own in terms of golf and sports coaching facilities, enhancing our reputation as the destination of choice for top amateurs and professionals."

Leadbetter has coached four former world number 1s - Nick Faldo, Greg Norman, Nick Price and Lee Westwood - and has the likes of Rafa Cabrera-Bello, Michelle Wie, Suzann Pettersen and teenage sensation Lydia Ko in his current stable.

The American will also give a series of one-to-one tuition sessions to resort guests, local juniors and media members during his visit.

As well as the Leadbetter Academy, the newly revamped golf practice centre at La Manga features four short-game areas, three large putting greens and four teaching classrooms.

What's more, the 300 metre-long range boasts two 36-metre Huxley grass tees, three additional mat teeing areas, a 150-metre wide, 35-metre deep grass tee and a number of new targets.

"This great new facility will allow the Leadbetter Golf Academy to be at the hub of the resort's golf operation, and we have been very careful to design the facility with all business sectors in mind," said Gary Silcock, La Manga's Director of Golf.

"I believe the new range is very similar to the one at Augusta, and the targets and fairways are very much in keeping with one of golf's most iconic venues," he added.

La Manga Club boasts unrivalled sports and leisure facilities - including a 5-star hotel, 28 tennis courts, a 2000sqm spa and fitness centre, on-site villas, restaurants and bars - helping reinforce its long-standing reputation as one of world's premier leisure resorts.