Solid Showing for Portugal’s U18s

Competing beyond your home turf is never easy, especially in golf, where the margins are tight and the pressure relentless. But at the Spanish U18 Championship, two young Portuguese players showed precisely why they’re worth watching.

Inês Belchior and Francisca Ferreira da Costa finished 16th and 32nd respectively in a highly competitive international field. While neither cracked the top 10, their performances were composed, competitive, and, most importantly, full of promise.

This was more than just a result sheet. It was a statement of intent, and a reflection of how far Portugal’s junior golf scene has come.

Understanding the Championship

Held annually, the Spanish U18 Championship is one of the more prestigious youth golf events in continental Europe. Drawing top amateurs from across the region, it serves as both a benchmark and a stepping stone for players aiming to compete at elite levels.

For Portugal to have two female golfers performing credibly in this environment speaks volumes, not just about the individuals, but about the system behind them.

Inês Belchior – A Measured, Confident Finish

Finishing 16th in such a field is no small feat. Inês Belchior demonstrated consistency and mental resilience throughout the tournament. While her game is still evolving, this result shows a maturity well beyond her age.

She’s no stranger to domestic tournaments, but performing this well on international ground suggests she’s ready for a broader stage, and that Portugal has a potential leader for future women’s golf on its hands.

Francisca Ferreira da Costa – Building Experience, Gaining Ground

Francisca Ferreira da Costa finished 32nd, but her round-by-round play revealed flashes of strategic thinking and short-game finesse. More importantly, she held her own in a deep and talented field, something that speaks to potential, not just present form.

As with many junior players, experience counts just as much as results. And Ferreira da Costa is clearly gaining both.

Why This Matters for Portuguese Golf

These finishes may not grab headlines, but they underscore something crucial: Portugal is producing players who can compete, not just locally, but continentally.

It’s not just about raw talent. It’s about preparation, coaching, and structured competition, supported by organisations like the Portuguese Golf Federation (FPG) and development pathways such as the Aquapor Circuit.

Together, they’re creating an environment where golfers like Belchior and Ferreira da Costa can train seriously, travel confidently, and represent Portugal with pride.

Want to Follow in Their Footsteps?

You don’t need to be a national team player to enjoy Portugal’s golf scene. The courses that shape tomorrow’s talent are open to anyone with a set of clubs and a love for the game.

Explore Portugal’s top golf courses and experience the same fairways that help build Portugal’s rising stars.

Aquapor Circuit Rising Stars

There’s something stirring in Portuguese golf, beyond the ocean views and championship resorts. The second tournament of the Aquapor Golf Circuit Portugal, held in late February, offered a glimpse of the country’s emerging talent, with Martim Johansen and Amélia Gabin securing confident victories.

Their wins weren’t flukes. Both players showcased control, strategy, and mental toughness, qualities that speak to more than just natural ability. These are the kinds of performances that suggest Portugal’s competitive golf scene is evolving, maturing, and worth watching closely.

Backed by infrastructure giant Aquapor, this national circuit represents more than just a string of events. It’s part of a broader effort to elevate the domestic game, support up-and-coming talent, and position Portugal as a country not only known for world-class golf holidays, but for world-class golfers.

About the Aquapor Circuit

Launched with renewed backing in 2024, the Aquapor Golf Circuit is fast becoming the proving ground for Portugal’s elite amateurs and rising stars. Sponsored by Aquapor, a national leader in water infrastructure, the circuit reflects more than just competitive spirit, it represents a strategic investment in the sport’s future.

Tournaments like this aren’t just about podium finishes. They’re about providing consistent, high-level competition across Portugal’s best courses, helping players sharpen their game and test themselves against real pressure.

A Breakthrough Win for Martim Johansen

On the men’s side, Martim Johansen made a strong impression. With a steady front nine and an aggressive back half, he pulled ahead late to secure the win. His performance was marked by maturity and control, two qualities that suggest his game is developing in all the right ways.

Johansen is no stranger to national tournaments, but this victory could mark the beginning of a more consistent run at the top of the leaderboard. For followers of Portuguese golf, he’s a name worth watching.

Amélia Gabin’s Continued Rise

In the women’s competition, Amélia Gabin continued her impressive form with another commanding victory. Gabin’s calm presence and strategic approach to each hole set her apart from the field, confirming her reputation as one of the most promising young players on the national circuit.

With results like this, she’s not just building a personal record, she’s becoming a role model for the next wave of female players in Portugal.

Why This Matters

The Aquapor golf circuit in Portugal is more than a calendar of events. It’s a platform, one that gives young, ambitious players a structured path to compete, develop, and gain visibility.

For a country that already boasts some of Europe’s finest golf courses, nurturing homegrown talent ensures that Portugal isn’t just a place to play, it’s a place to compete.

Browse Portugal’s top golf courses and discover where the next generation of players is making their mark.