A nationwide final for developing amateur golfers
On 24 October 2026, Madrid's Centro Nacional de Golf hosted the eighth edition of the Circuito Nacional de Golf de 5ª Categoría final. The event brought together 102 players representing all 17 of Spain's autonomous communities. For golfers in the fifth handicap category, the competition provides a route from local club tournaments through regional qualification to a national final.
Individual honours and Catalonia's team victory
According to the official report from the Real Federación Española de Golf (RFEG), Miguel Martínez Gestoso of Murcia topped the individual results on 31 points. Rafel Masoliver López of Catalonia followed on 25 points, with Andalusia's Manuel Morales García next on 24 points. The federation separately identifies Martínez as the overall scratch winner.
In the regional team standings, Catalonia took first place with 162 points, ahead of Andalusia on 146 — a margin of 16. Each team comprised six players, but only its four best scorecards counted towards the aggregate; the team totals must not be confused with an individual score.
The RFEG also published separate handicap awards. The men's positions went to Manuel Morales García, Rafel Masoliver López and Jesús Nacher Mocholí of the Valencian Community, in that order. In the women's handicap division, Isabel Ribot Álvarez of Castile and León took first place, ahead of Ariadna Senra Monrós of Catalonia and Nuria Retornano Roselló of Aragon. Those handicap prizes are distinct from the overall individual listing.
Stableford points, not strokes
The RFEG tournament listing specifies Stableford as the playing format. Under The R&A's Rule 21.1, Stableford players earn points based on their scores at individual holes rather than ranking solely by a round's total number of strokes. Consequently, the figures 31, 25 and 24 represent points — not stroke totals. Handicap strokes are accounted for under the relevant competition conditions.
Eligibility was based on a handicap of 26.5 to 36.0 at a player's first event in the circuit; current handicaps were used in subsequent competitions. The circuit generally uses forward teeing areas, often the red markers, to offer an accessible and enjoyable introduction to competitive golf.
From club golf to a national event
First established in 2018, the circuit links club competitions with regional finals before bringing qualifiers together at national level. This year's turnout from every Spanish autonomous community underscores that organised golf is not limited to elite amateur or professional players. The combination of regional teams, individual competition and distinct women's and men's handicap awards gives newer golfers a meaningful pathway into the sport.
Sources: RFEG official report, 24 October 2026; RFEG competition record; The R&A, Rule 21.1 — Stableford.