Portugal Golf

Portugal Shines at ESGA 2025: Vice-Champions in Super Seniors Net

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Portugal’s journey at the ESGA 2025 (European Senior Golf Association) Super Seniors & Masters Team Championship in Denmark ended with pride, passion, and remarkable achievements. Representing the Associação Nacional Sénior de Golfe de Portugal (ANSGP), the Portuguese teams delivered an impressive performance that left a lasting mark on the European senior golf scene.

From July 14 to 17, the competition was played on three golf courses: Lyngbygaard Golf Club, Stensballegaard Golf Club and Mollerup Golf Club.

The spotlight was firmly on the ESGA Super Seniors Team Cup (Net), where Portugal secured a prestigious second place, finishing just three points behind the host nation, Denmark. This runner-up position crowns one of the best collective performances by the Portuguese in ESGA history, marked by unity, resilience, and competitive spirit across all three days.

Standout performances came from the duo Joaquim Pires and Anastácio Mendes, who scored 43 and 45 points on the first two days of the pairs format. The final round was also filled with emotion, as Valdemar Carvalho celebrated his 80th birthday—an unforgettable moment commemorated with a heartfelt rendition of “Happy Birthday” on the tee box by his teammates.

In the ESGA Super Seniors Team Championship (Gross), Portugal achieved its best-ever result: a commendable 13th place. The entire squad performed consistently well, with all three pairs posting identical scores on the first day. José Cruz and José Cândido de Oliveira showed steady form on Days 2 and 3, contributing to a strong overall team effort.

ESGA 2025: high-level golf

The Portuguese contingent in the ESGA Masters Team Trophy also impressed, finishing in 10th place. The pair of José Melo Cabral and Agostinho Lucas stood out in the early rounds, showcasing great form and focus.

Across all three competitions, the Portuguese teams displayed high-level golf, sportsmanship, and a strong team spirit—qualities that elevated the name of ANSGP and Portugal throughout the event.

With 2026 challenges set in Italy, Finland, and Croatia, the road ahead begins now. Participation in upcoming ANSGP tournaments will determine who carries the Portuguese flag in next year’s ESGA European Championships. The bar has been set high, and the passion to represent Portugal remains stronger than ever.

Montebelo Carlsberg Golf Tournament – Highlights & Key Performances

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A Competitive Day on the Greens

The Montebelo Carlsberg Golf Tournament is a standout event in Portugal’s thriving golf scene, drawing skilled players and passionate enthusiasts to the stunning Montebelo Golf course.

Portugal golf continues to captivate players from around the world, and this prestigious tournament is a testament to the country’s reputation as a premier golfing destination. The third round of its 21st edition took place on the scenic Caramulo course, with over 50 competitors battling it out under favorable playing conditions. The sun was shining, and as the day progressed, many golfers found themselves comfortable enough to finish their rounds in short sleeves.


Montebelo Golf Course with a stunning view of Serra do Caramulo

A Challenging Yet Rewarding Round    

The course presented its fair share of challenges, and the scores reflected the test it posed to competitors. A significant number of participants—29 in total—surpassed the 100-stroke mark, demonstrating the course’s complexity and the strategic precision required to navigate it effectively. 

Despite the demanding conditions, Adelino Ferreira emerged as the net winner with an impressive 68 strokes. Close behind, Romeu Coutinho posted a 69, followed by João Navega with 70 strokes. Other notable performances included José Marques and Esmeraldo Bento (71), Carlos Miranda and Jorge Sousa (72), Álvaro Tavares (73), and Jacinto Pinto, Álvaro Marreco, and Teresa Cabral (74). 

Podium Standings by Category   

The tournament recognized outstanding performances across multiple categories: 

  • 1st Category: Adelino Ferreira, Romeu Coutinho, João Navega 
  • 2nd Category: Esmeraldo Bento, Álvaro Tavares, Álvaro Marreco 
  • Ladies: Teresa Cabral, Helena Coelho, Augusta Lopes 
  • Juniors: Francisco Gouveia, Joel Pereira, Pedro Abreu 

Romeu Coutinho’s 78 strokes secured him the gross victory by a significant margin, while Carlos Miranda completed the course in 85 strokes, João Navega in 87, and both António Cunha and Jorge Sousa in 88. 

Impressive Shots & Standout Moments     

A few remarkable shots stood out during the tournament. Adelino Ferreira and Idalina Cardoso showcased their power with the longest drives on hole 5, while Gonçalo Andrade demonstrated pinpoint accuracy with the closest-to-the-pin shot on hole 12. 

Overall Standings After Three Rounds    

Following this third round, the overall podium standings for the tournament are as follows: 

  • 1st Category: Agostinho Lopes and Carlos Tinoco (73), Miguel Costa (72) 
  • 2nd Category: Esmeraldo Bento (92), Gonçalo Andrade (78), A. Marreco (76) 
  • Ladies: Augusta Lopes (92), Gay Adamson and Teresa Cabral (86) 
  • Juniors: Francisco Gouveia (105), Joel Pereira (60), Pedro Abreu (54) 

A Testament to Golf in Portugal

The Montebelo Carlsberg Tournament continues to highlight why Portugal is a premier golf destination. With its stunning courses, mild climate, and high level of competition, events like this showcase the passion and skill of the country’s golfing community. Many players and visitors choose to stay at the Montebelo Viseu Congress Hotel, which offers top-notch amenities and convenient access to the course, ensuring a comfortable and luxurious golfing experience. Whether you’re a seasoned player or an enthusiast looking for the next great tournament, Portugal golf offers some of the finest experiences in Europe.

Associação Portuguesa de Greenkeepers: Tiago Piano elected president

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The Associação Portuguesa de Greenkeepers (APG) has announced its new leadership for the next four years. Leading the team is Tiago Piano, a seasoned professional with a strong background in team management, planning, and budgeting, currently serving as the Golf Course Superintendent at Belas Clube de Campo. Nuno Teixeira will assist him, bringing his expertise as the vice president and Miguel Grosso as the treasurer. This capable team is committed to upholding the APG’s mission of promoting excellence and sustainability in golf course maintenance across Portugal.

Tiago Piano’s appointment as the new president of the Associação Portuguesa de Greenkeepers marks a significant step in the association’s journey. With his extensive experience in managing golf course operations and ensuring high standards of maintenance and sustainability, he is well-equipped to lead the APG in advancing its objectives. These include providing comprehensive technical information, training, and networking opportunities to its members. The Associação Portuguesa de Greenkeepers aims to create a synergistic environment that benefits the golf course maintenance industry by fostering communication among members, sponsors, and partners.

In 2023, Portugal was honoured as the world’s best golf destination, a testament to its greenkeepers’ hard work and dedication. This prestigious recognition highlights the exceptional quality of Portuguese golf courses chosen by golfers from around the globe for their Portugal golf holidays. The award underscores the vital role greenkeepers play in maintaining these world-class courses, ensuring they meet the high standards expected by international visitors.

The Associação Portuguesa de Greenkeepers and sustainability 

One of the APG’s primary focuses is championing sustainability within the golf course maintenance industry. Recognizing the pivotal role of greenkeepers in implementing eco-friendly practices, the APG advocates for efficient water resource management to prevent waste and promote sustainable irrigation systems, particularly in water-scarce areas. Moreover, the association promotes using organic fertilizers and integrated pest management techniques to reduce reliance on harmful chemicals. These initiatives protect local ecosystems and foster biodiversity on golf courses, demonstrating the APG’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Furthermore, the Associação Portuguesa de Greenkeepers is dedicated to continuously educating its members on sustainable practices. By staying informed about the latest advancements and methodologies, greenkeepers can ensure that golf courses offer a high-quality experience while preserving the environment. This commitment to education and sustainability reflects the APG’s goal of harmonizing sports and environmental stewardship.

The APG’s dedication to excellence is also evident in the achievements of its members on the international stage. Recently, Portuguese greenkeepers represented the association at the prestigious Wells Fargo Championship, one of the eight signature events of the PGA Tour this year. Congratulations to Tiago Lobato and Luís Andrés Pinto for showcasing Portuguese greenkeepers’ high standards and skills at such a prominent event.

Under Tiago Piano’s leadership, the Associação Portuguesa de Greenkeepers is well-positioned to continue promoting sustainable practices and professional excellence in golf course maintenance, ensuring that Portugal remains at the forefront of the golf industry.