There is rarely a dull moment on the Ladies European Tour (LET) when Nuria Iturrioz is buzzing around the fairways, and this week the Spaniard’s energy has been ramped up to another level with the circuit visiting her home of Mallorca.
The four-time LET winner was born and raised on the island and will be the first to tell you she has long been pushing for an event in her home city.
With Iturrioz’s dream a reality this week as the LET heads to Golf Son Muntaner for the inaugural Mallorca Ladies Golf Open – a tournament which has a three-year deal – the Spaniard is brimming with excitement as she eyes more success this season.
“First of all, welcome to Mallorca,” Iturrioz said. “I have to say that! I’m really happy the tournament is here. They [Golf Son Muntaner] have a lot of experience because they hosted the DP World Tour here. The facilities are in really good shape. I’ve been coming here the past two weeks. I’m really happy. Let’s go!”
The 27-year-old is enjoying one of her best seasons to date on the LET in 2023, currently sitting in 12th in the Race to Costa del Sol thanks greatly to her victory at the La Sella Open in July.
Enjoying home comforts this week in the penultimate event of the year, Iturrioz admits she will have to be at the top of her game with every competitor looking to improve their Race to Costa del Sol standing ahead of next week’s season finale.
“This year has been really good for me,” the Spaniard said. “The driver for me is good, so if I keep hitting fairways I can do something this week. But of course here we have the 72 best players in Europe. So the level at this tournament is pretty high and you have to do your best.
“The good thing about this week is that I have my coach [Chiqui Palacios Pelletier] on the bag. He’s going to help me a lot through my swing and through the feelings. I feel pretty good.”
Iturrioz is one of two Mallorcans in the field this week, with compatriot Luna Sobron Galmes also teeing up as an invitee.
As for the home venue, Golf Son Muntaner, the stunning track is known for its tight fairways – particularly on this week’s front nine – and boasts pedigree having hosted the Mallorca Golf Open on the DP World Tour in 2021 and 2022.
Iturrioz said: “The last time I played here before the last two weeks was 15 years ago! I hit it a bit shorter back then. But you have to keep the ball in the fairway. The greens are narrow and not so long. If you keep the ball in the fairway, you will get the chances because the rough is pretty tough and thick here. But if you can’t make the putts, no way!
With plenty of family and friends coming to watch Iturrioz this week, the energetic Spaniard gets under way at the Mallorca Ladies Golf Open on Thursday at 11:24. She plays alongside fellow LET winners Alice Hewson from England, and Patricia Isabel Schmidt from Germany.
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