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La Marquesa: Experience TPC Sawgrass’ Legendary 17th Hole in Sunny Alicante

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Did you know you can experience the thrill of TPC Sawgrass’ legendary 17th hole in Spain?

That’s right—in Alicante, golfers can test their nerves on an exact replica of the iconic island green from TPC Sawgrass. La Marquesa Golf, nestled in Ciudad Quesada (Rojales) on the sunny Costa Blanca, proudly features its own version of one of golf’s most famous challenges. And we’re not just talking inspiration; Ponte Vedra Beach Club shared the original topographic plans, ensuring every golfer at La Marquesa gets an authentic taste of Florida’s legendary hole.

This unique attraction is part of a significant upgrade initiated by José Ángel Quesada in May 2019, aiming to elevate La Marquesa Golf’s stature even further. Entrusting the redesign to Pascual Jiménez, Quesada’s ambitious vision quickly took shape, reshaping 9 greens and 4 fairways to refresh the historic course that first opened in 1989.

But the real magic happened when Spanish golf legend Miguel Ángel Jiménez joined the project. The charismatic champion offered crucial guidance and even sketched the iconic 17th-hole design right in the sand of a bunker, capturing every detail perfectly.

Recently featured by the prestigious news website Open Golf, La Marquesa Golf has firmly positioned itself among Alicante’s top golfing destinations, praised by local and international players.

TPC Sawgrass and The Players

This week, golf enthusiasts worldwide have their eyes fixed on the TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course as The Players Championship—the unofficial “fifth major”—takes place. This tournament is one of the most anticipated events in the golfing calendar, attracting an elite field of professionals competing for one of the largest prize pools in the sport. Central to the drama and excitement each year is the notorious 17th hole, a par-3 surrounded entirely by water, where even the slightest miscalculation can dash championship dreams instantly.

If you’re eager to experience La Marquesa Golf and other spectacular courses along the Costa Blanca, Tee Times Golf Holidays offers unbeatable packages tailored to all golfing enthusiasts. Ready for your Spanish Sawgrass challenge? Pack your clubs and book with Tee Times —your gateway to Alicante’s best golf experiences.

Masters of Design: How Iconic Golf Course Architects Elevated Portugal’s Tourism

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Portugal is widely recognised as the best golf and tourism destination in the world. Its picturesque landscapes, mild climate, and challenging courses attract enthusiasts from across the globe. Central to this growing popularity is the influence of world-renowned golf course architects, whose creativity and vision have transformed the Portuguese golfing landscape, solidifying Portugal’s reputation as a global leader in golf tourism.

Legendary architects such as Robert Trent Jones Jr., Sir Henry Cotton, and Jack Nicklaus have left indelible marks on Portugal’s golf heritage. Robert Trent Jones Jr. was celebrated for his artistic integration of natural landscapes as the acclaimed Troia Golf Course. Situated south of Lisbon, Troia offers golfers the thrilling experience of seaside play, seamlessly weaving through dunes and pine forests, showcasing Jones’ philosophy of environmental harmony and aesthetic excellence.

Sir Henry Cotton, a three-time Open Champion turned visionary architect, profoundly impacted Portugal with his iconic Penina Hotel & Golf Resort in the Algarve. Opened in 1966, Penina was Portugal’s first 18-hole course, instantly elevating the country’s global golfing prestige. Cotton’s innovative layout provided a blueprint for subsequent course designs, blending classic British golfing traditions with the vibrant Mediterranean environment.

Golf Course Architects Influence

Jack Nicklaus, perhaps the most famous golfer-turned-architect, has significantly influenced Portugal’s reputation for luxurious and strategically challenging courses. The Monte Rei Golf & Country Club in Algarve epitomises Nicklaus’ meticulous approach, combining precision golf strategies with the region’s natural beauty. His signature designs have attracted significant international tournaments and discerning golfers seeking courses that balance difficulty and elegance.

More recently, golf course architects like Rocky Roquemore and Arthur Hills have further enriched Portugal’s golfing scene. Their designs emphasise sustainability and environmental stewardship, ensuring courses such as Quinta da Marinha near Cascais and Oitavos Dunes provide challenging play while preserving the surrounding ecological habitats. New designers in Portugal include Sergio Garcia, who developed Torre at Terra das Comporta, and Ernie Els, the creative mind behind The Els Club Vilamoura.

Tee Times Golf Holidays have further enhanced Portugal’s golf tourism by offering comprehensive golf packages that combine play at premier courses with accommodations and personalised services. These packages allow golf players to enjoy Portugal’s best golfing experiences tailored to their preferences and needs to enjoy their holidays.

The legacy of these architects has undeniably positioned Portugal at the forefront of global golf tourism. Their collective contribution continues to shape Portugal’s golfing identity, drawing visitors eager to experience the country’s unique blend of innovation, natural splendour, and rich golfing.

Finca Cortesin Leads the Way in Sustainable Golf, Reinforcing Spain’s Golf Excellence

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Golf and sustainability go hand in hand at Finca Cortesin, one of Spain’s premier golf destinations and host of the 2023 Solheim Cup.Golf and sustainability go hand in hand at Finca Cortesin, one of Spain’s premier golf destinations and host of the 2023 Solheim Cup. The resort has once again set the standard for environmental stewardship with its groundbreaking Golf & Birds study, demonstrating that golf courses can serve as vital sanctuaries for biodiversity while maintaining world-class playing conditions.

Conducted between October 2022 and October 2023, the study focused on the migratory bird populations that rely on Finca Cortesin’s natural landscape. Located near the Strait of Gibraltar, a crucial migratory corridor between Europe and Africa, the resort welcomed 65 bird species and recorded nearly 4,000 individual sightings, including black kites, booted eagles, and peregrine falcons.

The research highlights Finca Cortesin’s commitment to sustainability, integrating advanced irrigation systems, pesticide-free maintenance, and native flora preservation to create a thriving ecosystem for wildlife. Their efforts enhance biodiversity and set a precedent for golf resorts worldwide to embrace environmentally responsible practices.

Finca Cortesin: prioritising environmental stewardship

At Tee Times Golf Agency, we recognise the importance of offering exceptional experiences while supporting sustainability initiatives across Spain’s golf destinations. Our extensive portfolio includes Finca Cortesin, designed by renowned architect Cabell Robinson, and other top golf courses prioritising environmental stewardship. Whether you’re seeking championship courses, luxurious resorts, or tailored golf packages, Tee Times ensures a seamless and unforgettable Spain golf holiday.

For more details on Finca Cortesin and its ongoing environmental sustainability plan, please visit www.fincacortesin.com.

Finca Cortesin’s initiative is an inspiring example of how golf and nature coexist harmoniously. By booking with Tee Times, you can access Spain’s finest courses that lead the way in sustainability and excellence. Join us in experiencing the best of Spanish golf while supporting environmentally responsible tourism.

Plan your next golf getaway today! Visit www.teetimes.pt for exclusive golf packages at Finca Cortesin and beyond.

Photos: Finca Cortesin.