Oceanico Golf proud of top rookie Ricardo

Oceânico Golf is delighted to announced that its official brand ambassador, Ricardo Santos has become the first ever Portuguese golfer to be voted the recipient of the European Tour’s  Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year award.

This momentous accolade sees the 30 year-old, who has honed his game at Oceânico Golf’s seven magnificent facilities since his junior days, etch his name alongside an elite group of past winners, including Sir Nick Faldo, Tony Jacklin, Ian Poulter, Martin Kaymer and Matteo Manassero.

Having earned his full European Tour card at the end of 2011, following a stellar season on the Challenge Tour it was clear that Santos had all the credentials to rise right to the very top of the professional game.

This talent was quickly recognised back in May when he produced a scintillating final round of 62 to capture an emotional maiden victory at the Madeira Islands Open. In doing so he also became the first ever Portuguese player to win a European Tour event in his home country.

Chris Stilwell, CEO of Oceânico Golf, who has witnessed at first-hand the rapid rise of Santos in the professional ranks commented, “Ricardo is a true gentleman and we are absolutely thrilled that his hard work, dedication and natural talent has led to this momentous accolade.

“He has been a magnificent ambassador for Oceânico Golf, and having honed his game from an early age at our world-renowned golf resorts, has undoubtedly become a figurehead for the development of golf at grass-roots level in Portugal.”

Clearly overjoyed on receipt of the trophy Santos remarked, “It’s an honour to become the first Portuguese player to win the Rookie of the Year award. When you look at some of the players who have won the award in the past, it’s a real privilege to see my name alongside theirs on the trophy.

“To capture my maiden victory in my home country and then to round the season off by winning this award is more than I could ever have dreamed of.”

“The team at Oceânico Golf, in particular has played an instrumental role in me standing here today at the culmination of what has been a truly amazing season. Their unwavering support and free reign to use the incredible facilities that are so popular with golfers from across Europe, has given me tremendous belief and confidence to fulfil what I hope to be the first chapter of my career.”

Oceânico Golf, with its seven championship courses, first-class practice facilities and renowned Portuguese hospitality and service is widely-considered the Algarve’s premier golfing proposition.

Spearheaded by Vilamoura´s famous five – Oceânico Victoria (host of the Portugal Masters since 2007), Oceânico Old Course, Oceânico Pinhal, Oceânico Laguna and Oceânico Millennium the brand has forged a reputation for true golfing excellence and diversity.

It’s newest Amendoeira Golf Resort, which open in 2008 to critical acclaim, features 36-holes of golf designed by icons of the game, Sir Nick Faldo and Christy O’Connor Jnr.