Jon Rahm has helped open a ‘Golf Garden’ dedicated to seriously ill children at the Niño Jesús Hospital in Madrid.
The outdoor recreational space, open to all hospitalised kids fighting an illness, covers 800 square meters and includes four holes made up of artificial grass with different designs.
The initiative – supported by the Aladina Foundation and Royal Spanish Golf Federation – was the vision of Ramón Barrenechea, president of the Biscayan Golf Federation, who died last August at the age of 58.
The project has been financed in part by Irish businessman JP McManus and Rahm, while the two-time Major champion’s foundation Golf 4 Kids has also thrown its support behind it.
Rahm is this week in his homeland for the defence of his acciona Open de España presented by Madrid title and is proud to see the concept become a reality.
“It was an incredible moment,” he said.
“It was an honour to be there and be a part of the opening. It was sad he (Barrenechea) couldn’t be there but it’s still special.
“It is not only a children’s hospital, a lot of it is going to be allocated for children suffering from cancer.
“Out of 60 kids on that wing, only ten could make it outside because they were in good enough health.
“They are always the happiest kids I know. It puts our problems very much in perspective and it was truly special to be a part of it.”
