The Real Club de Golf de Guadalmina expresses its deepest sorrow at the passing of Don Ángel de la Riva Gómez, a seminal figure in Andalusian and Spanish golf, and Honorary President of the Royal Andalusian Golf Federation (RFGA).
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His life was inseparable from the growth of golf in Andalusia, a devotion spanning more than half a century and leaving an indelible mark on all who shared his passion for the game.
As he said in a recent interview:
“I love golf and there are countless reasons for that feeling. It has been easy for me to devote 55 years of my life to promoting our sport in two ways: as a sport in itself and as a driver of tourism.”
A life devoted to golf
From the age of twelve, he played at Parador de Golf Málaga and was a registered player by thirteen. At twenty-two he became Deputy Secretary of Real Club de Campo de Málaga, and a year later Chairman of the Competition Committee and Course Captain. In 1966 he helped to found El Candado Golf Club, and in 1968 he assumed the presidency of the Eastern Andalusian Golf Federation.
In 1979 he championed the union of the Eastern and Western federations, the origin of today’s Royal Andalusian Golf Federation, based in Málaga.
In the late 1980s he left the presidency to create a personal project: Real Guadalhorce Club de Golf, a family-spirited club—“a place to cultivate friendship and reap its fruits,” in his words—opened in 1990, where he served as Founding President.
A leader who shaped an era
He returned as RFGA President in 1996, being re-elected in 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012. Under his leadership, Andalusia hosted the 1997 Ryder Cup at Valderrama, and in 2006 the Federation received the title “Royal”, granted by His Majesty the King—an honour he cherished deeply.
Player, ambassador and tireless promoter
His achievements include the Spanish International Doubles Championship (with his cousin Pepe Gancedo), eight appearances in the Iberia Cup, three Andalusian Individual Championships, three Andalusian Doubles Championships, six victories in the Costa del Sol International Grand Prix, and serving as Spain’s National Team Captain in 1978.
Beyond trophies, Don Ángel was a true ambassador for golf. Since 1968 he served within the Royal Spanish Golf Federation in various roles, tirelessly promoting the sport and its economic and tourism impact across Andalusia.
Honours and recognition
Among his many distinctions:
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Gold Medal for Merit in Golf (1983)
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Silver Medal of Spain’s Consejo Superior de Deportes
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RFET Golf Merit Medal
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RFGA Gold Medal
He was also an Honorary Member of eminent clubs such as Valderrama, La Cañada, Pozoblanco, La Garza, Guadalhorce and Real Club de Campo de Málaga; and was named Adopted Son of Pozoblanco.
A living memory of Andalusian golf
Gifted with a prodigious memory, he carefully recorded names, dates and anecdotes—often in immaculate blue-ink handwriting—that today form part of the living history of golf in Andalusia and Spain.
Surrounded by the affection of his family and the classical music he loved, he leaves us a profound legacy: having made golf a way of life and a bond between people, generations and clubs.
From Real Club de Golf de Guadalmina we express our heartfelt thanks for his dedication, leadership and unfailing love for Andalusia and its federation. May his example continue to guide future generations.
Rest in peace, Don Ángel de la Riva Gómez. Thank you—for everything.
Gracias Angel!!!
