For those keeping a keen eye on Portugal’s rising golf talents, Ricardo Melo Gouveia’s latest outing at the Hainan Classic offered plenty to cheer about. While the Algarve native might have just missed the top spots, his T55 finish in a fiercely competitive field proves he remains a name worth watching on the international circuit.

Melo Gouveia has been steadily building his career over the past few seasons, showcasing a blend of technical precision and quiet determination that makes him stand out among his peers. Known for his elegant swing and composed demeanour under pressure, he represents the next wave of Portuguese players aiming to leave a mark on the world golf stage.

Portugal’s golfing reputation continues to grow stronger year after year, and players like Melo Gouveia are helping to keep the nation’s flag flying high. His performance at the Hainan Classic adds yet another chapter to Portugal’s evolving story on the world stage, a story that travellers can tap into when planning their next golf getaway.

A Gritty Performance in Testing Conditions

The Hainan Classic, part of the China Golf Association’s prestigious series, presented its own set of challenges this year. Tight fairways, swirling coastal breezes, and relentless pressure made even seasoned pros sweat over every shot.

Melo Gouveia showcased his trademark resilience. While a few wayward putts may have cost him a charge up the leaderboard, his controlled iron play and steady composure earned him a respectable T55 placement. It’s the kind of battling performance that builds champions, and Portuguese golf fans should take note.

What It Means for Portugal’s Golf Scene

For Portuguese golf, international appearances like this are more than just results on a leaderboard. They inspire a new generation of golfers back home and shine a spotlight on Portugal as a premier golfing nation.

It’s no secret that Portugal golf holidays are among the most sought-after experiences for travellers worldwide. With courses like San Lorenzo, Monte Rei, and Palmares setting global standards, Portugal’s reputation grows stronger each year. Ricardo Melo Gouveia’s efforts abroad only reinforce why so many choose Portugal for their next golfing adventure.

Inspired to Follow in His Footsteps?

There’s something special about walking the fairways in a country that continually punches above its weight on the international golf scene. Whether you’re dreaming of testing your short game against coastal breezes or chasing low rounds under sunny skies, Portugal delivers.

Explore our Algarve golf packages and see why so many visiting players, and local heroes like Melo Gouveia, are proud to call these fairways home.

And for an even smoother journey, don’t forget to book your Car Hire and Transfers with Tee Times. Seamless service from airport to first tee, because your next birdie shouldn’t be delayed by baggage claims.

Source: Federação Portuguesa de Golfe

The Algarve welcomed another elite field of rising talent this spring as Penina Golf Resort hosted the 2025 Portuguese International Ladies Amateur Championship. Organised by the Portuguese Golf Federation, this annual event has become one of the most respected on the European amateur circuit, both for its level of competition and the quality of its venues.

Taking place in ideal spring conditions, the 2025 edition brought together a diverse international field and delivered four days of high-calibre golf. Players faced off on one of the Algarve’s most iconic courses, with national pride, world amateur ranking points, and personal milestones all on the line.

The result? A week of pressure-tested golf, promising new faces, and yet another reason Portugal continues to shine on the competitive women’s golf map.

A Championship with History

Organised by the Portuguese Golf Federation (FPG), the Ladies Amateur Championship is part of the World Amateur Golf Ranking calendar and has long been a launchpad for future professionals. Its winners’ list includes names who have gone on to compete, and win, on the Ladies European Tour and LPGA.

By hosting the event at Penina, a course known for its strategic layout and historical significance, the championship offered a tough but fair test of competitive golf under pressure.

👉 Explore Portugal’s top golf courses

Penina Golf Resort – Still a Benchmark Venue

Located near Portimão, Penina Hotel & Golf Resort is often regarded as the spiritual home of golf in the Algarve. The course was designed by Sir Henry Cotton and has hosted numerous high-profile events, including the Portuguese Open.

For this year’s amateur championship, Penina delivered again: tight fairways, firm greens, and ideal Algarve spring conditions made for a compelling tournament atmosphere, one where course management and mental focus were just as important as shot-making.

A Spotlight on Rising Stars

While the final leaderboard told one story, the week offered many narratives. From up-and-coming Portuguese talent gaining international experience to visitors from Scandinavia, France, and Spain putting in strong performances, the championship continues to serve as an essential stepping stone for Europe’s brightest young players.

It’s not just about results, it’s about development. And events like this are key to keeping Portugal on the map as both a golf holiday destination and a serious player in tournament hosting.

Why It Matters

The Portuguese International Ladies Amateur Championship 2025 is more than a title, it’s part of a broader strategy to promote women’s golf at all levels in Portugal. By pairing world-class venues with top-tier competition, the country not only supports player development but reinforces its image as a dependable, aspirational place to play.

Whether you’re a competitive amateur, a casual player, or a golf traveller seeking quality experiences, Portugal continues to offer the full package.

👉 Book a golf holiday in the Algarve

Castro Marim Golf Resort Senior Tournament

On a clear and sunny day in April, Castro Marim Golf Resort played host to the third tournament of the 2024/2025 South Circuit of the Portuguese National Senior Golf Association (ANSG). With over 50 players competing across the Guadiana and Atlântico courses, the event showcased not only excellent conditions but the enduring energy of Portugal’s senior golfing community.

The tournament drew a diverse field of senior golfers, including many travelling from Lisbon and a strong contingent of international members based in the Algarve. Their commitment, some crossing the region from Barlavento to the Eastern Algarve, underscored just how meaningful these events are to the senior circuit.

The resort itself was in excellent shape, with players praising the fairways, greens, and overall experience. It was, in every sense, a celebration of senior golf: competitive, social, and anchored in one of the Algarve’s most scenic settings.

Highlights from the Leaderboard

The tournament saw competitive play across multiple categories:

• Gross Champion: James Thomson led the field with 28 points

• Net Winner: José Ramos Paulino took top honours with 39 points

• Runner-Up (Net): David Ziai, a consistent performer on the day, followed closely with 31 points

• Super Seniors: Hilderico Vaz claimed victory with 38 points, just edging out João Jacinto Silva with 37

• Master Seniors (75+): Renato Farias and Armando Bernardo both posted 38 points, with Farias taking the top spot on countback

• Women’s Division: Stacey Thomas emerged as the winner with 30 points, followed by Josette Renzi, also with 30, decided by countback

The strength of the women’s division reflected the growing participation of expat members, many of whom made the trip from the western Algarve to compete.

A Showcase for Senior Golf in Portugal

Beyond the scores, the event was a reminder that senior golf in Portugal is thriving. The ANSG’s South Circuit continues to attract long-time residents, domestic travellers, and foreign members alike, offering more than just competitive golf, but a real sense of community.

The friendly-yet-focused spirit of these events has made them a staple of the national calendar, particularly in regions like the Algarve, where courses like Castro Marim provide excellent year-round conditions and welcoming hospitality.

👉 Explore Portugal’s golf courses

What’s Next on the Calendar

The next stop on the ANSG South Circuit will be at Benamor Golf in late May, offering another opportunity for the region’s senior golfers to gather and compete. But before that, the circuit’s Pitch & Putt event returns on Saturday, April 19, at the Amendoeira Academy Course, perfect for short-game specialists and those new to the format.

Whether you’re an active member or considering joining for the first time, the South Circuit continues to offer rewarding experiences for golfers aged 50 and up, on some of Portugal’s most enjoyable courses.