The Range Marbella became the epicentre of national golf for the morning, as local professional Ángel Hidalgo gave his first clinic. Promoted by the Marbella Town Council Sports Department, the initiative brought together more than fifty children aged between 5 and 14 for a day combining training, fun, and the opportunity to meet one of the most prominent figures in Spanish golf.
There was an atmosphere of excitement at The Range Marbella facilities from early in the morning. Families accompanied their children as they collected commemorative polo shirts for the event. The children, who had been nervous ever since finding out who was going to teach the clinic, surrounded the famous golfer upon his arrival at the academy. Shortly afterwards, the mayor, Ángeles Muñoz, appeared to express her personal support for the activity. She described the event as ‘a magnificent initiative that complements the work already being promoted by the City Council through municipal schools’ and recalled that Marbella offers ‘a wide range of sports disciplines open to the public, where thousands of children practise alongside top-level professionals’.
Muñoz also stressed that children usually receive lessons on this same course two days a week at the symbolic price of eight euros per month, under the guidance of coaches such as Ángel Jiménez. Muñoz also highlighted the presence of Hidalgo, ‘one of the greats of Spanish golf, winner of the Spanish Open and capable of beating figures such as Jon Rahm in a play-off’, which she said was ‘a real treat for the children’.
The well-attended clinic also brought together promising local youngsters such as Juanito Macías, Martín Tirado, Martina Parra and Adriana Arias Carasec.
Visibly moved, Hidalgo said that he was ‘proud to do his bit’ and confessed that he hoped the children would ‘take away a special memory, enjoy the day, and want to come back tomorrow to hit some balls’. Recalling that he had also started his career at these facilities, the golfer encouraged the participants to believe in their potential, saying, ‘We have all had idols; nothing is impossible.’
The approach and putting competitions, combined with various game dynamics in which Ángel Hidalgo was assisted by professional Rubén Holgado, set the pace for an intense morning, which included a break for refreshments and snacks. Marbella’s Councillor for Sports, Lisandro Vieytes; Winter Tour professional and organiser, Álvaro Arizabaleta; and The Range Marbella manager, Michel Meeus, also attended the event, closely following a day that once again highlighted the momentum of grassroots golf in the city.
After the break, the young golfers enjoyed a lively question-and-answer session with Ángel Hidalgo, who responded with warmth and humour. He shared personal anecdotes, such as being born in the El Ángel neighbourhood and taking his first swings on this very driving range — a place he said he had a special fondness for. He was not alone; his parents and grandparents accompanied him throughout the day, making the meeting even more emotional.
This was followed by the presentation of diplomas and photographs signed by the winner of the 2024 Acciona Open de España. The day ended with a sense of enthusiasm and achievement, providing an unforgettable experience for all who attended and perhaps sowing the seeds of future golfing talent in Marbella amid laughter and swings. It was a morning that the participants are sure to remember.