Q&A with 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 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.