Preface:

Golf Rio Real, I have fond memories of this course. And this is not due to a well-played round, to be honest I humiliatingly accumulated a total of 138 shots a year ago, the reason is that it’s such a beautiful place. Directly situated next to the sea, the super manicured fairways and greens nestling between trees with more than 40 years of age. The calmness that radiate the trees transmits to the entire club, there is an air of stability, and reliability. Today I am going to play with Haiko and my coach Raquel is going to be with us. Rio Real is made for Haiko, because long tee shots are mostly required.

Hole 1

The first Hole is an easy hole to warm up. Par 4 and only 312 meters. To reach the first tee of the day you first have to cross the Rio Real (Royal River), the namesake of the club. This "river" will accompany the first holes, sometimes joyfully and sometimes annoyingly. Set up your first drive towards the trees on the fairway and with your next shot you can easily reach the green. Haiko has the honor and shows me what to expect from him today. His tee shot lands only 20 meters from the green. I’m not going to be intimidated, my drive is also impressive, but not quite as far. With still a good 60 meters to the pin, I opt for my sandwedge. Although well hit, the pitching wedge would have been the better choice because my ball lands 5 meters short of the green. With his second Haiko pitches directly to the flag, I shoot a little beyond the target. Haiko starts the round with a birdie, and I finish the hole with a bogey.