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Portugal has once again captured the hearts of golf lovers worldwide, being named the “Best Golf Destination in the World” at the 12th edition of the World Golf Awards 2025.

Announced on 13 November, this honour also confirms Portugal as the “Best Golf Destination in Europe” for the fourth consecutive year, highlighting why golfers keep returning to its sun-drenched fairways for their golf holidays.

With 89 golf courses spread across seven regions, including the Algarve, Lisbon, Porto, and the North, Portugal offers something truly special for every golfer. Every round offers a unique experience, ranging from challenging championship layouts to scenic coastal holes.

Portugal’s success goes beyond exceptional courses. The country is committed to sustainable golf tourism, embracing efficient water use, energy conservation, recycling, and reducing plastics. These practices guarantee the preservation of Portugal’s unique landscapes and natural resources for future generations of golfers.

Industry professionals, media, and golf enthusiasts vote for the World Golf Awards, which honour destinations that consistently deliver excellence. Portugal’s recognition reflects not only the quality of its courses but also the care, innovation, and passion behind every round.

The Amendoeira Golf Resort has once again brought international recognition to the Algarve, being named “Regional Winner – Golf Course” at the World Luxury Travel Awards 2025. The ceremony, held on 25 October, marked the second time the resort has earned this prestigious honour, confirming its reputation for quality, innovation, and world-class golf experiences.

The award was received by the resort’s owner, Eng. António José Parreira Afonso, and João Fernandes, the General Manager and former President of the Algarve Tourism Board. Together, they represent a vision of growth that blends hospitality, sport, and sustainability, values that have positioned Amendoeira as a leader in golf and tourism.

Located in Alcantarilha, within the Silves municipality, Amendoeira Golf Resort offers two acclaimed 18-hole courses, the Faldo Course, designed by Sir Nick Faldo, and the O’Connor Jnr. Course, as well as a floodlit 9-hole Academy Course, tennis and padel courts, football facilities, and premium accommodation in apartments and villas.

Since being acquired by the Rolear Group in 2023, the resort has continued to expand its global profile. Under the leadership of Parreira Afonso and João Fernandes, Amendoeira has pursued an ambitious strategy focused on quality, sustainability, and the long-term development of golf tourism in the Algarve.

Their work is already paying off. The resort not only hosts major professional and amateur tournaments but also organises the World Kids Golf by Amendoeira Golf Resort, a flagship junior event that attracts players aged 7 to 18 from across Europe. The tournament has become a key platform for young golfers and is recognised as one of the most important junior competitions in Europe. The 2026 edition is expected to double participation, further strengthening the resort’s global visibility.

This recognition by the World Luxury Travel Awards underlines Amendoeira’s role in elevating Portugal’s standing as one of the world’s leading golf destinations. Beyond its award-winning facilities, the resort continues to prioritise sustainable operations, from course maintenance and water management to energy efficiency and environmental preservation.

Speaking after the award, Eng. António José Parreira Afonso expressed his pride:

“This distinction reflects the dedication of our entire team, who work every day to create memorable experiences for our guests and players.”

João Fernandes added,

“Our ambition is to be recognised not only for the beauty of our courses but for the consistency between service, maintenance, and sustainability.”

Amendoeira’s renewed success comes as part of a broader year of triumphs for Portugal at the World Travel Awards 2025, where the Algarve reaffirmed its place as Europe’s premier golf and luxury destination. Among other winners were Pine Cliffs Resort Residence, Hotel Quinta do Lago, Vila Vita Parc, and Conrad Algarve, each showcasing the region’s continued excellence in hospitality and leisure.

From its championship courses to its innovative junior events, Amendoeira Golf Resort stands as a model for the future of golf tourism in Portugal, a destination where sport, sustainability, and hospitality come together in perfect balance.

The Clube de Golf Vilamoura has launched a new phase of its programme to attract young players to the sport. This week, eleven children took part in their first golf session, marking the start of a new generation of talent for the club.

The beginner group will train every Saturday morning under the guidance of professional coaches António Rosado and Micael Viegas. Each session lasts one hour and is completely free until the end of the year. From January onwards, those who wish to continue can become full members of the club through a symbolic annual fee, joining the official junior golf schools.

The Clube de Golf Vilamoura currently has around 150 young players enrolled across six levels, supported by six additional instructors: Joaquim Sequeira, Ricardo Lopes, Alexandre Cruz, Ricardo Santos, Hugo Santos, and Francisco Mendes. Lessons are held across the Pinhal, Laguna, and Millennium golf courses, providing young players with diverse and professional training environments.

Families interested in learning more about this opportunity can contact the club directly at +351 289 321 708 (Raul Coelho).

For those looking to explore Vilamoura’s courses and understand why it’s one of Portugal’s leading golf hubs, discover our Vilamoura Golf Holidays and experience the region where the next generation of golfers is taking shape.