Martim Pinto Johansen Shines at GreatGolf Junior Open

Portugal’s rising golf star, Martim Pinto Johansen, has started 2024 in style! The 14-year-old national champion claimed victory at the first-ever GreatGolf Junior Open by Fundação Luís Figo, held at Millennium Golf Course in Vilamoura. His excellent performance earned him the title and an exclusive invitation to compete at the Orlando International Amateur Junior in the United States.

With a two-round total of 138 strokes (-6), Martim was the only player to finish under par, showcasing his dominance with rounds of 71 and 67. Playing on his home turf as a Clube de Golfe de Vilamoura member, he secured the win by an impressive 13-stroke margin over Rodrigo Marques Santos.

This isn’t Martim’s first taste of international success. In 2023, he won the Amundi Evian Juniors Cup in France and finished runner-up at the Amendoeira World Kids Golf. Now, he’s heading to the United States for the first time—a dream come true. “I’ve always wanted to go to the US, but not just to visit—I wanted to play there and enjoy the experience,” said an excited Martim.

The tournament featured 41 young talents from 14 different national backgrounds, with exciting performances across multiple categories. Ethan Prybys Orton (Vila Sol) took the U-14 title, shooting +11 over two rounds. At the same time, Ricardo Castro Ferreira (Clube de Golf do Estoril) dominated the U-12 division, proving once again why he’s considered nearly unbeatable in Portugal.

Among the girls, Amélia Gabin was the standout player, finishing an impressive 5th overall and outperforming some of the top-ranked juniors in Portugal.

Beyond the competition, the tournament had a charitable impact, donating a percentage of sponsorship and entry fees to the Fundação Luís Figo, supporting young athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Tee Times Golf Agency was proud to be a tournament partner with the Federacao Portuguesa de Golf, Vilamoura Golf, Millenium Vilamoura, Titleist, Cosmos Sports Travel, Orlando Juniors, Norgolf, and Weasy. Other major players supporting the event as sponsors include Almas, Caetano Baviera, Cigala, PG Hotels & Resorts, RentAcceso, and Wyndham Residences Alvor Beach.

With an unforgettable start to the year, Martim and the other junior stars have set the tone for an exciting season ahead. Congratulations to all the GreatGolf Junior Open players!

More information: https://greatgolf.weasy.io/

Photos by: Daryl Gabin.

The GreatGolf 2025 Junior Open: Where the Future of Golf Begins

Golf’s rising stars are heading to Vilamoura for the GreatGolf 2025 Junior Open, set to take place on March 2nd & 3rd at the stunning Millennium Golf CourseGolf’s rising stars are heading to Vilamoura for the GreatGolf 2025 Junior Open, set to take place on March 2nd and 3rd at the stunning Millennium Golf Course. This tournament, organised by the Luís Figo Foundation, brings together talented young golfers in the Under 12, Under 14, Under 16, and Under 18 categories, giving them a chance to showcase their skills in a competitive but supportive environment.

For years, Vilamoura Golf has played a key role in shaping the next generation of golfers, providing top-class facilities and supporting Clube de Golfe de Vilamoura, a club known for producing some of Portugal’s brightest talents. The Millennium Golf Course, with its mix of open fairways and tricky tree-lined holes, will put young players to the test while offering an unforgettable experience on one of Vilamoura’s most popular courses.

The GreatGolf 2025 Junior Open: Key Supporters

This event wouldn’t be possible without the backing of some of golf’s biggest supporters. Tee Times Golf Agency is proud to be one of the tournament sponsors. Founded by Carlos Ferreira, Tee Times has been helping golfers book top courses in Portugal and Spain for over 30 years, and their commitment to the sport extends beyond tourism—they actively support the growth of junior golf.

The tournament partners are the Federacao Portuguesa de Golf, Vilamoura Golf, Millenium Vilamoura, Titleist, Cosmos Sports Travel, Orlando Juniors, Norgolf and Weasy. Other major players supporting the event as sponsors include Almas, Caetano Baviera, Cigala, PG Hotels & Resorts, RentAcceso and Wyndham Residences Alvor Beach, and the Luís Figo Foundation, which has been working for years to create opportunities for young athletes through sports and education initiatives.

With a world-class venue, an exciting group of young golfers, and the support of leading golf organisations, the GreatGolf 2025 Junior Open is set to be an unforgettable tournament. Whether you’re a player, a fan, or love seeing the future of golf in action, this is one event you won’t want to miss!

More information: https://greatgolf.weasy.io/

Montebelo Carlsberg Golf Tournament – Highlights & Key Performances

A Competitive Day on the Greens

The Montebelo Carlsberg Golf Tournament is a standout event in Portugal’s thriving golf scene, drawing skilled players and passionate enthusiasts to the stunning Montebelo Golf course.

Portugal golf continues to captivate players from around the world, and this prestigious tournament is a testament to the country’s reputation as a premier golfing destination. The third round of its 21st edition took place on the scenic Caramulo course, with over 50 competitors battling it out under favorable playing conditions. The sun was shining, and as the day progressed, many golfers found themselves comfortable enough to finish their rounds in short sleeves.


Montebelo Golf Course with a stunning view of Serra do Caramulo

A Challenging Yet Rewarding Round    

The course presented its fair share of challenges, and the scores reflected the test it posed to competitors. A significant number of participants—29 in total—surpassed the 100-stroke mark, demonstrating the course’s complexity and the strategic precision required to navigate it effectively. 

Despite the demanding conditions, Adelino Ferreira emerged as the net winner with an impressive 68 strokes. Close behind, Romeu Coutinho posted a 69, followed by João Navega with 70 strokes. Other notable performances included José Marques and Esmeraldo Bento (71), Carlos Miranda and Jorge Sousa (72), Álvaro Tavares (73), and Jacinto Pinto, Álvaro Marreco, and Teresa Cabral (74). 

Podium Standings by Category   

The tournament recognized outstanding performances across multiple categories: 

  • 1st Category: Adelino Ferreira, Romeu Coutinho, João Navega 
  • 2nd Category: Esmeraldo Bento, Álvaro Tavares, Álvaro Marreco 
  • Ladies: Teresa Cabral, Helena Coelho, Augusta Lopes 
  • Juniors: Francisco Gouveia, Joel Pereira, Pedro Abreu 

Romeu Coutinho’s 78 strokes secured him the gross victory by a significant margin, while Carlos Miranda completed the course in 85 strokes, João Navega in 87, and both António Cunha and Jorge Sousa in 88. 

Impressive Shots & Standout Moments     

A few remarkable shots stood out during the tournament. Adelino Ferreira and Idalina Cardoso showcased their power with the longest drives on hole 5, while Gonçalo Andrade demonstrated pinpoint accuracy with the closest-to-the-pin shot on hole 12. 

Overall Standings After Three Rounds    

Following this third round, the overall podium standings for the tournament are as follows: 

  • 1st Category: Agostinho Lopes and Carlos Tinoco (73), Miguel Costa (72) 
  • 2nd Category: Esmeraldo Bento (92), Gonçalo Andrade (78), A. Marreco (76) 
  • Ladies: Augusta Lopes (92), Gay Adamson and Teresa Cabral (86) 
  • Juniors: Francisco Gouveia (105), Joel Pereira (60), Pedro Abreu (54) 

A Testament to Golf in Portugal

The Montebelo Carlsberg Tournament continues to highlight why Portugal is a premier golf destination. With its stunning courses, mild climate, and high level of competition, events like this showcase the passion and skill of the country’s golfing community. Many players and visitors choose to stay at the Montebelo Viseu Congress Hotel, which offers top-notch amenities and convenient access to the course, ensuring a comfortable and luxurious golfing experience. Whether you’re a seasoned player or an enthusiast looking for the next great tournament, Portugal golf offers some of the finest experiences in Europe.