Portugal Golf

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

Posted on by

width=

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.

Portugal Shines at ESGA 2025: Vice-Champions in Super Seniors Net

Posted on by

Portugal’s journey at the ESGA 2025 (European Senior Golf Association) Super Seniors & Masters Team Championship in Denmark ended with pride, passion, and remarkable achievements. Representing the Associação Nacional Sénior de Golfe de Portugal (ANSGP), the Portuguese teams delivered an impressive performance that left a lasting mark on the European senior golf scene.

From July 14 to 17, the competition was played on three golf courses: Lyngbygaard Golf Club, Stensballegaard Golf Club and Mollerup Golf Club.

The spotlight was firmly on the ESGA Super Seniors Team Cup (Net), where Portugal secured a prestigious second place, finishing just three points behind the host nation, Denmark. This runner-up position crowns one of the best collective performances by the Portuguese in ESGA history, marked by unity, resilience, and competitive spirit across all three days.

Standout performances came from the duo Joaquim Pires and Anastácio Mendes, who scored 43 and 45 points on the first two days of the pairs format. The final round was also filled with emotion, as Valdemar Carvalho celebrated his 80th birthday—an unforgettable moment commemorated with a heartfelt rendition of “Happy Birthday” on the tee box by his teammates.

In the ESGA Super Seniors Team Championship (Gross), Portugal achieved its best-ever result: a commendable 13th place. The entire squad performed consistently well, with all three pairs posting identical scores on the first day. José Cruz and José Cândido de Oliveira showed steady form on Days 2 and 3, contributing to a strong overall team effort.

ESGA 2025: high-level golf

The Portuguese contingent in the ESGA Masters Team Trophy also impressed, finishing in 10th place. The pair of José Melo Cabral and Agostinho Lucas stood out in the early rounds, showcasing great form and focus.

Across all three competitions, the Portuguese teams displayed high-level golf, sportsmanship, and a strong team spirit—qualities that elevated the name of ANSGP and Portugal throughout the event.

With 2026 challenges set in Italy, Finland, and Croatia, the road ahead begins now. Participation in upcoming ANSGP tournaments will determine who carries the Portuguese flag in next year’s ESGA European Championships. The bar has been set high, and the passion to represent Portugal remains stronger than ever.

The Remarkable History of Golf in the Algarve

Posted on by

The history of golf in the Algarve true begining occurred in 1966, when architect Sir Henry Cotton opened the first traditional grass course, The Penina.Golf’s journey from Scotland to the sun-drenched fairways of the Algarve is a remarkable tale of cultural expansion, innovation, and timeless appeal. Though the game began with feather-stuffed balls and windswept dunes, it found fertile ground in Portugal during the early 20th century, capturing the hearts of players with its elegance and challenge.

The Algarve’s introduction to golf dates back to the 1920s, inspired by the sport’s growing popularity across the British Empire. The region’s first course, between Portimão and Praia da Rocha, was rudimentary—its greens made from sand and oil due to a lack of freshwater. However, the true transformation occurred in 1966, when legendary golfer and architect Sir Henry Cotton opened the first traditional grass course, The Penina, now called the Sir Henry Championship Course. Spanning 360 acres and featuring tree-lined fairways, lakes, and a five-star resort, the Penina set the standard for what Algarve golf would become.

Sir Henry’s vision ignited a golf revolution. Architects from around the world flocked to the region, drawn by its mild climate and stunning landscapes. The Algarve quickly became a top destination for golf tourism, especially in the cooler months. The Portuguese Open cemented the area’s reputation, attracting elite players and international attention.

Tee Times and the History of Golf in the Algarve

For over 30 years, Tee Times Golf Agency has played a pivotal role in this story. Based in Portugal, we have become synonymous with excellence in golf tourism, offering curated packages that combine world-class golf with the region’s rich culture, cuisine, and hospitality. From the iconic Penina to the finest courses across Vilamoura, Quinta do Lago, and Monte Rei, Tee Times connects golf lovers with the best Portugal has to offer.

Whether you’re chasing birdies under blue skies or soaking in the rich history of golf in the Algarve, the region delivers a truly unforgettable experience. With Tee Times by your side for the best golf holidays, your next break is more than a trip—it’s part of a legacy.