Tee Times

Former World No. 1 Lee Westwood Returns to Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Ten Years Later

Posted on October 9, 2019 by Tee Times

Lee Westwood

The 46-year-old Englishman, is one of the biggest golf champions ever in Vilamoura, and joins his compatriots Eddie Pepperell and Andy Sullivan, the 2015 winner.

Westwood will make his first appearance at the Portugual Masters tournament since winning ten years ago in the Algarve his 30th international title, while Sullivan earned his third European Tour trophy at the Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course in 2015, with a huge advantage of 9 strokes over the second – a record in the Portugal Masters.

In 2009, Westwood broke a two-year career in Portugal without a European Tour win, beating italian Francesco Molinari by two shots, thanks to three rounds -6 par for an aggregate of -23 par, the second best result ever in Vilamoura tournament history.
That victory catapulted him to a peak that culminated, later that season in a Race to Dubai victory and became No. 1 European Tour player of the Year. The following year, he became the first Englishman since Nick Faldo in 1994 to rise to the top of the world rankings.
“I have happy memories of Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course from my win there in 2009,” said Westwood, who had reached 26 top-tens between his 2007 British Masters and Portugal Masters triumphs in 2009 without raising any trophy during that period.
“I had a series of ‘almost’ between these two wins and that made me very happy to have finally crossed the line in Portugal,” he added.

Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course

“Many players have been telling me about how this tournament has grown in recent years and I look forward to returning and witnessing this growth. It also gives me the opportunity to prepare for the Nedbank Golf Challenge title defense (November 14-17 in South Africa). So I’m excited about this week (in Portugal), ”concluded the 46-year-old, who has 43 titles in his career, including 24 on the European Tour and 2 on the PGA Tour.
As for Andy Sullivan, who was Westwood‘s partner in the 2006 European Ryder Cup team at Hazeltine (United States), he was almost becoming the first and only player to win the Portugal Masters in consecutive years.
After the win in 2015, interestingly also 23 under Par as Westwood, the 32-year-old British was runner-up in 2016, just one shot from Irishman Padraig Harrington, another of the illustrious holders of the Portuguese golf tournament, with three Majors in is career.
“The Portugal Masters is an event I always look to when the calendar is announced,” said Sullivan. “It’s a big tournament and it’s always nice to be back in a golf course where we’ve won before. I always take my family with me and they enjoy being there as much as I do – and it never hurts to have extra support when we compete, ”added the most smiling golfer.

“This tournament gives us the opportunity to start winning an eland for the last three tournaments of the year. I really want to finish the golf season hard and this event is the ideal platform for that, ”concluded Sully’, winner of three international golf titles.
Eddie Pepperell, for his part, has won twice on the European Tour and also confirmed his presence at the Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course, with the aim of maintaining his top-50 status in the world golf ranking, which gives him access to Majors and the World Golf Championships.

Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course

The Portugal Masters 2019 will then have the presence of a luxury English quintet if we had Tom Lewis double winner at the Victoria golf course and title defender, and Oliver Fisher who last year in the Algarve became the first player completing a golf round in 59 shots on the European Tour.
Also new is the presence of Thomas Bjorn, the captain of the European team that won the Ryder Cup in 2018 in France. Bjorn won the Portuguese Open in 2010 and is a veteran with 21 international titles.

Portugal Masters tickets are available from 8€ for ages 12 to 17; 17€ for promotional tickets and 20€ for adults.

The package tickets for the 5 days are available from 24€ for a youth ticket, 50€ for promotions and 60€ for adults. Tickets for sale in
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/portugal-masters2019- and at the Doors

Gran Canary golf tour

Posted on October 8, 2019 by Tee Times

The first Club in Spain

Gran Canary

My fam trip to Gran Canary start on the 23 september flying from Seville to las Palmas, picking up a rent a car, avoiding all selling tecnics by the rent a car reception and drive to El Salobre Serenity the oficial Hotel for the week.

Tuesday morning we played at Lopesan Meloneras golf course. I can say it is a beautifull golf course, parkland course but with a few holes near the sea as expected where players can admire some beautiful cliffs and taste the force of the wind. Meloneras golf course was in immaculate conditions, tees, fairways and greens. The driving range at Meloneras golf course is organised to accommodate large groups if necessary.

Afterwards we had a beautifull lunch in La Toscana Restaurant at Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort & Spa, visited some of Hotel facilities, including the immense infinity pool, which creates the spectacular effect of sea integration.

Meloneras golf course

friendly game

The afternoon ended with a Trip to the Nature in Gran Canary and dinner in Montaña de las Tierras where we also visited some houses and Restaurant build in the cellars of the mountain itself.

Wednesday started with oficial meetings with representatives of various Hotels and Golf courses of the Island followed by 9 holes at Salobre Old course tipycal of volcanic mountain course , where the designer had to create areas for the tees, fairways and greens and place it on top of the mountain rock. The effect is nice and they didn´t forget to beautify all the surrounding áreas. The Salobre Old course, is not particularly long, but the fact that the golf course is situated on very rugged terrain shortens most of the Tee shots. Salobre Old course was a pleasant and recommended experience.

In late afternoon we travel to Maspalomas for another golf experience in Gran Canary.

In contrast to Salobre, Meloneras is a flat golf course with large greens but small undulations.

The rought with bermuda adds difficulty to the game. A very pleasant experience on a friendly Golf course followed by a lively barbecue on the terrace of the restaurant.

On Thursday we aimed to Anfi Tauro golf course for a 18 hole experience on what is probably the best golf course in the Gran Canary island.

At the Dunes

Expectations were high and were met. The golf course is a treat to the eye and features well-designed challenging holes with strategically placed obstacles. Anfi Tauro golf course begins with some holes in a flatter area, but then develops into a volcanic mountain where it is much more difficult to correctly assess distances.

Anfi Tauro

Apart from differences in high, the wind is also a major factor to consider when choosing the right club. Nothing wrong to choose an extra club to play for a elevated green or when the wind blows against. Prepare yourself for a great test of golf in a well-kept flowery environment.

After the game a well deserved lunch at Maroa Club del Mar for a delicious paella with the sea at our feet.

After a good siesta we visited Seaside Palm beach Hotel where again a delicious dinner was served, in the gardens of the Hotel where different chefs serve delicacies from sushi to italian, chinese and traditional spanish cuisine, with a suport from a rich lively buffet.

On Friday we departer to the north of the Island and visited Las Palmas old town center. We learned a little bit of the history of the city and, visited the house Colombo stayed before he leave to “discover” America. Curious to know that he would rather use a small church to pray instead of the big cathedral right next door.

Cristóvão Colombo house in Las Palmas

Lunch was served at La Marinera a busy restaurant on the sea front where we tasted local fresh fish served efficiently by experienced staff team.

Peter doing a street show

Departure for the Oldest golf course in all Spain, the Real Club de Golf Las Palmas, a true parkland golf course, par 68, full of history, as evidenced by the photos and signatures with dedications of famous players who played there. Rafa Cabrera Bello seems to be an honorary member and regular visitor to the club.

Farewell dinner was at Bodega San Juan, a farm where an elderly family produces exceptional quality wine, and where we were indulged with a magnificent dinner in the gardens of the house, accompanied by live music.

Dinner in Bodega San Juan & wine tasting

Return to Salobre Hotel Resort & Serenity for the last night cup together.

Saturday morning after breakfast the last 18 holes at Salobre New course. Similar landscape as the Old Course, but in my opinion not as so good, technically. The more hilly and rugged terrain didn´t allow the designer to found the right options to offer more pleasant holes.

Nevertheless the golf course offers an interesting experience and some fun to all level of players.

I can´t thank enough to all involved for a fantastic experience at Gran Canary.

Love to all

return to the origins

Looking after the shop

Fam Trip to Gran Canary. You have my blessing

You all have my blessing

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Salobre Hotel Resort & Serenity

Salobre Golf & New Course

Anfi Tauro Golf Course

Four keys points that should be kept in mind by the pro-shop manager of a golf club

Posted on October 4, 2019 by Tee Times

Quinta da Ria Golf Course. Four keys points that should be kept in mind by the pro-shop manager of a golf club

Four keys points that should be kept in mind by the pro-shop manager of a golf club

Pro-shop manager of a golf club: As a player and great golfer enthusiastic I like to travel and play on different golf courses and, of course, visit the pro-shops. Unfortunately, in many cases the pro-shop is a sad image of the club. My question is: why is it so complicated to have a pro-shop in a condition and generate more profits for the club? Well, it’s not complicated at all. But you have to put in charge a suitable person to take care of the pro-shop, a person specialized in retail. As a greenkeeper for the greens, as a receptionist to sell greenfees and make reservations, as a waiter to serve a drink and something to eat before or after the game.

The most important thing is the purchase
For that you have to know everything about quality, keep up to date with market trends and activities of competitors, know your customer (sizes, age, taste) and carry an adequate stock to meet sales objectives.
Preparing before a visit from a supplier or before visiting a fair is very important, you should know what is in stock, know what is pending and what you have to order for the next season to satisfy your client and, more importantly , to reach your goal. There are very good suppliers who have a lot of experience and that can help you but it is always preferable that you are in control. Every pro-shop is different!
You don’t have to be afraid to buy colors or prints. Today’s player follows the trends and will ask you for a polo shirt they have seen in tournaments on TV. You should always keep a proper stock with a good basic in neutral colors, and don’t forget merchandise with your logo, both in famous Golf clubs or in member clubs! It is advisable to have a members corner in the pro-shop exclusive for members or companies where they can choose their garments and merchandise with their logo. It is important to have lists prepared each season where you write their name, size and color to avoid complications at the time of order.

Vilamoura Old Course

Sale is an art
Always standing with a big smile and earring of your customers. You need to know exactly what you have in the pro-shop and know where the merchandise is for efficient service. Watch your client and interpret their preferences, just by looking at which brands he wears, you already have to know what you can offer him. If they are regular customers it is important to greet them by name (and in their language in clubs with many tourist visitors). Remembering which brand they usually buy and what size they wear are details that customers appreciate very much. Golf knowledge is recommended to have a dialogue about your game, the other day match, an important tournament or recent news.
The decoration of the shop and the mannequins always updated is essential. You should check in advance which important groups come to play to have the pro-shop prepared. And if they play again in a couple of days change the mannequins and make sure you present a new experience every time they enter the pro-shop.
The reception is also the point of selling all kinds of accessories. It is important for the person selling the greenfee to ask if the player needs balls, tees, gloves, marker, ball fishing, etc. Sales of accessories with a greenfee represent a very large amount in the total sales of a pro-shop.

Pinheiros Altos Golf Course

Administration
Maybe it’s the most boring part, but it’s not the least important. A pro-shop has to carry out good management to ensure a good functioning and always keep up with the numbers when it comes to meeting sales objectives, adequate stocks of merchandise, ordering replenishments, checking orders, billing control, prepare budgets, prepare purchase and sales reports (monthly, quarterly, annual).
You must ensure quality compliance, customer service, health and safety in the pro-shop. Promote pro-shop in newspapers, magazines, social networks. Calculate and set prices with commercial margin. Set seasonal rebates and discounts for regulars. Manage problems with merchandise, complaints, comments and customer questions. Implement commercial policies and operating procedures for the store. Plan and organize activities in the pro-shop or for a tournament. Maintain good contact with suppliers.

Amendoeira Faldo Golf Course

The stock of a pro shop is an investment
We must work in collaboration with management and provide information necessary to establish an investment amount. Provide information on merchandise, procedures, performance, new initiatives, promotions or special events, forecasts, prepare budgets. It’s a delicate point because in many golf clubs they don’t want to invest a lot of money in the pro-shop. But with a good report on forecasts, performance and results you can get the pro-shop ahead in any club.
These are the points that I think are the most important. Of course there is much more like where to place the pro-shop, how to design it, etc. We could go into more details because managing a pro-shop correctly requires your work… but it also brings a very big benefit to the golf club.

In the last three years I have worked as a pro-shop manager. As I wanted to continue growing in the world of golf I decided to start the road of CMAE in November 2017, where I have surpassed the MDP 1, MDP 2, Club Management Diploma, Course Management and finally the MDP 3 in May of this year in Dubai.

by Petra van Schelven

Golf news for portugal and spain
golf courses, golf resorts and golf holidays

Former World No. 1 Lee Westwood Returns to Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Ten Years Later

The 46-year-old Englishman, is one of the biggest golf champions ever in Vilamoura, and joins his compatriots Eddie Pepperell and Andy Sullivan, the 2015 winner.