Just as spring is about to begin, the ninth edition of the Santander Golf Tour has been presented, a professional women's golf circuit that will consist of ten events held throughout the year in various Spanish territories. 

The presentation, held at the headquarters of the Royal Spanish Golf Federation, was attended by Gonzaga Escauriaza, president of the Royal Spanish Golf Federation; Felipe Martín Martín, director of Media, Online Marketing, Sponsorships and Events at Santander Spain; Cristina de Dueñas, director of planning and coordination for Private Banking, Asset Management and Insurance at Santander Spain; Nieves Merino Morillo, president of the Malan Syndrome Association of Spain; Alicia Garrido, director of Sport and Business and of the Santander Golf Tour; and María Herraéz, professional golfer.

Gonzaga Escauriaza, president of the Royal Spanish Golf Federation, highlighted the continuity of this now well-established circuit and thanked everyone present for promoting this magnificent sport: “It’s wonderful to have a circuit like this. Women’s golf is very popular, and I would like to pay tribute to Emma Villacieros, who has been a tremendous driving force behind Spanish women’s golf, with so many successes, even winning four European titles last year. There has been a transition from amateur to professional, and I believe this circuit is absolutely ideal for facilitating that transition. It’s a difficult step, but thanks to circuits like this, it makes that transition easier, allowing women to play, which is the most important thing.”.

Felipe Martín Martín, Director of Media, Online Marketing, Sponsorships, and Events at Santander Spain, reiterated the bank's commitment to women's sports: “We are very pleased because we are fulfilling our mission at Banco Santander to help businesses thrive. I believe this sponsorship reflects that perfectly, as we help players make the leap from amateur to professional, and every time they succeed, we are incredibly proud. I think we are achieving all our objectives, and we are very happy and delighted to continue supporting women's sports.”.

For her part, Cristina de Dueñas, Director of Planning and Coordination for Private Banking, Asset Management, and Insurance at Santander Spain, stated that “the Pro-Am sessions are very positive because clients, outside their usual environment, enjoy a very fun experience with the professionals, who provide them with invaluable support, making it a truly special day. I would also like to thank the sponsors, as this year our colleagues from Santander Insurance are joining us, as well as the Malan Syndrome Foundation and the professionals for their participation and patience. We hope to continue in this way for many years to come.”.

Furthermore, Nieves Merino Morillo, president of the Malan Syndrome Association of Spain, explained that: “Malan Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder identified in 2010. It causes a deficiency in a protein essential for the muscular and skeletal development of those affected. They also experience other symptoms such as developmental delays, behavioral problems, intellectual disability, motor delays, and other characteristics that make their lives more challenging. There is no cure, but early diagnosis helps improve their quality of life. Our goal is to support, assist, and guide the families of those affected, as well as raise awareness of this syndrome, which is not widely known. Another objective for us as beneficiaries is to find a specialist physician with expertise in the syndrome who can help us develop more effective therapies for these individuals. This is a goal we are actively pursuing, and we are confident that we can achieve it with your support.”

Alicia Garrido, CEO of Deporte & Business and director of the circuit, expressed her gratitude for the collaboration of all the sponsors and partners, as well as the media support the circuit enjoys. Alicia outlined some of the new features of the season, including the addition of the Malan Syndrome Association as a beneficiary of the charitable activities carried out at all tournaments, and explained that the circuit will take another leap forward with the addition of Santander Seguros as a new sponsor. 

This year we're making a significant leap forward; the prizes will range from €21,500 to €45,000. This represents an increase of more than 101% compared to last year, so we're thrilled, and a big thank you to all the wonderful sponsors who support this circuit.". 

And finally, María Herráez, winner of the 2023 Santander Golf Tour Valencia, stated: «The Santander Golf Tour is a path of opportunity for us. It’s a way to boost our careers and access professional circuits, and it’s gaining increasing national and international recognition. It’s crucial to understand that many people from different parts of the world know about it, and more and more want to compete against us. Our level is rising, and we’re fortunate to have the opportunity to compete at this top level. It’s worth noting that it’s a very fun circuit for the players; we’re all teammates, and despite the competition, we’re like one big family.». 

The Santander Golf Tour returns after an excellent 2023 season and begins its ninth season on April 18 and 19 with a new format – the Birdie Challenge – at Empordà Golf, Forest (Girona). The circuit continues with the Doubles tournament at El Bosque Golf (Valencia) on May 8 and 9, and then moves on to Izki Golf (Álava) on May 30 and 31. The fourth event will be held at Real Golf de Pedreña (Cantabria) with the traditional Match-Play tournament on June 12, 13, and 14.

This year, 2024, will once again feature a tournament co-sanctioned with the LET Access Series, a satellite circuit of the Ladies European Tour. It will be held from June 20-22 in Naturávila (Ávila), making its debut on the Santander Golf Tour. Before the summer break, the circuit will travel to La Rioja for the first time, where the sixth event of the season will be played on July 3-4 at the Logroño Golf Club. 

October will bring two more events: another individual tournament at the Real Club de Golf de La Coruña on the 17th and 18th, and the usual Legends Pro-Am, which will welcome some of the biggest stars of the sport to Golf Santander (Madrid) on October 23rd and 24th. For the final two tournaments of the season, the circuit will travel to the south of the Iberian Peninsula. First, the Zaudín Golf Club (Seville) will host the penultimate event of the season on November 6th and 7th. 

To finish in style, the Real Club de Golf de Guadalmina will host the final event of the circuit, the Santander Spanish Women's Professional Championship, which will close out a 2024 that begins with very exciting expectations.  
 
 The Santander Golf Tour is a firm commitment by Banco Santander to women's professional golf and is supported by Santander Private Banking, Carmignac, and Santander Seguros as sponsors. Wilson Golf, Estrella Damm, Toa Shoes, and Homenaje are preferred suppliers. 

The Royal Spanish Golf Federation, together with the other territorial federations through which the circuit passes, provide the remaining essential support for the celebration of this tour.

SOURCE: Circuit Organization