Brilliant young amateur triumphs at Río Real and Atalaya Golf, two strokes ahead of leading pro Patrick Kopp.
Río Real y Atalaya GCC, y Patrick Kopp, ganador profesional.
Mario Galiano has made a stunning breakthrough on The Gecko Tour in this week’s tournament held at Río Real Golf Club and Atalaya Golf & Country Club, in the heart of the Costa del Sol. Another impressive name to add to an increasingly stellar list of winners on Europe’s premier winter circuit for professionals…
Galiano is one of the most promising young golfers in Spain and one of the world’s most highly ranked amateurs – as European champion and bronze medallist in the most recent World Championship. Born in El Tesorillo, close to the majestic Sotogrande golfing enclave, he won with a total of 203 after a superb final round.
Mario arrived at the final three holes tied with German professional Patrick Kopp, who carded the best round of the day (65). “I knew I had to make birdies if I wanted to win the tournament because I’d seen the leaderboards and it was all very tight,” he said after handing in his card. “I kept to the game plan I’d drawn up, without forcing things too much. I had two birdie putts from two metres on the 16th and 17th, and I made them. Just as well they went in because I’d been missing everything from this distance all day. When they needed to go in, they did, so I’m very happy.”
Galiano eventually won by two shots from Kopp, after an extraordinary round by the German – another talented young golfer who is showing on The Gecko Tour that he has a great future in the game. His card was worth framing, with no fewer than nine birdies. He deservedly won the champion’s title among the professionals, while also rising up The Gecko Tour order of merit.
This latest tournament at Río Real and Atalaya Golf – two courses which once again received huge praise from all the players for their excellent preparation – was also highlighted by another magnificent performance by the female contingent. Noemí Jiménez carded a final round 67 to finish fourth, one stroke behind third-placed Lauri Ruuska, from Finland, and four adrift of the winner. The young Guadalmina player is enjoying some exceptional consistency on this season’s tour: she has now competed in four events and never finished lower than fourth. Natalia Escuriola, another young Spanish pro who, like Noemí, will be playing on this year’s Ladies European Tour, also showcased her immense talent. From Castellón, she gained a top-10 finish after two very good rounds of 69 and a closing 74. Interesting fact: away from the fairways, Escuriola and Galiano are a couple.
Galiano will be turning pro this year and his victory on The Gecko provides a fantastic boost to his confidence. “I played at a very good level today, and this win shows I’m working in the right direction. To make one observation, I would say I should have made more putts, but I’m very happy in general terms.”
The cut after the second round was set at par, a good indication of the excellent condition of both courses. A total of 22 players made it to the third round.
The next event on The Gecko Tour will be from 2 to 4 February, at the two Alcaidesa courses.