Honouring golf and camaraderie in Quinta do Lago: highlights from the 7th Tee Times Open Championship

January was marked by the 7th Tee Times Open Championship (19-21 January), bringing together 60 amateur golfers (in teams of two players) at the prestigious Quinta do Lago, which has some of the best golf courses in Portugal

Supported by sponsors like Hilton, Penina Resort, NAU Palm Village, Quinta do Vale, Espiche, Benamor and Quinta da Tor Wines, the championship showcased the golfing prowess of the players. The “Driving Range Heroes” team emerged victorious with Jim Gillis & Axel Bleymann’s outstanding performance, clinching the champions’ cup and fantastic prizes, including stays at Hilton Vilamoura and green fees in Quinta do Lago.

The camaraderie of the Tee Times Open Championship kicked off on January 18 with a warm welcome at Chez Carlos Restaurant, setting the stage for an unforgettable tournament.

 

7th Tee Times Open Championship recap

Despite a rainy start at Quinta do Lago North, players enthusiastically navigated the challenging course. The competition continued at Quinta do Lago Laranjal, where strategic play was crucial on the picturesque, sun-soaked course surrounded by orange groves. Axel Bleymann’s remarkable hole-in-one on Laranjal’s second hole added an extra thrill to the event. 

The final showdown at Quinta do Lago South tested golfers with its natural surroundings overlooking Ria Formosa’s reserve. “Last Minute” claimed victory on the last day (John Balvers and Jorge Diogo), demonstrating resilience and skill. Each day featured unique formats, emphasising teamwork and individual prowess.

“Our Open Championship at Quinta de Lago was an excellent excuse to meet friends and clients. We faced three very demanding golf courses, especially in the first round, with adverse weather. Then the sun shone, and the weather was fantastic to enjoy these wonderful and well-prepared golf courses,” said Carlos Ferreira, CEO and founder of Tee Times Golf Agency.

“We celebrate our friendship and the work we have done for more than 30 years, providing golf and tourism services with professionalism and passion,” added Ferreira, who was grateful to the sponsors and those who organised the championship.

The Tee Times Open Championship celebrated exceptional golf and fostered fellowship and friendship among participants from England, Ireland, Netherlands, France and Portugal. The event showcased the beauty of golf in Portugal and the dedication of Tee Times Golf Agency, a key player in promoting golf and tourism in Portugal and Spain for over 30 years. With a legacy of excellent service, Tee Times continues to attract golf enthusiasts worldwide, solidifying its position as a trusted name in the industry.

 

FINAL RESULTS
1st Driving Range Heroes (Jim Gillis & Axel Bleymann) 110 points.
2nd Longman & Rothwell (Paul Longman & Neal Rothwell) 109 points.
3rd Urban Rhino (Michael Hall & Scott Couper) 106 points.

 

Unlocking golf’s potential: shorter and accessible golf experiences in Spain

In the dynamic landscape of modern golf, a recent study by The R&A unveiled a fascinating trend: the surge in popularity of shorter and non-traditional golf formats. 2023 witnessed millions of adults embracing variations like par-three courses, indoor simulators, and on-course simulators, challenging the conventional norms of the sport. Many of those fans are looking for those kinds of new golf experiences in Spain.

Spain’s Costa Brava golf courses are seizing this opportunity to cater to the evolving preferences of modern golfers looking for Spain golf breaks, offering shorter, accessible, and affordable golf experiences, as the prestigious site www.golfindustria.es explained a week ago in a fascinating article.

New golf experiences in Spain

Richard Jackson, the Head Professional at Par 3 Gualta Golf Club in the heart of Empordà on the Costa Brava, emphasises the shift in international golf demands. “The golf market has seen an uptick in the demand for shorter, non-traditional versions of golf in recent years, a trend we believe will persist into 2024 and beyond.” Par 3 Gualta allows golfers to play eighteen holes in just two hours at a significantly lower cost than a traditional eighteen-hole green fee. The club adopts a relaxed dress code with no handicap restrictions, fostering a welcoming environment for seasoned players and newcomers.

The global interest in alternative golf experiences is evident in recent trends. Costa Brava boasts Par 3 Gualta, Serres de Pals, Club Golf d’Aro-Mas Nou, and Peralada Golf Resort, offering par-three courses, pitch & putt, nine-hole designs, and high-quality eighteen-hole courses. The Costa Brava region is becoming a magnet for new golf experiences in Spain. The target? Modern golf enthusiasts and active travellers seeking diverse ways to enjoy golf during their Spain golf holidays.

Norbert Bes, Director of the Costa Brava Tourism Board, highlights the region’s appeal. “With diverse golf offerings, three hundred days of sunshine, pristine beaches, delightful cuisine, and rich cultural heritage, Costa Brava allows golfers to blend the thrill of traditional and shorter golf formats with the region’s unique charm and stunning landscapes.”

In this era of redefined golf experiences, Costa Brava stands out as a premier golf destination, embracing the essence of golf’s evolution with accessible and captivating alternatives, reinforcing its position as a top-tier travel destination for golf experiences in Spain.

Golf in Spain investments: 100 million euros for the San Roque II Municipal Golf Course

Golf in Spain investments: 100 million euros for the San Roque II Municipal Golf Course

Spain is one of the top destinations in the world for golf enthusiasts, offering a wide range of world-class courses and unforgettable golf holidays. The country’s golf industry is continuously growing, and golf in Spain investments are becoming increasingly popular. One of the latest exciting initiatives is the planned asset of one hundred million euros into the San Roque II Municipal Golf Course in Costa de la Luz, southwestern Spain.

Berwick Real Estate, the new concessionaire, plans to modernise and improve the course, adding a new clubhouse, a modern driving range, and a hotel with a capacity of 100 rooms. This investment will revitalise San Roque II and generate considerable economic benefits for the local community and the region’s sustainable development, according to the investors and also communicated by the prestigious site www.golfindustria.es.

The original design belongs to Perry Dye (son of famous architect Pete Dye), who worked in collaboration with Severiano Ballesteros. The course extends over 45 hectares and is characterised by the size of its greens and the challenge offered by the strategically located bunkers.

With an innovative approach, the investors promise to transform the playing experience, attract local and international golfers, and solidify the course’s reputation as a world-class golf destination.

Golf in Spain investments

The planned investment will benefit golf enthusiasts and increase the region’s attractiveness. The Costa de la Luz is renowned for its natural beauty and is home to historic cities such as Cádiz. Its gastronomy is world-famous, and fresh seafood, local fish, and authentic tapas are an integral part of the gastronomy experienced by those looking for Spain golf holidays.

This tourism boost will generate significant economic benefits for the local community and the region’s sustainable development, as highlighted by the mayor of San Roque, Juan Carlos Ruiz Boix. The project promises to boost the economy, generate employment and reinforce the reputation of golf in Costa de la Luz as a vibrant and modern destination. Without a doubt, this is one of the many good news we will have this season about golf in Spain investments.