Spanish Golfers Joburg Open: Seeking First Victory in 2025

Spanish Golfers Joburg Open: Chasing a Historic First Victory

This week presents several key opportunities for Spanish golfers across major international circuits. With six players in the field, Spain is aiming for its first-ever victory at the Joburg Open in South Africa. Meanwhile, Ángel Ayora makes his PGA Tour debut at the Puerto Rico Open, and three Spanish representatives will compete at the Blue Bay LPGA in China.

Here is a detailed look at where Spanish golfers are playing and what is at stake this week.

DP World Tour – Six Spaniards Compete at the Joburg Open

  • Tournament: Joburg Open
  • Location: Houghton Golf Club, Johannesburg, South Africa
  • Dates: March 6-9, 2025

The DP World Tour’s International Swing concludes this week with the Joburg Open, an event where no Spanish player has claimed victory since its inception in 2007. However, six Spanish golfers will look to break that trend:

  • Iván Cantero
  • Manuel Elvira
  • Joel Moscatel
  • Alejandro del Rey
  • Rafael Cabrera-Bello
  • Alfredo García Heredia

With several players in strong form, Spain has a promising chance to secure its first title at this event.

PGA Tour – Ángel Ayora Makes His Debut at the Puerto Rico Open

  • Tournament: Puerto Rico Open
  • Location: Grand Reserve Golf Club, Río Grande, Puerto Rico
  • Dates: March 6-9, 2025

Spanish golf will see an emerging talent take a major step forward this week as Ángel Ayora makes his debut on the PGA Tour. Competing at the Puerto Rico Open, Ayora will have the opportunity to test his game against an international field.

This marks an important milestone in his career, as he looks to follow in the footsteps of Jon Rahm and Sergio García, who have established themselves among the world’s best. His performance this week will be closely watched as he begins his journey at the highest level of professional golf.

LPGA Tour – Muñoz, Fernández, and López Represent Spain in China

  • Tournament: Blue Bay LPGA
  • Location: Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Course, Hainan, China
  • Dates: March 6-9, 2025

The LPGA Tour continues its season with the Blue Bay LPGA, featuring three Spanish competitors:

  • Azahara Muñoz
  • Fátima Fernández Cano
  • Julia López

The event will take place without Carlota Ciganda, who has been one of Spain’s most consistent performers on the LPGA Tour. However, Muñoz and Fernández Cano will be looking to make an impact and challenge for a strong result in China.

Other Spanish Golfers in Action This Week

  • Champions Tour – Miguel Ángel Jiménez at Cologuard Classic (Tucson, Arizona, USA)
  • Epson Tour – Carla Tejedo & Teresa Toscano at Atlantic Beach Classic (Florida, USA)
  • LIV Golf – Hong Kong (No Spanish players in the field)

Weather Disruptions – Australian WPGA Championship Canceled

Severe weather has impacted the professional golf calendar, with Cyclone Alfred forcing the cancellation of the Australian WPGA Championship. As a result, some players have seen their schedules disrupted, shifting more attention to the LPGA Blue Bay event.

Looking Ahead

With multiple Spanish players competing across key events this week, there are several opportunities for strong performances. The Joburg Open remains the main focus, where six Spanish golfers will attempt to secure a historic victory. Additionally, Ángel Ayora’s PGA Tour debut provides an exciting storyline as he takes his first steps in elite competition.

As these tournaments unfold, Spanish golf fans will be watching closely to see how their players perform on the global stage.

While Spanish golfers chase their first Joburg Open win, why not tee off on some of Spain’s finest courses? Discover the best golf holidays in Spain.

 

 

Martim Pinto Johansen Shines at GreatGolf Junior Open

Portugal’s rising golf star, Martim Pinto Johansen, has started 2024 in style! The 14-year-old national champion claimed victory at the first-ever GreatGolf Junior Open by Fundação Luís Figo, held at Millennium Golf Course in Vilamoura. His excellent performance earned him the title and an exclusive invitation to compete at the Orlando International Amateur Junior in the United States.

With a two-round total of 138 strokes (-6), Martim was the only player to finish under par, showcasing his dominance with rounds of 71 and 67. Playing on his home turf as a Clube de Golfe de Vilamoura member, he secured the win by an impressive 13-stroke margin over Rodrigo Marques Santos.

This isn’t Martim’s first taste of international success. In 2023, he won the Amundi Evian Juniors Cup in France and finished runner-up at the Amendoeira World Kids Golf. Now, he’s heading to the United States for the first time—a dream come true. “I’ve always wanted to go to the US, but not just to visit—I wanted to play there and enjoy the experience,” said an excited Martim.

The tournament featured 41 young talents from 14 different national backgrounds, with exciting performances across multiple categories. Ethan Prybys Orton (Vila Sol) took the U-14 title, shooting +11 over two rounds. At the same time, Ricardo Castro Ferreira (Clube de Golf do Estoril) dominated the U-12 division, proving once again why he’s considered nearly unbeatable in Portugal.

Among the girls, Amélia Gabin was the standout player, finishing an impressive 5th overall and outperforming some of the top-ranked juniors in Portugal.

Beyond the competition, the tournament had a charitable impact, donating a percentage of sponsorship and entry fees to the Fundação Luís Figo, supporting young athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Tee Times Golf Agency was proud to be a tournament partner with the Federacao Portuguesa de Golf, Vilamoura Golf, Millenium Vilamoura, Titleist, Cosmos Sports Travel, Orlando Juniors, Norgolf, and Weasy. Other major players supporting the event as sponsors include Almas, Caetano Baviera, Cigala, PG Hotels & Resorts, RentAcceso, and Wyndham Residences Alvor Beach.

With an unforgettable start to the year, Martim and the other junior stars have set the tone for an exciting season ahead. Congratulations to all the GreatGolf Junior Open players!

More information: https://greatgolf.weasy.io/

Photos by: Daryl Gabin.

Finca Cortesin Leads the Way in Sustainable Golf, Reinforcing Spain’s Golf Excellence

Golf and sustainability go hand in hand at Finca Cortesin, one of Spain’s premier golf destinations and host of the 2023 Solheim Cup.Golf and sustainability go hand in hand at Finca Cortesin, one of Spain’s premier golf destinations and host of the 2023 Solheim Cup. The resort has once again set the standard for environmental stewardship with its groundbreaking Golf & Birds study, demonstrating that golf courses can serve as vital sanctuaries for biodiversity while maintaining world-class playing conditions.

Conducted between October 2022 and October 2023, the study focused on the migratory bird populations that rely on Finca Cortesin’s natural landscape. Located near the Strait of Gibraltar, a crucial migratory corridor between Europe and Africa, the resort welcomed 65 bird species and recorded nearly 4,000 individual sightings, including black kites, booted eagles, and peregrine falcons.

The research highlights Finca Cortesin’s commitment to sustainability, integrating advanced irrigation systems, pesticide-free maintenance, and native flora preservation to create a thriving ecosystem for wildlife. Their efforts enhance biodiversity and set a precedent for golf resorts worldwide to embrace environmentally responsible practices.

Finca Cortesin: prioritising environmental stewardship

At Tee Times Golf Agency, we recognise the importance of offering exceptional experiences while supporting sustainability initiatives across Spain’s golf destinations. Our extensive portfolio includes Finca Cortesin, designed by renowned architect Cabell Robinson, and other top golf courses prioritising environmental stewardship. Whether you’re seeking championship courses, luxurious resorts, or tailored golf packages, Tee Times ensures a seamless and unforgettable Spain golf holiday.

For more details on Finca Cortesin and its ongoing environmental sustainability plan, please visit www.fincacortesin.com.

Finca Cortesin’s initiative is an inspiring example of how golf and nature coexist harmoniously. By booking with Tee Times, you can access Spain’s finest courses that lead the way in sustainability and excellence. Join us in experiencing the best of Spanish golf while supporting environmentally responsible tourism.

Plan your next golf getaway today! Visit www.teetimes.pt for exclusive golf packages at Finca Cortesin and beyond.

Photos: Finca Cortesin.