Tee Times

Stay & Play in Vilamoura: A New Era of Exclusive Golf Luxury

Posted on by

width=

Vilamoura has just set a new benchmark for golf tourism in Europe. The Victoria Golf Resort & Spa, managed by Accor, has officially launched an unprecedented Stay & Play package. This offer grants guests exclusive access to the private The Els Club Vilamoura and the legendary Old Course, merging world-class sport with premium hospitality.

Announced in January 2026, this partnership establishes the resort as the only hotel where guests can stay and play at The Els Club, marking a significant shift in the luxury golf segment.

The Stay & Play Experience: What’s Included?

Designed for discerning golfers who value privacy and quality, this exclusive offer requires a minimum three-night stay and includes:

  • One round at The Els Club Vilamoura: Access to the Algarve’s first truly private golf club.

  • One round at The Old Course: A journey through one of the most historic and prestigious layouts in Portugal.

  • Luxury Accommodations: Full access to the world-class amenities of the Victoria Golf Resort & Spa.

The Els Club Vilamoura: A European First

Officially opened by Ernie Els in July 2025, The Els Club Vilamoura is the first of its kind in Europe. The 18-hole championship course is a complete reinterpretation of the former Victoria Course, reflecting Ernie Els’ vision of combining traditional strategic demands with the stunning surrounding landscape.

The club’s international profile is further elevated by hosting the Portugal Invitational (Champions Tour) from July 31 to August 2, solidifying Vilamoura’s status as a premier global golf destination.

“Guests increasingly value highly exclusive experiences. This collaboration provides access to one of the most prestigious private clubs in Europe,” says Wael Soueid, General Manager of Victoria Golf Resort & Spa.

Unmatched Exclusivity and Membership Standards

As a private club, The Els Club Vilamoura maintains a “members-first” policy. To safeguard the exclusivity of the experience, only a limited number of tee times are made available to non-members staying at the Victoria Golf Resort & Spa.

Romeu Gonçalves, Director of Golf at The Els Club, emphasizes that this partnership aligns with the club’s philosophy: “This allows a very limited number of visiting golfers to enjoy the course while maintaining the high standards of service and exclusivity that characterize The Els Club internationally.”

Vilamoura: A Year-Round Lifestyle Destination

Beyond the fairways, Victoria Golf Resort & Spa offers a comprehensive luxury lifestyle. The resort features:

  • 260 Rooms and Suites: Elegant designs for short or extended stays.

  • Refined Dining: Three restaurants and four bars.

  • Wellness & Leisure: A world-class spa, four outdoor pools, tennis courts, and a dedicated Kids Club.

Located just minutes from the award-winning Vilamoura Marina, golden beaches, and the historic charm of Loulé, the resort is the perfect base for both passionate golfers and leisure seekers alike.

Mid-Amateur & Senior Circuit 2026 Opens with Competitive Golf at Amendoeira

Posted on by

width=
The opening tournament of the 2026 Mid-Amateur & Senior Circuit took place this weekend on the O’Connor Jr. Course at Amendoeira Golf Resort, one of Portugal’s most popular golf resorts. The event demonstrated once again why the Algarve is such a popular destination for competitive golf and golf holidays year-round.

Marta Lampreia (Quinta do Peru) dominated the women’s event, which had 19 players. She had a good final round of 77 strokes (+5) to claim both the Mid-Amateur and Senior titles.

Lampreia finished 12 strokes clear of Madalena Costa Macedo (Belas), capping a superb one-two finish in both categories. Their achievements demonstrated the excellent quality of amateur golf currently prevalent in Portugal.

Pedro Sá Lima (Vale Pisão) won the Mid-Amateur Gross championship with a score of 143 strokes (-1) against 69 competitors in the men’s field. He narrowly defeated Bruno Rosendo (Aroeira), who came second with 144 strokes (par).

Scott Blackshear (Palmares) won the Senior category with a score of 154 (+10) strokes. José Melão Silveira (Royal Óbidos) finished second, just one stroke behind.

Events like this help to strengthen the Algarve’s position as a top destination for golf holidays in Portugal, with outstanding courses, professional-level conditions, and a climate that allows golf to be played all year. Resorts like Amendoeira Golf Resort combine great layouts with first-rate facilities, making them popular for both competitions and leisure golf holidays.

The Mid-Amateur & Senior Circuit resumes with its next competition on February 7-8 at Quinta do Peru Golf & Country Club, another well-known destination for golfers considering vacations in Portugal.

Pedro Figueiredo Wins the Pinhal Open and Opens the PT Tour 2026 in Style

Posted on by

Pedro Figueiredo claimed victory at the Pinhal Open, the first tournament of the PT Tour 2026, held at the Pinhal Golf Course in Vilamoura. The Portuguese golfer started the final round in the lead and maintained his position throughout the day, finishing the tournament with a total score of 209 strokes (-7).

In the third and final round, Figueiredo posted an impressive 68 (-4), highlighted by five birdies and just one bogey, which came on the final hole. His consistent performance across the three rounds, 73, 68, and 68, proved decisive and secured him the title in the opening event of the new PT Tour season.

Despite strong pressure from the chasing pack, Figueiredo showed great control and confidence to hold off the competition. Pedro Lencart Silva finished in second place with a total of 212 strokes (-4). He recorded the best round of the final day, a 67 (-5), but was unable to close the gap to the leader.

Portuguese golfers made a strong impression throughout the tournament, with several players finishing inside the top 10. Ricardo Santos secured 8th place with a score of 217 (+1), while Tomás Melo Gouveia tied for 10th place at 219 (+3).

Other notable performances came from Ricardo Melo Gouveia, Alexandre Abreu, João Crasi Alves, Tomás Bessa, and Hugo Santos, underlining the depth and quality of professional golf talent in Portugal. The Pinhal Open once again confirmed Vilamoura as an important stage for competitive golf.

What’s Next on the PT Tour 2026?

 

The PT Tour 2026 continues quickly, with the second event, the Millennium Open, starting just three days later. The tournament will take place from January 10 to 12 at the Millennium Golf Course in Vilamoura, offering players another challenging test early in the season.

The season will conclude with the Optilink Tour Championship, scheduled for March 6 to 8 at PGA Aroeira No. 2, near Lisbon. As the final event of the PT Tour 2026, it will bring together the top players of the season to compete for the overall title. Known for its demanding layout and high competition standards, PGA Aroeira No. 2 provides an ideal setting for a dramatic season finale, testing consistency, strategy, and performance under pressure. Its location close to Lisbon also reinforces the region’s growing importance as a leading destination for professional golf in Portugal.