Tell us a bit about yourself.

A native of Thurles, County Tipperary which is Ireland’s largest inland County – well into my teenage years before I saw the seaside. Perhaps this factor (and the Irish weather) is why I have lived in Lagos for over 10 years and love waking up to the views across the bay.

Typical of someone born well before multichannel tv, internet, mobile phones, etc., I would have spent the days outdoors playing a wide range of team sports – the phrase “jack of all trades, master of none” might best sum up my sporting career!! Still follow Gaelic Games closely – Tipperary are current All-Ireland hurling champions (just to mention!!).

Spent 37 years working with AIB Bank and happily retired for many years – started early and finished early. Priorities these days are family, golf, gym and soaking up the Algarve sunshine.

Can you tell us a little about your history with Espiche Golf Club?

Following a hip replacement operation in early 2020, I decided that a return to golf after twenty years might be a good move. Joined Espiche in July and early years “re entry” were challenging to say the least – took a while to realise that keeping the ball in my own fairway might work better. I still visit the second fairway occasionally, as the best line of attack to the first green!!

Lucky enough to have won a few Club “Majors” and I’ve really enjoyed being a member of the Interleague Team in recent years, carried by some great low handicap partners.

The three weekly competitions at Espiche are the backbone of my golf enjoyment, providing great variety in terms of formats and playing partners. The post game analysis, rule checking, rehydration and general banter on the Terrace is especially good fun at our Club.

What first attracted you to Espiche?

Very simple – I met two Espiche members one night in The Marina Bar, Lagos. They were great advocates/salesmen for the Club and they turned out to be spot on in their recommendation.

What does be Club Captain mean to you, and what inspired you to take on this role?

Not so much inspiration as a long-held belief that when a Club has been good for you there comes a time when you should “give back” if possible. It was an honour to be asked and I hope to be able to repay that trust. 

We have had many great volunteers in my time at Espiche on whose work the Club has prospered.

What are your main priorities and goals as Club Captain for 2026?

“Firstly, do no harm”, or put another way “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”!! Maintain the best things we have in place at Espiche and build carefully from there. Being VC last year gave me an important lead in time to elicit feedback from Club members.

I’ve always thought that clear and concise communication is a key success factor generally – added to existing channels, we hope the new WhatsApp Members group will be well received.

Club Fixtures 2026 benefited from the experiences of a longstanding outgoing Competition Manager and the fresh oversight of Clare MacLeod, Jim’s successor. The overhauled fixtures respond directly to some key messages received and provide a good mix for everyone, competitive and casual golfers alike.

A new Handicap Committee has been established, chaired by Damien Hardy, VC. We are also training some additional members (including yours truly) to share the workload and maintain a smooth delivery for Club members.

What do you think makes Espiche Golf Club unique compared to other golf courses?

One difference is immediately obvious as you drive in – the natural landscape that is totally unique amongst courses in the Algarve. The ground here is reminiscent of a Links course and the level of preservation of the original landscape ensures plenty of wildlife flourishes. After this year’s Winter rainfall, we were blessed to have great natural drainage and the course remained perfectly playable save for 2/3 mornings. A word of thanks and acknowledgment to our green keeper Paulo and his dedicated team who look after the course and environs so well.

Another renowned uniqueness that has to be experienced is the warm welcome, light heartedness and fun amongst staff and members. A great sense of community as well as pride in our Club.

What advice would you give to new members looking to get involved in club activities?

If you are entirely new to the game, head straight to the Espiche Golf Academy and check out the top-class facilities and services. We are lucky to have three Professionals in Fraser, Goncalo and Joao. 

If you are already an active golfer, jump straight into the thrice weekly competitions (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) – you will receive the renowned Espiche warm welcome.

What are your favourite holes at Espiche and why?

4th hole from the White tees is a great test. The 11th suits my eye as a left-handed player (sometimes). Generally, I think there is a great variety of holes at Espiche and pin placement on all holes can greatly impact the challenge presented.

If you could play a round of golf anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Golf Club Crans-Sur-Sierre in Switzerland which is home to the Omega European Masters. Clear mountain air, spectacular views and apparently the golf ball flies 10% farther at that altitude (1,500 metres) – every bit helps.

What’s you ideal 4-ball?

Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, Rob MacIntyre and yours truly – all Celts for the “craic” on and off the course. The two “lefties” would be under serious pressure!!

O conteúdo Q&A with Michael Carr 2026 Club Captain aparece primeiro em Espiche Golf.

A major investment of €150,000 over two years will be made to upgrade the buggy paths across the course, improving accessibility, safety and comfort in all playing conditions.

Our buggy fleet is also being enhanced with the replacement of 40 batteries, ensuring improved performance and reliability, alongside the addition of 5 new buggies.

To further improve convenience for players, we are introducing 10 new electric trolleys, offering a modern and effortless way to enjoy your round.

We are also investing in 15 new golf club sets, providing high-quality equipment for guests who prefer to travel light.

Behind the scenes, course conditioning remains a top priority. Our maintenance team will be equipped with new machinery to support course upkeep, helping us maintain excellent playing surfaces.

These improvements reflect our continued commitment to sustainability, innovation and delivering an exceptional golfing experience for all our visitors.

O conteúdo Course Improvements & Investment Plan aparece primeiro em Espiche Golf.

Register here.

O conteúdo West Algarve Golf Trophy 2026 aparece primeiro em Espiche Golf.

What was the most defining moment of your career?
I was never an elite athlete, so this question doesn’t have a fairytale ending. The most defining moment of my “career” was the closure of Ammaia Golf Course. With the nearest course 100 km away, it was a difficult period to manage. But it was also what brought me to where I am today. You have to look at the glass as half full and believe that sometimes, to move forward, you have to take a step back.

What is the most rewarding part of your work?
I don’t work. I teach golf. I come to the driving range to share knowledge, meet people, help them become better players and feel more fulfilled on the course. That isn’t work to me; it’s the privilege of doing what you love every day and still wanting to come back the next day. If I could work only with children, I would feel professionally fulfilled.

Who were the biggest influences on your journey as a coach?
I’m not sure I had any specific influences. One day, I decided I wanted to become very good at teaching this sport. More than training to be good, I enjoy preparing myself to make others better. Those close to me know I still hold hope of reaching a higher level as a player one day. But my focus is on building as much knowledge of the game as possible so I can become a reference coach.

What advice would you give someone starting in golf?
Enjoy the ride! This sport can be brutal to those who take it up: today you’re a Tiger, tomorrow you feel like someone who should never have picked up a golf club. Don’t rush, trust the process, and give it time. Most importantly, seek help from a professional in your first steps.

What is your favourite hole and which do you find most challenging at Espiche Golf?
My favourite hole is the 9th. Being able to hit a drive over the right corner is a fantastic feeling. A good tee shot leaves you with a 30-metre chip. I must admit I’ve had a few disasters with this risky approach, but it remains my favourite. The view of the clubhouse behind the green is imposing and demands respect. Choose the wrong iron and the windows come into play.

It’s hard to choose the most challenging hole at Espiche. It’s an easy course for conservative players, not for me. With the same ease that it gives you a day of glory, it can also give you a day of despair. Perhaps the 10th: the tee shot is demanding and, on a par 5, distance from the tee is important, but the correct choice is a 7-iron.

Do you have any specific tips for playing this course?
Yes: less is more. More conservative players off the tee avoid mistakes at Espiche. The course isn’t very long, so a tee shot in the middle of the fairway, even if shorter, always leaves the opportunity for a safe second shot. Almost all landing zones at Espiche are narrow, demanding and easy to miss.

Which golfer do you admire most?
Adam Scott. Age is just a number for him. He remains an incredibly complete player with a commanding presence on the course. Even when he misses, his swing is excellent.

Your dream course to play?
That’s easy: Augusta National Golf Club. Walking where golf history is rewritten every year would be an unforgettable experience.

What would be your dream fourball?
Adam Scott, Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods and, if it were still possible, Ben Hogan. I’d be perfectly happy just carrying the flag so I could follow their round!

If you weren’t a golf professional, what do you think you would be doing today?
I’d certainly be chasing the dream of becoming one! I did so for many years and never considered giving up.

O conteúdo Q&A with João Tomáz aparece primeiro em Espiche Golf.

How did your passion for golf begin?
My passion for golf started from the very first time I went to hit balls with my dad when I was 4 years old. But the real “click” came one summer, when I was 8, going to the Vilamoura academy every day and training 8 to 9 hours a day, playing the small 3 holes countless times.

What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far?
I believe it was the winning putt at the Portuguese International – without a doubt, a very happy moment for me and for national golf.

Who have been the biggest influences in your journey as a coach?
All of my coaches have had a huge influence on who I am today. I believe Tiger Woods was the figure who inspired and influenced me to become better.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a professional golf career?
Build a strong team around you that allows you to grow in every area, and learn to enjoy the lifestyle of a high-performance athlete.

Is there a tournament or course that holds a special memory for you?
The Old Course in Vilamoura, my home course, holds memories of the late afternoons I spent with my coach, Joaquim Sequeira, after a full day of training. The laughter and stories we shared as the sun set were particularly special.

What tip would you give to someone just starting in golf?
Start by hitting a few balls to get a feel for it, but then focus on building a solid foundation from the green to the tee.

What is your favourite hole, and what do you find most challenging at Espiche Golf?
Hole 2, because it’s a risk-reward hole and the tee shot offers a fabulous view of the clubhouse. The most challenging part is undoubtedly the tee shot, with very little margin for error and the wind making the ball’s flight more difficult.

Do you have any specific tips for playing better on this course?
Be conservative off the tee, aiming for areas you can clearly see, and always try to finish on the lower side of the green to have an uphill putt.

Which golfer do you admire the most?
Tiger Woods, always.

What’s your dream course to play on?
Augusta National, without a doubt.

Who would be in your ideal 4-ball?
Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Joaquim Sequeira.

If you weren’t a professional golfer, what do you think you would be doing today?
Honestly, I’ve never considered another option since I was 8… maybe an architect… of golf courses.

O conteúdo Q&A with Gonçalo Pinto aparece primeiro em Espiche Golf.

On Wednesday, 26th November, 64 players joined us at 09h00 for a morning meet and coffee at the Espiche Golf Clubhouse, followed by a shotgun start at 10h00. After what was surely a challenging round, we hosted a welcome cocktail in the stunning upper lounges of the clubhouse. The day ended with laughter, camaraderie, and great memories.

The competition continued on Thursday, 27th November, with a 09h00 shotgun start at Boavista Golf. Some players had already achieved impressive scores over the first two days, making the competition even more exciting.

The final round took place at Palmares Golf on Friday, 28th November, featuring a highly competitive round with the draw based on aggregate scores from the first two days. After the round, a prize-giving lunch was held at the clubhouse.

The overall winner was the Irish player Conor Downey, with an outstanding 102 stableford net points. The first lady was our Espiche Golf member, Clare MacLeod, who scored 96 points. A prize for the gross aggregate was awarded to George Denton.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the event so special!

To all our participants: we sincerely appreciate your enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and energy throughout the tournament. We look forward to welcoming you back in 2026!

We are also extremely grateful to our partners and sponsors, whose generosity makes events like this possible: Vivenda Miranda, Vale do Lobo, Cascade Resort, Tivoli Lagos, Amendoeira Golf, Wildwatch Algarve, ADM Group, Marina Club, Golf Clubs Rental Algarve, Benamor Golf, Castro Marim Golf, the Espiche Golf Academy team — Fraser Cramb, João Tomáz and Gonçalo Pinto, Volpe Golf, Currencies Direct, and Hugo Pinto, Head Pro at Boavista Golf & SPA.

Finally, a big thank you our teams at Espiche Golf, Palmares Golf, and Boavista Golf for bringing everything together and ensuring the success of this event.

The final results can be viewed here, including both net and gross scores.

If you are interested in participating in next year’s event, please contact one of the golf courses.

O conteúdo West Algarve Golf Trophy 2025 aparece primeiro em Espiche Golf.

Get into the Christmas spirit with our festive menu at the Clubhouse restaurant!

Whether you are looking for a cosy lunch or a lively dinner party, Gecko is the perfect place to celebrate.

Book now to secure your spot and make this season even more special!

📅 Available throughout December for lunch or dinner.

Click here >> To view our menu options

O conteúdo Christmas Parties at Gecko aparece primeiro em Espiche Golf.

On Friday, 12 September, 22 teams gathered at the stunning Espiche course for a Texas Scramble competition under clear blue skies. The course, with its rolling fairways and panoramic views, provided the perfect stage for some brilliant golf, and the scores didn’t disappoint. In fact, Friday turned out to be the hottest day of the weekend, both in terms of the weather and the standard of play!

After an exciting day on the greens, players gathered for a BBQ buffet at the clubhouse. Guests were then treated to a special appearance from John Aldridge and Jason McAteer, who shared unforgettable stories from their Liverpool and Ireland days, keeping everyone laughing and well entertained.

It was a privilege to yet again be part of this amazing event and thanks goes to the entire Espiche team, from the beautifully maintained course to the friendly staff and ice-cold refreshments that kept players smiling and spirits high. It was a day that perfectly captured the essence of the event: great golf, great company, and a great cause.

The competition continued on Saturday, 13 September, at Boavista Golf, where teams battled it out in the Am-Am 2 scores to count format. The Peak Top Agency team: Keith Hill, Kevin Carney, Robert Lelonek, and Lee Birchall emerged as the overall champions with an impressive 93 points, securing their place in the tournament’s history.

Following the final round, guests enjoyed another BBQ feast before comedian Willie Miller brought the house down with his trademark humour, leading into a lively charity auction. With items ranging from signed football memorabilia to exclusive VIP experiences, the auction raised over €12,000, helping the weekend’s fundraising total reach over €20,000 for local charities.

Both days, at Espiche and Boavista, proved why the John Aldridge Charity Golf Classic is more than just a golf tournament,  it’s a celebration of sport, community, and generosity under the Algarve sun.

If you are interested in supporting this event next year or would like to enter a team, please contact event organiser, Phil Harding: events@tomorrowalgarve.com

O conteúdo The John Aldridge Charity Golf Classic 2025 aparece primeiro em Espiche Golf.

Our course is made up exclusively of warm-season grasses, ideally suited to the hot, dry climate of the Algarve’s barrocal region. These grasses are more efficient at photosynthesis, require less water and show stronger resistance to pests and diseases.

Fairways, tees, roughs & driving range: Bermuda grass
This sun-loving turf thrives in warm conditions while using less water and fewer chemicals. Its durability allows it to recover quickly from divots and heavy play, keeping the course enjoyable for golfers and sustainable for the environment.

Greens: Paspalum
Known for its salt tolerance, Paspalum can be irrigated with recycled or brackish water. This means we place less demand on freshwater sources while still providing you with a perfectly smooth, consistent putting surface.

O conteúdo Sustainability Series | Part 1: Grass – Ever Wonder What Grass We Use, and Why It Matters? aparece primeiro em Espiche Golf.

My dad plays golf so he got me into it quite young luckily! It’s much harder if you take it up later in life.  Then I got my first lesson from my local professional at my home club in Scotland and I was hooked

Can you describe a defining moment in your career so far?

That would be moving to Portugal to work full time teaching and custom fitting.  Making that jump without knowing anyone over here and having no guaranteed income was tough but it has worked out well! Now I teach golf in the sun and live by the beach.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

Seeing someone go from a complete beginner to playing regularly and dropping shots from their handicap.  It takes longer for some than others but it is always nice to see. Or when someone is pulling their hair out with a problem in their game and then the relief they feel when its fixed. It’s just a game but it sometimes feels more important than that when it’s not working.

What’s the most common mistake you see on the driving range?

People going straight for driver and firing balls off like a machine gun! I often see people reach for the next ball while the previous shot is still in the air.  If people relax and take 10 seconds more between shots, it always gets better.

What’s one piece of advice you always give to someone starting out?

Golf is hard! Progression is never constant in golf; there will always be good and bad days results wise.  If you embrace that instead of getting annoyed with it, you will enjoy the game way more.

Which hole at Espiche golf do you find it’s the most challenging or that you like to play and why?

I think the 10th hole is very difficult from the tee, very easy to put yourself out of position. Although I see there are some works ongoing there to reshape the left-hand side so hopefully that helps me!

I really like the 3rd hole; you can choose to play it in a few different ways if you have the length and i think it’s a good risk reward hole.

Who would be in your dream four-ball?

Tiger woods definitely, Will Ferrell and Ally McCoist and i would tag along to watch Tiger and listen to Ally and Will

If you could play a round of golf anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Got to be Augusta. Definitely my favourite tournament to watch and I’d love to know how many putts I would take!

For more information about the Espiche Golf Academy: Click Here >>

O conteúdo Q&A with Fraser Cramb aparece primeiro em Espiche Golf.