WHEREVER’s Taryn King caught up with Ricardo Melo Gouveia, one of the highest-ranked Portuguese golfers in history who has represented Portugal at the Olympics and currently plays on The DP World Tour.
When did your love for golf start and how did you make a career from it?
I was first introduced to the sport of golf by my dad at the young age of six growing up in the Algarve. Our family home was located in the grounds of Laranjal, one of the prestigious Quinta do Lago’s three championship golf courses. When I started competing at the age of nine, that was when the love for the game really kicked in and I knew I wanted to make a career from it. I moved to the United States to play golf during college and represented the University of Central Florida before turning pro and joining the European Tour.
Golfer who has inspired you the most?
Tiger Woods.
What has been the highlight of your golf career?
One of the highlights of my career was finishing No.1 on the 2015 Challenge Tour Rankings, winning twice that year and earning my DP World Tour card. Another highlight was representing Portugal in the Olympic Men’s Golf Competition in Rio in 2016, golf’s first Olympics inclusion since 1904.
Life motto?
Just do it.
Sustainability is crucial, particularly in a sport like golf which works so closely with the natural environment.
What challenges have you experienced as a professional golfer?
As a professional golfer, my life is spent mostly on tour and it’s not easy being away from home so often and feeling like I’m missing out on important family milestones. Dealing with bad results and the constant pressure to perform is also extremely challenging.
What are your three favourite golf courses in Portugal?
Quinta do Lago, Laranjal
Herdade do Pinheirinho
Troia
What are your thoughts on sustainability and how does golf as a sport contribute towards its implementation?
Sustainability is crucial, particularly in a sport like golf which works so closely with the natural environment. There is a certain responsibility on us, as golfers, to ensure that future generations are able to enjoy the game. The DP World Tour does a great job of taking care of our environment through many small actions which have a huge collective impact. One of these is by eliminating the use of plastic bottles in all tournaments.
What is the most challenging course you’ve ever played?
Le Golf National, in France, is the most complex course I’ve ever played at and is the venue set to host the Paris Olympics 2024.
Who is in your dream fourball?
Roger Federer, Tiger Woods and Rory Mcilroy
Where is the most exotic location that your golf career has taken you to?
I would have to say Mauritius.
My favourite place for a golf holiday is my favourite place in the world – Quinta do Lago in the Algarve.
Favourite place for a golf holiday?
My favourite place for a golf holiday is my favourite place in the world – Quinta do Lago in the Algarve. The courses and facilities are world class and the hospitality is unmatched.
Words of wisdom for aspiring young golfers?
I would advise any young golfer who wants to go pro to dream big and to never stop believing in yourself. It takes hard and consistent work behind doors and strong motivation to never give up to get to those dreams.
