There’s a definite feel-good factor surrounding golf in Portugal at the moment.

The success of October’s Portugal Masters, the continued rise to prominence of home-grown players such as Pedro Figueiredo, José-Filipe Lima and Ricardo Santos and the fact that the golf courses in Portugal are among the best in the world, means Portugal’s standing in the sport is undoubtedly on the up.

In truth, Portugal has been a popular golfing destination for some time. The lure for golfers from countries such as England of escaping the harsh winters, enjoying a bit of sunshine in the Algarve and capitalising on any last-minute golf offers is strong.

The events of 2011, though, could widen Portugal’s golfing appeal even more. One of the most interesting sub-plots has been the way home-grown talent like the aforementioned trio have fared against some of the world’s elite players.

In July, Santos became only the second Portuguese player to win on the European Challenge Tour circuit and is now set to appear on the prestigious European Tour in 2012.

Figueiredo then hit the headlines in October on home soil in the Portugal Masters by finishing in the top 25 despite the fact he is still an amateur. It was Englishman Tom Lewis that claimed victory at Vilamoura’s Oceanico Victoria Golf Course.  

Lewis is billed as one of the most promising youngsters in the sport and that he clinched his maiden title at the Portugal Masters created plenty of positive media coverage for both the 20-year-old and for golf in Portugal in general.

The Portugal Masters has been staged annually since 2007 and is now regarded as one of the highest-profile tournaments on the European Tour circuit thanks to a total purse of €2,500,000. This year’s field included the likes of former Open champion Padraig Harrington, Martin Kaymer and Thomas Bjorn.

All eyes are now on what 2012 could have in store for Messrs Figueiredo, Lima and Santos, but for golf in Portugal as a whole the future is certainly bright.

Images from YourGolfTravel.com