FERNANDO PADRÓN, DIRECTOR OF GOLF AT LA HACIENDA LINKS, WINS TOP SPANISH INDUSTRY AWARD
Fernando Padrón, director of golf at La Hacienda Links Golf Resort, has received one of the top accolades in Spanish golf after being named “Manager of the Year 2025” by Club Manager Education, a leading organisation in training and professional development for golf club management in Spain.
Highlighting Padrón’s career, vision and transformative leadership at the helm of one of the most exclusive golf resorts in southern Europe, the recognition also underscores the recent upgrades that the Spaniard has overseen at La Hacienda in the last two years.
The resort has cemented its position as an international benchmark for luxury golf venues following a comprehensive renovation of its golf facilities – including the major upgrade of its acclaimed Links course – and a strong commitment to sustainability, innovation and excellence in customer experience.
The Club Manager Education selection process included a nomination phase which featured more than 40 candidates, followed by a vote among club directors and managers from across Spain, who recognised Padrón as a leading figure thanks to his career and strategic vision.
“I am deeply honoured and grateful for this recognition from my fellow professionals,” said Padrón. “It gives me great pride to have been chosen by such distinguished individuals, many of whom have already been nominated in the past and achieved significant accomplishments for their clubs.”
Padrón complemented his studies in marketing, economics and advertising with a Masters degree in golf course management. He began his career as director at Villamayor Golf (Salamanca) and, after a brief spell at Los Ángeles de San Rafael (Segovia), took on the role of operations director at Real Club Valderrama, where he earned the international CCM certification. In 2019, he moved to Mexico to manage the PGA Riviera Maya course before returning to Spain in 2023 to join La Hacienda Links Golf Resort.
In addition to his management role, Padrón also serves as a mentor in the ‘Advanced Course in Club Operations Management’ at Club Manager Education and ‘Master in Golf Management’ at Les Roches. His career blends extensive management experience with active participation in educational initiatives within the industry.
La Hacienda Links Golf Resort has shot to the upper echelons of European golf in recent years thanks to significant investment in facilities both on and off its two 18-hole courses – the Links and Heathland. The venue’s international reputation has never been stronger, particularly after the addition of the five-star Fairmont La Hacienda hotel.
Between 2022-2025, the resort has added a new clubhouse and dining facilities, new halfway house, beach club and real estate, while La Hacienda will further enhance its rising status in Spanish golf when it hosts the finale of the 2025 Santander Golf Tour later this year.