One name was familiar but a young man whose 'roots' come from further south in the UK, a player whose arrival on the European Tour was much heralded but who a few years later, was there in Madeira to see him starting to play like his reputation suggested he can.
Oliver Fisher was immediately collared by the writer from 'Golf Punk' who accompanied me on this trip - and he finished second in the Madeira Open
A travel writing visit, for a course review, very rarely means teeing up in a European Tour Pro-Am. It did this time. We were to play in the company of Gary Murphy, one of life's gentlemen and a superb golfer. Gary came 'armed' with his caddy and the most detailed map of the course which like us, he was very new to. His courtesy though extended to helping me with my trolley as we climbed a steep section of our first fairway and to watch such a professional play was one of life's best golfing experiences.
The course itself is five year old, built with public money. It's a very good modern golf course, in excellent condition and one where strategy and risk and reward abound. There is plenty of water and where streams drop from hole to hole some lovely waterfalls.
You play on the flatter part of the course for the front nine, with scenic views out to the bay and into the island. Its when you get to the middle of back nine that spectacular isn't the word. The 13th through 15th are two par threes and a short par four that are reminiscent of Pebble Beach as they are set into the cliff tops and are breathtaking golf holes. Walk off with three pars and you will be more than happy. Don't stand too close to the edge, especially vertigo sufferers!
The finish is one more 'big' golf hole, a par five down to the clubhouse where you must avoid some final substantial water hazards.
We stayed in Hotel Puerto Santo, a smaller establishment with a nice lounge and once again breakfast was a veritable feast to start the day.
Once again the staff were efficient to a tee! I cannot stress how welcome I was made.
We spent late afternoon and early evening at the hotel's beach bar down on the huge stretch of sand next to the hotel. You will only find sand beaches on Port Santos.
The Professionals stayed at the Pestano Santo Golf, a private investment to complement the new golf course. It was very modern in style and as plush a you would expect. With a 300 yards long swimming pool surrounded by villa style rooms, one could hardly not have been impressed. This is a wonderful addition to all the is available on the island.
I spent the final day watching stars such as Jose Lima in the Championship proper, Portugal's best player, and other notables from the European Tour, all of who reminded and showed me how good our amateurs will have to become to make their careers on the 'World' tour that now plays virtually every week of the year.
With a third golf course being built on Madeira and such a variety of hotels and accommodation on the islands, this is a destination which recommends itself. Even the most avid golfer wouldn't want to play everyday when there is so much to experience and when they do take to the links, what three very different golfing opportunities they will encounter with a fourth on the way.
On this part of my trip:
Santo Golf Course
Porto Santo
Airlines:
The Madeira Islands Tourism Web Site
Andi if you missed it -
Our preview of this visit to the Islands
- Very much open for business
and
Santo da Serra Golf Course
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