“ When I visited the course in Rio , I thought I was in Melbourne . The architect wanted to replicate the brilliant design of the Australian course , and it worked ,” says Piñero . “ I would say the players who did not come to Rio realised they had made a mistake . The Olympics help to promote the sport and the number of people growing golf has grown incredibly . When I began in 1963 , there were only 2,000 players in Spain ; now there are 350,000 . It is the sport of the 21st century and fundamental for quality tourism in the future , enabling hotels to have a yearround appeal .”
As he approaches retirement age , Piñero has no plans to stop . “ I want to help young people . I love teaching people how to play , whatever their age and skill . My role at La Reserva is partly about creating new connections and affiliations , but I also want to work with people who are new to the sport or already familiar with it and to teach them the skills to manage any course .” To be one of life ’ s great teachers is clearly in the Piñero blood .
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