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

Vidago Palace Portugal continues to cement its place among the country’s top-tier golf destinations after hosting a highly successful stage of the Albatros Golf Challenge. This inland golf resort, known for its Belle Époque charm and luxurious spa, proved once again that Northern Portugal has more to offer than meets the eye.

Nestled in the scenic Trás-os-Montes region and just a short drive from Porto, Vidago Palace offers a unique golf experience where heritage, nature, and high-level sport intersect. The recent Albatros event brought together top amateur talent and showcased the course’s competitive edge, designed by Cameron & Powell to championship standards.

A Championship Experience in Northern Portugal

The 18-hole course winds through ancient woodlands and natural undulations, offering a layout that rewards precision and creativity. Hosting the Albatros Golf Challenge not only highlighted the venue’s quality but also reinforced the region’s growing reputation as a golf holiday hotspot.

While southern resorts like Vilamoura and Quinta do Lago often grab the spotlight, events like this are shifting attention northward, where venues like Vidago blend history, wellness, and sporting excellence.

Elevating Portugal’s Inland Golf Offering

Unlike the coastal giants, Vidago Palace Portugal appeals to those seeking a quieter, more immersive getaway. With a 2,500m² thermal spa, fine dining, and stunning architecture, it’s the kind of place where golf is just one part of a deeply enriching experience.

The Albatros Golf Challenge is part of a broader push to spotlight Portugal’s inland resorts, and Vidago’s successful hosting of the event is a strong signal that the strategy is working.

Explore Northern Portugal Golf Holidays

For golf lovers looking to explore beyond the Algarve, our Porto Golf Holidays offer tailor-made packages ideal for a northern escape. From wine regions to mountain trails, there’s plenty to explore off the course.

And with our Car Hire and Transfers service, getting to Vidago is as relaxing as your time on the greens.

Portuguese junior golfer Bernardo Pinheiro, representing Oporto Golf Club, delivered Portugal’s best performance at the German International Amateur Championship U18, finishing tied for 26th place. The event, hosted at GC Bad Saarow near Berlin, brought together top youth talent from across Europe, highlighting the growing depth of Portugal’s emerging golf generation.

The tournament ran over three rounds and concluded on May 17, 2025. Bernardo finished with an aggregate score of 226 (+10) after carding a final round of 77, sharing the 26th spot with three other players. This consistent showing follows on the heels of his solid T22 finish at the Italian International Championship just three weeks prior at Royal Park I Roveri in Turin, once again making him the top Portuguese performer.

Portuguese Girls Also Hold Their Own in Berlin

On the women’s side, Amélia Gabin (Quinta do Lago) and Inês Belchior (Comporta) also showed competitive spirit in the international field. Amélia posted a final round of 78 for a total of 230 (+11), finishing T28, while Inês recorded a 79 to close at 232 (+13) in a T35 finish.

Though outside the top tier, these finishes reflect the increasing consistency and international presence of Portugal’s young golfers in top amateur events.

Champions and Course Highlights

The tournament was dominated by Filip Grave of Sweden and Charlotte Naughton of England, both of whom maintained their leads from the final round to secure championship victories. Naughton, in particular, controlled the women’s division from start to finish.

The challenging setup at GC Bad Saarow tested players with its fast greens, tight approaches, and strategic hazards, offering valuable experience for rising talents competing on the international stage.

Looking Ahead for Portugal’s Youth Golfers

Bernardo Pinheiro’s back-to-back top finishes in Italy and Germany reinforce his growing reputation as one of Portugal’s most promising young golfers. As Portugal continues to invest in junior development and international exposure, results like these are stepping stones to future success at elite amateur and professional levels.

The 3rd tournament of Portugal’s Mid-Amateur & Senior Golf Circuit 2025 wrapped up this past weekend at the historic Oporto Golf Club (Par 71) in Espinho, showcasing standout performances from both rising and seasoned players. Among the winners were Pedro Sá Lima, Mark Mance, and Marta Lampreia, all of whom topped their respective categories with grit and consistency.

If you’re planning a golf visit to the Porto area, consider exploring our Porto Golf Courses, home to some of the most historic and scenic layouts in Portugal. To make the most of your trip, our Car Hire and Transfers ensure smooth, convenient access to the fairways and beyond.

Known for its rich legacy, Oporto Golf Club is the oldest golf club in Portugal and one of the oldest in continental Europe, a fitting backdrop for a tournament that celebrates both competitive spirit and the timeless appeal of the game. The Mid-Amateur & Senior Circuit provides an essential space for players outside the professional sphere to continue competing at a high level, maintaining the camaraderie, skill, and mental sharpness that define the sport.

With over 70 participants competing across various divisions, the tournament reflected the strength of Portugal’s golfing community and the depth of talent at the amateur level. From tense playoffs to steady comebacks, the weekend offered no shortage of compelling golf.

Sá Lima and Mance Dominate the Men’s Field

Representing Vale Pisão, Pedro Sá Lima shot a second-round 72, the lowest round of the day, to secure the gross victory by four strokes. With a total of 147 (+5) over two rounds, he edged out Francisco Silva (Quinta do Perú) and Mark Mance (Oitavos), both finishing at 151 (+9).

Mark Mance, who had already won gross and senior honours at the season opener at Quinta do Vale, returned to form by clinching the Senior Men’s title, narrowly ahead of Miguel Lourenço (ACP Golfe).

Lourenço led after round one with a 74, but a second-round 78 left him tied for fourth with José Pedro Patacão (Vale Pisão) at 152 (+10).

Marta Lampreia Seals Victory in Sudden Death

In the women’s competition, Marta Lampreia (Quinta do Perú) delivered a clutch performance. Tied at 166 (+24) with Diana Pacheco (Paredes) after two rounds (80–86 and 81–85 respectively), she secured the win on the first sudden-death playoff hole, the par-5 18th, with a birdie.

It was a hard-fought victory over Pacheco and Sofia Paiva (Estoril), who had won the first two tournaments of the circuit and finished just one shot out of the playoff at 167 (+25).

Lampreia’s win gave her the double: both gross and senior titles in the women’s division.

Portugal’s Mid-Amateur Golf Scene Grows in Strength

The Mid-Amateur & Senior Circuit is proving to be a valuable platform for competitive golf beyond the junior and elite amateur ranks. Events like this, staged at legacy venues such as Oporto Golf Club, help nurture talent, maintain competitive spirit, and spotlight Portugal’s deep pool of golfing enthusiasts.

The next tournament in the series is set for 27–28 September at Palmares Ocean Living & Golf Resort.