The Sevillian sailor arrives in Cantabria leading the standings with 78,825 points, ahead of second-placed Italian Maria Vittoria Corbi, who has 61,490 points and will not be competing in Pedreña this week. This absence gives Pina the opportunity to increase her current 17,335-point lead and approach the final two scoring events of the season with a greater advantage.

After Pedreña, the battle for the rankings will continue at the Santander Golf Tour Sevilla, held on October 28th and 29th at Club Zaudín Golf, before concluding at the Santander Golf Tour LETAS Girona, from November 12th to 14th at Empordà Golf. This final event is especially important because it is also part of the LET Access Series schedule and because of the number of points at stake.

The prize for the top-ranked player adds even more significance to this final stretch. The player who finishes the season at the top of the rankings will automatically earn a place in the Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España presented by Oysho, the Ladies European Tour (LET) Grand Final, which will be held from November 26-29 at La Cala Resort. She will also qualify directly for the final stage of the European Tour's Qualifying School.

Pina faces this situation after a season in which she has taken a significant step forward. Her victory in Larrabea, combined with her strong results during the first part of the year, placed her at the top of the rankings and allowed her to participate in two events this season on the LET. She acknowledges that this growth has come with the need to learn how to manage expectations.

“In the end, you might think you’re going to play like this every tournament, and then golf teaches you again that it depends on each week. I still feel good and I’m working on managing expectations, accepting things, and trying to get the best possible result,” explains the Seville native.

This learning is also being applied to his approach on the field. Pina acknowledges that his natural tendency is to play aggressively, although the last few months have helped him understand the importance of adapting his strategy to how he feels each matchday.

“I like to be more aggressive, but I also have to listen to myself. Sometimes I'm not as coordinated and I have to go more to the center of the green or the center of the fairway and accept that. It's something I find difficult because I really like to play with more aggressive lines.”.

The world number one will team up this week with Marina Escobar, who is returning to competition after her injury. For Pina, the doubles format also presents a good opportunity to share a different kind of comeback with her and facilitate her return to competition.

“Talking with Marina, it seemed like a great opportunity for her to play, loosen up, and enjoy her return, without starting a tournament feeling a bit more withdrawn. We're both really looking forward to enjoying ourselves here together.”.

Pina herself is aware of the importance Pedreña could have for her aspirations. The Seville native was the second reserve to compete this week in Italy on the European Tour, but after considering her options with her coach, she decided to focus on the Santander Golf Tour and on winning the overall title, one of her main goals for the year.

“Ultimately, it’s a matter of priorities, and obviously we had to prioritize this tournament. We know the impact of winning the ranking, and it’s one of our goals for the season. Besides, coming here to Pedreña, a course I’ve always wanted to play, was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up.”.

Beyond the leader, the competition will bring together several of the season's top-ranked players. Alicia Fajardo, third in the rankings with 41,130 points, will be another prominent name in Pedreña, along with Teresa Díez Moliner, fourth; and Elena Melich, fifth. Also competing will be María Herráez, ninth in the rankings and winner this Tuesday with her team of the traditional Santander Golf Tour Pro-Am, in an event where the pairs format introduces a completely different strategic element compared to the usual individual competitions.

For Pina, finally achieving the ranking would also mean a return to the LET in a particularly significant setting: the Spanish Open. After the experiences she has gained this season on the European Tour, the Seville native believes that competing again against some of its top players would represent another important step in her development.

“Having the opportunity to compete in the Spanish Open, alongside the best players, I think is key to continuing my development in the direction we want.”.

With that goal still in mind, the immediate challenge begins tomorrow, Wednesday, September 23, at Real Golf de Pedreña. Over two days, 24 players and twelve pairs will face a competition unlike any other on the calendar, which will conclude on Thursday the 24th and could prove especially important in the fight for the 2026 Santander Golf Tour ranking.

SOURCE: Tournament organizers.