The 2026 Santander Golf Tour kicks off at Mediterráneo Golf with a top-tier international field
Caption: From left to right, Íñigo Aramburu, Mar García, Laura Ramos, Rubén Flores, and Paco Gaya
- The Borriol course will host the season’s first event, which will take place March 27–28 in a Birdie Challenge format.
- A total of 34 players from seven countries—including a strong contingent of local talent and four amateurs—will compete in Castellón
Official website of the Santander Golf Tour
Official website of Mediterráneo Golf
This morning, the first event of the 2026 Santander Golf Tour season was unveiled at Mediterráneo Golf, marking the start of a new competitive season on the national calendar. The event, which will take place March 27–28 in a Birdie Challenge format, will bring together a high-caliber field of 34 golfers from seven different countries, including four amateur players (three of whom are local) and a distinguished group of professionals from the national and international scenes. Among the participants are leading names such as Nuria Iturrioz and Ana Peláez, as well as local players like Patricia Sanz, Natasha Fear, Leticia Ras-Anderica, and Amaia Latorre—a native of Álava now based in Castellón—at the start of a season that once again brings together national and international talent.
The event was attended by Mar García, director of Mediterráneo Golf; Rubén Flores, commercial director of Santander Private Banking in the Valencian Community and Murcia; Paco Gaya, head of marketing for PING in Spain; and Íñigo Aramburu, director of the Santander Golf Tour.
Mar García highlighted the club’s debut as a host venue for the tour and the course’s characteristics: “From the tee, you have to think through every shot. It’s a course with undulating fairways and fast greens, where strategy is key.” The director also emphasized the significance of hosting an event of this caliber: “It’s an honor for us to be part of the tour and to continue supporting women’s golf and the development of the sport.” García also emphasized the role of local players and the club’s youth program: “They know the course, but they also face that added pressure. Hopefully, one of our own can win the tournament,” adding that the presence of club amateurs represents “an opportunity for them to see the professional level and decide their future in golf.”
Rubén Flores, for his part, highlighted the circuit’s consolidation in its eleventh edition: “When you’ve been doing this for eleven years, it’s because things are being done right. We’re proud to continue promoting a project that’s becoming increasingly popular among our clients.” The commercial director highlighted the value of the Pro-Am: “Being able to play with a professional is an experience our customers value immensely. Demand grows every year, and it’s one of the most special moments of the circuit.” He also emphasized the social nature of golf: “It’s a sport that allows you to spend many hours together, build connections, and enjoy unique experiences in an environment like this.”
One of the new developments this season is the addition of PING as the tour’s equipment sponsor. Paco Gaya, PING’s marketing director in Spain, explained the brand’s commitment to the Santander Golf Tour: “For us, it was a very attractive opportunity. PING has always been committed to supporting women’s golf, and we couldn’t miss out on a tour like this.” Gaya also highlighted the rise in competitive level in recent years: “Women’s golf has taken a huge leap forward. The level is extremely high, and there are more and more players ready to compete at the highest level.”
Finally, Íñigo Aramburu, director of the Santander Golf Tour, highlighted the start of a new season at an iconic venue: “We’re kicking off the year with great enthusiasm at a legendary course like Mediterráneo Golf, which is demanding and forces you to think through every shot.” Aramburu explained the choice of the Birdie Challenge format: “It allows players to play with more confidence, go for birdies, and put on a better show.” The tour director also highlighted the growth in participation: “We have 34 players from seven countries and a very strong local presence, which raises the competitive level.”
Aramburu also highlighted the vital role of sponsors in the development of the tour, noting the support provided by Banco Santander through Santander Private Banking and Santander Seguros, alongside Carmignac; the addition of Turismo Costa del Sol as a new sponsor; the onboarding of Mahou; and the continued support of brands such as Bodegas Homenaje, as well as the role of PING as the tour’s new technical sponsor. As a new feature, the Santander Golf Tour is also incorporating Kingolf’s osteopathy service, aimed at improving the players’ mobility and performance, with specific sessions before and after the Pro-Am. Finally, he highlighted the circuit’s social commitment: “This year we are partnering with the Aladina Foundation, allocating part of the proceeds to this cause, with which we have worked previously and which exemplifies the charitable aspect of the Santander Golf Tour.”
The tournament will begin tomorrow with the circuit’s customary Pro-Am, while the professional competition will take place starting Friday, over two decisive rounds that will crown the first champion of the Santander Golf Tour in 2026.
About Mediterráneo Golf
Mediterráneo Golf, located in Borriol in the province of Castellón, is one of the most iconic courses in Spanish golf and a benchmark for high performance, closely linked to the development of major international figures such as Sergio García. Designed by Ramón Espinosa, the course features a technical and demanding layout that combines narrow fairways, well-protected greens, and mature Mediterranean vegetation that comes into play on numerous holes. Its balanced and strategic design rewards precision off the tee and control in the short game, offering a comprehensive test for both amateurs and professionals.
About the Santander Golf Tour
The Santander Golf Tour is Banco Santander’s firm commitment to women’s professional golf, and it celebrates its eleventh season in 2026. With eight tournaments across Spain—some part of higher-level circuits such as the LETAS—it is supported by Banco Santander and Santander Private Banking as main sponsors, along with Carmignac and Santander Seguros. Costa del Sol Tourism and Planning, Bodegas Homenaje, Mahou, and PING also serve as co-sponsors of the tour. The Royal Spanish Golf Federation, the Valencian Golf Federation, along with the other regional federations, provide the essential support needed to make this tour a success.
For more information:
Eric Centella
Santander Golf Tour Press Officer
eric@deporteandbusiness.com