Tee Times

Golf, Growth & Great Times: Swinging into New Connections at AGTC in Vietnam

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We’re back from the 11th edition of the Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) in Da Nang, Vietnam, and once again, the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) did not disappoint. From April 2nd to 4th, our CEO & Founder, Carlos Ferreira, and our Director of Sales & Marketing, Jorge Diogo, represented Tee Times Golf Holidays at one of the most important gatherings in the golf tourism world.

AGTC isn’t just about business—it’s about reconnecting with old friends, meeting new partners, and sharing our love for golf with people from across the globe. With more than 450 delegates from 33 countries taking action at the 5-star Sheraton Grand Danang Resort & Convention Center, this year’s event buzzed with ideas, energy, and many exciting future opportunities.

AGTC in Vietnam: A Perfect Location

Da Nang proved to be the perfect host city. Surrounded by breathtaking golf courses—like the award-winning Ba Na Hills Golf Club and the stunning Hoiana Shores—the setting was a reminder of just how much the Asia-Pacific region has to offer. Between pre-scheduled meetings with 150+ tour operators and the AGTC Golf Tournament, there was no shortage of action, both on and off the green.

For over 30 years, we’ve been helping golfers worldwide enjoy unforgettable trips across Portugal, Spain, and beyond. At Tee Times Golf Holidays, we offer top green fees, tailor-made packages, and expert local support that make planning a golf getaway easy and enjoyable.

Events like AGTC help us keep raising the bar. They allow us to share what we do best while staying close to the people and trends shaping the future of golf tourism. Thanks to IAGTO and the incredible city of Da Nang for hosting such a memorable event. We’re already looking forward to the next one!

The Masters and the Spanish Golf Legacy at Augusta

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Few tournaments in the world of golf evoke as much emotion and tradition as The Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. This tournament holds a special place in the Spanish golf legacy because of its prestige and the champions who’ve walked its fairways and donned the iconic Green Jacket.

It all began with Seve Ballesteros, who, in 1980, became the first European ever to win The Masters. Just 23 years old, Seve stunned the American crowd with his bold shot-making and unmatched charisma. He’d go on to win again in 1983, forever linking his name with Augusta’s legacy. His victory opened the gates for a new era of European contenders and a golden chapter for the Spanish golf legacy.

José María Olazábal followed in Seve’s footsteps, winning not once but twice, in 1994 and 1999. Quiet and precise, Olazábal was a master of Augusta’s undulating greens. His 1999 comeback win after a career-threatening injury remains one of the most emotional stories in Masters history. Many recall the embrace between him and his caddie at the 18th—pure magic.

The Unstoppable Spanish Golf Legacy

Then came Sergio García, whose dramatic playoff win in 2017 brought tears to the eyes of golf fans worldwide. After 73 attempts at majors without a win, Sergio broke through at Augusta on what would’ve been Seve’s 60th birthday. The tribute was unspoken but profound. That year, the Green Jacket was more than a trophy; it symbolised perseverance and destiny.

Jon Rahm‘s 2023 win was dominant (the last by a Spaniard) and remains a firm favourite this year. García will join him, still hungry and always dangerous at Augusta, Olazábal, playing both as past champions, and Jose Luis Ballester, who won the last U.S. Amateur.

Augusta is always full of surprises, and Spaniards again take centre stage. The Spanish golf legacy Seve started more than four decades ago is alive and well, and this week, all eyes will be on the azaleas—and García, Olazábal, Rahm and Ballester chasing history.

Photo: Live About.

Federation President Sets a Bold Direction

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Pedro Nunes Pedro — A New Era for Portuguese Golf

When Pedro Nunes Pedro was elected president of the Portuguese Golf Federation (FPG) in November 2024, the announcement came with a clear message: Portuguese golf would grow not just from the top, but from the grassroots up. Now, just a few months into his tenure, that philosophy is already taking shape.

Nunes Pedro inherits a sport with growing momentum. Portuguese players are appearing more frequently in international leaderboards. Interest in Portugal’s golf travel scene continues to surge. But behind the scenes, there’s still work to be done to expand access, improve training infrastructure, and engage the next generation of players, not only in the Algarve or Lisbon, but nationwide.

As of March 2025, his administration is moving ahead with a programme that balances practical investment with long-term development. It’s not a flash-and-fanfare approach. It’s foundational, and that might be exactly what Portuguese golf needs.

What’s on the Agenda

Shortly after taking office, Portuguese Golf Federation president Pedro Nunes Pedro outlined several immediate goals for the 2024–2028 term. These include:

  • Finalising the 2025 operating budget to align with national development priorities

  • Expanding training programmes for golf coaches to ensure consistent, high-quality instruction

  • Investing in new public golf infrastructure, including pitch & putt areas, 9-hole courses, and driving ranges

  • Strengthening school sports programmes to introduce golf to younger audiences

The emphasis? Scale. Not in headline-grabbing events, but in the number of people, especially youth, who touch a golf club for the first time.

Vision for Portuguese Golf

While Portugal is best known abroad for its golf resorts and championship-level experiences, Nunes Pedro’s vision is focused inward. His strategy centres on growing participation, creating access in underserved regions, and supporting players throughout their development, not just the elite few.

It’s a bet on sustainability: the idea that building a deeper national talent pool, supported by better coaching and community-level facilities, will lead to broader success over time.

Explore Portugal’s golf landscape

Competitive Ambitions Still in Focus

Despite the grassroots-first approach, Nunes Pedro hasn’t lost sight of elite competition. Among his stated goals:

  • Continuing to host the Portuguese Open at Royal Óbidos in 2025, with ambitions to eventually restore its place on the DP World Tour

  • Introducing a Ladies Access Series event in Portugal, expected in spring 2025, to strengthen opportunities for female players and build visibility in the women’s game

These aren’t distractions from development, they’re part of a broader strategy to elevate Portuguese golf across all levels.

A President with a Development Mandate

Pedro Nunes Pedro’s presidency may be in its early stages, but the direction is clear. If successful, his legacy won’t just be in tournaments or titles, but in the number of children introduced to golf, the number of coaches empowered to teach, and the number of regions with new facilities.

His term is a chance to turn momentum into infrastructure, and enthusiasm into access. And for Portuguese golf, that might prove more transformative than any single trophy.

Source: This article includes information originally reported by The Portugal News.