The fifth leg of Portugal’s national senior Order of Merit drew sixty competitors to one of the rarest courses in continental Europe
The 5th National Order of Merit tournament of the Associação Nacional de Seniores de Golfe (ANSG) took place at Estela Golf Club in Póvoa de Varzim on 24 May 2026. Sixty players made the trip, with two of the competition’s largest delegations travelling from Viseu and the Algarve — a sign of how far the national senior circuit now reaches. (apsgolfe.pt)
A Rare Setting
Estela holds a particular distinction in Portuguese golf. Situated on the Atlantic coast north of Porto, it is considered a pure links — one of the very few courses of its kind in continental Europe. The fairways presented in immaculate condition on the day, drawing unanimous praise from competitors, and mild weather ensured play ran smoothly from first tee to final putt.
The Results
Competition across all four categories was closely fought throughout.
In Seniores, António Viegas took the net title with 37 points, ahead of José Vale on 35. The gross prize went to Rui Batista Santos.
Super Seniores saw Ignácio Fierro claim net honours on 36 points, with José Manuel Castro second on 35. James Thomson was the gross winner.
In Master Seniores, António Lobo led net on 37 points, ahead of Michell Fichaux on 35. Mário Casimiro Paiva took the gross prize with 23 points.
The Senhoras competition was among the most closely contested of the day. Isabel Guedes won net on 35 points, Fátima Pitta second on 33. Margarida Sampaio claimed the gross prize, with Maria José Pinto in second. Pedro Carvalho of ACP Golfe was named best guest.
Nearest the Pin honours went to : Hole 2: José Vale | Hole 4: Margarida Sampaio | Hole 12: Maria José Pinto | Hole 17: João Souto
After the Round
Competitors gathered for a well-regarded post-round lunch before the prize-giving and a tombola closed out the day. The ANSG circuit has earned its reputation on exactly this kind of occasion: competitive golf taken seriously, followed by an afternoon taken well.
Portugal’s senior golf community travels. From the Algarve to Viseu, players make the journey — and Estela, on the Atlantic coast north of Porto, is worth every kilometre.
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For those looking to explore the courses of the north, Tee Times has golf breaks around Porto to suit every itinerary.
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