Portugal’s emerging sibling superstars – Ricardo and Hugo Santos – can expect an enthusiastic homecoming at the Portugal Masters from October 13-16 after their outstanding achievement in qualifying for the Omega Mission Hills World Cup last weekend.
The Santos brothers became the first Portuguese team to qualify for the Omega Mission Hills World Cup since 2008 and they will be the third pair of brothers to represent their nation in the World Cup this year, along with Colombia’s Camilo and Manuel Villegas and defending champions Edoardo and Francesco Molinari of Italy.
But before that, they will be reunited at the Oceânico Victoria Golf Course where they will join a strong field, including defending champion Richard Green, at the prestigious Portugal Masters.
Ricardo Santos said: “The Portugal Masters is the biggest event of the year for me. It is a big step for me and my brother to qualify for the Omega Mission Hills World Cup and it will be a huge boost for Portugal when we play in our home tournament together.
“Hopefully it can help Portugal produce more top class golfers in the next few years. “
Ricardo was in contention for the first three days of last year’s Portugal Masters and entered the final round tied for sixth, just five shots off Pablo Martin’s lead, but he could only finish tied for 48thafter a final round 77.
The in-form 28 year old, currently leading the European Challenge Tour Rankings and almost certain of a card in The European Tour next year, believes he can mount a serious challenge at the Oceânico Victoria Golf Course this time around.
“I think I can do much better this year, I am an improved player this year. It is also on my home course as well, so I will know the course really well. I practice there every day when I am home so that will definitely give me an advantage,” he added.
Ricardo admitted it would be a “dream come true” if he were to be battling it out with his 31 year old brother, who is Number One in the PGA of Portugal Order of Merit, on the final day of the Portugal Masters, before quickly adding: “As long as I win, of course!”
The Portugal Masters is tournament which has produced many memorable moments and distinguished champions, with Lee Westwood pinpointing his win there in 2009 as a pivotal moment in capturing the inaugural Race to Dubai crown and ascending to the Number One spot in the Official World Golf Ranking a year later.
The Arnold Palmer-designed par-72 Oceânico Victoria Golf Course was opened in 2004 and hosted the World Golf Championships – Algarve World Cup in Portugal a year later.
In 2007 it hosted the Portugal Masters for the first time, won by England’s Steve Webster, and since then Spaniard Alvaro Quiros, Westwood and Green have triumphed there.
