European Amateur Ranking Highlights Portugal’s Role in Amateur Golf

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Portugal’s golf is expected to attract even more international attention after the European Golf Association confirmed new awards associated with the 2026 European Amateur Order of Merit. The initiative sets up a single ranking system for amateur players all over Europe and makes a straight path from top amateur competitions to the professional game. The news is especially important for Portugal because the new ranking calendar will begin with two big tournaments in the country.

Starting in 2026, the European Golf Association (EGA) will oversee the European Amateur Order of Merit for both male and female golfers. The goal is clear: to make Europe’s top amateur events better and bring the best players in the world to them. The top performers will get direct invites to the European Amateur Championships and to play on professional tours such as the DP World Tour, the HotelPlanner Tour, the Ladies European Tour, and LETAS. This structure strengthens the bridge between doing excellent work as a hobby and getting career opportunities.

From the very beginning of the season, Portugal will be very important. The Portuguese Golf Federation organises the international championships, which are the first events that players can use to prepare for the men’s and women’s world rankings. This puts the country at the top of European amateur golf and makes it even more well-known as a place that is strongly connected to the sport at every level.

The 96th Portuguese International Ladies’ Amateur Championship will be held at Penina Hotel & Golf Resort from January 28 to 31, kicking off the women’s calendar. The person who wins will get a ticket to the Vidago Ladies Open on the LETAS circuit, which will have its second season later this year. The men’s game comes next, with the 96th Portuguese International Amateur Championship happening at Amendoeira Resort from February 11 to 14. The winner will get a prized ticket to the Open de Portugal on the HotelPlanner Tour, which will be held at PGA Aroeira 1 in September 2026.

These events show why golfers, federations, and fans from all over Europe keep coming to play golf in Portugal. The country is a great place for competitive golf because it has good courses, strong organisation, and playing weather all year round. For players who travel, this same setting naturally leads to unforgettable golf holidays in Portugal, which has many welcoming resorts in different areas with great courses.

Portugal’s place in the amateur game is better than ever as the European Amateur Order of Merit comes together. Having the first events of the season take place in your area is not only a privilege for the sport, but it also shows that the country has supported golf for a long time. Portugal is still a place where players and tourists can compete, improve, and enjoy the game all at the same time.

Costa del Sol Supports Costa del Sol Master Madrid Final at Río Real

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The Costa del Sol Master Madrid final brought golf in Spain back into the spotlight, and it was held at the Río Real Golf Club. Besides that, Turismo Costa del Sol significantly contributed to the success of the event. After a long and hard-fought journey across three qualifying events and eight courses, the tournament finished in the middle of the Costa del Sol. It was a mix of sports, travel, and tourism marketing. Things like this keep the region famous as one of the best places in Europe for golf holidays.

The last round of the contest took place at Río Real, a course that is famous for high-level golf and is a popular spot for tourists. Esperanza González, who is the CEO of Turismo Costa del Sol, greeted the players and guests and talked about how important it is to back projects that help make the destination better known. She said that having Costa del Sol take part in projects that help make the area a top vacation spot, especially for golf, which is still an important part of the local economy, is truly an honour.

A Contest with Travel Prizes

The Costa del Sol Master Madrid happened from the 12th to the 14th of December. The schedule was set up to find a good mix between inexperienced and experienced players. People came to formal receptions and transfers on Friday. They had a practice round at Río Real on Saturday. The final was on Sunday. It had a shotgun start, a cocktail reception in the clubhouse, and a formal ceremony to give out the prizes. After a long, well-planned event, the winners enjoyed their victory.

Tourism Costa del Sol used the event to show that it is a great place to play golf. The area has more than 70 golf fields, which is more than anywhere else on the mainland of Europe. As a result, many different classes are available to take. It also keeps drawing in amateur players who want to play year-round in good weather.

Costa del Sol: Year-Round Charm and Golf Holidays

Esperanza González also spoke about how golf can help keep things from changing with the seasons. You can take golf holidays at any time of the year, as they are not dependent on the busy summer months. Besides the tournament, Turismo Costa del Sol also brought tour operators from the UK, the Netherlands, and the US on a familiarisation trip to market the area to people around the world. This was another boost to the area’s status around the world.

Since the Costa del Sol Master Madrid and other events take place there, the Costa del Sol remains Spain’s premier golf destination. Its long-term success is based on a lot of people helping it, making it a competition destination, and having a lot of tourists come. Our Costa del Sol golf holidays show golfers planning their next trip how to create lasting memories.

Tee Times Awarded Europe’s Best Golf Tour Operator 2025

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We are thrilled to share some fantastic news: The prestigious World Golf Awards have named Tee Times Golf Holidays Europe’s Best Golf Tour Operator 2025. This recognition is a huge milestone for our team and a moment we are proud to celebrate with all of you.

This award isn’t just ours: it belongs to every golfer who has trusted us to plan their dream round, every partner in Portugal and Spain who has worked alongside us, and our dedicated team who constantly strive to deliver the perfect golf holiday experience. Your support and confidence have been key to this achievement.

For over 30 years, our mission has been simple: to make golf holidays as smooth and enjoyable as a perfect drive down the fairway. Winning this award inspires us to continue improving, innovating, and helping golfers around the world make the most of their time on and off the course.

We look forward to creating even more unforgettable golf experiences, with more fairways, fewer bunkers, and holidays you’ll remember for years to come. From all of us at Tee Times Golf Holidays, thank you for being part of this journey.

You can explore our latest golf holiday packages and start planning your next perfect round through our Tee Times Golf Holidays page.