Javier Calles (2002) is the brand-new champion of the Alps Tour de Lacanau. It sounds unreal, but it’s the seventh Spanish victory in eight tournaments on the satellite circuit. An absolute feat.
With such a streak, it might even seem easy to win, but Javier knows exactly what it means. “It’s my first professional victory and the joy I’ve felt is incomparable. Also, a bit of relief, because the nerves were there. Seeing the rest of the Spaniards on the green was amazing. I won’t forget it,” he recounts, still emotional in a victory that has been quite a surprise.
Let’s go back a bit. Javier was born in Madrid 23 years ago and thanks to his father, he started playing golf at eight years old. In Madrid, he started at the Club de Campo and now combines it with La Finca. It must be said, his passion for golf would come later: “At eleven, I moved to England and there, sport and golf are experienced differently. It was there where I really got hooked on golf, I was there for three years.” Years later, the young man born in 2002 would make the leap across the pond. Stetson University Athletics awaited him for four exciting years and a degree in Business Management. After finishing university, it was time to earn a living. Exactly a year ago, he made the leap and already knows what it’s like to win as a professional.
He always knew he wanted to dedicate himself to golf: “Since I went there, I’ve always wanted to do this, I haven’t had moments of doubt, I’ve been very clear about it.” There’s an example that demonstrates this conviction. September 2021. Javier is in his first year of university and is sitting with his coach. “What are your long-term dreams?” his coach asks, “I want to play the Ryder in 2029,” the dreamer Calles replies. “And the truth is that four years later, that goal is still on the table,” he states without hesitation and adds with a laugh: “Knowing that the Ryder in 2031 might be in Spain, I wouldn’t mind debuting there, but the Ryder is still my dream.” September 2029, Hazeltine National Golf Club. That is the date and place etched in Javier’s mind.
For that, he is clear that he must take one step at a time: “First, it was getting the Alps card last year when I had no other playing options, now the goal is to finish among the top five in the ranking and move up to the Challenge. From there to the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour.” Right now, the Madrilenian is eighth, three spots away from one of the coveted cards.
His short-term calendar is clear: “I need to focus even more on the Alps Tour, in fact, I passed the pre-qualifying to play two Challenge Tour tournaments in France, but one coincides with the Alps. It’s likely I won’t play it to try to earn the maximum points.”
Talking about golf lights up his face. The answer is clear: “I like this sport, the truth is I love it. I can train twelve hours a day and the reality is that now it doesn’t cost me. I do two hours of physical training and then between going out on the course and training, I can do between ten and twelve hours a day.”
He doesn’t hesitate when asked about his idols in golf: “On one hand, Rory McIlroy. I pay attention to everything he does, his swing, his approach style, he’s my great reference. Since I was little, I was a Nike fanatic and Rory was always there, that combined with my time in England, made him become my idol.” However, he is clear that he wants to mention another person: “Álvaro Santo is my other great idol. I started with him when I was little, and he’s the mirror I look into and the one who knows me best. Now I also work with Martin Cummins, but Álvaro is undoubtedly someone who inspires me.”
Regarding his strengths, he points out one of his great virtues: “I consider myself good strategically. Beyond my game, I think I’m smart on the course. I like competing and I think I maximize my shots on the course.”
As for his game, he has perfectly identified his Achilles’ heel: “I don’t make much distance from the tee, I’m one of those who play shorter and with a difference. Little by little, I’m working on it, and it’s true that I do play quite straight, but right now it’s something I need to work on. My short game and my putting sustain me, which I think are good, to be honest. Right now, I hit about 250 meters in the air, but in the medium term, I’d like to fly it 30 meters more.” The young golfer has work ahead of him.
For example, a demonstration of his strategic ability and knowledge of his possibilities: “On the 16th hole of the last round last week, all the players were going for the green, it’s a short par four and it was reachable. I decided to play a five iron to have a short approach afterward. The truth is I hit a good first shot and left the second shot given, tied for the lead, and then I was able to make the birdie on the 18th to win.”
