Portugal Airport Strikes: Travel Advice for Golfers

Travel to Portugal this summer remains smooth for most visitors, but weekend airport operations may be a little slower than usual due to planned staff walkouts at some major airports. For golfers heading out with clubs in tow, a few small travel adjustments can help keep everything on course.

groundforce baggage handler on the tarmac delivering luggage

The strikes affect ground-handling services at several major Portuguese airports and are scheduled across four summer weekends: August 8–11, August 15–18, August 22–25, and August 29–September 1. Travellers flying during these dates may experience slightly longer processing times at the airport.

Travel Tips to Keep Things Running Smoothly

Avoid luggage delays and travel lighter by using our golf club hire service.

During this period, renting clubs can be a smart way to skip checked baggage and avoid potential airport delays. Our high-quality sets include top brands such as Ping, Titleist, and TaylorMade, and are delivered directly to your hotel or golf course.
We’re also offering special rates during this period. Availability is limited and subject to demand, so we recommend booking early to secure your preferred setup.

Here are a few more tips to help your journey go smoothly:

  • Take out travel insurance that covers delays, cancellations, and sports equipment.

  • Keep essentials like golf shoes and clothes for your first day in your cabin bag.

  • Allow a comfortable window between your landing time and first tee time.

If your flight is significantly delayed or cancelled, EU Regulation 261/2004 gives you the right to:

  • Meal vouchers and hotel accommodation during long delays

  • Full refunds or rebooking options

  • Financial compensation depending on the flight and length of delay

These rights apply to flights within or departing from the EU, as well as to EU-based carriers arriving from other countries.

Portugal remains one of the most accessible and reliable destinations for golf holidays. With a few small adjustments, your travel experience can stay just as enjoyable, even during periods of disruption. For extra peace of mind, Tee Times is here to help you prepare, travel smart, and get straight to what matters most: time on the course.


Click here if you’d like to read more about the strike details

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

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.

Redefining the Game: Spain’s First Par 6 Opens at La Marquesa Golf

Golfers in Spain now have a new reason to visit Alicante. La Marquesa Golf, located in the town of Rojales, has made history by unveiling the country’s first par-6 hole—a bold and exciting step that’s already sparking buzz across the golf community.

Stretching an eye-catching 644 meters from the back tees (623 from yellow, 593 from blue, and 505 from red), this unique hole offers something very few golf courses in the world can claim: a par 6 challenge that’s both strategic and accessible. Designed by architect Iñaki de La Cuadra, who has worked alongside renowned designer Peter Harradine, this hole transforms a former par 5 into a longer, more dynamic experience. The layout now includes a slight dog-leg to the left on the final approach, adding a layer of complexity that rewards precision and planning.

La Marquesa Golf: Always innovating

What makes this design truly innovative is the flexibility it gives golfers. Players can choose to tackle the hole as a par 6 or stick to the original layout and play it as a par 5, thanks to new tee platforms that preserve the original distance. In fact, when played as a par 5 from the white tees, it now holds the title of the longest par 5 in Spain, clocking in at 628 meters.

According to José Ángel Quesada, president of La Marquesa Golf, “This par 6 is a big leap forward for innovation and challenge in Spanish golf. We want La Marquesa to be a place where players not only enjoy their game but also find something memorable.”

La Marquesa is also part of the exclusive selection of golf courses offered by Tee Times Golf Holidays in Spain—perfect for those looking to experience top-tier golf in Alicante and its beautiful surroundings. Whether you’re planning a golf getaway or just want to tick a par 6 off your bucket list, Tee Times can help you make it happen for your Spain golf holidays.

This ambitious update is part of a broader vision to turn La Marquesa into a must-visit destination for golfers from around the world. Combined with standout features like its replica of the iconic 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass, the course now offers a mix of tradition, creativity, and fun.

One thing’s for sure: if you’re looking for a golf experience that’s out of the ordinary, La Marquesa’s par 6 should be on your list.