Remember this name: Laura Gómez Ruiz. Quite possibly a future professional golf star… She is currently based in the United States (at the moment as a student only) but a few weeks ago she returned home for holidays, and won the Andalucian International Championship and Andalucian Under-21 Championship.

From the Costa del Sol but with the face of a Swede, she was born 19 years ago in San Pedro de Alcántara (in Marbella municipality). She was introduced to golf at the municipal club in San Pedro, which has a practice range, and at 10 began playing at Royal Guadalmina Golf Club.

She studies at the James Madison University in Virginia with a golf scholarship, and has finished the first year of a degree in international business. She is enthusiastic about her American experience, which has been accompanied by good golf results.

“I’ve played all the tournaments with the university team and it has been a very good experience. I ended up as the best in the group, I’ve received several prizes, I’m among the best in the conference category in which we play, and I’m also among the top players in Virginia state.”

 

Do you see yourself enjoying a promising future in golf?

I hope so. When I finish university I would like to return here and play on the Spanish tour.

Her father, Castor, intervenes to note that his daughter’s real goals are the European Tour and, if she reaches a sufficiently high level, the US circuit. Apart from being Laura’s coach, Castor is manager of the Royal Guadalmina golf academies and the San Pedro de Alcántara Golf Club, as well as “head coach” of the Royal Andalucian Golf Federation with responsibility for the teams from 12 to 21 years.

 

How has the competition been during your first year in the United States?

Very good: it’s a really high level. I would like to go as far as possible. Where I play, there are girls up to 21 years, so I still have a couple of years to evolve, and I hope to improve.

 

Are the South Korean golfers as “dangerous” as they say?

Yes, there are a few South Koreans there and the truth is the Americans are scared of them.

Have you learnt anything from the golf coaching system at your university?

I have a coach there but they don’t teach a lot. I have my professional here, my father, and he’s the one who corrects me and does everything. When my coach wants to change anything he always consults my father. They don’t like to touch the swing: if you feel comfortable they don’t make you change.

So you haven’t been able to take much advantage of the US system so far…

Not in technique, but in the way you train, yes. We have to do exercises, gym, practice, go out onto the course… and it’s all the same whatever the temperature or conditions, you still go out onto the course to play.

 

With such a full schedule, do you still have time to study?

Yes, in the evening.

 

How much time do you dedicate to golf daily?

Four hours nearly every day of the week. They give us one or two free days a week, depending on the season.

 

Do you know Carlota Ciganda and Azahara Muñoz?

Yes, I have more contact with Azahara, and I’ve even played and practised with her.

 

Azahara also learnt the game at Guadalmina, the same as other top juniors. Why is it you think there are so many good golfers in San Pedro de Alcántara?

I don’t know. I think it could be the good weather and the number of golf courses that we have here.

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