Portugal Masters Provides Great Success for Oceanico

In its 5th Anniversary year, The Portugal Masters once again proved to be a resounding success as it became the scene of one of the most memorable European Tour events in recent years. Regarded as the hottest young prospect in the game, Tom Lewis ensured that the attention of the golfing media was firmly focused on the stunning Oceânico Victoria Golf Course, as he put on a fabulous display of golf beyond his years to capture his maiden title in just his third start as a professional. Having been granted an invite into the event by tournament hosts, Oceânico the 20 year-old made the most of the opportunity as he wowed the galleries, shooting a final round of 65 to claim the €416,660 winner’s cheque and in one foul swoop secure his future on the European Tour with a two-year exemption.

The Oceânico Victoria Golf Course has fast built a reputation for being one of the most popular stops on the European Tour and this year was no exception, as record galleries of over 40,000 flooded through the gates to watch the strongest field in the Portugal Masters history compete over the testing Arnold Palmer layout.

Clearly overjoyed with yet another successful staging of the Portugal Masters, Gerry Fagan, CEO of the Oceânico Group commented, “We could not be happier with Tom's win, to put on such a spectacular performance after being granted an invite is testament to both him as a person and his outstanding talent.

With record galleries once again in attendance, 122 media accreditations issued on site and television coverage broadcast around the globe, the tournament continues to go from strength-to-strength and is a crucial driver of tourism in Portugal. I would also like to praise the hard work and co-ordination from Turismo de Portugal, The European Tour and the entire Oceânico team whose combined efforts have been crucial in staging a magnificent event as well as continuing the growth of the game in Portugal.”

Lewis himself was understandably overjoyed with his victory and took time to praise the galleries and host venue, "From start to finish I had lots of people walking round giving me great support, the crowds on the Sunday generated a great atmosphere. The Oceânico Victoria course was in superb condition and the hospitality I was shown was second to none.”

Adrian Mitchell of IMG, who manages Lewis, was certainly appreciative of the support he received from the Oceânico Group in securing an invite for the talented young Englishman, "There is often a story behind a young player's first win and this was no exception. We had pushed hard for Tom to be included in the Portugal Masters line-up and enlisted as many of our partners and contacts as we could, including the Oceânico Group and Tullow Oil, to campaign for an invitation for Tom from The European Tour, which they kindly granted.

The result is now written in the history books and we're delighted that everyone's efforts have paid off.”

This year’s Portugal Masters also marked the continued emergence of home-grown talent, with newly appointed Oceânico Brand Ambassador, Ricardo Santos taking his place in the field having recently secured his 2012 European Tour playing privileges following a stunning season on Challenge Tour. Following in his footsteps, young amateur Pedro Figueiredo also made a name for himself putting in a truly impressive performance to make the cut and finish in 23rd position.