Tee Times

Greater Madrid Golf Tour – Heritage and Sport

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The Greater Madrid World Heritage Golf Tour is more than a tournament, it’s a celebration of Spain’s cultural richness, golfing heritage, and regional pride. Returning in 2025 with new momentum, the circuit brings together amateur players, municipal leaders, and golf lovers for a series of events that highlight the unique character of Madrid’s most iconic UNESCO cities.

Three World Heritage destinations, San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Alcalá de Henares, and Aranjuez, form the backdrop for this tour, blending competitive spirit with cultural immersion. Whether it’s teeing off near a royal monastery or walking fairways once roamed by Spanish literary giants, each stage of the tour offers far more than just a scorecard.

By combining golf with architectural grandeur, historic venues, and a sense of shared identity, the tour is steadily positioning Madrid as one of Europe’s most unique golf regions. And in a country already famous for its coastal resorts, this inland cultural circuit offers something refreshingly different for players and fans alike.

Golf Meets Heritage in Madrid

The 2025 edition brings together four standout venues:

Each venue offers a distinct experience, blending challenging course design with the charm and grandeur of its host city. Players will tee it up in July, October, and November, with more than 350 amateur golfers expected to participate across the four stages.

What Makes This Tour Special?

Organised by the Asociación de Campos de Golf de Madrid, in partnership with local municipalities and the Comunidad de Madrid, the tour seeks to promote golf as both a sport and a driver of cultural tourism. Each stop includes welcome gifts, breakfast, mid-round picnics, and award ceremonies, with the final round offering an upgraded hospitality package and prize presentation event.

The format includes three competition categories per event, with winners and runners-up from each progressing to the Grand Final. With a format designed to be competitive but inclusive, the tour opens its fairways to a wide range of amateur players.

A Model for Golf Tourism in Spain

With participation from local officials, tourism boards, and key figures in Spanish golf, the Greater Madrid World Heritage Golf Tour is more than a series of events, it’s a model for how regional golf can thrive. By showcasing how heritage sites and golf can coexist, it offers a fresh take on what a Spanish golf trip can be.

Looking ahead, this could become a blueprint for similar initiatives across Europe, where culture and fairways share the spotlight, and the game expands its reach into unexpected but unforgettable settings.

Portugal Shines at ESGA 2025: Vice-Champions in Super Seniors Net

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Portugal’s journey at the ESGA 2025 (European Senior Golf Association) Super Seniors & Masters Team Championship in Denmark ended with pride, passion, and remarkable achievements. Representing the Associação Nacional Sénior de Golfe de Portugal (ANSGP), the Portuguese teams delivered an impressive performance that left a lasting mark on the European senior golf scene.

From July 14 to 17, the competition was played on three golf courses: Lyngbygaard Golf Club, Stensballegaard Golf Club and Mollerup Golf Club.

The spotlight was firmly on the ESGA Super Seniors Team Cup (Net), where Portugal secured a prestigious second place, finishing just three points behind the host nation, Denmark. This runner-up position crowns one of the best collective performances by the Portuguese in ESGA history, marked by unity, resilience, and competitive spirit across all three days.

Standout performances came from the duo Joaquim Pires and Anastácio Mendes, who scored 43 and 45 points on the first two days of the pairs format. The final round was also filled with emotion, as Valdemar Carvalho celebrated his 80th birthday—an unforgettable moment commemorated with a heartfelt rendition of “Happy Birthday” on the tee box by his teammates.

In the ESGA Super Seniors Team Championship (Gross), Portugal achieved its best-ever result: a commendable 13th place. The entire squad performed consistently well, with all three pairs posting identical scores on the first day. José Cruz and José Cândido de Oliveira showed steady form on Days 2 and 3, contributing to a strong overall team effort.

ESGA 2025: high-level golf

The Portuguese contingent in the ESGA Masters Team Trophy also impressed, finishing in 10th place. The pair of José Melo Cabral and Agostinho Lucas stood out in the early rounds, showcasing great form and focus.

Across all three competitions, the Portuguese teams displayed high-level golf, sportsmanship, and a strong team spirit—qualities that elevated the name of ANSGP and Portugal throughout the event.

With 2026 challenges set in Italy, Finland, and Croatia, the road ahead begins now. Participation in upcoming ANSGP tournaments will determine who carries the Portuguese flag in next year’s ESGA European Championships. The bar has been set high, and the passion to represent Portugal remains stronger than ever.

The Remarkable History of Golf in the Algarve

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The history of golf in the Algarve true begining occurred in 1966, when architect Sir Henry Cotton opened the first traditional grass course, The Penina.Golf’s journey from Scotland to the sun-drenched fairways of the Algarve is a remarkable tale of cultural expansion, innovation, and timeless appeal. Though the game began with feather-stuffed balls and windswept dunes, it found fertile ground in Portugal during the early 20th century, capturing the hearts of players with its elegance and challenge.

The Algarve’s introduction to golf dates back to the 1920s, inspired by the sport’s growing popularity across the British Empire. The region’s first course, between Portimão and Praia da Rocha, was rudimentary—its greens made from sand and oil due to a lack of freshwater. However, the true transformation occurred in 1966, when legendary golfer and architect Sir Henry Cotton opened the first traditional grass course, The Penina, now called the Sir Henry Championship Course. Spanning 360 acres and featuring tree-lined fairways, lakes, and a five-star resort, the Penina set the standard for what Algarve golf would become.

Sir Henry’s vision ignited a golf revolution. Architects from around the world flocked to the region, drawn by its mild climate and stunning landscapes. The Algarve quickly became a top destination for golf tourism, especially in the cooler months. The Portuguese Open cemented the area’s reputation, attracting elite players and international attention.

Tee Times and the History of Golf in the Algarve

For over 30 years, Tee Times Golf Agency has played a pivotal role in this story. Based in Portugal, we have become synonymous with excellence in golf tourism, offering curated packages that combine world-class golf with the region’s rich culture, cuisine, and hospitality. From the iconic Penina to the finest courses across Vilamoura, Quinta do Lago, and Monte Rei, Tee Times connects golf lovers with the best Portugal has to offer.

Whether you’re chasing birdies under blue skies or soaking in the rich history of golf in the Algarve, the region delivers a truly unforgettable experience. With Tee Times by your side for the best golf holidays, your next break is more than a trip—it’s part of a legacy.