West Cliffs has been regarded as one of the best golf courses to open in Europe in recent times. Managed by Praia D’el Rey, one of the best resorts in Portugal and a Tagmarshal partner course, West Cliffs is a world-class facility that offers an eclectic and ever-growing range of services and activities in terms of accommodation, golf, food and beverage, and leisure.

We get to know Francisco Cadete who is the Director of Golf at West Cliffs and Praia D’el Rey. He shares why pace of play management is critical to the on-course experience and how Tagmarshal is helping to provide an exceptional experience.

1. Who was your golf hero growing up?

My first hero was Sir Nick Faldo, but then Tiger came up.

2. Has golf always been your first love? What other sports/team are you a fan of?

I only started playing golf at the age of 28. In Portugal, there are not many players, but at the time we knew all of them. I came into golf after I got married because it was a family sport.

My wife has never played and, of my three kids, just one of them plays golf. My favorite sport at the time was motor racing – I followed all kinds of races. I also enjoy running from time to time.

3. If you could be a caddie on Tour, whose caddie would you like to be and why?

Pedro Figueiredo, on the European tour. He’s Portuguese and I have known him since he was 12.

4. Who’s the Slowest / Fastest player on tour?

There are a lot of slow players on Tour. It’s not a pleasant sight to see pros take 4 to 5 hours playing in a two-ball. It’s not a great example to set for amateurs, young golfers and for the future growth of the game.

5. Where does Pace of Play rank as an industry priority? Top 3?

Pace of play is absolutely a top-3 industry priority.

6. Why has your course decided to invest in Pace of Play?

To have better control and understanding of what is happening on the course, better service and to be known as a course with a fast pace of play.

7. So far, what have been the top benefits about having Tagmarshal to manage the field, efficiencies and the pace of play?

Tagmarshal has given us the ability to have a line of sight and full control on the course. It allows us to know where the players are, when they finish etc. We can now provide an exceptional on-course experience to our members and guests.

8. How easy is it to manage/utilize our product?

Although some of the staff is used to working the old fashioned way, Tagmarshal has been easy to use and we’re still learning more about the great features it offers.

9. How responsive are Tagmarshal Customer Experience Agents to questions or concerns about our product?

Can’t be better!