Q&A with Michael Carr 2026 Club Captain

Congratulations on becoming the Club Captain!

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!!