Pablo Larrazabal Says Getting Engaged ‘Easier’ Than Holing Putt To Win In Abu Dhabi.

Triple Tour winning Pablo Larrazabal declared it was easier popping the question to his long-time girlfriend than holing the winning putt a year ago to deny Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson in capturing the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

The 33-year Callaway Golf attached player caught the stunning fellow Spanish-born Gala Alten by complete surprise in proposing to her on Christmas Day.

“It was easy to propose to Gala and much easier than the nerves I felt in Abu Dhabi last year in winning my third event on the European Tour because we have been together for over 10 years,” said the Barcelona born golfer.

Gala Alten proudly shows off her engagement ring after saying 'Yes'  to Pablo Larrazabal.  (Photo - Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)

Gala Alten proudly shows off her engagement ring after saying ‘Yes’ to Pablo Larrazabal. (Photo – Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)

“So in many ways she has been wife already but then this will formalise our relationship.

“We had moved into a new apartment on the 24th December but then when I asked her to marry me on Christmas Day she had no idea because she thought that I would never ask her.

“So it’s good, good for both of us.”

Bizarrely, Larrazabal had met Alten the week before he turned professional and while he was still working for his father on a family-owned fishing farm.

His older brother Alejandro captured the 2002 British Amateur Championship and Pablo caddied for him a year later in the Masters at Augusta National.

Pablo  Larrazabal and Gala Alten after the Spaniard captured the  2011 BMW International Open title.

Pablo Larrazabal and Gala Alten after the Spaniard captured the 2011 BMW International Open title.

But while Alejandro struggled in the pro ranks and eventually turned to caddying for double Masters winning Jose Maria Olazabal, Pablo shocked the golf world in keeping Colin Montgomerie are arm’s reach to capture his maiden Tour title at the 2008 French Open.

Larrazabal then defeated fellow Spaniard Sergio Garcia in a play-off to win the 2011 BMW International Open in Munich prior to his biggest career triumph just over a year ago in Abu Dhabi.

“Gala has been great to my career and she’s been very supportive, and has been through and experienced all my ups-and-downs for 10 years now,” he said.

“Our first holiday together was a little 3-star hotel in Majorca and now this week we are staying 5-star at Jumeriah Beach, so the accommodating has improved greatly (smiling).”

The couple will be married 30th August this year in Barcelona.



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