Paula Gorostiaga has been connected to the Larrabea Golf Club her entire life. The 19-year-old amateur from Álava lives next to the first hole of the course and this week she will fulfill one of those special dreams: to play a Santander Golf Tour event at home.

“We live on the first hole, so it’s always been very easy for me to train here,” explains Paula, who started competing when she was just six years old and has practically spent her entire life connected to the Álava course. “I’ve known so many people here since I was little. It’s a very family-oriented and welcoming club.”.

Larrabea has also been the setting where she watched one of the great figures of Spanish golf grow up. From a young age, she spent time at the club with Jon Rahm, a figure who was very present in the daily life of the facilities and of whom she has special memories. “I saw him a lot when I was little and I have loads of photos with him. I also still see his parents and his brother, who works here.”.

The Basque golfer is now going through a completely different phase. For the past year, she has been studying computer science at Murray State College Athletics (Oklahoma, USA), where she combines her academic studies with American college golf, an experience she acknowledges has changed her perspective on both the sport and her personal future. “Golf has given me the opportunity to go to the United States and experience something I probably wouldn't have been able to experience otherwise.”.

Although she admits that not long ago she still saw golf mainly as a hobby, Paula acknowledges that her university experience has allowed her to start considering new possibilities for the future. “A year ago I wasn’t thinking about dedicating myself professionally to golf, but you never know. If I continue to improve in the coming years, maybe I will.”.

Alongside golf, Paula has also found another of her great passions in computer science. “I’ve always loved math and my mother works in programming, so I’ve kind of followed that path,” she says with a laugh.

The player from Larrabea also explains that the move to the United States has meant significant personal growth. “Everything is very different there, but the experience has been great.” In Oklahoma, she shares training and competitions with golfers from different countries, within a university system that she considers very competitive and demanding.

This week, however, the focus is back at home. Gorostiaga will compete on a course he knows practically by heart and for which he has a clear understanding of some of the keys to a good result. “The tee shot is very important. If you have a good tee shot, the second shot is usually easier. And then there are the greens, which have a lot of breaks and you have to read them very well.”.

Beyond the sporting aspect, Paula sees the tournament as an opportunity to continue learning and enjoy the experience of competing alongside professional players. “I’ll probably be nervous tomorrow, but above all, I want to enjoy myself and learn.” She also knows she’ll have the support of many club members and friends. “I’ve already met quite a few people cheering me on and wishing me luck. That’s really exciting.”.

The Santander Golf Tour will hold the third event of its 2026 season this week at the Larrabea Golf Club, with the participation of 22 players and a lineup headed by several champions of the circuit and some of the most outstanding golfers of the beginning of the year.

SOURCE: Santander Golf Tour.