Villas&Golfe International Cup 2022

This year, the weather conditions showed signs of abating and, after months of planning and dedication, everything was ready for the beginning of another special edition of the Villas&Golfe International Cup. It was nine o’clock on the dot when the start teed off, in what is the oldest golf club on the Iberian Peninsula. Many of the players were already prepared for the adversities of the course, but for those who didn’t know them... it might have been more difficult.

The history of the Oporto Golf Club gives it the title of the second oldest course in Europe, having been created in 1890 by a group of British players. It opened with a total of nine holes and a par of 43, and was built between native grass, greens and sand. By 1934, the full 18-hole course had been unveiled. Over the years, the greens, fairways and roughs have also been improved and a driving range and clubhouse have been built. The edges have all been polished and, currently, there are 4500 verdant metres developing over 18 holes on a par of 71 course with very encouraging green fees. 

A long-awaited morning at Oporto Golf Club

On October 15, 88 players gathered to face a course with more than 120 years of history. And, although in a minority, the women participants proved that golf does not care about gender. Always firm and united, the female golfers kept, until the end, the uncertainty of the success in the match. The men, on the other hand, were at times reserved, when taking their shot, at others playful, when it was time to take a break to appease their stomachs. But one thing was certain, when it was time to play, the focus could be seen on the face of each of them. There was a harmonious atmosphere, but the competition created the tension that is required for a successful round of golf. Questions were loudly asked, inside each person’s head. With «could I have done better?» and «is luck on my side?», contrasting with the serenity of that long-awaited morning at Oporto Golf Club. All that could be heard were the leaves of the trees dancing in the wind, accompanied by the scent of the sea air and the sharp sound of the club getting the better of it. 

The sky threatened to open up until the last moment, laden with dark clouds and contributing to a scenario that spurred on the adrenaline and the degree of difficulty. It was a demanding morning and, therefore, V&G was joined by pleasant flavours, including dry cured ham from Solar dos Nunes, Acushla olive oil, Chá Camélia teas and Vidago Villa wine, ensuring players kept their energy levels up. Decisões e Soluções also made a charming tournament feasible, marking the beginning of the event with the majestic entrance of the team, together with its luxury emblems, DS Auto, DS Travel and DS Private. The premium nature of the Villas&Golfe International Cup was also owed to the presence of well-known personalities from politics, such as Luís Montenegro and Fernando Teixeira dos Santos, and from the business world, such as Paulo Abrantes and Manuel Violas, among others.

A sport that promotes companionableness and creates relationships for life

Between shots, frustration and elation, the competition came to an end, and it was time for the golfers to rest and enjoy what was waiting for them: a buffet lunch, with traditional Portuguese dishes and desserts that sweeten the heart. The dining room was packed in quantity and emotion. The guesses as to who the eventual winners would be were many. Laughter filled the moments of silence and there was special feeling about this gathering. There were no assigned seats. Strangers were soon no longer strangers, because from the moment they sat down at the table, the subject matter was mastered by all. Golf isn’t just a competition, it’s a sport that promotes companionableness and creates relationships for life. And indeed, V&G, over several years of hosting tournaments, has proudly created an inclusive and talented family.

While the coffees were being sipped and desserts finished, groups of people began to gather in the garden by the dining room. With anticipation, there were many who tried to count the multiple prizes on display. Those who didn’t dare gather in the outdoor area, looked through the windows at the quantity of parcels, trying to guess what was inside. «Wine, so much wine!», could be heard in the room. Emotions began to grow and everyone realised that the most awaited time of the day had arrived: the prize giving ceremony. In a mix of nervousness and joy, the stars of the Villas&Golfe International Cup 2022 were announced. The overall winner of the tournament was João Batista, coming first in Net event, with 44 points. «The secret was the good playing partners,» explained the winner, adding that the tournament had been very well organised. Tomás Anderson Guimarães followed, coming 2nd in the Net, with 40 points. And then came Diogo Alves Santos, taking 3rd place in the Net competion, thanks to a score of 38 points. Praise also went to César Campos, who proved capable of coming 1st in the Gross event, with 33 points. «This is the second time I have wone the Gross,» enthusiastically revealed the golfer. 2nd place belonged to António Pinheiro de Almeida, with 27 points, while Rui Martins took 3rd, with 27 points. In the Nearest to the Pin, Ladies category, the prize went to Carolina Jesus, while the men’s prize went to Joaquim Leite. The prize in the category of men’s Longest Drive went to Abílio Gonçalves, winner of the last edition. The female winner was Celeste Duarte. Thinking of those who also gave a lot of themselves to the game, several draws were held to reward the effort revealed on the field. The rewards ranged from sunglasses, accommodation, wines, suitcases, olive oils, collections of clothes, etc. Few were those who did not have luck on their side, and even they went home with their hearts full of affection and the certainty that, next year, the invitation remains firm.

The overall winner of the tournament was João Batista

We could already say that this was the summary of a special day in the course of 21 years of Villas&Golfe, but that’s not all. Paulo Martins, the founder and CEO of PM Media, left a message to his partners, with the promise that expectations will increase next year: «We are thinking of doing a more developed golf tournament. Maybe, instead of a one day tournament, a championship with a gala dinner, more of a lifestyle event, more Villas&Golfe».
So, see you soon, dear golfers. And get ready for what’s coming.