Golf fans in the Azores watched a Spanish talent shine on the first day of the 42nd Open Pro-Am. Thomas Artigas, hailing from Alicante, took the lead at the Terceira Island Golf Club (CGIT) course. The day was extra special for Artigas, as he celebrated his 24th birthday while topping the leaderboard.
Artigas delivered an impressive performance, finishing his first round with 68 strokes, four shots under par. He noted that hitting solid putts was tough due to heavy rains in the days leading up to the tournament. “I played very well from tee to green,” he shared, “and managed to sink some putts, which wasn’t easy at all because of all the water that fell. I’m happy with how I handled it.” This bad weather actually forced the cancellation of the Pro-Am and the first scheduled day of play, pushing the professional tournament to begin on Saturday. Artigas is no stranger to success, having been a Spanish national champion in pitch & putt before starring at the University of New Orleans and turning pro just last season.
This year’s Open marks a significant step for the CGIT, with president Paulo Quadros pushing to bring international players to the event for the first time. The tournament is a key part of the national professional circuit, the Timestamp Golf Tour. It holds the title of the circuit’s oldest event and is approved by both the Portuguese Golf Federation and PGA Portugal. As the fourth stop on the tour this year, following events in Viseu, Espinho, and Troia, it offers a prize pool of 12,000 euros, making it the second-richest tournament after the National Championship’s 20,000 euro prize.
Chasing Artigas by just one stroke is Portuguese golfer Ricardo Garcia, a pro at Oporto Golf Club. Garcia, who always remembers his Azorean heritage, feels a strong pull to perform well here. “I’d like to win because I’m playing at home,” he stated after his 69-stroke, three-under-par opening round. “This club has always supported me throughout my life. Now it’s about having fun and trying to get a great result tomorrow.” This tournament holds special meaning for Garcia, nicknamed ‘Ricky,’ as it was exactly one year ago, at this same event, that he made his debut as a professional.
Local talent is certainly making its mark. Ricardo Garcia was once one of Terceira’s best amateur players, and Francisco Matos from São Miguel is currently in third place with a solid 70 strokes, two under par. The field of 25 participants also features past champions and returning veterans. Pedro Lencart, the 2024 winner and a two-time national champion, sits in sixth place, finishing at an even par of 72 strokes.
Several notable Portuguese golfers are using this Azorean event as a return to the greens. VÃtor Lopes, considered one of the country’s top players this decade, hadn’t competed in any official tournaments between the 2024 (where he was runner-up) and 2025 editions of this specific event. He’s currently tied for seventh place at one over par with Pedro Almeida. Nuno Campino, a former national team coach, is also back after not playing since 2023. Campino has deep roots in the Azores, having won on Terceira three times and claiming the national professional championship in Furnas, São Miguel, back in 2006. Now a golf coach and TV commentator, Campino is in 17th place, eight over par, alongside Pedro Silva. Henrique Paulino, the national champion from 2003, made a welcome return too after many years away from official competition. He finished his first round in a respectable tenth place, four over par, tied with Azorean André Medeiros.