Spain achieves historic victory against Scotland
The AESGOLF senior national team achieved a historic victory against the Scottish team in the second edition of the AESGOLF–Scottish Seniors Golf Society International Match Play, held at the prestigious El Saler golf course (Valencia), recognised as one of the 100 best courses in Continental Europe.
This biennial tournament, played in the Ryder Cup format, pits the Spanish and Scottish senior national teams against each other every two years in an atmosphere of utmost sportsmanship and camaraderie, and at a high level of golf. The 24 players deployed their best weapons, some to retain the Cup won at Southerness Golf, and others, the Spaniards, to win it for the first time. Those who had played in both editions still had fresh in their minds the harsh 14-4 defeat inflicted by Scotland.
A victory with a taste of revenge
The competition took place over two days. On the first day, with the Fourball match pairings (six points at stake), the Spanish team took a commanding lead of 4.5 to 1.5. On the second day, which focused on individual matches (12 points), Scotland put up strong resistance, but in the end, the partial score of 6-6 gave Spain the overall victory by 10.5 to 7.5. It was a hard-fought day for both teams, as with six matches left to play, the Scots were coming back and looked set to turn the score around.
The draw was not enough for the Spanish team to win the Cup, which would remain in the hands of the Scots. It was a duel in the Valencia sun, despite the gusty wind, which reminded us of the last Ryder Cup between Europe and the United States, where on the singles day the Americans made a historic comeback that almost turned the score around.
This was not the case at El Saler, where the Spanish team emerged victorious. This result is a sporting revenge for the Spanish team after their resounding defeat in the first edition, played at Southerness Golf (Scotland), where the local team won 14-4.
The El Saler Golf Course, in perfect playing condition, together with good weather and a light sea breeze, contributed to the high level of competition and the excellent atmosphere that prevailed during the two days of the tournament.
Words from the president of AESGOLF
At the end of the match, the president of AESGOLF, Filiberto Cano, said: ‘We are deeply proud to have beaten Scotland, the birthplace of golf. Without them, without their tradition and example, we would not be here today. This victory is not only of sporting value, but also symbolic: it reflects the growth of Spanish senior golf and the spirit of friendship that unites our two countries’.
Cano also expressed his gratitude to the Scottish Seniors Golf Society for their sportsmanship and the good atmosphere that prevailed during those days; to El Saler Golf Course for its impeccable hospitality; and to all the players and organisers ‘for the excellent atmosphere of camaraderie and respect that has characterised this edition’.
Julián García Mayoral served as captain for Juan Pascual, Alicio Rodríguez, Tomás Pérez, Javier Rodrigo, Ricardo Lavandeira, Juan Luis Riesgo, César Fernández de Caleya, Juan José Martínez, Juan Fernández, Luis Semper and Álvaro Yanza. "The truth is that the atmosphere was phenomenal, with some very enjoyable shared dinners, and beating the Scots is no easy task, as modern golf was born there, especially when the Saler course is the closest thing to a Scottish links course. But we had a very good first day of Fourball pairs and came away with a significant lead. It's true that when you go into the second round with such a big lead, there seems to be a bit of relaxation, it's almost more motivating to come back from behind. And they almost did it, but we Spaniards knew how to defend our points and win the match," he said.
Consolidation of a classic
With this result, Spain has added its name to the list of winners of the AESGOLF–Scottish Seniors Golf Society International Match Play, a biennial tournament that continues to grow and consolidate its position as one of the most important events in European senior amateur golf.
