Azahara Muñoz talks about the Women’s Spanish Open at RCG Guadalmina

“I was very lucky to belong to a club like Guadalmina since I was a child.”

Azahara Muñoz will undoubtedly be the protagonist of the Open de España Femenino, and for a double reason: for being the current champion of the tournament and for the ties that bind her to the Real Club de Golf Guadalmina, where she was formed and grew up golfing and of which she is an honorary member.

-What does it mean to you to defend the Spanish Open title on the course where you started?

-It means a lot. Defending is always a source of pride and if it’s at home it’s even more special.

-What are your best memories of that time and of this field?

-From Guadalmina I always remember when we were in school. We had group classes on Saturdays and we had a great time. We would have the class and then putt competitions. We would have a quick lunch and play. We were on the course all day. I was very lucky to belong to a course like Guadalmina since I was a little girl. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am now.

-Will playing at home give you an advantage or will it be an added pressure because of the great support you will feel from the fans?

-Playing at home is always an added pressure. But at the same time a great advantage because I know that everyone will be with me and that helps a lot. I will give my best for them.

-What are the keys to overcome the challenge of the Guadalmina South Course?

-To play well at Guadalmina you have to be accurate off the tee but especially with the irons. The greens are quite bumpy and with pianos and being in the right part of the green is fundamental.

-Which holes would you highlight?

-I would highlight the 11th hole. It is a spectacular par 3 on the beach. It’s beautiful. But there are many others. The 4th is a very good hole. Long and complicated. The 8th is the same. The course is very good and you have to play very well.

-Even if it is to your detriment, what advice would you give to your rivals to succeed in Guadalmina Sur?

-I would tell them to be patient. You can make birdies but the course also catches you as soon as you get lost. You have to be very focused all the time.