Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, May 3, 2026.- Gustavo Santoscoy García, tournament director of the Riviera Maya Open at Mayakoba, said he was left with a very positive feeling following the second edition of the event at El Camaleón course, highlighting the growth achieved in such a short time.
He emphasized that what sets GS Sports Management events apart is that they offer more than just the sporting aspect, delivering a comprehensive experience that makes players want to return.
“Having Nelly Korda definitely adds a lot of value to the tournament. It’s very clear—not just in golf, but in tennis and all sports—that having the best team or the best player draws the attention of the sports world. And we achieved that goal; all golf fans are now looking at the Riviera Maya, at Mayakoba,” he said.
Santoscoy shared that he had the opportunity to speak with several players, such as Nataliya Guseva and Gabriela Ruffels, who also competed last year. “They say this is one of the best stops on the Tour. They see this event as something different, with many positive elements that take them slightly out of their comfort zone. And I think that’s what makes the difference—the hospitality of Mayakoba and the warmth of the Mexican people.”
He recalled that more than 800,000 viewers followed last year’s broadcast on television, a figure that may have increased this year with the presence of the world’s number one player.
Santoscoy celebrated achieving the three main goals set for this edition: improving the level of competition, strengthening brand activations, and increasing fan engagement. “We saw great golf, much better than last year. If you remember, Chisato Iwai won at -12, and today Nelly completely dominated the course (-17). I think next year it will need to be a bit more challenging.”
Regarding brand activations, he highlighted the strong collaboration with commercial partners to deliver diverse experiences. In terms of fan engagement, he noted that large crowds followed players like Gaby López and Nelly Korda, with hospitality areas active throughout the day. “Overall, I think the tournament is gradually establishing itself as a very important event—specifically as the only LPGA tournament in Mexico and Latin America. That’s the goal: for it to continue growing and consolidating.”
As for the participation of Mexican players, Santoscoy García described it as very positive, with nine competing in the field, along with Colombia’s María José Marín. “The XUNTAS team and the Mexican Golf Federation have done a great job bringing these players here. We want the community to become more involved. Gaby López is now a top-25 player—last year she missed the cut, this year she made it and is having the best season of her career. Last year, Isabella Fierro was on the Epson Tour and missed the cut; now she made it. We’re making progress little by little, and I think that’s the most valuable takeaway from events like this,” he concluded.
