JERSEY golfer Adam Dalton is on the hunt for his best year yet, starting his season in Portugal for the EDGA Tour with the Algarve Classic and Portugal Swing events on 12-17 January.
Dalton impressed to place fifth overall in the Nett Strokeplay event of the Portugal Swing, showing great hope for the future after rallying from 16th in the prior competition.
The Jerseyman shared how he prepared for the Portugal Swing, saying: “It’s all about getting out there whenever I can, either on the driving range or refamiliarising myself with the game on the course.
“Personally, I don’t like putting too much pressure on myself. Of course you want to win, but at the end of the day I want to have fun and enjoy myself – these competitions are fun. I don’t over-train, I just do what I can without getting too worried or stressed.”
The Algarve Classic
First on the agenda was the Algarve Classic, which stood as the EDGA Tour’s first event of 2026. There was a sense of the Caesarean playing himself back into the game early on – after taking a well-deserved month’s break following the 2025 season’s conclusion – but Dalton went on to play some good golf.
Unfortunately, a few too many blow-up holes on the opening day saw him fall behind to 23rd, with a score of +10. The second round saw Dalton pull himself back a bit, but ultimately not as much as he’d have liked, as he finished at 16th place with a score of +15.
The Portugal Swing
Following that opening act of his year, Dalton would have certainly been keen to better his result in the subsequent Portugal Swing, competing in the Nett Strokeplay class.
It wasn’t going to be easy however, as torrential rain and poor weather conditions threw a huge obstacle in the competitors’ way.
Although Dalton got off to a fast start, conditions became so severe that officials were forced to suspend play, meaning that the fate of the tournament would all be decided on the final day.
Spectators at Gramacho Golf Club were treated to some excellent golf from the Islander, as he blazed his way to a fifth place finish after achieving a score of +1, marking a significant step-up from his prior performance.
The Jerseyman evaluated his overall performance, saying: “I have to say my drive is definitely what I’m best at, but I really did well with my putting and short game – which is probably the worst part of my game– so it’s great to see improvement there.
“Overall, I’m really happy with how I played. I probably could have done better, but there’s no point getting all worked up and frustrated about it. I think I’ve made a strong start to my year here, there’s both positives and negatives to take from Portugal and I’m keen to move forward.”
The supportive and friendly environment of the EDGA Tour seemed to help make Adam’s experience a positive one, as he added: “EDGA Tour events are always so fun to play. I think the fact that everyone’s so friendly and supportive, always encouraging and congratulating each other in the clubhouse instead of being at each other’s throats, just helps make it more enjoyable and relaxed.”
Aspirations for 2026
Dalton’s hopes and aspirations go well beyond the green, as he has fully embraced his role as an inspirational figure in the community. Living by the motto “no hands, no limits”, Dalton uses social media to hopefully encourage and inspire others through his endeavours to pursue their goals, whatever they may be.
Looking ahead, 2026 looks like it could shape up to be a big one, as Dalton continued: “Last year was my busiest and best year yet, so I’d love to build on that. I want to get in more competitions and play as much as I can, while getting myself back into the top-10 world rankings and seeing how far I can go.
“Sarah (Arora), my Manager at Golf Links, has been such a huge help, she really came in like an angel at just the right time last year. To have that hope and belief really does add something, and she’s already done so much for us.
“I improved a lot in the last year, so I definitely want to keep that going. You can’t really quantify it, as it’s really down to how much time I put into it, so the sky’s the limit really.
“Playing at the FedEx Open last year in the G4D tour was a huge highlight, so I’d love to get myself back into the top-10 and get myself in those types of events. To be amongst some of the world’s top players on the putting green and around the facility was just surreal.”
Dalton’s Manager, Arora, added: “Adam is a real joy to work with, not only is he a special talent but he is an incredibly inspiring young man who is a fantastic Ambassador for Jersey and the game of golf. We are just at the start of an incredible journey and I can’t wait to see Adam’s progress.”
At this point in his career, Adam Dalton is ready to make the step up – but sponsorship is “crucial”. If you’re interested in sponsoring and supporting Dalton while he ascends through the sport’s highest peaks, then please get in touch with Sarah Arora at Golf Links through either email, sarah@golflinks.pro, or call 07700 347189.
