When Ricardo Santos claimed a dramatic maiden title at the Madeira Islands Open – Portugal – BPI in 2012, he become a local hero, and the former Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year believes he is in now hitting the kind of form that could yield a second victory on the picturesque island.
The 32 year old earned a four shot victory at Santo da Serra three years ago, becoming the first Portuguese player to win on home soil and sparking emotional celebrations.
That triumph went a long way in securing his Rookie of the Year award later in the year, so Santos is understandably delighted to be returning to an event which has been so pivotal in his career.
“Madeira is the kind of tournament I like and enjoy every season, so I hope I will enjoy this year’s tournament as much as I did in 2012,” said the 2011 Challenge Tour Graduate.
“If I play like I have played in the last few weeks and hole a few putts I think I have quite a good chance. I just have to keep my game at this level now and of course you have to wait for the scores to come.
“I feel good now, and more confident than I did at the end of last season and that’s the most important thing.”
Last year’s event was cut to 36 holes after numerous delays because of bad weather, but Santos is hoping the tournament gets some due luck this year and the sun shines on the beautiful mountain-top venue.
“It was a shame last year that we only got to play two rounds, the weather was really bad for most of the week,” he said. “I hope it is better this year.
“Santo da Serra is the kind of course that suits my game. It’s not a long course and it has small greens so it fits my eye.”
Santos is joined in the field by a plethora of fellow former champions of the event, including two-time European Tour winners Bradley Dredge and Alastair Forsyth as well as former Ryder Cup player Jarmo Sandelin.
The field also includes many of Portugal’s most promising young players, including Ricardo Gouveia, who won in his seventh event on the Challenge Tour last year before coming agonisingly close to earning a European Tour card at the Qualifying School Final Stage.
Irishman Kevin Phelan, meanwhile, arrives at Madeira after earning a career-best finish at the Joburg Open three weeks ago.
Scott Henry, meanwhile, returns hoping to go one better than last year, when he was beaten to the title by England’s Daniel Brooks on the first hole of a play-off.
