30/05/2014

JOSE ANTONIO DE MIQUEL R.I.P.

Martin Whitelaw's tribute

JOSÉ ANTONIO DE MIQUELR.I.P.

José Antonio de Miquel, President of the Catalan Pitch & Putt from 1998 to 2002, has died last weekend at the age of 80.

Catalan players and administrators are expressing sincere condolences to members of his family, and indeed gratitude for all his efforts to foster and promote the new sport in our country. José Antonio was the promoter of the lovely course in Manresa. He succeeded Martin Whitelaw as president of the Catalan Association in 1998 and through a number of initiatives significantly increased the numbers of licenced players while actively encouraging promoters to build more courses. During his mandate as president he introduced the popular national ranking circuit (which has since gone from strength to strength), the National Matchplay tournaments and the annual gala prize giving ceremonies. Furthermore, José Antonio oversaw the introduction of the acclaimed computerised handicap system for all competitions throughout Catalonia.

He was succeeded as president by José Maria de Anzizu in 2002. Several courses staging competitions paid respect for the work of the deceased president observing moments of silence before tournaments began.

May José Antonio de Miguel rest in peace.