José Manuel Carriles honors a legend as Spain’s 2022 runner-up in Senior Men’s Golf Professionals
José Manuel Carriles delivered a standout showing at Aguilón Golf in Almería, earning second place in the Spain Senior Men’s Professionals Championship for 2022. He completed the final round with a total of 208 strokes, posting scores of 70-68-70 and finishing five under par. Based in Xàbia and affiliated with the Valencian Community Golf Federation, Carriles secured runner-up behind Tenerife’s Luis Claverie, who finished with an eight-under-par total after a dramatic duel featuring tight exchanges on the final holes. The champion tallied 205 strokes, with rounds of 67-71-67. A storied presence in Spanish golf, Santiago Luna also claimed a notable third place as many of the game’s greats competed for national honors.
Known affectionately as “Carri,” Carriles has long served as a mentor at La Sella Golf, guiding Valencia’s rising talents and continually contributing as a coach on the national stage. Between tournaments, he shares insights with younger players and remains a central figure in the sport’s development. He participated in a commemorative event honoring the late Severiano Ballesteros, joining celebrated golfers such as José María Olazábal and Carlota Ciganda at a Cantabria course. Ballesteros, a Pedreña native, left a lasting mark on the game, and the tribute echoed his enduring influence on modern golf.
José Manuel Carriles paying homage to the legendary Severiano Ballesteros
Information
Hailing from Alicante, Carriles entered the 2022 Spanish Professional Championship as a leading contender. His performance drew widespread recognition, with remarks gathered by the Royal Spanish Golf Federation highlighting the event’s competitive spirit. Reflecting on the final stretch, the Cantabrian competitor noted that the turning point occurred at the start of the last nine holes, when a bold maneuver might have shifted the balance. A birdie and a bogey during that stretch helped define the final order, cementing Carriles’ second-place finish. He remarked that it is preferable to place second outright rather than share the position, underscoring the fierce drive that defined the championship.
The Costa de Almería Spanish Professional Men’s Championship drew 66 players to a weekend of high-level golf. The field showcased nearly the entire spectrum of Spain’s leading professionals, including several players who regularly compete on the Senior European Tour. In recent years the tournament has featured concurrent divisions, including the Seniors category for players aged fifty and above and the Super Seniors for those sixty-five and older.
For the first time in its history, Aguilón Golf hosted the Costa de Almería Spain Senior Men’s Professionals Championship. Opened in 2008 and located in Pulpí, Aguilón Golf blends a scenic setting with a demanding layout featuring lakes, bunkers, and challenging greens. Nestled at the foothills of the Sierra del Aguilón mountains, the course takes full advantage of natural valleys to offer striking views of the Pulpí and Águilas bays.
Spain championship podium photographed with attribution to a data source. The event reinforced Aguilón Golf’s standing as a premier venue for national-level senior competition, while highlighting the enduring legacy of Spain’s golfing greats who have shaped the sport over decades.
In showcasing the Costa de Almería Championship, Aguilón Golf demonstrated its ability to host a world-class stage for senior competitors. The venue’s distinctive terrain and strategic design complemented the drama of a championship that emphasized endurance and precision. The narrative celebrated athletic achievement alongside a reverent homage to Spain’s golfing heritage, honoring players who left a lasting imprint on the game. [RFEF attribution]