Clara Valls, from La Rioja, makes her professional tournament debut at the course where she grew up: El Campo Golf Club in Logroño. At just fifteen years old, Valls will face the best players on the circuit this week in the sixth event of the Santander Golf Tour. 

It will be a unique opportunity for the player from La Rioja to test her game and experience what it means to compete at the highest level against players with extensive competitive experience, both nationally and internationally.

However, this opportunity is not a matter of chance, but rather the result of personal effort and full dedication from an early age. 

The woman from La Rioja, daughter of David Valls, a teacher and professional at the club, was practically born with a golf club in her hand and hasn't lost her passion since she started: "If you ask me, I couldn't tell you exactly when I started playing. I think it was around five years old. All my childhood memories here are of playing, since my parents brought me to the club for as long as I can remember. In fact, I can see the course from my house, so you can see how dedicated I am to golf.".

Clara is clear about her aspirations for this week: "I'm eager to learn. It's a great opportunity for me, especially since I'm playing at home." Regarding any nerves she might feel for her debut, she said: "I'm excited. I can't say I'm nervous because I don't usually get nervous. In the end, it's just a tournament and I'm not playing for anything, but I am very excited because it's a special week.".

Last week she had the opportunity to play with some of the professionals on the circuit who had arrived early to prepare for the tournament. Among them was Russian Nina Pegova, champion of the Santander Golf Tour match play just three weeks ago at Real Golf de Pedreña. When asked about the experience, she commented: "I was able to play a round with her so she could get to know the course. To be honest, neither of us had our best day, but it was good practice.".

The young woman from La Rioja, who will be entering her fourth year of secondary school next year, also spoke about her short- and long-term aspirations: "I have to take it one step at a time, that's the most important thing. The first thing would be to get into the Blume School, and later on, the bigger challenges would come. In a few years, I would love to be able to reach the LPGA.".

Finally, she wanted to wish her rivals luck and take the opportunity to offer some advice as a local player: "The most important thing here is to always keep the wind in mind. I don't know what whoever designed this course was thinking, it's like an air tunnel! I've seen mats flying through the air and sometimes I've even been afraid to approach in case one hit me. So without a doubt, the main factor to consider is the wind.".

SOURCE: Tournament Organization