For not only did he secure his second European Tour title there 12 months ago, romping to victory on his Portugal Masters debut after averaging a birdie on every other hole over the first two rounds, but Levy also helped his native France win the European Amateur Team Championship when it was held at the Vilamoura venue four years ago.

So two trips to Oceânico Victoria GC have yielded a pair of victories – no wonder Levy talks of Arnold Palmer’s creation in glowing terms.

Another player who counts the course amongst his favourites is Martin Kaymer, who will be hoping to make as big an impact in his latest appearance in the €2 million tournament as he did in his first.

The Portugal Masters made its debut on The European Tour International Schedule in 2007 and Kaymer took no time in making himself comfortable, firing an opening round of 61 on his way to a tie for seventh in the same season he won the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year award.

The German has since gone on to great things, winning two Major Championships, climbing his way to World Number One and winning The Race to Dubai in 2010.

That tie for seventh eight years ago remains his highest finish in the Portugal Masters, but the 30 year old is confident of capitalising on his upturn in form in recent weeks.