Taça Joaquim Oliveira Opens the 2026 Timestamp Golf Tour at Quinta do Peru

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The Timestamp Golf Tour 2026 begins with purpose and symbolism as the Taça Joaquim Oliveira tees off on 19 and 20 February at Quinta do Peru Golf & Country Club, followed by a Pro Am on 21 February. As the opening event of the national professional circuit, jointly organised by the Federação Portuguesa de Golfe and PGA Portugal, the tournament sets the competitive tone for the season while reinforcing the growing strength of Portugal golf.

This second edition carries added meaning. The trophy honours Joaquim Oliveira, a pivotal figure in Portuguese sport whose legacy shaped the promotion of football and golf nationwide. By placing his name at the forefront of the season, PGA Portugal underscores both institutional ambition and respect for the individuals who elevated the game’s visibility.

Since welcoming Timestamp as naming sponsor in 2025, the circuit has consolidated its position as a leading platform for professional golf in Portugal. It combines structured organisation, enhanced media exposure and tangible opportunities for athletes to compete at a high level. For players, sponsors and fans, the Timestamp Golf Tour reflects the increasing professionalism associated with PGA Portugal.

The field confirms that trajectory. National champion Tomás Bessa joins Ricardo Santos, winner of the Madeira Islands Open in 2012 on the European Tour, alongside Ricardo Garcia and Pedro Lencart, both champions on last season’s tour. Their presence ensures competitive depth and reinforces Portugal golf as a stage for proven talent and emerging contenders.

For partners such as Timestamp and Solverde, the Taça Joaquim Oliveira represents more than a tournament. It is a celebration of Portuguese golf heritage, competitive excellence and long term growth. As Rui Morris, president of PGA Portugal, noted, the event is expected to secure a lasting place on the national calendar.

With strong leadership and an increasingly visible platform, PGA Portugal enters 2026 with measured confidence and clear momentum.

PING G440 K: A New Benchmark for Straightness, Forgiveness, and Distance

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PING has officially raised the bar with the launch of the new G440 K driver, described by the brand as the straightest and most forgiving driver ever produced. Thanks to a record-breaking Moment of Inertia (MOI), increased ball speed, and advanced adjustability, the G440 K is designed to help golfers hit longer, straighter drives with more confidence from the tee.

According to John K. Solheim, CEO and President of PING, early feedback has been extremely positive. Golfers are already noticing how stable and accurate the driver feels at impact, translating directly into more distance and tighter dispersion. The G440 K is now available worldwide for custom fitting and pre-order at authorized PING retailers.

Why the G440 K Performs So Well

At the heart of the G440 K is the new Dual Carbonfly Wrap, a carbon crown and sole that significantly reduce weight. That saved weight is redistributed into a heavier, adjustable tungsten back weight, allowing the center of gravity to sit lower and farther back. The result is higher ball speed, improved launch conditions, and PING’s highest combined MOI to date.

The adjustable back weight can be set to Draw, Neutral, or Fade, giving golfers the ability to fine-tune ball flight to match their swing. Combined with the proven T9S+ forged face, the driver delivers fast, consistent ball speeds across the entire face, even on off-center strikes.

Perfect for Iconic Courses in Portugal and Spain

A driver like the G440 K truly shows its value on demanding yet scenic courses across Southern Europe.

In Portugal, courses such as:

In Spain, the same applies to legendary layouts like:

For golfers planning golf holidays in Portugal or Spain, having a forgiving, stable driver can make the difference between surviving a round and truly enjoying it.

Sound, Feel, and High Launch Options

PING also focused heavily on sound and feel. By integrating acoustic ribs and a composite bridge inside the clubhead, the G440 K delivers a solid, muted sound that inspires confidence at address and impact.

For players with slower swing speeds, the G440 K HL (High Launch) version offers a lighter overall setup, longer shaft, and ultralight components. This configuration helps generate more clubhead speed, higher launch, and longer carry, without sacrificing accuracy.

A Driver Built for Every Golfer

The G440 K joins the wider PING G440 family, alongside the MAX, LST, and SFT models. With professional custom fitting, golfers can find the ideal setup for their swing, whether they play championship courses in Vilamoura, seaside links in Andalusia, or classic parkland layouts anywhere in Europe.

For golfers chasing straighter drives, more confidence, and better scoring on world-class greens, the PING G440 K is built to deliver, tee shot after tee shot.

Portugal claims victory over Spain 7-5 at Sherry Golf

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Portugal’s national Pitch & Putt team earned a thrilling victory at the XIV Match España-Portugal by defeating Spain with a final score of 7-5. The competition took place at Sherry Golf in Jerez de la Frontera and has been a major highlight for amateur golf in the region since it began in 2007. This year’s event put a spotlight on the finest Portuguese talent competing on Spanish soil.

The Portuguese squad was composed of Arnaldo Paredes, António Tendeiro, Hugo Espírito Santo, and João Monteiro from Quinta das Lágrimas, along with Tomás Ribeiro from Paredes and Matteo Balzer from Amendoeira. To provide a complete test of skill and teamwork, the tournament used several different playing formats including Fourball, Foursomes, and singles matches.

The first day of competition ended in a 3-3 tie after Portugal won the Fourball matches 2-1 and Spain took the Foursomes matches with that same score. This deadlock meant that the individual singles matches on the final day would decide the winner. Portugal rose to the challenge and dominated the final round by winning three key matchups. Tomás Ribeiro defeated Cesar Crespo 2/1, Hugo Espírito Santo beat Cesar Fernandez de Caleya 3&2, and Matteo Balzer edged out Hugo Carro Cortes 2&1.

With two other matches ending in ties and only one loss for the team, Portugal finished the final day with a 4-2 advantage. This strong performance secured the overall 7-5 victory. This win is significant because it marks Portugal’s fifth historical triumph in the event and their third win in a row. It further reinforces the country’s growing reputation in the international amateur golf scene.

Beyond the competition, the event serves as a celebration of friendship and culture while highlighting the beautiful golf destinations found in Spain. For golf enthusiasts planning a holiday, this tournament shows why the region of Andalusia is an ideal choice. With high-quality venues like Sherry Golf and a variety of other courses, visitors can enjoy top-tier golf alongside rich local culture, stunning scenery, and exceptional food. Spain continues to offer some of the best experiences for golfers who want both a competitive challenge and a relaxing vacation.