Ricardo Santos excited to play again at the Madeira Islands Open

Ricardo Santos returns to the venue of his maiden European Tour title at this week’s Madeira Islands Open.

The 2011 Challenge Tour graduate became the first Portuguese player to win on home soil three years ago with a four shot victory over Sweden’s Magnus Carlsson, a result that helped Santos secure the Rookie of the Year award that season.

Although the 32-year-old only registered one top-ten finish last season and hasn’t finished higher than tied-32nd in his first five tournaments this year, Santos heads to Madeira confident of a strong performance.

"Madeira is the kind of tournament I like and enjoy every season, so I hope I will enjoy this year’s tournament as much as I did in 2012," the word No 629 said. "If I play like I have played in the last few weeks and hole a few putts I think I have quite a good chance.

Madeira is the kind of tournament I like and enjoy every season, so I hope I will enjoy this year’s tournament as much as I did in 2012.

"I just have to keep my game at this level now and of course you have to wait for the scores to come. I feel good now, and more confident than I did at the end of last season and that’s the most important thing."

Better weather

England’s Daniel Brooks won last year's weather-affected tournament via a play-off, after thick fog across all four days left the event reduced to 36 holes as some players were still completing their first round on the Sunday.

Although rain is forecast during this week's event, Santos hopes the mountain-top venue gets better weather this time around.

"It was a shame last year that we only got to play two rounds, the weather was really bad for most of the week. I hope it is better this year.

"Santo da Serra is the kind of course that suits my game. It’s not a long course and it has small greens so it fits my eye."

Brooks beat Scotland’s Scott Henry on the first extra hole 12 months ago, with last year's runner-up returning to the Santo da Serra GC this week looking to build on two top-40 finishes in South Africa.

Two-time European Tour winners Bradley Dredge and Alastair Forsyth both head to the €600,000 event looking for a second Madeira Islands Open title, with former Ryder Cup player Jarmo Sandelin set to feature for the first time this season.

Big-hitting Irishman Kevin Phelan arrives at Madeira after earning a career-best finish at last month's Joburg Open, while Indian Open runner-up S.S.P Chawrasia and Seve Ballesteros' son Javier will also be involved.

“I played well in Joburg and played well in parts in East London so it’s been good," Phelan said. "I saw my coach there for a few days last week too so I’m trying to kick on this week and have a good one.

“My game is good in the wind, I have a lot of practice in it obviously so I’m well used to it at this stage. 

“Michael (Hoey) won this tournament a few years ago alright, although it was a different course, so I’ll do my best to make it another Irish winner here.”

Respect

Players, caddies and officials will pay tribute to Iain McGregor at this week's tournament, 10 months after the 52-year-old died on the course during last year's event.

Zimbabwean McGregor was working for Scotland's Alastair Forsyth when he collapsed on the ninth fairway on the  and suffered a fatal heart-attack during the final round.

Black ribbons will be worn by players and caddies this week and a minute's silence will take place at noon on Sunday to mark McGregor's passing.