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Vale de Janelas secured a thrilling victory at the 2025 Senior National Club Championship this past weekend in Montebelo, Viseu, cementing its dominance in Portuguese senior golf. The club edged out fierce rivals Quinta do Peru by just one stroke, reclaiming the national title it also won in 2022 and 2023.

The event culminated in a dramatic turnaround. After trailing by six strokes at the close of Saturday’s individual round, Vale de Janelas mounted a comeback during Sunday’s “Foursomes” format. Each club fielded two pairs, with both scores contributing to the final tally.
Gonçalo Mota Carmo and Ken Cooper carded a solid 79, while John Williams and Martin Playell posted 85. The 164 strokes added to the team’s Saturday score of 248, for a total of 412 (+52). Quinta do Peru, who led after the opening round, registered 171 on Sunday, finishing at 413 (+53) – just a single stroke shy of glory.

Steady Hands Under Pressure

Vale de Janelas’ victory was not just about skill; it was about nerve. In a format that demands trust and chemistry between teammates, their consistent play proved decisive. The narrow win highlights the razor-thin margins that define elite amateur competition.

CityGolf secured third place with a score of 420 (+60), followed closely by Vale Pisão and Ilha Terceira. Belas Clube de Campo, last year’s champion, fell to seventh.

A Testament to Portugal’s Thriving Golf Scene

The tight finish reflects the competitive spirit alive in Portugal’s senior golf landscape. With passionate players, iconic venues like Montebelo, and increasing participation across age groups, Portugal continues to grow as a respected golf destination at all levels.

Planning a golf break around Portugal’s finest fairways? Explore our curated Porto Golf Holidays to experience the country’s championship spirit firsthand. And for a seamless journey from course to coast, don’t miss our trusted Car Hire and Transfers options.

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.