Q&A: Golf Pro João Tomáz
How did your passion for golf begin?
– I can’t answer that precisely. I was six years old when I tried it for the first time at the now-closed Ammaia Golf Course near Marvão, in the Alentejo. From what I remember being told, I had a natural ability for the game. And I always liked golf far more than school 😂
The passion must always have been there, because from that first Saturday at golf, the best thing I did was count the days until I could go back the following weekend.
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 just have to look at the glass as half full and believe that sometimes, in order 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 simply decided I wanted to become very good at teaching this sport. More than training to be good myself, 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 out 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.
