Under the echoes of Hispanic Heritage Day, it was also a big day for the Spanish Association of Golfing Journalists (AEPJG) that on the same day that the National Holiday celebrated the Final tournament of its circuit on the Salamanca course of La Valmuza.
The course, prepared by Alberto Dávila and his team, was in perfect condition, as is usual in this great design by Severiano Ballesteros resurrected four years ago thanks to the management of Eustaquio Andrés.
The almost 80 attendees, including player journalists, companions and sponsors, arrived in Salamanca with their backpack of excitement loaded and ready to spend a great day of golf and friendship. Echoes of celebration that also came from distant lands like Almería, with the presence of Javier Salvador, a renowned journalist from Almería, who opened a field yet to be explored: moving towards a national association to grow even more.
Neither the intense rain nor the morning cold, which made us fear the worst, was a brake on the desire to have a good time and enjoy a meeting between professionals who once a year have the opportunity to meet. And to alleviate those first holes that were hard, we went to the shelter of the Mahou tent to taste some Sánchez-Guijo sausages.
Luxury ‘Picnic’ during the final of the AEPJG circuit
The day opened, the sun even came out… and the longest drives arrived, the balls closest to the flag, Jesús Pastor’s hole in 1, and the good play that accompanied the winners. Miguel Carnero in the Handicap category; and Juan José Pinedo in Scratch. The Sanjurjo Award (for pairs) went to Crescencio Argüeso and Pedro González who won magnificent TOA Shoes handmade in Spain.
There were emotional moments such as the delivery of a very special putt: a classic that had Olazábal’s signature printed on it, for Miguel Sesé, representative of the tournament’s main sponsor, Hankook; and another twin for Eustaquio Andrés, businessman from Salamanca, president and founder of Grupo Andrés and architect of the recovery of La Valmuza.
The AEPJG continues to grow
In this festive atmosphere, the Association also gave a brief summary of the achievements achieved during the 2024 season, such as the increase in members, the new courses that have been incorporated into the circuit (Santander, La Dehesa, Lomas Bosque or La Herrería); the AEPJG subsidy to some of the most expensive tournaments, as well as the subsidy to clubs without a field. The agreements with the courses continue to grow, as well as the courses and offers to members, such as the 50% discount offered by El Olivar de la Hinojosa. And of course, the important event that awaits the Association soon, the European Press Championship next November in Portugal.
Tournament winners collect their prizes
And as always, thanks to the sponsors who make this Grand Final possible: Hankook, DePique, Bodegas PB12, AGS (removals), TOA-Shoes (shoes), Viajes Salamanca, RFMG, FGCyL, PGA España, Jamones y embutidos Sánchez Guijo, Mahou beers, Hotel Grand Teguise Playa, Hotel Vila Gale among others.
And thanks to the entire AEPJG board who made this tournament, the circuit and for their constant work possible: Mario Díaz, Mario Vázquez, Javi Hernández, Jorge Armenteros, Carlos López Portaña and Miguel Carnero.
