Gibraltar-born or not, a standout junior golfer from Alicante, Martina Navarro of Club de Golf Alenda, captured the 2023 National Junior Scoring Championship. The event took place on the scenic Andalusian fairways of Parador de Málaga Golf. A golfer from the Valencia Community Golf Federation carried momentum into the championship, coming off victory in the first edition of the WAGR Region of Murcia Cup.
Who is Martina Navarro? She strengthened her game through sessions at the Public School of Elche. She faced a demanding challenge, marked by strong winds that complicated play. In fact, only one round could be completed as the Competition Committee paused the remaining two days to ensure players’ safety. Across those 18 holes, a gripping duel unfolded between the two players who had been the frontrunners from the previous round: Martina Navarro from Monforte del Cid and the Czech competitor Tiphani Knight.
Martina Navarro, the promise fulfilled in youth golf
With a score of 71, Martina joined a pair of solid rounds where birdies and bogeys traded blows. The competition featured several standout performances from both sides, including scores from Czech players and participants from Alenda Golf Club. The event culminated in a dramatic tiebreak, won by Navarro on the sixth hole. Navarro emerged as the new national junior champion, succeeding the previous year’s top junior, and delivering a memorable show at the Parador de Málaga. Also showcasing the depth of talent from the Valencia region, Lucía Valderrama finished third with 73 and Cristina Carrasco finished fourth with 74. Other players from the Valencian Community posted strong results, including África Oliva finishing second in SUB 14 and the combined efforts of Clara Martínez, Ainoa Ruiz, and Patricia Bañón. Xinyi Gu and Emma Bortos also delivered competitive rounds in their respective positions.
The men’s competition at Lauro Golf in Málaga saw Catalan player Jan Farré win the title, while FGCV member Juan Miró took second place. Raúl Gómez from Benidorm Golf Club and Alicante represented the region with a strong showing, finishing in fourth. Other FGCV competitors included Ramón Izquierdo, Fernando Cobo, Marc Quintana, Miguel Fuertes, and Bruno Bergé, posted across various positions as the field spread out over the course layout.
Navarro and the Valencia National Team secure gold at the Children’s National Championship
On the same program, the Valencia Community Golf Federation made a notable impact as the national team earned the gold medal at the Children’s National Championship. The federation continues to build on a tradition of developing young talent through regional programs and competitive events that connect players with national-level opportunities. The Valencia squad demonstrated depth and resilience, highlighting the strength of the federation’s development pathways as they support rising juniors toward higher levels of competition.
In related events, a representative from the Valencia Community Golf Federation participated in regional celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of a prominent Alicante golf venue. The anniversary activities featured tournaments organized by the club, with leadership guiding the day’s play and a focus on celebrating the community’s long-standing golfing culture.