Amendoeira World Luxury Travel Award

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The Amendoeira Golf Resort has once again brought international recognition to the Algarve, being named “Regional Winner – Golf Course” at the World Luxury Travel Awards 2025. The ceremony, held on 25 October, marked the second time the resort has earned this prestigious honour, confirming its reputation for quality, innovation, and world-class golf experiences.

The award was received by the resort’s owner, Eng. António José Parreira Afonso, and João Fernandes, the General Manager and former President of the Algarve Tourism Board. Together, they represent a vision of growth that blends hospitality, sport, and sustainability, values that have positioned Amendoeira as a leader in golf and tourism.

Located in Alcantarilha, within the Silves municipality, Amendoeira Golf Resort offers two acclaimed 18-hole courses, the Faldo Course, designed by Sir Nick Faldo, and the O’Connor Jnr. Course, as well as a floodlit 9-hole Academy Course, tennis and padel courts, football facilities, and premium accommodation in apartments and villas.

Since being acquired by the Rolear Group in 2023, the resort has continued to expand its global profile. Under the leadership of Parreira Afonso and João Fernandes, Amendoeira has pursued an ambitious strategy focused on quality, sustainability, and the long-term development of golf tourism in the Algarve.

Their work is already paying off. The resort not only hosts major professional and amateur tournaments but also organises the World Kids Golf by Amendoeira Golf Resort, a flagship junior event that attracts players aged 7 to 18 from across Europe. The tournament has become a key platform for young golfers and is recognised as one of the most important junior competitions in Europe. The 2026 edition is expected to double participation, further strengthening the resort’s global visibility.

This recognition by the World Luxury Travel Awards underlines Amendoeira’s role in elevating Portugal’s standing as one of the world’s leading golf destinations. Beyond its award-winning facilities, the resort continues to prioritise sustainable operations, from course maintenance and water management to energy efficiency and environmental preservation.

Speaking after the award, Eng. António José Parreira Afonso expressed his pride:

“This distinction reflects the dedication of our entire team, who work every day to create memorable experiences for our guests and players.”

João Fernandes added,

“Our ambition is to be recognised not only for the beauty of our courses but for the consistency between service, maintenance, and sustainability.”

Amendoeira’s renewed success comes as part of a broader year of triumphs for Portugal at the World Travel Awards 2025, where the Algarve reaffirmed its place as Europe’s premier golf and luxury destination. Among other winners were Pine Cliffs Resort Residence, Hotel Quinta do Lago, Vila Vita Parc, and Conrad Algarve, each showcasing the region’s continued excellence in hospitality and leisure.

From its championship courses to its innovative junior events, Amendoeira Golf Resort stands as a model for the future of golf tourism in Portugal, a destination where sport, sustainability, and hospitality come together in perfect balance.

Rolex Grand Final 2025 at Club de Golf Alcanada

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One of the biggest events on Mallorca’s golfing calendar is almost here: the Rolex Grand Final 2025, taking place at Club de Golf Alcanada from October 30 to November 2.

This will be the fifth time Alcanada hosts the prestigious season-ending event, the climax of the Road to Mallorca, where the top 45 players from the year’s rankings will compete for DP World Tour cards and championship glory.

Known for its spectacular views of the Mediterranean and its challenging layout, Alcanada is already deep into course preparations to ensure it meets the highest professional standards. The club aims to present a layout that is both demanding and beautifully maintained, showcasing the very best of Mallorca’s golf culture.

Grounds crews are focusing on every detail to make sure the course is in top shape for the world’s best players. Their maintenance plan includes:

  • Firm, fast greens ready for championship conditions

  • Uniform rough with three distinct cutting heights (30 mm, 64 mm, and 90 mm)

  • Perfectly level tees and refreshed bunkers with renewed sand

  • Improved visibility around key holes through selective pruning and landscaping

The process has already begun, as achieving the ideal rough height and turf consistency takes several weeks of careful preparation. Players and visitors are being asked to help maintain course quality by keeping buggies off the fairways wherever possible.

Regular maintenance, including topdressing and moisture control, is being carried out on tees and greens to guarantee optimal firmness and playability when the tournament begins.

As the countdown continues, the excitement around the island is growing. With world-class golf, scenic views, and a course known for precision and challenge, the Rolex Grand Final 2025 promises another unforgettable week in Mallorca.

Golf fans interested in experiencing the atmosphere firsthand can plan their stay through our Mallorca Golf Courses page and enjoy championship golf on one of Spain’s most stunning islands.

Ricardo Garcia First Professional Title

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Ricardo Garcia achieved a career milestone by winning his first professional title on home soil at the 42nd Terceira Island Open Pro-Am, held at the Clube de Golfe da Ilha Terceira in the Azores. The emotional victory came in front of family and friends and marked an important moment in Portugal’s national golf circuit.

The Terceira Island Open Pro-Am is the oldest event on the Timestamp Golf Tour, sanctioned by both the Portuguese Golf Federation (FPG) and the PGA Portugal. The tournament offered €12,000 in prize money, the second-highest purse of the season, following only the €20,000 awarded at the National Professional Championship.

Representing the Oporto Golf Club, Garcia produced the best round of his professional career with a stunning 64 (–8) in the final round, finishing on 133 (–11) to secure victory and a €2,400 prize. His performance was flawless, with no bogeys over the closing 18 holes, earning him the title and applause from his local supporters.

Garcia, who turned professional exactly a year ago at the same event, started the final day in second place after an opening 69 (–3), one shot behind Spain’s Thomas Artigas (–4). However, Artigas struggled on the second day with a 73 (+1), including two costly bogeys on the final holes, and slipped to fourth place at –3, earning €960.

The runner-up position was shared by Vasco Alves and Francisco Costa Matos, who both finished at 140 (–4) and took home €1,380 each. Defending champion Pedro Lencart and former winner Hugo Santos tied for fifth on 144 (Par), earning €810 each.

Among the amateurs, Paulo Barcelos from Terceira was the standout performer, finishing seventh with a 145 (+1) total.

“Winning at home, surrounded by the people who saw me grow up since I started playing at eight years old, is something truly special,” said Garcia, who as an amateur was runner-up in the FPG/BPI Cup and a national club champion with Oporto Golf Club.

His –11 finish was the best in the tournament since Tiago Cruz’s –13 victory in 2016. Garcia also became the fourth different winner on the 2025 Timestamp Golf Tour, joining Tomas Melo Gouveia (Montebelo Golf Classic), Daniel da Costa Rodrigues (Solverde Players Championship), and Tomás Bessa (National Professional Championship).

The next event on the Portuguese professional circuit will be the Lisbon Masters, held at Lisbon Sports Club (Sintra) from 23 to 25 October, with €10,000 in prize money on offer.