10 September 2022 - Innovating in golf
23 June 2022 - 150th British Open
I would like to share with you my experience in this year’s British Open Regional Qualifying Series.
On the 20th of June, I participated for the first time in the Regional Qualifying Series of the Open, the most prestigious tournament in the history of this sport. It was also the 150th edition of the tournament. An experience I could not miss.
It was back in 2000 when I got to play handicap 1 and decided to get my licence as a professional player and golf teacher, following Seve’s advice, who encouraged me to take the leap. I remember perfectly his words when he convinced me: “Maybe one day it will help you to play a tournament or give golf lessons”. And so I did.
Due to my professional career, many years on the business side of the sport, I didn’t have the opportunity to play, even less to compete as a professional. Over the years, I am very grateful for that decision because during the pandemic I had the time to play a little bit, certainly not enough, and to prepare myself for the experience of participating in the 150th British Open qualifiers at Kedleston Park Golf Club in Derby, England.
When I arrived at the course – that first day I could only walk 9 holes – I have to admit that it seemed really long and taking into account that my distances with the driver are not as long as those of the 20-year-olds who participated in this qualifying series, I started to think “let’s see how we get out of this!” while laughing and worrying together with my good friend Jose, who accompanied me on this adventure.
I played calmly from the knowledge that for me it was a mere experience and I could not be under pressure, but it is true that one always tries to do the best possible. Thanks to the help of my caddie Tim, I finally finished with a 76 which put me in 58th place. Having analysed the round, I have to say that I missed 4 or 5 “silly” shots due to my lack of experience competing.
Undoubtedly, a day that I will remember, especially for the way I was welcomed on the course and the nice memory that everyone had of Seve when I had the opportunity to talk to some members of the club and people I met during those two days. The admiration and affection that golf fans in the UK have for Seve is hard to express.
I hope to return!
21 Abril 2022 - GRACIAS PAPÁ
Mero, Merín o Baldomero Ballesteros Sota, dependiendo para quién. Para mí fue Papá. Se ha ido tal y como él era, sin meter ruido.
Gracias Papá por haberme dado el honor de ser tu hijo. Con tus virtudes y tus defectos, solo puedo estar agradecido a la vida por el hecho de tener un padre como tú. He sido y soy un privilegiado muy afortunado.
Sé de dónde vienes y hasta donde has llegado. Gracias por mostrarme el camino de la generosidad, la honestidad, la humildad, la sencillez, y los valores más importantes de la vida. Gracias por tu ejemplo. Gracias por ser referencia. Gracias por todas las oportunidades que me has dado. Gracias por enseñarme, mostrarme y empujarme al mundo desde muy joven. Gracias por tu confianza. Gracias por tu amor.
Efectivamente todo es un viaje, y como en uno de tantos que hemos hecho, hoy nos despedimos de nuevo. Y seguiremos en contacto hasta la próxima. Como hablamos antes de tu partida, solo tengo palabras de agradecimiento para ti.
No escogemos dónde nacemos. En mi caso, ni escogiendo hubiese acertado tanto con un padre como tú. Lo que empieza un día, otro ha de terminarse, pero los recuerdos, el respeto, la admiración y el cariño permanecen.
Agradecido eternamente, pude recordarte que te quiero y me disculpé por aquello que igual no te gustó. Me despido por ahora y te felicito por haber llegado tan lejos. Hace unos días me dijiste que la vela de la vida se apagaba, pero tienes que saber que tu esencia perdurará. Quiero pensar que te reúnes con quienes se fueron antes y allí nos esperareis a los demás cuando tengamos que partir también. Gracias y buen viaje allá donde vayas. Te vamos a echar mucho de menos.
Te quiero mucho Papá.