Hello Fevers. Paco Alemán, analyst and legend of golf narration was (again) in the country, this time vacationing in one of his favorite places, Casa de Campo. Until there I got camera in hand and I did an interview for our program, of which I reproduce some segments on this platform. Enjoy it!
What attracts you to the country and to Casa de Campo that you come so often? Beyond the excellent golf courses, the climate and the great atmosphere that is lived here, what I am most passionate about is the kindness and treatment of Dominicans. And Casa de Campo is a very special place. Altos de Chavón is magical. The gastronomy of this place, together with the beautiful surrounding landscapes, makes one feel very special. My favorite field is Diente de Perro. Its views are unique, and I really enjoy the challenge it presents me every time I play it. Each course here presents different challenges: Links is challenging and makes you think even though it is a short layout, and Dye Fore features some extraordinary scenery on both the Marina and Chavón laps.
What do you think of the development of junior golf after the arrival of the LAAC in 2015? The LAAC changed everything for the better. Today we have a Hideki Matsuyama, who comes from the Asia-Pacific Tour, which preceded the LAAC. And of the fruits of the LAAC we can mention Joaquín Niemann, Mito Pereira, Sebastián Muñoz, and Carlos Ortiz, among others. The LAAC has definitely caused a huge boost for all of them, and has become an aspirational tournament for the boys who have been rising.
You bring groups to do golf tourism in the country. What attracts you to the Dominican Republic? Felix, this destination is unmatched. It is a golf paradise. The beaches are beautiful. My friend Ernesto Jerez always tells me that these are the most beautiful beaches in the world, and he is probably right. The food, the people, the weather, and the golf courses make for a combo that is difficult to match, and easy to repeat.
What is your opinion of the current moment in world golf with the confrontation between the PGA Tour and the LIV? It’s a complicated subject, and I think the only thing I see with LIV is money, money, money. Behind these events there is only an economic purpose. I don’t really blame the players for going out to play 8 weeks a year with so much guaranteed money, so I think there are some who have made a career for themselves and I understand why they do it. I would not understand if Niemann, Morikawa, or Jon Rahm left, but I do understand the situation of the other more renowned ones who decided to take the plunge and go play at LIV after money.
Finally, Paco, what advice do you give to the country’s youth? There is nothing more beautiful in life than working on what one likes, and if they pay you for it, then you never worked. You had fun in the process. Do what you like, and if it’s golf, break your hands practicing and learning. Players on the PGA Tour have two arms, two hands, two feet, and a face just like
you, and everyone started below, although not everyone arrives, but you can be sure that those who are there is because they put a lot of work, passion, dedication and love for what they do.
After a sincere thanks we say goodbye, announcing Paco that soon we will see each other’s faces in this land that he claims to love so much.
