Tee Times

35th Vilamoura Grand Trophy of Golf

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35th Vilamoura Grand Trophy of Golf
The 35th Vilamoura Grand Trophy of Golf is an esteemed annual amateur tournament held in southern Portugal. It was held during the first week of December, and it is considered a major golf tournament in the Algarve. The event includes three rounds on distinct worldly-famous courses: the Victoria Course, the Old Course, and the Pinhal Golf Course.

Currently overseen by the Arrow Global Portugal Group, which recently acquired the Vilamoura fields and hotel units Dom Pedro, the competition has numerous entities extending their support, including Solverde, Vista Alegre, D. Pedro Vilamoura, Hotel Hilton, and Hotel Vila Galé, among others.

As the last competition to be held on the Victoria course, this tournament has historical significance. This distinguished course has hosted some of Portugal’s most well-known international competitions, such as the Portugal Masters, which held its final edition in 2022, and the World Cup in 2005.

In its 35th year, the tournament attracted 300 competitors from 15 nations (including partners and companions; the number goes to 350). The weather during the event was flawless, with clear skies, mild temperatures (around 20 degrees), abundant sunshine, barely any wind, and consistently great temperatures. As the event ended, it felt like a summer day.

For some from colder climates—like the Nordic nations, UK, Ireland, and Germany—where snow and ice cover the ground in winter, playing golf in the Algarve under the bright sun allowed them to soak in the sun daily.

Per Nilsson, a Swede, earned the 35th Vilamoura Grand Trophy.

A successful event, without incident, was made possible by the reliably good weather throughout the competition, the quality of Vilamoura Golf Courses, and the competition organisation, the latter two of which you can attest to as well. Grab your chance here at Tee Times Golf Agency and enjoy a trophy-worthy golf holiday in Vilamoura. Soak up the year-round sun and the prime golf courses of the Algarve with us!

via Valdemar Afonso

Estepona Golf’s Hole 8 Renovation and Partnership

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Estepona Golf Hole 8 Renovation

Estepona Golf’s Hole 8 Renovation and Partnership 
Located on Spain’s beautiful Costa del Sol, the widely recognised Estepona Golf Course is undergoing a period of transformation that started with the extensive restoration of hole 8, marking the first step towards a successful venture.

This renovation project includes extensive earthmoving, a refined reshaping of the landscape, the implementation of an advanced drainage system, and an upgraded irrigation system. It is being carried out by GTM Golf, a well-known Spanish company with experience in building and renovating golf courses throughout Europe. The path has also been properly seeded with a layer of 10 centimetres of sand and a full layer of Bermuda Latitude36 grass.

Referring to current environmental measures in golf course management, such as cutting water usage, recycling materials, and utilising renewable resources, modifications like these provide a modern perspective on golf sustainability. 

The next step in the transformation is a planned overhaul of the course’s primary and secondary irrigation systems.

The Globalia Group has added Estepona Golf to its holdings, continuing a major initiative begun by Juan José Hidalgo, president of the group and the original visionary behind Air Europa, marking it as their entrance into golf in Spain. 

A large hotel, tourist apartments, a man-made lake with a beach, residential sections, and a sports zone with indoor and outdoor facilities are all part of this massive development. Notable features of the project include housing for a film crew and spacious recording facilities to accommodate the production of television series. 

In April of this year, Hidalgo spoke with Andalucía Golf about his thoughts on the acquisition, saying, “Twenty-two years ago, I acquired the renowned Herencia Nadal land, spanning a million and a half square metres, with the vision to develop a grand project. Golf wasn’t initially on the agenda, but a substantial sports area was. Estepona Golf seamlessly fits into our vision due to its adjacency, making it an ideal addition to the project. It’s a meticulously prepared course that resonates well with players, prompting many to return.”

At Tee Times Golf Agency, we understand the importance of offering golfers the opportunity to elevate their golf experience with modern courses while enjoying a golf holiday. Costa del Sol is part of this plan, and we invite you to explore the rejuvenated Estepona Golf and book your golf holiday in Spain with Tee Times Golf Agency. Discover the finest golf courses in Costa del Sol and embark on a golfing adventure that’s both rewarding and unforgettable.

Portugal’s Christmas Wonders

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Golfing Santa

Portugal’s Christmas Wonders: From North to South, a Festive Escape

Experience the enchanting holiday spirit of Portugal, where Christmas festivities unfold against the backdrop of historic charm and scenic beauty. From the captivating allure of Porto. To the magical transformation of Lisbon, and Algarve’s sunny  golf holiday. Each region offers a unique blend of cultural richness and festive delights. Join us on a journey through a varied range of attractions, medieval escapes, and world-class golf courses, as Portugal welcomes you to a holiday season filled with warmth, tradition, and joyful celebration.

Porto’s Christmas Enchantment

The celebrations enhance the already breathtaking beauty of Portugal’s northern regions. Porto and its surroundings transform into a unique Christmas destination for your golf holiday cheer because of its historical and cultural treasures and picturesque landscapes featuring green fields.

Even though it will be cooler than other popular national destinations like Lisbon or the Algarve, the region “compensates” by offering a diverse cultural program that excites the festivities.

Not only can you play a round of golf, but the North also offers many family-friendly attractions. Visit places such as the Christmas Perlim Village in Santa Maria da Feira (just 30 minutes outside Porto) or Braga’s Nativity Live Scene of Priscos. Outside of golf, the 40-old-modern tradition Bananeiro of Braga, that unites a bar hopping experience, bananas and muscat wine, and the Christmas Market at WOW in Vila Nova de Gaia are must-sees for tourists seeking more adult entertainment.

Porto

Center’s Traditional Holiday Charm

In the heart of Portugal, the Center region, where history and tradition meet, you may experience the allure of medieval Portugal. For those in need of a getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life, the mountains provide the ideal setting with their distinctive ambience and a wide variety of landscapes, flavours, and cultures.

Among the best activities to experience during the Festivities is to visit the Serra da Estrela. The country’s sole ski resort makes it an attractive Christmas destination, providing a picturesque setting for traditions that illustrate the unique personality of Portugal’s heritage. Penamacor, and Piódão villages outside of frequently visited destinations, that capture the enchantment of the period with beautiful decorations and the continuation of centuries-old traditions like Penamacor’s Wood Burning.

Lisbon Christmas

Lisbon Festive Transformation 

The holiday season in Lisbon is a captivating experience that blends the city’s rich history, festive charm, and modern vibrancy. As December unfolds, Lisbon transforms into a magical wonderland with its historic districts adorned with twinkling lights and ornate decorations. The city’s iconic squares, like Rossio and Praça do Comércio, come alive with towering Christmas trees, creating a picturesque setting for joyful gatherings. Visitors can explore traditional Christmas markets, where the air is filled with the enticing aromas of seasonal treats and the sounds of lively street performances.

Lisbon’s culinary scene takes centre stage during the holidays, offering a delightful fusion of traditional Portuguese flavours and festive specialities. From enjoying Fado concerts that evoke the soul of the city. To partaking in riverside celebrations and spending the holiday season in Lisbon promises a unique blend of cultural immersion, culinary delights, and the warmth of Portuguese hospitality against the backdrop of this captivating metropolis. 

Golfing Santa

Algarve’s Christmas Sun 
 

Spending the Christmas season in the Algarve offers a delightful blend of festive traditions and outdoor activities, including the opportunity to enjoy a round of golf. 

For those who love golf, the Algarve is famous for its world-class golf courses set in beautiful scenery. Take advantage of the mild winter months, to scratch world-class golf courses off the bucket list. Imagine playing a round of golf under the sun, in the middle of December. After a morning on the golf course, you will still be able to unwind at a seaside restaurant and enjoy a local seafood meal. In the afternoon take a stroll in Historic towns like Lagos, Silves and Faro where you will find, illuminated coastal promenades,  decorated streets and perhaps a Christmas parade or concert. You can also visit even more traditional towns like Silves or Castro Marim where you will find Algarve´s biggest nativity scenes. 

Moto Santa

Madeira Loves Christmas

Christmas on Madeira Island has a certain charm that sets it apart from other holidays. The island customs are closely associated with the “Feast Day” in every way. The phrases “for the feast,” “the pork for the feast,” “the feast month,” and “after the feast” are commonly used by Madeira natives to allude to the day set aside for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. This season is rich with customs that draw on the island’s culture and folklore, illuminating the “historical” side of the Madeiran spirit. These customs continue to this day, enduring the test of time! 

Experience the Noite do Mercado, Missa do Galo, and take in the numerous nativity scenes carved out of rock beds while visiting Madeira during the holiday season.  Fruit liquors and the Madeira Honey Cake are only two of the many holiday season specialities available in Madeira.    

The moderate climate in Madeira during Christmas makes it possible to engage in outdoor activities like playing golf at one of the island’s golf courses or going on one of the many nature walks.  Spending a Christmas in Madeira is an experience like no other.   

 

 

Book your golf holidays in Portugal with Tee Times Golf Agency and enjoy best of every destination.