Manuel’s journey into golf began as a teenager in Portugal, sparked by a high school romance. The girl worked at a local course, and Manuel soon found himself spending every free moment there. Eventually invited to join the club’s team, he met Colin Smith, a former PGA pro from Scotland who became his mentor, best friend, and later, the best man at his wedding. That early bond cemented his view of golf not just as a sport, but as a way of life—rooted in community, connection, and purpose.
He went on to study Golf Management at Kingston University and Merrist Wood College in England, where he became a certified PGA professional. Immersed in all aspects of the game—from course operations to late-night restaurant shifts—Manuel embraced the rigorous standards of British golf culture, learning to lead with both passion and professionalism.
Over the past decade, Manuel has held leadership roles at some of Portugal’s most exclusive clubs. But with a growing family—including Matilda (7), Duarte (4), and a third child on the way—he began looking for more than a job. “At this stage in my life and career, I wanted to be part of something special,” he shares. “A place that offers an extraordinary lifestyle—for me and for my family.”
