Carmen Alonso represents maturity and common sense in golf, having spent nearly three decades in the sport has helped her in both the professional and personal aspects of her life. Listening to her is almost as good as watching her play. Her constant smile, love for her family and solidarity are some of her most notable virtues. She was born inValladolid but is usual to see her in the Costa del Sol, specially now that her brother Agustín manages Azata Golf, a new golf course located in Estepona. She is optimistic but at the same time realistic, Carmen is now preparing to return to the competitions in the Ladies European Tour.

After this worldwide stop: How do you see the season?

The LET begins in the second week of August in Scotland and my idea is to participate especially since it is a big tournament. The plan is to begin there and then go to the Czech Republic and Switzerland. I am going to combine it with the Santander Golf Tour because I want to compete a lot before the end of the year to start the new season at the best.

During lockdown have you worked on your golf?

During the weeks we have been confined to stay home, since I don’t have that much space to play golf, I did a lot of exercise and I payed special attention to my diet, in order to arrive to Scotland in the best shape possible. I was very focused on my physical condition and I was trying things I haven’t done before.

Like for example?

I started studying more with the Trackman, which is something I needed to start doing, it is a new technology that I didn’t grew up with it. I tried to understand golf better and also I worked on my English. After they let us out again, being a different year, I started making a series of changes which are taking up some time. But the idea is to be ready for next year, so this year was the time to make them.

What about the sponsors ¿have they supported you?

I have all their support. My main sponsor, Preventiva is like a second family to me since the President really takes care of me and she supports me in everything. The tournament’s sponsors seem that they will be passed to the next year. Alexandra Armas and all of her team are making an incredible job, in 2021 we will see a great year of tournaments.

What is your opinion about the Spanish Open  being one of the LET’s tournaments which will take place?

I am very happy about that. You already know I love being in the south. Having there  a tournament like the Spanish Open, thanks to the huge efforts of the Federation and Deporte&Business, but also for Andalucía which has always supported women’s golf, I think.

The Ryder Cup was moved: do you think that the Solheim Cup will also be changed so that they don’t match?

Moving the Ryder to 2021, considering it is played in the same country as the Solheim is not great for the last. I suppose they are comparing the pros and cons, taking into account mostly the media attention. We have to earn that attention, which is not the case for the men, so we have to choose well when our tournaments take place.

What do you have to say about Justin Rose creating the Rose Series?

In my opinion he is very classy and he has an incredible wife, they have always supported women’s golf, by giving us opportunities to play. I believe that sometimes men should give us a hand too. I don’t think we will ever earn the same economic prizes as them, but if we receive their support, women’s golf will improve. Having someone like Justin Rose, who has been number one and is a key figure in golf, doing it, maybe will result in more men giving us their support.

Now we have a number one from Spain

He is great, everyone saw it coming. He has this inner fire and a lot to give. I think he will give us a lot of joy, Jon Rahm is very consistent and I believe he will be up there for quite a while obtaining good results.

Will he help Spanish golf?

In my opinion yes, he is a man with great charisma. Something which also Seve had, in fact for the British Seve was the best and I believe Jon is in the same conditions. In addition he is a person that speaks very calmly, he allows everyone to see for what he is from the inside, that is something that reaches people. I think that he can be of huge help for Spanish golf, by putting us back in the map and showing to the whole world that here we have great professionals

Do you believe he could support women’s golf?

Hopefully. For what I know he is involved in many things. He already has the tournament Seve&Jon, so if someone from the female world would knock at that door, I am sure that in some way he would be of help.

Now in the women’s scenario. Is there any possibility of having a number one in the world?

Right now it is very hard especially because of the Koreans. Take for example Carlota, she is always in the top ten and has won tournaments both in America and Europe. In the generations to come, well I don’t know them, but why not? I believe that with effort and hard work everything can be achieved.

Your brother Agustín just opened Azata Golf: what’s your opinion on the course?

In truth it is a good course. It has two different parts. The first one is a bit more difficult and technical while the second is great for enjoying the views on the sea and it is bit wider. I was surprised on how well it is kept and how nicely the ball rolls on the greens. It doesn’t have a lot of rough, meaning that is easy to find the ball. It is a very enjoyable course for amateurs.

Thank you very much Carmen. If a professional like you recommends the course, It is definitely worth to go.