Vidago Golf Club: A Remarkable Story of Passion and Persistence in Northern Portugal

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In northern Portugal, just a few minutes from Chaves and the Spanish border, Vidago Golf Club stands as one of the most inspiring stories in Portuguese golf. With a history spanning 57 years, the club is much more than a place to play. It is a symbol of resilience, community spirit and a deep love for the game.

Founded on 13 September 1969, the club originally had its home at the historic Vidago Palace Golf Course, a landmark venue that first opened in 1936. But when the famous course was redesigned and expanded from nine to eighteen holes in 2010, the costs associated with playing there became too high for many local members. Most were ordinary working people with modest financial resources, but they were determined not to lose access to the sport they loved.

Rather than give up, they chose another path. Under the leadership of club president António Manuel Carvalho Rodrigues, they purchased land in Camba, near Vidago. At the beginning, the site was little more than overgrown ground and a small ruin. Step by step, through volunteer effort, borrowed machinery and extraordinary determination, the members cleared the land and began shaping their own course.

First came four holes, then six, and eventually a full nine-hole layout. The small ruin was transformed into a warm and welcoming stone clubhouse. Officially inaugurated on 13 September 2009, the course is a par 71, with separate tees for each loop and additional tees prepared for Pitch & Putt competitions.

Set among mountains, green landscapes and traditional villages, the course offers a peaceful and distinctive setting. It also remains committed to accessibility, making golf available to people from different social backgrounds.

Today, Vidago Golf Club hosts monthly tournaments, interclub matches and events that attract players from different parts of Portugal, including Lisbon, as well as many golfers from nearby Spain. The club also continues to welcome younger players who are discovering the game there.

Behind this project are key figures such as vice-president Júlio Teixeira and director Rafael Martins, whose dedication has helped sustain the club’s growth. Vidago Golf Club is proof that with commitment, passion and collective effort, even the most ambitious dreams can become reality.

Text adapted from the post: Valdemar Afonso – Golfe: Clube G. de Vidago – um exemplo… | Facebook

Porto Golf Destination Strengthens International Strategy in 2026

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Porto Golf Destination, the association dedicated to promoting the North of Portugal as a golf destination, is reinforcing its international strategy in 2026 through participation in two major European golf fairs: GolfTage München 2026, held from 6 to 8 February in Munich, Germany, and the Holland Golf Show, taking place on 20 and 21 March in Houten, the Netherlands.

These events are part of the association’s annual international promotion plan, aimed at increasing awareness of Porto and the North of Portugal among tour operators and golf enthusiasts. Porto Golf Destination brings together five leading golf courses and four partner hotels, creating a strong and integrated offer for travellers seeking quality golf experiences in the region.

The choice of Germany and the Netherlands is a strategic one. Both countries are among the strongest golf markets in Europe. Germany has around 695,000 registered golfers, while the Netherlands has more than 446,000, making them two important source markets with strong potential for golf tourism.

According to Manuel Francisco de Miguel, President of Porto Golf Destination, these two countries play a key role in the future growth of the region. Their large golfing communities and growing interest in authentic, less crowded destinations make them especially attractive for promotion.

The association includes five notable golf courses in the North of Portugal: Axis Golfe Ponte de Lima, Estela Golf Club, Golfe de Amarante, Oporto Golf Club, and Vidago Palace Golf Course. This golf offer is complemented by four partner hotels: Axis Ponte de Lima Golf Resort Hotel, Hotel Solverde Spa & Wellness Center, Tivoli Estela Golf & Lodges Porto, and Vidago Palace Hotel.

Together, they create a complete travel experience that goes beyond the fairways. Visitors can combine golf with regional gastronomy, wine, culture and heritage, adding depth and character to their stay.

By taking part in GolfTage München and the Holland Golf Show, Porto Golf Destination aims to strengthen the visibility of Northern Portugal in two valuable European markets. With its year-round appeal and diverse tourism offer, the region continues to build its reputation as an emerging and distinctive golf destination in Europe.

Salgado and Pereira Triumph at AQUAPOR Circuit Event in Quinta do Peru

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The latest chapter in Portugal golf unfolded at Quinta do Peru Golf & Country Club, where the 2nd Tournament of the Circuito AQUAPOR 2026 concluded with strong performances and tightly contested finishes.

Francisca Salgado, representing Vale de Janelas Golf Course, confirmed her lead from the opening round to secure victory in the women’s competition. After posting an impressive 76 (+4) on day one, she entered the final round with a narrow advantage. Despite a more challenging second round of 80 (+8), Salgado maintained her composure and finished with a total score that proved just enough to hold onto first place.

The final standings remained close until the end. Luciana Reis, from Arquitectos Golf Club, delivered the best round of the day with 74 (+2), finishing second overall with a total of 157 (+13). Francisca Ferreira da Costa, representing Oporto Golf Club, was also in contention after the first round but could not close the gap in the decisive stage.

In the men’s competition, João Miguel Pereira from Aroeira Golf Resort controlled the tournament with confidence. Starting the final round with a two stroke lead, he managed the pressure effectively and matched the course par to secure victory. His total of 139 (-5) placed him ahead of Diogo Rocha, who finished second with 141 (-3) after also returning a level par round.

The event once again highlighted the consistency and growing depth within Portugal golf, with players demonstrating both technical skill and competitive maturity.

Tournaments like the AQUAPOR Circuit continue to strengthen the national calendar while also attracting attention from golfers looking to combine competition with leisure. For many international visitors, following events like this can add an extra dimension to a golf holiday in Portugal, offering the chance to experience the country’s courses not only as a player, but also as a spectator of its evolving competitive scene.

The next stop on the circuit is scheduled for May 16 and 17 at the historic Vidago Palace Golf Course, where players will once again compete in one of Portugal’s most distinctive settings.