Tony Collins: (PGA Professional)
I have been a qualified PGA Professional for 33 years. My interest in the Algarve began in 1976 when I was taken on a trip by a friend. I quickly realised that, as well as the obvious attributes of the climate and scenery, the biggest single asset was the people. Friendly, genuinely interested in visitors to their country and enormously helpful, this remains true to this day, some years later. I quickly established firm friendships amongst the people and resolved to bring friends from England to help build up the very small tourist business, centred around the one or two golf clubs in the area.

Over the years five of the Portuguese Assistant Professionals came to stay with me to learn the golfing trade in England and to improve their English. Each stayed for about six months and in that time became very proficient at dealing with all sections of the public. All of these Assistants have now qualified as Professionals and all except one operate in the Algarve. This has provided a very firm base for the smooth-running of my golfing trips. My large circle of Portuguese friends is always ready to help in whatever way necessary to enhance your holiday and they are not all from the golfing trade.