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The 3rd tournament of Portugal’s Mid-Amateur & Senior Golf Circuit 2025 wrapped up this past weekend at the historic Oporto Golf Club (Par 71) in Espinho, showcasing standout performances from both rising and seasoned players. Among the winners were Pedro Sá Lima, Mark Mance, and Marta Lampreia, all of whom topped their respective categories with grit and consistency.

If you’re planning a golf visit to the Porto area, consider exploring our Porto Golf Courses, home to some of the most historic and scenic layouts in Portugal. To make the most of your trip, our Car Hire and Transfers ensure smooth, convenient access to the fairways and beyond.

Known for its rich legacy, Oporto Golf Club is the oldest golf club in Portugal and one of the oldest in continental Europe, a fitting backdrop for a tournament that celebrates both competitive spirit and the timeless appeal of the game. The Mid-Amateur & Senior Circuit provides an essential space for players outside the professional sphere to continue competing at a high level, maintaining the camaraderie, skill, and mental sharpness that define the sport.

With over 70 participants competing across various divisions, the tournament reflected the strength of Portugal’s golfing community and the depth of talent at the amateur level. From tense playoffs to steady comebacks, the weekend offered no shortage of compelling golf.

Sá Lima and Mance Dominate the Men’s Field

Representing Vale Pisão, Pedro Sá Lima shot a second-round 72, the lowest round of the day, to secure the gross victory by four strokes. With a total of 147 (+5) over two rounds, he edged out Francisco Silva (Quinta do Perú) and Mark Mance (Oitavos), both finishing at 151 (+9).

Mark Mance, who had already won gross and senior honours at the season opener at Quinta do Vale, returned to form by clinching the Senior Men’s title, narrowly ahead of Miguel Lourenço (ACP Golfe).

Lourenço led after round one with a 74, but a second-round 78 left him tied for fourth with José Pedro Patacão (Vale Pisão) at 152 (+10).

Marta Lampreia Seals Victory in Sudden Death

In the women’s competition, Marta Lampreia (Quinta do Perú) delivered a clutch performance. Tied at 166 (+24) with Diana Pacheco (Paredes) after two rounds (80–86 and 81–85 respectively), she secured the win on the first sudden-death playoff hole, the par-5 18th, with a birdie.

It was a hard-fought victory over Pacheco and Sofia Paiva (Estoril), who had won the first two tournaments of the circuit and finished just one shot out of the playoff at 167 (+25).

Lampreia’s win gave her the double: both gross and senior titles in the women’s division.

Portugal’s Mid-Amateur Golf Scene Grows in Strength

The Mid-Amateur & Senior Circuit is proving to be a valuable platform for competitive golf beyond the junior and elite amateur ranks. Events like this, staged at legacy venues such as Oporto Golf Club, help nurture talent, maintain competitive spirit, and spotlight Portugal’s deep pool of golfing enthusiasts.

The next tournament in the series is set for 27–28 September at Palmares Ocean Living & Golf Resort.

Ponte de Lima took centre stage in Portuguese golf this past weekend as local players claimed 7 out of 15 national titles at the 2025 National Championships of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Categories. Held on home turf at Clube de Golfe de Ponte de Lima, the event welcomed 73 amateur golfers from across the country and delivered a weekend of standout performances, many of them from the host region itself.

This strong showing from Ponte de Lima was not only a point of pride for the club, but also a testament to the growing talent pool emerging in northern Portugal. While many eyes in golf often focus south to Lisbon or the Algarve, this championship served as a reminder that the north has plenty to offer, in both player development and golfing pedigree.

The championships, organised by the Federação Portuguesa de Golfe, highlighted the growing strength of regional clubs and amateur golf in the north of Portugal. For Ponte de Lima, it was nothing short of a banner weekend.

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Local Talent on Full Display

Among the standout performances:

• Madalena Araújo (Ponte de Lima GC) was crowned National Champion in the 3rd Category (handicap 12.1–19.0) and also took home the best Net score. She also finished as runner-up in the 2nd Category, earning additional honours for best Net result.
• Paulo Vilas Boas (Ponte de Lima GC) dominated the 4th Category (handicap 19.1–27.0) with a wire-to-wire win and claimed the best Net trophy as well.
• Rui Martins, also from Ponte de Lima, finished runner-up in the 2nd Category, just three shots behind the winner.

In total, Ponte de Lima golfers secured a commanding share of the championship podiums, a strong endorsement of the region’s golf development at the grassroots level.

A Boost for Northern Portugal Golf

While Lisbon and the Algarve often steal the spotlight, tournaments like these remind us that northern Portugal’s golf scene is thriving. Ponte de Lima’s facilities and community have nurtured players capable of succeeding at national level, and the 2025 results prove it.

Whether you’re looking to test your game or simply enjoy golf in scenic, less-discovered parts of Portugal, Ponte de Lima offers an authentic and competitive atmosphere.

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