Golf course architect Marc Westenborg has partnered with Jacobo Cestino, CEO of La Zagaleta Group, to work on golf course projects in Spain.
Westenborg has worked in the golf course design industry for over 25 years, including time as a design associate for Martin Hawtree and currently as principal of Westenborg Golf Design, where his clients have included Rockliffe Hall and Southport & Ainsdale in the United Kingdom and Dun Laoghaire, Cobh and Cork GC in Ireland.
“I met Jacobo 10 years ago when the Old course renovation project at La Zagaleta arose, where we remodelled most of the bunkers, created new tee complexes and completely redesigned the green complex on hole six,” said Westenborg. “I had the opportunity to work very closely with him, as well as playing golf on several occasions. Through that, we discovered that we had very similar ideas and philosophies regarding the game of golf.”
Read more: GCA reports from a visit to La Zagaleta in 2017.
Cestino was a member of Spain’s amateur golf team between 1993-2000, and has been managing director for various resorts and golf courses, coordinating a postgraduate programme in golf course management at Les Roches International School of Hotel Management in Switzerland, and becoming European Senior Champion in 2020.
“After many years working in the golf industry, many conversations with Marc, and exploring the market potential of new golf course projects in Spain and Andalusia, I have taken the step to partner with Marc because I believe there is a very hopeful horizon for new golf and renovations supported by the ‘Covid effect’ and the determined boost to the tourism sector,” said Cestino. “Renewing current courses and building new ones of the highest quality from a design point of view has become a necessity for those who want to continue competing.”
Westenborg and Cestino will collaborate on developing master plans for clients. Once a project is under way, Westenborg Golf Design will then prepare the more detailed designs and oversee the construction process.