Portugal's José-Filipe Lima is keen to make the most of the opportunity to represent his country at this week's European Golf Team Championships.
Lima, who has four top-ten finishes to his name on the Challenge Tour this season, will team up with Ricardo Santos for the ground-breaking format, which sees both male and female professionals compete in a revolutionary Mixed Team format as well as a Men’s and Women’s Team event, as part of the innovative multi-sport Glasgow 2018 European Championships.
The 36 year old has represented Portugal in three World Cups and at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and is delighted to have another opportunity to fly the flag for his country at Gleneagles.
“Every team event is great fun, like GolfSixes and like the Olympic Games a few years ago,” he said.
It’s great to look back on events like these which you might only play once in your life - Jose-Filipe Lima
“I like events which are different compared to the whole year. It will be good to play against guys and girls from other the countries competing, and I think it is a good idea.
“I’m proud to represent my country. I don’t know when I will stop playing golf but it’s great to look back on events like these, and the Olympics, events which you might only play once in your life.”
Scott Fernandez, who will be on the Spain 1 team alongside Pedro Oriol, is hoping to recapture some of the magic from the last team event to take place at Gleneagles – the 2014 Ryder Cup.
“Every time I get to play in Scotland I really enjoy it,” he said. “It feels like a part of home and that is a nice feeling.
“I’m really looking forward to playing at Gleneagles. I need to watch a few more videos of that win [2014 Ryder Cup] then maybe I can recreate a few shots. I remember Jamie Donaldson’s so maybe I’ll try and do that during the week.”
