Golf Holidays, Golf breaks, green fees and tee times Online - Portugal & Spain

It starts today, 15th January, with the 1st Drive Tour Tournament / National Youth Championship, at Amendoeira Golf Resort.

The return of the Hyundai National Championship to the Aroeira Pines Classic in Almada is one of the novelties on the official 2022 calendar of the Portuguese Golf Federation (FPG), which kicks off next Saturday, January 15, with the 1st Drive Tour Tournament/National Youth Championship at Amendoeira Golf Resort in Silves.

It is an extensive competitive schedule, with 107 tournaments spread throughout the country, including the autonomous regions, not counting the Drive School events, which are more geared towards the promotion of the sport in schools, than to a "pure and hard" competition.

And if to the FPG events we add the Portugal Masters (still to be confirmed), at least three national professional tournaments organized by other entities and the new Portugal Tour (an international professional circuit in the Algarve), the total number of golf tournaments for top competition in Portugal in 2022 should approach 120.

The federative calendar can be divided into seven major sectors that cover players of all age groups: International Championships, National Championships, FPG Circuit, Mid-Amateur Circuit, Drive Tour/ National Youth Championships, Drive Challenge and Pitch & Putt.

There will also be an intense activity of national teams of all age groups, both amateur teams, as well as the recent project of the national team of professionals; and there will also be, increasingly, the participation of Portuguese players in international competitions, both in amateur circuits and in the main professional circuits.

"We will have, roughly, a calendar very similar to that of 2021, with the big difference that 2022 will be a World Championship year", underlined João Coutinho, the national technical director of the FPG.

In fact, the "World Amateur Team Championships" will be held in France, on the outskirts of Paris, on the Albatros golf course of Le Golf National and also on the Red Golf Course of Saint-Nom-La-Brèteche Golf.

The women's World Championship, the 29th edition of the Espírito Santo Trophy, will be held from August 24th to 27th, while the men's World Championship, the 32nd edition of the Eisenhower Trophy, will take place from August 31st to September 3rd.

Portuguese Open and Portugal Masters

The highlight of 2022 will be the Open de Portugal at Royal Óbidos, for the third consecutive year on that Óbidos Golf Course, designed by the late Seve Ballesteros. The only Portuguese tournament of the Challenge Tour, which always attracts the elite of the second European division of professional golf, is scheduled from September 15 to 18.

The Open de Portugal, an FPG tournament, could eventually become the most important Portuguese golf event in 2022 because the Portugal Masters has not yet been included in the 2022 calendar of the DP World Tour (the former European Tour).

There is, however, an unfilled vacancy on the DP World Tour calendar between October 20 and 23 and, it should be remembered, in 2021, the Portugal Masters was only definitively confirmed about two months before it was due to take place. The same may happen in 2022.

Portugal International Amateur Championships

Right at the beginning of the year, as usual, the 92nd Amateur International Championships of Portugal will inaugurate the calendar of the European Golf Association (EGA), at the Montado Hotel & Golf Resort, in Palmela.

The women's tournament runs from January 26 to 29 and the men's from February 9 to 12. Traditionally, many of the best European amateurs travel to Portugal for these two tournaments.

The importance of the Portugal International Amateur Championship for the best Portuguese amateurs, who can amass important world ranking points there - as has been seen in recent years, with the triumphs of Vítor Londot Lopes and Daniel da Costa Rodrigues, respectively in 2018 and 2019 - means that the FPG seeks to provide them with the best possible preparation.

FPG Circuit and other professional tournaments

In this sense, the 1st FPG Circuit Tournament has been scheduled for February 5 and 6, at Montado Golf Course, three days before the International Men's Amateur Championship of Portugal.

"This event will serve to prepare the field and the players for the International Amateur. The decision to make this tournament at Montado Golf Course followed this strategy", confirmed João Coutinho.

The FPG Circuit has always brought together the best amateurs playing in Portugal, but since 2021 it has raised a qualitative level by also integrating professional players. It has become the new jewel in the FPG calendar and the 2021 experience was extremely positive.

The North American publication TheStreet, highlighted in its digital edition the 30 best places in Europe to experience the best of nature and outdoor experiences. Portugal heads the top of the list, with Madeira in 1st position, Azores (5th) and the Algarve region in (12th position).

1. Madeira, Portugal

The Archipelago of Madeira is described as being known for its wine and mild climate all year round. The ideal destination for nature lovers who can enjoy rugged mountain walks, hiking, sailing, dolphin and whale watching, diving and beaches.

Madeira Island was re-elected this year Best Island Destination in the World 2021 and has two excellent golf courses, Palheiro Golf and Santo da Serra Golf Club, with 18 and 27 holes respectively, both offering stunning views.

The second largest island in the archipelago with a stunning golden beach was the location chosen by Severiano Balesteros to design one of his masterpieces, the Porto Santo golf course.

The Madeira Island Golf Open is a very popular tournament held annually at one of the three courses of the archipelago and is part of the European PGA Main Tour where many regional, national and international professional golfers are enrolled.

5. Azores, Portugal

This archipelago is described as being one that is known for its lake-filled calderas, dramatic landscapes, fishing villages, green pastures and blue hydrangea hedges.

Golf in the Azores is characteristic for its strong involvement with nature. Unique landscapes full of colorful flowers and a climate that allows you to play all year round in any of the three golf courses of the archipelago: Batalha Golf Course and Furnas Golf Course located on the main island of the Azores and Terceira Golf Club located in Ilha Terceira.

12. Algarve, Portugal

And finally Portugal's most southern region is described as being world renowned for its beaches and golf resorts. The western Atlantic coast and the rugged interior of the region are less developed. Nature lovers can enjoy bird watching, hiking, cycling and horse riding.

In the Algarve region, most of the golf courses can be found near Faro airport, in the areas of Quinta do Lago and Vilamoura. However, both in Sotavento and Barlavento there are magnificent golf courses to experience, designed by famous architects such as Jack Nicklaus a legendary figure in the world of golf. Some overlooking the ocean and others surrounded by nature and wildlife.

All this has contributed to the Algarve being considered the best region in the world for golf holidays.

https://www.thestreet.com/personal-finance/best-places-in-europe-to-experience-nature-2021#gid=ci0291c5cfe0002559&pid=12-algarve-portugal-sh

On the 1st February the new 300 meter long driving range will be opened. It has a series of greens at different distances, bunkers and a natural grass tee line capable of accommodating large groups as well as a small playing area with several pitch and putt holes, ideal for those who starting out in golf.

Book your golf holidays on Costa del Sol and come and experience!

The 3 Ugolf golf courses are fully operational and in very good condition, the new year has started well with good numbers in Murcia, with plenty of last minute bookings which will probably continue throughout the year.

Caleia Mar Menor Resort is and will continue to be fully operational, with plenty of bookings for the future.

However the Hotel Hacienda del Alamo and the residential flats still remain closed for now, but the hotel group says they are hoping to open the flats during March and then the Hotel around Easter, but nothing 100%, so enquiries are being confirmed from April currently.