He is one of the great promises of Spanish professional golf after having demonstrated his enormous talent in the amateur field. Angel Hidalgo from Malaga, 20 years old and trained at the Real Club de Golf Guadalmina, has just turned professional and is going to make his debut as such in a high level competition: the Andalucia Valderrama Masters.
We reproduce for your interest an interview published on the website of the Royal Andalusian Golf Federation on the 6th:
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ANKS: Enjoy and be brave
Angel Hidalgo Portillo from Malaga, born on April 28, 1998, has taken a very important step in his career this week. He has turned professional at just twenty years of age and a few days after brilliantly passing the first phase of the European Tour School.
The fantastic player from Guadalmina begins a new adventure after years of success as an amateur. Not in vain, at the time of turning professional he was the best Spanish player in the amateur world ranking, occupying the 17th position.
He had long made the decision to take the leap and we are convinced from the Royal Andalusian Golf Federation that he will have a very bright career. We have chatted with Angel to tell us what his feelings are about this new horizon that is opening up for him.
Why go pro right now?
I had been thinking about it for a couple of months. We made the decision not to go to America to study and with the support of the federations it is much easier. I was playing well, comfortable, I had played some times with professionals and I felt comfortable and we have taken the step forward.
How do you evaluate the first phase of the School and where do you think the key to doing so well was?
More than the key or a moment, I found myself surprisingly relaxed, more than I expected. The first two days I played from tee to green as I have never played golf, very solid, taking many greens, missing one green in two days and quite happy. It is true that the last day before leaving I was a little nervous, but it is logical because you play a lot in the School. I am very happy to have passed this first phase.
Where do you think your main strength lies and what do you think you need to improve now that you are turning professional?
My main virtue is my short game, around the green and from 90 meters down I consider myself quite solid, from the bunker I am very comfortable and with the putter in my hand as well. I need to improve my long game a little bit, not so much my drive, which is not my worst facet, but my woods and long irons.
What does your brand mean: ANKS, where does it come from?
(laughs) It started many years ago, in Guadalmina, the kids at the school started to shorten our names, Felipe was Fil, Pablo was Paps and Angel was Anks. It started there and little by little it has been expanding. I like it.
Of all the advice you’ve been given as an amateur, which one do you choose?
I wouldn’t know which one to choose… If I had to choose one, it would be the one my father gives me when he comes with me as caddy before hitting the ball. After measuring the distances and calculating the wind, when he puts the bag away, he always tells me the same thing: enjoy and be brave. I keep that advice.
Besides the second phase of the School, what will be your next schedule?
For now I don’t have anything defined. I’m focused on the School and I don’t want to think about anything else. I’m only interested in the European Tour School. Thanks to the Spanish and Andalusian I have some invitations to tournaments and in this sense you play more relaxed knowing that you have a backing.
Who is your closest work team in this new venture?
It is the same one I have been using for the last few years. My father as head coach and then Manolo Piñero and in Guadalmina Casto Gómez help me. I have never been one to change coaches because it has been my father and I don’t want to make any radical changes just because I have turned professional.
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