Golf Santo da Serra: New Historic Partnership

Clube de Golf Santo da Serra has unveiled a historic partnership with Enotel Santo da Serra, blending world-class golf with luxury hospitality. Clube de Golf Santo da Serra has unveiled a historic partnership with Enotel Santo da Serra, blending world-class golf with luxury hospitality. Located just ten minutes from Madeira Airport and Funchal, this collaboration spans 104 hectares of serene natural beauty, offering an unmatched golfing getaway.

Enotel Santo da Serra, originally the club’s first clubhouse, is now a four-star hotel boasting 68 elegant rooms, swimming pools, a spa, and the exquisite Sabor da Terra restaurant. The partnership enhances the island’s appeal as a premier golf destination, perfectly merging comfort with the charm of Madeira’s landscapes.

The legendary Robert Trent Jones designed the golf course, which features 27 stunning holes across three courses: Machico, Desertas, and Serras. This venue, which has hosted 20 editions of the Madeira Islands Open on the DP World Tour, stands among the world’s elite. Each of the three nine-hole loops offers its own unique challenge, complemented by spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and Madeira’s lush, mountainous terrain.

Santo da Serra’s commitment to sustainability

Clube de Golf Santo da Serra and Enotel Santo da Serra share a solid commitment to sustainability. From the golf club’s €2.5 million irrigation system to the hotel’s educational farm and organic agriculture, every element reflects respect for the environment and a dedication to preserving Madeira’s natural beauty.

Tee Times Golf Agency presents exclusive packages for those seeking the best golf holidays, including rounds at Santo da Serra, Palheiro Golf, and Porto Santo Golfe. With our offers, golfers can enjoy seamless access to these top-tier courses, including green fees and transport, all at an exceptional value.

Discover the ideal combination of luxury, nature, and world-class golf with Tee Times for an incredible break. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or simply seeking a memorable escape, Madeira promises breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. Book now and embark on your ultimate golf adventure in the Atlantic Ocean!

Photos: Santo da Serra.

Shaping the Future: How New Changes Could Revolutionise the PGA TOUR competitive landscape

The PGA TOUR is undergoing a transformative phase, driven by the Player Advisory Council insights to create a more competitive, fan-engaging experience. The PGA TOUR is undergoing a transformative phase, driven by the Player Advisory Council (PAC) insights to create a more competitive, fan-engaging experience. This strategic shift comes from extensive feedback and evaluations. While formal changes await the PGA TOUR Policy Board’s final approval on November 18, the proposed adjustments aim to enhance the competitive landscape starting in 2026.

The PAC Subcommittees have focused on refining field sizes, eligibility categories, FedExCup points allocation, and player pathways. Key modifications under consideration include:

Optimised Field Sizes: The starting field for open tournaments would be limited to 144 players, with the flexibility to adjust to 120 or 132 based on daylight constraints. This aims to reduce delays due to darkness and improve the pace of play, enhancing the tournament experience for players, fans, and broadcasters.

Eligibility Revisions: The proposed adjustments would decrease the automatic exemption threshold from the top 125 to the top 100 FedExCup players, granting conditional status to those ranked 101-125. This change is based on extensive performance data to ensure only the most competitive players gain exemption.

Changes to Pathway Cards: The Korn Ferry Tour, the primary route to the PGA TOUR, will see its PGA TOUR cards reduced from 30 to 20, alongside a cap of five PGA TOUR Q-School cards and 10 from the DP World Tour. This aims to streamline the pathway while maintaining strong talent representation.

Sponsor Exemptions and Open Qualifying: Restricted sponsor exemptions would now be allocated to the following eligible players on the Priority Ranking list, optimising competition. Open Qualifying spots in tournaments with under 144 players would be limited to account for adjusted field sizes.

The PAC’s recommendations also include slight changes in FedExCup points distribution, giving a minor boost to second-place points in majors and The PLAYERS, with a decrease for positions beyond 7 in Signature Events.

These improvements, developed through rigorous analysis by the PAC’s subcommittees, reflect a commitment to enhancing the TOUR’s competitiveness and entertainment value for all stakeholders. The final vote in November will mark the next step toward a dynamic future for the PGA TOUR. What do you think of these proposed changes? Will they make the tour more thrilling for players and fans alike? Let us know your thoughts!

Source: www.pgatour.com

Tee Times Showcases Portugal Golf at USA & Canada Travel Trade Marketplace

Tee Times Golf Agency recently participated in the Visit Portugal Travel Trade Marketplace USA & Canada 2024, held from October 22-23.Tee Times Golf Agency recently participated in the Visit Portugal Travel Trade Marketplace USA & Canada 2024, held from October 22-23 at the Grande Real Santa Eulália Hotel in Albufeira. Represented by Beatriz Costa, Sales & Marketing Executive, Tee Times experienced this exclusive event to connect with leading travel operators and agencies from the USA and Canada, highlighting our premier golf experiences in Portugal.

Organised by Turismo de Portugal in partnership with the Agência Regional de Promoção Turística do Algarve, the Visit Portugal Travel Trade Marketplace provided a privileged platform for Portuguese tourism companies to engage with North America’s most prominent travel professionals. This second edition welcomed 110 buyers—71 from the USA and 39 from Canada—who participated in 4,407 one-to-one meetings, averaging 55 meetings per company, demonstrating Portugal’s growing appeal as a tourism destination.

With over 30 years of industry expertise, Tee Times has become a pioneer in golf tourism. Founded by Carlos Ferreira, the agency was among the first to offer green fee bookings in Portugal, establishing itself as a trusted name in online tee time reservations. At the marketplace, we showcased why we stand out in golf tourism:

  • Pioneers in Green Fee Bookings: With decades of experience, Tee Times was an early innovator in green fee reservations and now offers a user-friendly online booking system.
  • 30+ Years of Industry Expertise: Tee Times has deep knowledge of the golf sector and strong partnerships with courses and hotels. It ensures top-tier experiences at competitive rates.
  • 100,000+ Golf Rounds Annually: Since 2022, the agency has successfully booked over 100,000 rounds of golf annually, underscoring its reliability and commitment to excellent service.

Interest from the USA and Canadian markets was evident, with participating companies showing significant enthusiasm for Portugal’s unique tourism offerings. The Visit Portugal Travel Trade Marketplace allowed Tee Times and other Portuguese companies to deepen connections, discuss new trends, and strengthen Portugal’s position as a world-class golf destination. This marketplace marked a significant step in bringing Portugal’s unparalleled golf and tourism experiences closer to North American audiences, furthering the country’s reputation as an exceptional destination for golf and leisure.