Anna Nordqvist and Sophie Gustafson representing Sweden in 2010

La Sella Golf, hosting the Comunitat Valenciana European Nations Cup for the fourth time from 14-17 April, has taken major action to improve the golf course even further ahead of this year’s unique Ladies European Tour team event.

In order to fulfil the expectations of the Ladies European Tour players from 18 different countries when they travel to Denia in Alicante, Spain, in mid April, the green keepers have been involved in a number of course maintenance activities to optimise conditions.

Carlos García, managing director of La Sella, is heading up the work which includes replacing all of the sand in the bunkers.

“In the field evaluation carried out by the players themselves at the last European Cup, the section which drew worst marks was the bunkers. With this improvement the sand will be a strong point and the bunkers will be in perfect condition at the tournament, as well as at all of the other events which we regularly host, including at the national, state or provincial level,” said Carlos García, through translation.

With a new chipping and putting practice area, which has been in perfect working order for several weeks, and the work on the tees, fairways and greens, the players will find the course in top condition.

“We have also made a deep improvement to the fairways and greens and apart from seeding them, work has been completed on the first nine holes and we are now undertaking the same on the back nine,” added García, who in order for the work to be carried out perfectly and without distractions, had to close these holes for a month and a half.

“It will not be until mid-February when we fully open the 27 holes at La Sella, but I think the effort will be worthwhile because in April the course will be in excellent condition,” concluded García.

Azahara Muñoz and María Hernández will form the Spanish team at the fourth Comunitat Valenciana European Nations Cup and hope to add Spain to the international list of previous winners who are: England, the Netherlands and Sweden.

Tournament Facts: La Sella Golf Resort Opened in 1991 Address: Alqueria Ferrando, s / n 03749 Jesus Pobre, Denia (Alicante) Phone: 966 45 42 52 Fax: 966 45 42 01 E-mail: info@lasellagolf.com Web: www.lasellagolfresort.com Getting There: Take the motorway AP-7 and diverted at Exit 62 (Ondara-Denia-Xabia), direction Denia-La Xara-Jesus Pobre. The course is adjacent to the hotel Denia Marriott La Sella. Managing Director: Carlos García Designer: Jose Maria Olazabal Number of holes: 27 Yellow bars: 6,113 meters (Par: 72; Value Field: 73.3; Value Slope: 136) Red bars: 5,250 m (Par: 72; Value Field: 74.5; Value Slope: 131) Organiser: Deporte & Business Tournament website: www.euronationscup.com