The LET invited the top young golfers from the Spanish Golf Federation’s performance squad, aged 15-17, for an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience during the Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España Femenino at La Quinta Resort.
The #LETFutureStars activity was part of the Tour’s development strategy “LET’s Inspire,” designed to offer inspirational activities to young players in partnership with local and national organisations, to leave a lasting legacy and make a positive contribution to the growth of the game. The activity was supported by The R&A, whose Women in Golf Charter aims to help to get more girls into golf.
During dinner on Friday, LET player Noemi Jimenez Martin shared her experiences of being a professional golfer and all aspects of life on tour with the younger players. Like many of the amateurs, Noemi attended the Blumen Golfprogram, which is the Spanish Federation’s golf high school, with exceptional technical facilities, based in Madrid.
The juniors watched the competitors and studied their course management and shot preparation. They were also invited to go behind the scenes to learn about life on tour. The activities included a visit to the TV production compound and commentary unit, to meet the broadcasting staff, followed by a post-round interview with the clubhouse leader Anne Van Dam. They also attended a physiotherapy treatment with a player after the round.
One of the young Spanish players commented afterwards: “We are extremely grateful to have had this opportunity, not only to watch the best professionals play golf, but also to meet all the people who are behind the organisation of the event and understand their roles. We would be thrilled to repeat the experience in the future and would encourage any other amateur player who may have the opportunity to join this kind of activity without hesitating as we have learned so much.”
Pablo Bernárdez Morgado, Director of the Professional Technical Commitee of the Spanish Golf Federation, said: “It has been an extraordinary experience for the girls. They have met all the parties involved in the organisation of a professional tournament and particularly the players. This will motivate the elite amateurs even more to keep working hard to get onto the Tour and become future stars. These kind of activities are very important to develop women’s golf and we want to thank The R&A and the LET for all the support.”
