Morgado Golf Course: one of the Algarve’s top choices for golf fans

Nestled in the natural beauty of the Algarve’s Barrocal region, Morgado Golf Course is one of the premier golfing destinations offered by Tee Times Golf Agency for the best Portugal golf holidays. This 18-hole, par 73 course, meticulously designed by European Golf Design and inaugurated in 2003, provides a unique golfing challenge that appeals to players of all levels. Managed by Director Jorge Papa and Professional John Seymour, the course is renowned for its wide fairways and flat bunkers, inspired by Scotland’s famous links courses.

Morgado Golf Course charm

As you play your first round at Morgado, you’ll be surrounded by the aromatic citrus and olive groves that add to the course’s charm. The front nine holes offer a relatively flatter terrain, while the back nine present a more undulating landscape with impressive views of the Monchique mountains, creating a dynamic and engaging golfing experience.

Morgado Golf Course is not just about the game; it’s about the complete golfing experience. The club has two practice tees, two chipping greens, and two putting greens, making it perfect for golfers looking to refine their skills. The on-site golf academy, recognised as one of the best in Portugal, boasts top-tier instructors who have coached players to compete at international levels. The academy also features a school for young golfers, fostering the next generation of talent.

The course was also the home of the Portuguese Open Championship, part of the European Tour. Designed to test your stamina, buggies are available for added comfort, especially during warmer weather. The strategically developed fairways encourage golfers to build a good result on the front nine and prepare for a more challenging back nine, mainly due to the valley’s funnel-like wind conditions.

The 18th is a superb finishing hole, offering an elevated tee with a stunning view of the wavy fairway, bunkers, and the Clubhouse in the distance. This true signature hole promises a thrilling end to your round. Whether by par or birdie, Morgado Golf Course guarantees you’ll want to return for another round, appreciating the natural beauty and the exceptional golfing challenge it presents.

On-site, the NAU Morgado Golf & Country Club enhances the experience further with its luxurious amenities. The hotel offers stunning views of nearby mountain ranges, nature reserves, and rivers, providing a picturesque backdrop for your stay. The resort is family-friendly, with a club for kids and daily entertainment ensuring a memorable holiday.

Whether you want to improve your skills, compete with friends, or enjoy a day on the greens, Morgado Golf Course is the perfect destination. Embrace the natural beauty, the thoughtfully designed course, and the warm hospitality that make this place a must-visit for any golf enthusiast. Plan your visit today and experience the magic of Morgado with Tee Times Golf Agency.

Azora expands its golf portfolio with the acquisition of Praia d’El Rey and West Cliffs

Azora, a Madrid-based European real estate investment manager, has significantly enhanced its presence in the Portuguese market by acquiring the prestigious Praia d’El Rey Resort in Óbidos, Portugal. This acquisition, executed through the Azora European Hotel and Lodging Fund (AEHL), includes the luxurious Marriott Praia d’El Rey hotel, two top-ranked golf courses—Praia del Rey and West Cliffs—and the management of 90 apartments and two food and beverage outlets.

The Marriott Praia d’El Rey, a 177-room, 5-star hotel, is a jewel in our crown. It will continue operating under the Marriott brand, managed by Blue & Green. The hotel, with its stunning backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, direct beach access, and surrounding golf courses, offers a unique and luxurious experience. It boasts premium amenities, including four dining options, a renovated spa and wellness area, indoor and outdoor pools, a kids club, and extensive meeting and event facilities. The golf courses, recognized among Portugal’s top ten and recipients of the 2023 Golfer’s Choice Award from Leading Courses, are key highlights of the resort.

Azora leadership position

This acquisition is a testament to Azora’s strategic growth in Portugal. It expands our portfolio to include seven hotels and two golf courses with 36 holes. The Praia d’El Rey Resort, with its exceptional facilities and prime location, strengthens Azora’s position as a leader in the leisure and golf destination sector in Europe and underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences to our guests.

Azora’s portfolio now encompasses over 12,000 keys under management, cementing its status as a significant player in the European hospitality and leisure investment sector. Since its inception, Azora has invested over €3 billion in the hospitality industry, acquiring over 100 hotels and 26,000 hotel keys. The company’s strategy focuses on high-quality hotels and urban hostels, targeting assets that require active management and repositioning.

Launched in 2021 with €815 million in capital, AEHL has focused on the vacation hotel segment in major European destinations. The fund employs a value-add strategy, emphasizing asset transformation and active management of hotel operations. Recently, AEHL has also adopted an alternative hotel strategy for urban tourism, targeting a diverse range of travellers and aiming to revolutionize city tourism.

Concha Osácar, one of Azora’s founding partners, expressed confidence in the hospitality sector across the Mediterranean and Southern Europe. She emphasized that the acquisition of Praia d’El Rey Resort marks a significant milestone for AEHL, underscoring Azora’s commitment to high-potential markets and its belief in Portugal’s growing appeal to both European and American tourists.

For over 30 years, Tee Times Golf Agency has offered the best packages for those seeking Portugal golf holidays. With extensive industry experience, we provide unparalleled access to top courses, including the newly acquired by Azora, Praia del Rey and West Cliffs golf courses, ensuring a memorable and high-quality golfing experience.

Amendoeira Golf Resort: a premier destination in the Algarve

Amendoeira Golf Resort, a unique gem nestled in the heart of the Algarve, spans 270 hectares of lush natural beauty. This one-of-a-kind destination offers an array of amenities, including several swimming pools, two award-winning 18-hole golf courses, and Portugal’s only illuminated 9-hole golf course. Sports enthusiasts will be thrilled by the two synthetic turf 5-a-side football pitches, a FIFA-sized football pitch, six Savannah tennis courts, a fully equipped gym with modern Technogym machines, a jogging track, and a children’s playground.

The Clubhouse, a beacon of luxury and comfort, is the resort’s social hub, featuring a restaurant where guests indulge in delicious meals, snacks, and drinks. Additionally, the pro shop provides everything golfers need to enhance their game. Whether staying in an opulent apartment with access to multiple pools or a lavish villa with a private pool, visitors are guaranteed a comfortable and luxurious experience. The resort’s proximity to the beach, just a 10-minute drive away, further enhances its appeal as a perfect holiday destination or permanent residence.

Undoubtedly, Amendoeira Golf Resort stands as one of the most exclusive destinations, offering the best options for those seeking unparalleled Portugal golf breaks in the Algarve with Tee Times Golf Agency.

Faldo Course at Amendoeira Golf Resort

The Faldo Course, a masterpiece by the legendary Sir Nick Faldo, is a 6578m Par 72 championship course that beckons strategic play. This course, which clinched the title of Portugal’s Best Golf Course by World Golf Awards in 2016, is renowned for its dramatic landscape. It boasts unique elements such as cacti and wild herbs, spartan Holm oaks, ancient olive trees, and desert scrub bunkers of crushed limestone, offering a modern twist on traditional golf course design.

O’Connor Jnr. Course

The O’Connor Jnr. Course, designed by Christy O’Connor Jnr., complements the Faldo Course with its lush valley setting. Water features, including lakes and watercourses, challenge golfers of all levels. The course’s mature palm trees and rich topsoil create a serene, oasis-like environment. The course’s greater distance, water hazards, and large greens provide an additional challenge, requiring golfers to carefully read the subtly contoured putting surfaces.

Academy Course

The Academy Course, the only floodlit 9-hole course in Portugal, is ideal for beginners and those wishing to improve their short game. Built to the same high standards as the Faldo and O’Connor Jnr. courses, it features three teeing options for varied play. The 7th hole, with two teeing options over water, is a highlight. This course is a family favourite and must-play alongside its more challenging counterparts.

The Amendoeira Golf Academy

The Amendoeira Golf Academy takes pride in its tailored training programs for men, women, and juniors of all skill levels. With a maximum 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio, the academy ensures each student receives personalized instruction, utilizing high-tech tools like Trackman for swing analysis. The holistic approach includes mental efficiency, equipment evaluation, nutrition, and fitness. Each lesson concludes with a personalized CD/DVD comparing the original and improved swings, making every student feel valued and catered to.

Amendoeira Golf Resort is a sanctuary for golf enthusiasts and nature lovers, providing an unmatched experience in the stunning Algarve region for unforgettable Portugal golf holidays.

Photos by: Amendoeira Golf Resort.