Challenge de España: celebrating 25 years of the best golf

Spanish golf reaches new heights with the celebration of the Challenge de España at the prestigious Real Club Sevilla Golf from May 9 to 12. With 25 years of history, this tournament has established itself as one of the most prominent events on the Challenge Tour, attracting several of the best players in the world and fans who plan their Spain golf holidays to enjoy the competition.

Since its first edition in 1999 in El Saler, Valencia, the Challenge de España has toured Spain’s most emblematic golf courses, from Valencia to Almería, promoting golf worldwide. The competition returns to Andalusia to debut in Seville, a city with a rich golf tradition.

Golf del Guadiana, Villamartin Golf Club, Izki Golf, Torremirona Golf ClubCentro Nacional de Golf, Campo de Layos Golf, Retamares Golf Club, Tecina Golf, Iberostar Real Club and Playa Serena have also hosted the prestigious tournament. Many of them are courses that tourists choose for their Spain golf breaks. At Tee Times, we have been offering attractive packages for years for those who want to enjoy the best golf in Spain.

In dialogue with Golf Industria, the president of the Real Club Sevilla Golf, Rafael Domínguez, highlighted the importance of this event for the club and Spanish golf in general. The tournament has been a platform for the emergence of talent and has contributed to the prestige of the Challenge Tour, as said Jamie Hodges, Executive Director for this tour.

“We have witnessed great events, and now we are delighted to position ourselves in world golf again with this double celebration, the twenty-five years of the Challenge of Spain and the thirty-five years of the Challenge Tour,” said Domínguez, host club president.

The support of entities such as the Real Federación Española de Golf and the sponsorship of recognised brands ensure the tournament’s success. 

 

Real Club Sevilla Golf: A renowned host club

The Real Club Sevilla Golf (par 72 and 7,177 yards), designed by José María Olazábal (two-time winner of The Masters in Augusta), offers a challenging and beautiful setting for players and spectators alike.

With its wide fairways, undulating greens and strategically placed bunkers, the golf course is a true challenge for players of all levels. Its impeccable maintenance throughout the year positions it among the best golf courses in Spain and one of the most chosen by golfers worldwide who visit Seville.

In addition to hosting prestigious tournaments, the Real Club Sevilla Golf also promotes amateur golf through its Children’s Golf School and social tournaments, boosting the practice of this sport among all ages.

 

Challenge de España and the Seville senses

Seville captivates with its rich history and culinary delights. The city brims with historical heritage, from the majestic Alcázar to the beautiful Cathedral of Seville and the emblematic Plaza de España. As for gastronomy, its tapas, gazpacho, fried fish and the famous Iberian ham are a feast for the senses. Traditional bars and taverns offer an authentic experience worth enjoying.

With the Challenge de España in Seville, Spain reaffirms its position as one of Europe’s most prominent golf tourist destinations. We invite all golf lovers to enjoy this exciting event and discover the beauty and excitement of golf in Spain.

La Cala Golf Resort: a paradise in The Costa del Sol

Located in the Sierra de Mijas hills, with panoramic views of the Andalusian countryside and the Mediterranean, La Cala Golf Resort stands as a mecca on the Costa del Sol, just 30 minutes from Malaga International Airport. Designed by renowned architect Cabell B. Robinson, the resort offers three championship courses challenging even the most experienced golfers.

With its four-star hotel and 107 rooms, the resort becomes an idyllic refuge for golf fans. In addition, it has one of the most renowned spas in Spain and offers an exceptional gastronomic experience with four restaurants and various bars.

Nestled between the impressive Sierra de Mijas Natural Park and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, La Cala Golf Resort is an authentic oasis of tranquillity for those looking for the best Spain golf breaks. Despite its serene atmosphere, it is strategically located 20 minutes from Marbella and just 10 minutes from the beachfront of the Costa del Sol.

This destination is more than a golfer’s paradise for Spain golf holidays. As well as offering exceptional golf courses, it is the perfect base to explore Andalusia and an ideal location for luxurious holidays or corporate and family events.

 

La Cala Golf Resort: unique challenges and natural beauty

The resort is proud of its three golf courses: Campo América, Campo Asia and Campo Europa. Meticulously designed by Cabell Robinson, each offers a unique experience in a natural setting of rolling landscapes and rich biodiversity.

Campo América: Previously known as Campo Norte, it offers stunning views of the Sierra de Ojén and the Mediterranean. Its wide layout, with few bunkers, provides a balanced challenge.

Campo Asia: The oldest and most challenging, it has short and narrow fairways. It is recognised by golf professionals and includes 4 par 5 holes requiring exceptional skills.

Campo Europa: Wider and suitable for mid-level players, it stands out for its design with wide fairways and flatter terrain. Its 14th hole, bordering on a par 3, and the par 5 11th hole, the longest at 524 meters, are notable.

 

La Cala Golf Academy

La Cala Golf Resort is home to La Cala Golf Academy, where multilingual professionals teach individual and group classes for all levels. With complete facilities, this academy, next to the par 3 golf course, offers an ideal environment to learn or perfect the game.

In collaboration with Tee Times Golf Agency, La Cala Golf Resort is presented as an outstanding destination for unforgettable Spain golf holidays with significant events week by week, like Valentine’s Day Special Dinner (February 14th), the “Día de Andalucía” (February 28th) and St. Patrick’s Day Golf Tournament (March 17th), among others.

Its culinary philosophy, based on fresh, high-quality products, and its unique activities throughout the year make this resort an unbeatable option for lovers of golf and the good life. Discover La Cala Golf Resort with our best golf packages and live a memorable golf experience on the Costa del Sol!

Golf in Madeira is preparing to fulfil a dream with Sir Nick Faldo’s support

Thanks to multiple champion Sir Nick Faldo, golf in Madeira has been reinvented once again with the resurgence of the Ponta do Pargo Golf Course. Fifteen years after the project fell victim to the global financial crisis in 2009, this masterpiece will materialise on the “Hawaii of Europe” in 2026.

The site of Sir Nick Faldo’s new European project is located on the western cliffs of the famous Portuguese island. With more than 200 meters of elevation change, from the green of the 16th hole, hidden next to the famous lighthouse that guards the coast, to the tee of the 7th hole that rises above 400-foot cliffs towards the Atlantic. The 7th, 8th and 9th greens are at the world’s edge, clinging to the cliff’s border.

 

Golf in Madeira is special

Faldo commented in an interview published by Destination Golf: “We have something special in Madeira; being able to sculpt the course on the site itself is exciting. We believe this will be a dream course that every golfer will want to play. The scale of the place is difficult to explain; the cliffs are massive.”

Faldo Design has worked closely with local authorities to reactivate this golf project in Madeira fully. They are currently selecting the design team, which is expected to be on-site in early 2024, as the major groundwork on the front nine holes is almost complete.

Sustainable golf course design has been a core principle for Faldo Design for decades. After reviewing the original 2007 design, they have adjusted some holes and reduced the irrigated areas, using a local grass (Kikuya) that will reduce water requirements and allow a smooth transition between the field and the native flora that overlooks Ponta do Pargo its majestic beauty.

For a long time, at Tee Times Golf Agency, we have been offering the best golf packages in Madeira with a high-level offer. When Ponta do Pargo is completed, it will join a list that includes Santo Da Serra Golf, the Palheiro Golf Course, and Porto Santo Golfe for those looking for the best Madeira golf breaks and relaxing experiences.

The project promises to be the best golf in Madeira experience and is expected to be playable even in challenging weather conditions. Fans are already preparing to enjoy the best golf in Portugal on the Atlantic Ocean.