Ramón Barrenechea, president of the Biscayan Golf Federation, passed away this Wednesday at the age of 58. The sad news has shocked Basque golf in general due to the loss of a recognized promoter of its sport in different fields. From the presidency of the Biscayan Golf Federation, this Bilbao native significantly promoted the practice of this sport in Bizkaia despite the fact that the pandemic stopped several projects that he had in hand.
Barrenechea, described by those who know him as a “very good amateur player”, took the helm of the Federation “very excited” in December 2020, recalls Carlos Roca, manager and director of the Meaztegi de La Arboleda golf course. His management at the head of the sports entity has stood out for putting into practice “novel ideas” that have had as their objective the extension of golf and constant contact with fans. «He has had great initiatives, such as tournaments, interesting proposals in every way. He organized clinics for all the federated members, loyalty and improvement courses, in addition to the Open de Bizkaia, in which amateurs met professionals », recalls Roca.
Barrenechea’s interest in disseminating and laying the foundations for his favorite sport is reflected in the Jon Rahm Golf & Kids initiative, in which, through play and fun, an attempt is made to provide young people with the necessary tools to achieve their comprehensive training, beyond sport. In fact, the Barrika champion has personally attended these meetings on several occasions, where he has shared his experiences and has given advice to children who are starting to play golf. Barrenechea himself underlined last December that «Jon’s effort must be valued to participate in these activities. An agenda like his doesn’t leave room for much beyond his professional obligations. However, his social commitment leads him to take advantage of that time, even if it is at the expense of his vacations».
Joined the Rahm
Barrenechea had Edorta Rahm, father of the great player, as vice president in the Federation. The secretary of the sports entity, Begoña Herrera, highlights the “union” between the director who died yesterday and Barrika’s family, and “he was very involved in the Jon Rahm Golf & Kids project.” In fact, Barrenechea accompanied the current world number five to major international tournaments, such as the 2019 Augusta Masters, from where he wrote about his friend that “he has played with Tiger, with Thomas, Mickelson… What Jon and how he is developing it, with maturity, and taking it to his game». Rest in peace.
