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Severiano Ballesteros and his undying love for Portugal

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Severiano Ballesteros is celebrated as one of the greatest golfers of all time. Born on April 9, 1957, in Pedreña, Spain, Ballesteros’ influence on the sport transcends national boundaries, and his fondness for Portugal played a significant role in his illustrious career.

“Seve” first made his mark in Portugal at 17, when he competed professionally at the Estoril Golf Course, his first tournament out of Spain. This historic course, renowned for its challenging layout and picturesque scenery, was more than just a stage for Seve to showcase his talent and love for the game. It was a place that held a special place in his heart, a place that he always carried with him. In Estoril, a bond was formed, a love affair with Portugal that would endure throughout his life and career.

Severiano Ballesteros’ Portuguese designs

Ballesteros’ impact on Portuguese golf is not just significant; it’s monumental. He designed three prestigious golf courses in the country: Royal Óbidos, Quinta do Vale, and Porto Santo Golfe. These courses, each a testament to his skill and vision, have left an indelible mark on the Portuguese golfing landscape.

Royal Óbidos, Severiano Ballesteros’ final project, is a par-72 championship course that is a testament to his design philosophy. It offers a stern test for even the most accomplished golfers, with strategic water hazards and challenging shots that reflect Seve’s flair and creativity. With its elegant atmosphere, the modern clubhouse provides the perfect setting for players to reflect on their game. Like all of Seve’s designs, this course is not just a place to play golf but a place to experience the game in all its beauty and challenge.

Quinta do Vale, located near the Spanish border, is another testament to Seve’s design genius. This course features long holes, generous fairways, and complex greens, demanding precision and strategy from players. The hilly terrain adds a layer of difficulty, making it a favourite among those seeking a rigorous golfing challenge. The 15th hole is particularly memorable with its stunning view of the Guadiana River.

Porto Santo Golfe, spanning from beach dunes to basalt cliffs, epitomizes Seve’s vision of blending natural beauty with a challenging game. The club offers two distinct designs: the South Course, with its lakes, and the cliff-top North Course, which offers diverse playing experiences. The accompanying nine-hole pitch-and-putt course and driving range enhance its appeal. The clubhouse, harmoniously integrated into the landscape, exemplifies Seve’s dedication to environmental sustainability and aesthetic harmony.

All of them are part of the list of courses that we offer at Tee Times Golf Agency for those who wish to enjoy their Portugal golf holidays playing at the highest level.

Seve also contributed to the promotion of golf in Portugal through his company, Amen Corner, which organized the Algarve Open many times and the Madeira Open. Although he never won a tournament in Portugal, his presence and influence were deeply felt, and his affection for the country was reciprocated by golf enthusiasts.

Seve: an eternal champion

Severiano Ballesteros overcame numerous challenges throughout his career, securing three Open Championships (1979, 1984, 1988), two Masters titles (1980, 1983), five Ryder Cups, 50 European Tour titles, and countless other victories, accumulating 91 professional wins. 

He has also been named a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, World Player of the Year (by Golf Digest), European Player of the Century, World Athlete Most Influential in Changing the Game, Lifetime Achievement Award, BBC Sports Personality Award and much more.

His charismatic playing style and relentless drive endeared him to fans worldwide, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of golfers.

In late 2006, Severiano Ballesteros announced his intent to join the senior tour but retired from professional golf in July 2007. His health began to decline following a brain tumour diagnosis in October 2008. Despite undergoing several surgeries, Seve passed away on May 7, 2011, at the age of 54. His legacy, a testament to his victories, course designs, and the lasting impact he had on the game of golf, continues to inspire and shape the future of the sport, as well as his special connection with Portugal. His legacy is not just a memory but a living, breathing force that continues to shape the world of golf.

Photo by: Daily Mail.

Andalucia: sustainability innovations at Isla Canela Golf Club

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In a notable effort to promote sustainability and enhance its environmental impact, Isla Canela Golf Club has launched an improvement project with an investment exceeding €120,000. This initiative focuses on two key areas: the complete renovation and waterproofing of the existing lake and the modernization of the electrical system at its pumping station.

The 6,380 square meters lake has been newly waterproofed to ensure the optimized use of both rainwater and irrigation water (non-potable). Simultaneously, a comprehensive upgrade of the electrical system at the pumping station has been completed, along with the fabrication of the essential boiler components. These improvements are crucial for distributing water efficiently across the golf courses.

Tino Cordero, Director of Golf at Isla Canela, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “This initiative follows a similar investment last year when we inaugurated our Solar Garden. We set an ambitious goal for the project timeline, as we needed to operate alongside the international golf season, and we met it successfully. This achievement is thanks to the excellent work of the various contracted companies and the coordination by the responsible departments at Isla Canela.”

With these improvements, Isla Canela aims to reduce its water consumption by 15% and lower its electrical consumption by 10%. This reduction is further supported by the photovoltaic energy production plant installed on the golf course, achieving nearly 50% energy self-sufficiency. Undoubtedly, these actions raise awareness among golf course managers, who are making consistent and realizable efforts toward sustainability.

At Tee Times Golf Agency, we are unwavering in our commitment to promoting the sustainable growth of golf. We actively support using renewable energy sources to power our facilities, significantly reducing our carbon footprint. We aim to enjoy the game while preserving the planet for future generations.

Isla Canela Golf Club facilities

Hotel Isla Canela Golf offers a peaceful, relaxed, and friendly setting where visitors can enjoy various activities at Isla Canela and the nearby village of Ayamonte. The hotel features 58 exclusive and elegant rooms with Andalusian-style architecture.

Isla Canela is home to two exceptional golf courses: the Isla Canela Old Course and the Isla Canela Links Course. The Old Course, with its proximity to the sea and unique vegetation, offers an unforgettable golfing experience. On the other hand, the Links Course, nestled on the left bank of the Guadiana River, provides a distinct riverside parkland that feels seamlessly integrated into a nature reserve. Both courses offer unique challenges and stunning landscapes, making them the perfect choice for those seeking a sustainable golfing experience.

Isla Canela Golf Club is an excellent destination for those looking for an unforgettable experience in their Spain golf holidays. Of course, it is part of Tee Times Golf Agency’s fantastic range of golf courses, which are offered with special packages and green fees.

Onyria Quinta da Marinha Hotel wins sustainability award

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The Onyria Quinta da Marinha Hotel has again been recognised for its commitment to sustainability, receiving the “Economic Sustainability in Hospitality” award from the prestigious Great Hotels of the World. This accolade, part of the Sustainable Future awards, highlights the hotel‘s support for the Mozambican project Girl Move Academy, which focuses on promoting female education and leadership.

The Onyria Group, a testament to the vision of its founder José Carlos Pinto Coelho, has been a pioneer in sustainable hospitality for nearly 30 years. The group’s journey began in 1986 with the acquisition of a portion of Quinta da Marinha in Cascais. This marked the birth of the Onyria Quinta da Marinha Hotel, the group’s first major hotel management project and a significant milestone in its commitment to sustainably offering the best life experiences. Today, the hotel stands as the ‘birthplace’ and headquarters of Onyria, a living testament to the group’s enduring legacy.

Onyria Quinta da Marinha Hotel recognition

Paulo Figueiredo, the general manager of the Onyria Quinta da Marinha Hotel, expressed pride in the recognition and reaffirmed the hotel’s dedication to sustainable tourism. “We want to continue on the path of more sustainable and conscious tourism, both environmentally and economically and socially,” Figueiredo stated in an interview with the prestigious media TNews. “This award is yet another acknowledgement of the work we have done and intend to continue.”

This is the second consecutive year the Sustainable Future Awards have honoured the hotel. Last year, it was recognised in the category of Sustainable Events for its eco-friendly conferences. The awards highlight sustainability initiatives across various domains of environmental, economic, and event organisation.

Over the years, the Onyria Quinta da Marinha Hotel, located 30 kilometres from Lisbon, has pioneered a range of unique sustainability initiatives. Nestled in the pristine Sintra-Cascais Park, the hotel provides guests with bicycles for eco-friendly exploration within the resort. In a bold move towards electric mobility, the hotel has replaced traditional golf course buggies with sleek electric motorcycles since 2020, setting a new standard for sustainable golfing experiences.

The Onyria Group

The Onyria Group owns several properties, including the Onyria Quinta da Marinha Hotel, Villas, Golf course in Cascais, and A House in Estoril. The Onyria Quinta da Marinha Golf course, designed by the renowned American architect Robert Trent Jones, offers an 18-hole, par 71 course that stretches 5,870 meters between Cascais and Cabo da Roca. This course combines challenging play with the scenic beauty of the Atlantic Ocean and the Sintra Mountains, providing an unforgettable experience for golfers.

Onyria Group locations, especially The Onyria Quinta da Marinha Golf course, are in high demand among Tee Times Golf Agency clients looking for the best experiences for their Portugal golf holidays.