Miguel Ángel Jiménez has been coming to Rojales for over 26 years where he not only spends his summer holiday but has also promoted the sport of golf by establishing both a charity tournament and youth coaching at the local La Marquesa course.

In the town hall on Saturday the commitment that Jiménez has provided to the town was finally honoured with the award of ‘Adopted Son’, an honour that he said he received “with great pride”.

The mayor said that the townsfolk wanted to thank the golfer for the invaluable work that he has carried out in spreading the name of Rojales across the country.

The presence of Miguel Ángel Jiménez first began in Rojales began more than a quarter of a century ago when he chose the town to relax and to practise for tournaments. In 2000 the golfer suggested that the Rojales golf course introduced the Pro-Am La Marquesa tournament, a charity tournament, which since 2016 has become a Pro-Am as a memorial to Justo Quesada and Josefina, whose fundraising continues to support three local associations. He also launched the Youth Golf Circuit, which now bears his name, and which promotes the Golf Club and Rojales in golf circles throughout Spain, Portugal and Morocco.

Jiménez is one of the most successful golfers on the national scene. He has won more than 20 professional tournaments, including the 2014 Spanish Open and has won four Ryder Cups, one as vice-captain of the European team.

The councillor for Sport in the municipality, Pedro Llopis, said that he is truly an inspirational figure who always promotes the town and his sport in a professional and selfless way.