A spot in the Open de Andalucía Costa del Sol is up for grabs for a Spanish player under the age of 25 after plans were announced for a 36-hole qualifying event from March 11-12.
Miguel Angel Jiménez, whose company is promoting the Open de Andalucía Costa del Sol at Aloha Golf Club from March 15-18, wants to give a talented young player the chance to play in a European Tour event.
“Young people need opportunities and support,” said the 48 year old 18-time European Tour winner. “I also had dreams at their age and some have to come true.”
The qualifier will take place at Alferini Golf Club, Los Flamingos, and the winner will gain a place in the field at Aloha Golf Club alongside stars such as Jiménez himself, Rafael Cabrera-Bello and defending champion Paul Lawrie.
The event is open to all Spanish professionals aged 25 or under, who hold a Spanish Golf Federation Licence. Invitations have also been given to five low-handicap amateurs who are affiliated to the Andalucía Golf Federation, the organisation arranging the qualifier.
Should the number of professional entries exceed 15, there will be two places available for the Open de Andalucía Costa del Sol. There is no prize money on offer.
Jiménez added: “Young players need opportunities and lots of support, particularly those who failed to get their European Tour card and have few chances to compete. I want to give them an opportunity to play the Open de Andalucía and I wish to thank the Andalucía Golf Federation for their invaluable contribution to this initiative.
“I will never forget my beginnings. Five of us packed into a small car with our bags and went off to compete all over Spain. We would certainly have welcomed an opportunity like this.
“The future of Spanish golf is bright. The young guns are pushing hard - but I'm not done yet! They might need a small boost to help them achieve their dream.”
The Open de Andalucía Costa del Sol is held under the main sponsorship of the Tourist, Commerce and Sports Board of Andalusia, The Costa del Sol Tourist Board, the Provincial Council of Málaga, ACOSOL, the Municipality Commonwealth of the Western Costa del Sol and the Benahavis City Council.
The official tournament suppliers are Kyocera, Ocho Golf, Ping, Srixon, Luxury Spain, AMG, Hotel Barceló Marbella and Helicópteros Sanitarios, with the additional contribution of Urania and Hummingbird. Jiménez is the promoter of the event through his MAJ Group.
