Portuguese brothers Hugo and Ricardo Santos have played in many Madeira Islands Opens together in the past, but this year is the first time they will do so as World Cup players.
The siblings represented their country at the Mission Hills World Cup in China last November, an event which capped a marvellous season for Ricardo, at 29 the younger of the two by three years, who won his first Challenge Tour title en route to finishing fourth in the Challenge Tour Rankings.
That earned him a European Tour card for this year, and Hugo, who plays on the Portuguese circuit, is keen to follow suit by rising up through the ranks.
“This year there is more attention on us because we played in the World Cup last year,” said Ricardo. “That was an amazing experience and we were both very proud to represent Portugal.
“There is also more attention because I’m the only Portuguese player on the main Tour this season. It has been very good so far and I had good results in India (Avantha Masters) and China (Volvo China Open). It’s completely different from the Challenge Tour, but I’m really enjoying it.
“It’s always nice to play in the same tournament as my brother – that’s something we’ve both always enjoyed – so it makes this week even more special.
“It’s a great event because I have many friends here and my wife is coming too. It’s a different week, but a special one and I always look forward to coming back to Madeira. It feels like home.
“I first played it in 2006 and I’ve always enjoyed it here and on Porto Santo. Santo da Serra is a great course and the views are spectacular. It’s quite tough, and especially so this year. The fairways and greens are very hard because there has not been much rain, so it is completely different from other times I’ve played it.”
The pair made it to the Mission Hills World Cup through the European Qualifier last summer, and Hugo added: “It was brilliant playing alongside so many huge names in golf. It’s one of my best experiences as a golfer.
“Ricardo and I have a very healthy rivalry, we always have had. We both want each other to play well and it’s great to see him on The European Tour this year. Of course it motivates me to do the same, and I’ll keep trying until I can’t try any more. It’s hard, but I’ll keep trying.
“Hopefully I will play one or two Challenge Tour events this year through invitations, and if I can do well in those then who knows?
“It’s great coming back to Madeira and hopefully the weather stays like this. The course looks in excellent shape but it will be tough as the greens are very firm. I’m looking forward to getting out there now.”
The Madeira Islands Open – Portugal has returned to Santo da Serra Golfe after three years on the tiny neighbouring island of Porto Santo. Scotsman Alastair Forsyth was the last player to win over the layout, in 2008, and is in the field again to contest the €675,000 purse.
