Princess Birgitta's annual golf tournament, held in her memory, has been relocated from Santa Ponsa in Mallorca after the venue's owner refused to host it. Despite the setback, friends of the late princess have secured a new location at T Palma Golf, ensuring the event continues in her honor.
Princess Birgitta's Golf Tournament Relocated After Venue Refusal
Princess Birgitta's Golf Tournament Relocated After Venue Refusal
Princess Birgitta held an annual golf tournament at her home course, Santa Ponsa, in Mallorca. This year, it was to be held in her memory. However, the owner of Santa Ponsa has declined to host it.
"He simply canceled the golf," says Jan Bengtsson, a friend of the princess.
For three decades, Princess Birgitta organized her golf tournament – "Princess Birgitta's Trophy" – in Mallorca.
The tournament was held at Santa Ponsa, the golf club where the princess was an honorary member and played daily as long as her health allowed.
"Had she been alive now, it would have been the thirtieth time the tournament was held," says friend Jan Bengtsson.
"So we really want to continue this and do it for Birgitta."
Friends' Words After the Announcement
Jan and his wife Gilliane Clark-Bengtsson are part-time residents in Mallorca and often played golf with Princess Birgitta before she passed away in December at the age of 87.
The couple was involved in "Princess Birgitta's Trophy" and initiated its continuation as a memorial tournament in honor of the golf-enthusiastic princess.
Recently, however, the announcement came that the owner of Santa Ponsa golf club is canceling the tournament.
"Santa Ponsa is Birgitta's home course, so we really wanted to hold it there, but [Luis] Nigorra, who owns the golf course, simply canceled the golf," says Jan Bengtsson.
"Didn't Feel Very Welcome"
According to the couple, the owner wanted to see more participants for the memorial tournament to be held there.
"We had a number of tee times booked and could have played anyway, but it felt like it wasn't very welcome, it didn't feel particularly good."
The Bengtssons were determined that the tournament should take place and found a new home at nearby T Palma Golf, where it will be held at the end of October.
"It's very sad that it can't be at Santa Ponsa, we all think so. It's a memorial to Birgitta, and we know she would have wanted us to continue," says Jan Bengtsson.
Expressen is seeking comments from Luis Nigorra and Santa Ponsa golf club.