Master and Apprentice: Fifty years ago, José Lourenço learned to play golf with Sir Henry Cotton. Today, at Penina, the PGA Pro is keeping the golf legend’s legacy alive
Renowned as the cradle of golf in the Algarve, the Penina Hotel & Golf Resort was the ultimate golfing destination for decades.
In the 1960s and 1970s, musicians, film stars, sportspeople, aristocrats and high-flying financiers flocked to the hotel to play on the fairways of its award-winning golf course designed by the illustrious Sir Henry Cotton.
Henry Cotton, José Lourenço and his wife, Robin Liddle and Henry’s wife Toots
The English golf legend, known for winning three Open Championships between 1934 and 1948 and for his hedonistic lifestyle, was also known for his hard work and perseverance, which he applied to his post-playing career as a Pro, author and course designer.
At Penina, which became his home, he established a landmark by designing a Championship course that is as stunning as challenging. Here, he also imparted his knowledge and teaching techniques to a very keen pupil, José Lourenço.
The young local boy who started at Penina as a caddy at just 14 caught Cotton’s attention and soon became his apprentice.
José remembers when Cotton first asked to see his swing: “I was so nervous that I went too fast and missed the ball. He asked me if the ball I had to hit was behind me. I said no. ‘So, why did you swing back so fast?’ he asked me. From that day on, I never rushed my swing again”.
Over the next two decades, Cotton taught Lourenço, sharing his techniques, tricks and anecdotes.
©Charlotte Cockayne/Open Media Group
The aspiring pro, who also worked in the golf shop then, dedicated himself to golf, practising whenever he had time and started teaching alongside Henry.
“One thing I learnt with Henry was to be humble. He taught me how to be a golfer, the etiquette and about the game,” says José proudly.
“He had a very simple and effective way of teaching”, using techniques José now applies to instruct his own pupils. He even kept the two practice tyres that Cotton took down to the Penina driving range 50 years ago.
During his time at Penina, famous players like Nick Faldo, Ken Brown, and Peter Alice came to learn with Henry.
Speaking of Peter Alice, José recalls, “He was a gentleman. He came to play the Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf match, and I was his caddy.”
Today, at 75, José Lourenço is an icon at Penina. The PGA Pro helps people get started in the game and keeps them improving, teaching beginners and champions alike.
He does this using the many diplomas he earned, but mostly everything he learnt with Cotton, perpetuating the golf legend’s legacy. His gentle approach, sprinkled with humour and unique anecdotes from his time with Henry Cotton, makes his lessons all the more enjoyable.
Like his master, José is an intuitive and patient teacher. He only needs to look at his pupil’s swing once to understand what needs to be corrected, improved or encouraged. He will find your weakness and astutely demonstrate the problem. Sometimes, just a simple tweak can make all the difference.
His first piece of advice for beginners?
“Don’t try to hit the ball; focus on a good swing, and the shot will follow naturally”. It’s all about the mechanics, positioning, grip, and swing.
“It’s like driving a car: at first, it’s difficult to think about everything you need to do, but with time, it becomes automatic. Basically, everyone’s problem is mental. You should never think you have to do a good shot. When you do, you become tense and act hastily. ‘Let the shot happen’, used to say Butch Harmon,” recalls José, who had the opportunity to spend time with the great golfer at a conference in Malaga.
There is no doubt teaching golf is José’s raison d’être. “One thing I like is meeting different people from different countries”, many of whom return to Penina year after year to have lessons with him.
“Every day, I wake up eager to meet them and learn about their problems. I don’t know everything,” admits José candidly, “but I am confident I can help everyone.”
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