Ricardo Santos makes history after double decade
Portuguese Ricardo Santos has made Portugal’s golfing tradition proud by being the second Portuguese player, since Daniel Silva, to be handed the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie award. The honour came after the 30-year old's stunning Madeira Islands Open win in
May.
It was on a clear Sunday morning at the Madeira Islands Open, Madeira, Portugal, that Santos managed to close at 63.
A series of spectacular strokes - he led the event’s first round down - culminated in Portugal’s first European Tour win in twenty years.
"It's been an amazing season and to end it winning the award is more than I could have dreamed of” said the visibly emotional Santos.
For the Faro native, who had turned professional in 2006, this win has significantly improved his money-list standings. In 2008’s rankings, he had been 50th. He also finished 90th in the season-end’s Race to Dubai listing.
Although Silva had, almost twenty years prior, graced Portuguese golf with the trophy, Santos considers his win has particular value, considering the former had been born and raised in France. To Santos, as to the nation too apparently, being homegrown has
great significance.
The Oceanico Victoria pro is well on his way to join giants Ian Poulter, Martin Kaymer and Maria Jose Olazabal who had been handed the trophy before him.
"When you look at some of the players who have won the award in the past,” said the beaming Vilamoura resident “It's a real privilege to see my name next to theirs on the trophy".
For Portuguese fans, the heart-stopping action that produced a home win was unmistakably some of the best golf they will see for a very long time. Santos gave homage to the memorable support he received.
“It was amazing to have the crowds here supporting me and it would be difficult to imagine a better win than this".
What does the world’s latest Rookie have in store for us in 2013? He seems optimistic, of course.
He hopes to repeat his performance here at next year’s European Tour. Then there is always that first Major, the most important event in an up and coming golfer’s career.
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