Gonzalo Rodríguez (Boys' Under-14), Nagore Martínez (Girls' Under-14), Juan Miró (Boys' Under-12), Adriana García (Girls' Under-12), Martín Cervera (Boys' Under-10) and Alejandra Hernández (Girls' Under-10)...

Gonzalo Rodríguez (Boys' Under 14), Nagore Martínez (Girls' Under 14), Juan Miró (Boys' Under 12), Adriana García (Girls' Under 12), Martín Cervera (Boys' Under 10), and Alejandra Hernández (Girls' Under 10) are, as of today, Spanish champions in their respective categories, an honor they earned by delivering fantastic performances over three days of competition at the Real Club de Golf El Prat (Terrassa, Barcelona). In three cases, the titles were decided after playoff rounds, adding a layer of excitement to the final day.

Special mention also goes to China's Liz Siyu Ho, Latvia's Katrina Bulkovska, and the Netherlands' Youp Orsel, winners of their respective events. Although they are not Spanish champions due to their lack of nationality, they were deserved winners and, therefore, the stars of a final day that, remarkably, featured four holes-in-one!

Despite the necessary restrictions—rigorously enforced in direct collaboration with the Barcelona club and followed by the young golfers and their families—the tournament had the brilliance always expected of one of the jewels of the calendar. It highlighted the talent of boys and girls who, who knows, we may see on television in a few years, and showcased the excellent work these youngsters do with clubs and federations. Spain's talent pool is one of the best in the world.

Nagore Martínez and Gonzalo Rodríguez are crowned among the children

The first category to be decided was the Girls' Junior, in which a star has been born: Katrina Bukolvska (+5), a Latvian resident of Sotogrande (Cádiz), who leaves with a victory and the best female round of the week, a 70. Her straightforward and flawless game was key to securing a trophy at her first Spanish Championship.

However, the Spanish champion is Nagore Martínez (+7), who repeats the success she achieved as a junior. Her 71 in the second round allowed her to make the leap she needed in the standings, enabling her to retain her position in the third. The protégé of Paula Martí, a legend of Spanish golf, has high aspirations, as does Basque golfer Lucía Iraola (+13), who is currently in third place.

The Boys' Junior event saw a dramatic turnaround in the final round, thanks to Gonzalo Rodríguez (+4) from La Mancha, who was flawless in the decisive moments with six birdies for a total of 70. Behind the long embrace he shared with his father on the 18th green lies a great deal of hard work now rewarded. "It's a dream," said the young man from Tomelloso (Ciudad Real).

Meanwhile, Argentina's Ignacio Laulhe (+7), leader after the first two rounds, dropped to third place. "It wasn't my day with the putting," he lamented. He relinquished second place to one of the day's big names, Madrid's Pedro García, who carded the tournament's best round of 68. The Retamares native (Madrid) made six birdies.

Play-offs of all colors to resolve the youth categories

Without taking anything away from the merit of Youp Orsel (+5) from the Netherlands and Liz Siyu Hao (+9) from China, this year's Under-12 category will be remembered for the two thrilling play-offs that unequivocally crowned the Spanish champions. There's no way to end a tournament more spectacular (and agonizing) than with a spectacular finale.

With Youp Orsel already the winner of the men's event, it remained to be seen who the Spanish Under-12 champion would be, a title that was aspired to by José Antonio Salas from Cantabria, the leader at the beginning of the day, and Juan Miró from Valencia, the epitome of consistency (three rounds of 74 strokes).

Both players went to a playoff to conclude the tournament, as no one else remained on the course, but the process dragged on until the fourth hole, where a brilliant shot by Juan Miró secured him a birdie. José Antonio Salas tried to match his rival's goal, but his putt eluded him.

Among the women, Liz Siyu Hao turned the standings around with a memorable 71, dethroning Cristina García (+13), who still had a five-foot putt on the 18th to be crowned Spanish champion for the second time. It didn't go in, and the player from León went to a playoff with Adriana García from Catalonia—a representative of the Sant Cugat golf club, as is Nagore Martínez—who took the title on the second playoff hole. A phenomenal spectacle from both players.

More play-offs and more excitement among the youngest players

The third dramatic tiebreaker, in the most sporting sense of the term, was contested by two young players: Alejandra Hernández from Madrid and Lucía González from Cantabria, both tied with +14. It was necessary to play two playoff holes, in which both showed great bunker play, to determine the champion.

Alejandra Hernández took the title, but shared the thunderous applause and praise with Lucía González. The affectionate gesture between the two perfectly encapsulates the week for the youngest players, who were always sporting and cheerful.

Among the boys, victory went to Martín Cervera (+4) from Andalusia, who resolved his duel with Graciliano Ballesteros (+8), the leader after the first two rounds, with the best round of the day, a 37 (remember that the youngest players only play nine holes). Jorge de la Riva (+8) shared the runner-up position with the young golfer from Valencia.

The festivities concluded with the awards ceremony, understandably less crowded than in previous years, but equally moving. Gonzaga Escauriaza, President of the RFEG (Royal Spanish Golf Federation), and Bruno de Rosal, President of the Competition Committee of the RCG El Prat (Royal Golf Club El Prat), joined the big winners of this unique and always special week.

FINAL CLASSIFICATION

Boys' Infantry

1.- Gonzalo Rodríguez 220 (72+78+70)

2.- Pedro García 222 (75+79+68)

3.- Ignacio Laulhe 223 (71+77+75)

Full results

Girls' Junior

1.- Katrina Bukolvska 221 (70+75+76)

2.- Nagore Martínez 223 (74+71+78) Champion of Spain

3.- Lucía Iraola 230 (75+75+80)

Full results

Boys' Under-12