Young golfer secures international invitation after record performance at Laguna Golf Course
– February 26, 2026
Diogo Rocha won the second GreatGolf Junior Open by Fundação Luís Figo, held over three days at the Laguna Golf Course in Vilamoura earlier this month.
The former two-time FPG Cup champion secured victory in the Portuguese international tournament, earning a spot in the Orlando International Amateur Junior competition. Nuno Palmares won the under-14 category, whilst Ricardo Castro Ferreira won the under-12 category. The best female player was South Korea’s Kim Doyeon, who finished 7th overall
The tournament brought together 53 young players from more than a dozen countries, including a group from South Korea currently training in the Algarve. Players also travelled from across Portugal, with Madeira represented.
As in last year’s edition – played at the Millennium Golf Course – only the winner finished under par.
Diogo Rocha, from Oporto Golf Club (Espinho), finished with an impressive 10 under par over three rounds, with a total of 206 strokes (73+66+67). It was his first time playing the Laguna Golf Course, which he said affected his start.
“To be honest, I came here straight from the Portuguese International Amateur Championship. I only managed to play eight holes, I didn’t know the course, and in the first round I played more conservatively, as I wasn’t used to the speed of the greens,” said Diogo Rocha.
He improved significantly over the following rounds and achieved his target score.
“My personal record in three days of competition was 9 under par, so -10 was a goal. I knew it was possible, and I’m very happy to have achieved it,” he added.
The victory also earned Rocha points for the world amateur ranking and an invitation, with registration and travel expenses covered, to compete next year in the Orlando International Amateur Junior tournament in the USA.
“It will be an incredible experience. I’ve never been to the USA, so it will be very special. I’m very happy to have this opportunity,” said the 18-year-old.
The GreatGolf Junior Open donated 20% of sponsorship revenue and 10% of registration fees to Fundação Luís Figo. The Portuguese football legend attended the opening day of the tournament, and foundation representative Sónia Madeira presented the prizes.
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