Last Saturday, 6th August, was a day full of emotions at the premises of El Chaparral Golf, who celebrated in style its 10th anniversary with a successful tournament during the day and an emotional gala dinner at night, marked by a loving tribute to the career of Mr. Angel de la Riva, President of the Real Federación Andaluza de Golf, as he approaches his last months as the head of the organisation.
The wonderful clubhouse of El Chaparral Golf Club – work by Malaga architect Salvador Moreno Peralta – dressed in fine attire to welcome more than 100 guests that, along with the owner Antonio Rubio and his family, enjoyed a pleasant and wonderful evening on the terrace and club lounges.
Among those attending the event, several leading figures stood out, such as the honourable Mayor of Mijas, Mr. Juan Carlos Maldonado, who wanted to make sure to stand by this iconic club of the Costa del Sol in such an important date.
The night was full of surprises and moments filled with emotion, and throughout the evening, the memory of recently deceased Pepe Gancedo was present at all times, as the figure of amateur golf of his time, designer of the magnificent 18-hole El Chaparral, and also cousin of the honouree Angel de la Riva, who were very close.
Domingo Gavira – director of El Chaparral Golf – opened the event, and thanked the Rubio family’s trust in him during these past years as well as the entire team of El Chaparral for their effort and work, and confessed his genuine love for the course. He also highlighted the path of Angel de la Riva as a key figure in the development of the Andalusian and national golf, for over 50 years.
The Rubio family, too, wanted to recognize the work of the great team that enable El Chaparral to grow each day and demonstrate how today -and after Antonio Rubio’s desire to reopen it – prides on magnificent conditions and excellent service to golfers who visit.
After a few heartfelt words, Antonio Rubio, handed Angel de la Riva a commemorative plaque in recognition of a life of service and love for the sport of golf. The honouree could not hide his excitement upon receipt, which he described as an “unforgettable night”.
During his speech, de la Riva wanted to emphasize the human quality of the Rubio family and course staff, with Domingo Gavira as the head, thanks to which El Chaparral is a great club today that enjoys an excellent and close relationship collaboration with the Real Federación Andaluza de Golf.
Angel Riva dedicated very open and kind words to remind us all of his cousin and friend, Pepe Gancedo, with whom he has been very close throughout his life since childhood, and whom he described as “a noble knight, a genius, noble, and lover of the arts, a craftsman designer who designed his courses carefully, always at the forefront, and above all, is someone who will remain as an idol for those who love him.” In fact, he recalled that -referring to El Chaparral- he had once defined it as a “wonderful course.”
Along with the Rubio family, de la Riva and field staff, it is worth mentioning the presence of the widow, Pepe Gancedo’s children and his brother Felix, Olympian on four occasions and a vivid representation of the Spanish sailing history, with three Sailing World Championships.
El Chaparral Golf Club has become since its reopening one of the most attractive golf courses of the Costa del Sol. All this is due to the commitment and determination of Mr. Antonio Rubio and his family business to place El Chaparral Golf Club as a model and leading golf course in the Costa del Sol.
