Alicante golf course’s invitational tournament raises funds once again for the Lola del Pasico Residence
It was a day of golf that went far beyond sport. On Saturday, May 24, 75 players gathered for the Lo Romero Golf Invitational Tournament 2025, sending their balls flying for a noble cause. This marks the sixth consecutive year that the Alicante course, located in Pilar de la Horadada, has selflessly hosted the event to raise funds—this time, to support the Lola del Pasico Residence in Torre Pacheco, Murcia.
In previous years, the tournament helped raise awareness and fund the residence’s construction. Now, the project is a reality (its foundation was laid in 2022) and houses 12 residents, with capacity set to grow. The facility supports individuals with intellectual disabilities, offering them greater autonomy beyond their family environments.
“I’m thrilled to have participated and contributed to this cause, both through prizes and a small financial donation,” said Borja Vera, CEO and co-founder of Murcia-based Votum World, after winning the tournament’s scratch category with a score of 71.
Selfless Collaborations
The day was ripe for strong performances, thanks to the course’s exceptional greens, fairways, and bunkers. The tee boxes were adorned with the names of the first 18 companies that donated directly to the cause. The list of contributors—businesses, institutions, professionals, suppliers, and friends—grew steadily in the days leading up to the event, boosting the charity account (ES96 3058 0228 2127 2001 8969), which remains open for donations to the Fundación Dar de Sí.
The golf world also rallied behind the cause. Federative leaders and top players like José María Olazábal, Miguel Ángel Jiménez, José Manuel Lara, and Scottish golfer Colin Montgomerie donated signed equipment. Elite athletes such as tennis stars Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero, along with cyclist Alejandro Valverde, also joined the effort. Spanish courses like Real Club de Golf Guadalhorce (Málaga), Real Golf de Bendinat (Balearic Islands), Golf Santa Ponsa (Balearic Islands), and Las Ramblas Golf (Alicante) participated, alongside international venues like Berlin’s Faldo Course and Morocco’s Al Houara Golf Club.
Record-Breaking Fundraising
This year’s €73,000 haul surpassed 2024’s €40,000. The funds will help the Fundación Dar de Sí (founded in 2003 to turn the residence dream into reality) repay loans, as explained by Ascensión Méndez, a key figure in the project through her role at Asociación Prometeo and alongside ideologist Pedro Jiménez, Torre Pacheco’s former mayor and a lifelong golf enthusiast at 91.
Two days after the tournament, the Lola del Pasico Residence was officially inaugurated in the presence of Murcia’s Regional President, Fernando López Miras. Méndez praised the “invisible army of big hearts” behind the project, calling the residence “a fruit of love from many generous hands.” López Miras honored Jiménez, saying, “Your heart is enormous,” and hailed the residence as “a model of humanity and collaboration.”
A touching moment came when residents received two Lo Romero Golf flags signed by Alcaraz and Ferrero, inscribed: “To our friends at Lola del Pasico, with love.”
Tournament Highlights
After a day that began at 8:30 AM and ended on Lo Romero’s terrace, players enjoyed refreshments from Estrella Levante and a meal by chef Joaquín Madrid of El Rincón de Joaquín (San Cayetano), who donated his services. The Mediolanum Foundation added €10,000 for every €25,000 raised, a pledge active since 2023.
Winners:
- 1st Category: Paco Cervantes (39 pts)
- 2nd Category: José Alcaraz (42 pts)
- Runners-up: Juan Manuel Verdú (37 pts) and Juan Antonio Ortega (39 pts)
- Scratch Champion: Borja Vera
- Closest-to-the-Pin (Holes 12 & 7): José Carlos Rastoll and Herminio Sánchez
- Longest Drive: Juan Pujadas
With 40 raffle prizes and countless smiles, the event proved that where public institutions fall short, “hearts filled with determination can achieve greatness.”
