Inspirational

Santo da Serra: an unforgettable golf destination in Madeira

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Located on the breathtaking island of Madeira, Santo da Serra Golf Club stands out as one of the premier golf destinations offered by Tee Times Golf Agency.

Located on the breathtaking island of Madeira, Santo da Serra Golf Club stands out as one of the premier golf destinations offered by Tee Times Golf Agency. It’s not just the rich history and exceptional facilities that make this club unique, but also its 27-hole layout, the only one of its kind in the Atlantic Ocean. This club promises an unparalleled golfing experience in one of the most exclusive locations in the Atlantic Ocean.

Santo da Serra Golf Club history

The history of Santo da Serra Golf Club is a journey back to the early 20th century. The original 9-hole course, established in 1937, was reimagined in 1991 by the legendary golf architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. This metamorphosis gave birth to a breathtaking 27-hole layout that has been the stage for the prestigious Madeira Islands Open, a significant event on the European Tour. The course’s picturesque setting, overlooking the bay of Machico—where Portuguese explorers first set foot on the island—adds a layer of historical charm to your golfing experience.

The Santo da Serra Golf Club boasts a challenging yet enjoyable design. The 27-hole course is divided into three 9-hole sections: Machico, Desertas, and Serras. The Machico and Desertas courses are used for professional tournaments and feature breathtaking views and demanding play. The Serras course offers a more relaxed atmosphere with serene lakes and mountain vistas.

At Santo da Serra, golfers are given the power to shape their game to their skill level. With four tee options at each hole, you can choose the challenge that suits you, whether a leisurely round or a professional-level test. The course’s meticulously maintained fairways, greens, and roughs reflect the dedication to quality that makes Santo da Serra a top-tier golfing destination.

Beyond golf: exploring Madeira

Madeira is a golfer’s paradise and a haven for travellers seeking beauty and adventure. The island’s lush landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and vigorous flora make it an outstanding destination for hiking, sightseeing, and enjoying nature. Funchal, the capital, is known for its historic architecture, botanical gardens, and exquisite local cuisine, providing plenty of activities for non-golfers and post-golf relaxation. Whether you’re interested in exploring the island’s unique levada walks, enjoying a wine-tasting tour, or simply relaxing on one of the island’s beautiful beaches, Madeira has something for everyone.

The club’s facilities include a modern clubhouse with a panoramic restaurant and bar offering stunning ocean views. The training area is equally impressive, featuring two putting greens, a chipping green, a bunker, and a three-tiered driving range, one of which is covered. The Pro Shop is stocked with top golf brands and equipment for hire.

Tee Times Golf Agency: your gateway to Madeira golf holidays

Tee Times provides exceptional service and exclusive packages for golfers wishing to experience Santo da Serra. From booking tee times to arranging accommodations and tours around Madeira, we ensure a seamless and memorable golfing holiday. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an amateur, Santo da Serra Golf Club and Tee Times Golf Agency invite you to discover one of the world’s most beautiful and rewarding golf experiences.

Photos by: Santo da Serra Golf Club.

Roda Golf & Beach Resort: exclusive and sustainable eco-friendly destination

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Roda Golf & Beach Resort stands out as one of the top golf destinations Tee Times Golf Agency offers for unforgettable Spain golf holidays.Roda Golf & Beach Resort stands out as one of the top golf destinations Tee Times Golf Agency offers for unforgettable Spain golf holidays. Nestled alongside the Mediterranean Sea, near Murcia, and a mere 1.5 km from the unique and tranquil Mar Menor, this resort is set in a region blessed with over 253 km of Mediterranean coastline. It enjoys nearly 300 days of sunshine annually and an average temperature of 21ºC.

Situated in the renowned Costa Cálida, Roda Golf & Beach Resort is an ideal spot to enjoy an exclusive paradise enriched with the cultural and natural wealth of the Murcia region. It is a premier haven for sports enthusiasts, offering various water and land activities. From swimming, sailing, and water skiing to tennis, trekking, and golf, the resort caters to a diverse range of recreational pursuits.

Roda Golf & sustainability

The golf course has taken a significant step towards sustainability by inaugurating a solar power plant. This innovative installation features 98 photovoltaic panels spread across approximately 250 m². Positioned on the pergola of the practice range and golf academy adjacent to the Clubhouse, these panels are arranged in a coplanar formation. This design reduces visual impact and seamlessly integrates with the natural surroundings.

The primary goal of this solar initiative is to substantially reduce reliance on grid energy, thereby minimizing the resort’s environmental impact. The installation includes a 45 kW inverter with an impressive efficiency rate of 98.4% and an anti-feed system, ensuring safe and efficient operation. This solar power system is expected to cover around 40% of the resort’s total energy consumption, achieving a self-sufficiency rate of 20%.

Considering Spain’s energy production mix and its corresponding CO2 emission factor of 0.256 kg per kWh consumed, this solar initiative is estimated to prevent approximately 12,581 kg of CO2 emissions over a specified period. The project, executed by EM SOLAR, a company specializing in photovoltaic systems, guarantees the quality and efficiency of the installation.

With its commitment to sustainability and exceptional golf and recreational facilities, Roda Golf & Beach Resort is an exemplary destination for golf enthusiasts looking to enjoy a memorable holiday in Spain. Tee Times Golf Agency proudly offers this remarkable resort, where guests can indulge in world-class golf while appreciating the natural beauty and sunny climate of Costa Cálida.

Don’t miss the chance to experience the best that Spain has to offer. Tee Times Golf Agency has carefully crafted three exclusive golf packages for avid fans who wish to enjoy top-notch golfing in one of Spain’s most exclusive destinations. Book your package today and embark on an unforgettable golfing adventure at Roda Golf & Beach Resort.

From Postage Stamp to Turnberry: the extremes of Royal Troon at the 152nd Open

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The 152nd Open Championship, the oldest and most prestigious tournament in golf, will take place at the iconic Royal Troon Golf Club from July 18 to 21.

The 152nd Open Championship, the oldest and most prestigious tournament in golf, will take place at the iconic Royal Troon Golf Club from July 18 to 21. As the year’s final major, this historic event promises a week filled with thrilling competition and memorable moments on one of the world’s most challenging courses and connects you to the sport’s rich legacy.

Royal Troon (par 71), a venue hosting The Open for the tenth time, has seen several great champions such as Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, Bobby Locke, Justin Leonard, and most recently, Henrik Stenson in 2016. This year’s The Open promises to be just as thrilling with a star-studded lineup that includes Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, Bryson DeChambeau, Ludvig Aberg, Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland, Brooks Koepka, and Collin Morikawa. And, of course, Tiger Woods. We can’t wait to see what this edition has in store!

Royal Troon extremes

Royal Troon, a Scottish course steeped in history and tradition, is a treasure trove of secrets and stories that have shaped its legendary status. The course boasts two particularly notable holes among its many renowned features: the sixth and the eighth. Each offers a unique challenge and a distinct place in the Open Championship history, promising an intriguing and exciting experience for all.

At 601 yards, the sixth hole at Royal Troon is the longest in Open Championship history. It demands precision and power from the tee, with an arrow-straight drive needed to land between fairway bunkers on both sides. The second shot, typically with a fairway wood, must be aimed slightly left to avoid the right-side bunker, setting up a soft pitch to a narrow green framed by picturesque sand dunes.

The eighth hole, the “Postage Stamp,” is the shortest in Open Championship history, measuring just 123 yards. And from the front tee to a short flag, it’s just 99 yards. Originally called “Ailsa” for its perfect view of the rocky islet of that name, it earned its current moniker when William Park described the green as “a pitching surface skimmed down to the size of a postage stamp” in Golf Illustrated. The tee shot is played from high ground over a gully to a long, narrow green set into a sandhill. Bunkers on the left and a large crater bunker guarding the approach add to the challenge, making accuracy paramount. Over the years, this tiny target has been the downfall of many top players, underscoring its reputation as a deceptively tricky hole.

As the world’s best golfers gather at Royal Troon, Tee Times Golf Agency extends its best wishes to all participants and spectators. We hope you enjoy a spectacular week of golf at the year’s final major. May the players find inspiration in the rich history of this remarkable course, and may the fans revel in the excitement and beauty of the game.

Photos by: Royal Troon.