South African legend Gary Player has delivered his own personal message of congratulations to La Manga Club as part of the Spanish resort’s 40th anniversary celebrations.

Player, winner of nine Major titles and 165 tournaments worldwide during a glittering career, took time out from his busy schedule to record a glowing tribute to the award-winning five-star venue.

The 76-year-old was La Manga Club’s first director of golf when it opened in 1972 and played a key role in helping the resort establish itself during its early years.

La Manga Club hosted the Spanish Open five years in a row from 1973-77 and has gone on to become one of Europe’s leading sports and leisure destinations.

Player said: “This is a very happy moment for me having been the director of golf at La Manga Club, a very beautiful place, a great resort with some wonderful golf courses, and met so many wonderful people.

“If I’m not incorrect I remember playing with Severiano Ballesteros, this wonderful Spaniard who was the bullfighter of golf, and we had a wonderful golf tournament there for television with Tony Jacklin and Tom Weiskopf, and I’m happy to say I won.

“My memories are great and may you have a very special day and God bless you all.”

Player’s video message will be played as one of many glowing tributes to an audience of invited guests at La Manga Club during a special birthday weekend at the beginning of November, the culmination of a series of events to celebrate its anniversary.

Set in an area three times the size of Monaco, the resort is renowned for its first-class range of facilities and has played host to some of the leading names in sport and leisure over the years.

American legend Arnold Palmer was victorious at La Manga Club in the Spanish Open during his prime, Seve Ballesteros made his European Tour debut there before becoming its touring pro and world number one Luke Donald cut his golfing teeth at the venue at the tender age of nine on his way to stardom.

In addition, as well as offering a wide selection of sports academies to children, the resort will be hosting the Lee Westwood Golf Academy, Real Madrid Football Camp and Daley Thompson Athletics Academy this summer where budding sports stars of the future can improve their skills.

La Manga Club boasts unrivalled facilities as a sport and leisure venue including three 18-hole championship golf courses, a 28-court tennis centre and a 2,000sqm spa and fitness centre. It also offers the choice of a five-star hotel, four-star serviced apartments and townhouses, more than 20 bars and restaurants and is great fun for children.

For more information or to book call 00 34 968 17 5577, email reserve@lamangaclub.com or visit www.lamangaclub.com.
To watch a video of Gary Player’s La Manga Club 40th birthday message, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWgmUviZL-k