International Pairs Portugal 2025 Winners

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The final round of the International Pairs Portugal 2025 took place on 19 July at Quinta do Perú Golf & Country Club, concluding a fiercely competitive series of qualifiers held across the country. The national final brought together Portugal’s top amateur pairs, all vying for the chance to represent their nation at one of the most prestigious events in amateur golf.

Rising to the top were Gonçalo Belchior and Mateus Costa, representing Team OLIVIER, who secured 1st place and booked their spot at the International Pairs World Final in Sun City, South Africa, with all expenses covered. They’ll go head-to-head with amateur champions from more than 30 countries, a proud moment for both the players and Portuguese golf as a whole.

Now in its third decade, the International Pairs tournament has grown into a global celebration of amateur talent. For Portugal, events like this are not just competitive fixtures, they’re proof of the country’s continued investment in grassroots golf and its rising profile on the international stage. With initiatives like these gaining traction, Portugal is steadily cementing its reputation not just for scenic fairways, but for serious talent.

The day also saw strong performances from Team MRT Auditores (Hugh Thomson & José Gonçalves Roberto), who finished second, and Team G-FORCE (Grace Xiao & Shane O Laochadha), who placed third. Xiao also picked up the Nearest the Pin award, while Guilherme Jerónimo claimed Longest Drive.

If you’d like to experience Quinta do Perú and other top courses in the area for yourself, be sure to explore our Lisbon Golf Holidays page for exclusive golf packages in the region.

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Costa del Sol Playas Sin Límite

In 2025, Spain’s Costa del Sol is rewriting the rulebook on seasonal travel. By officially joining the national “Playas Sin Límite” initiative, the region is signalling its commitment to becoming a year-round destination for leisure, golf, and lifestyle. The campaign, backed by Spanish tourism authorities, promotes coastal regions that offer high-quality experiences every month of the year. For golfers, this means more flexibility, better infrastructure, and a stronger reason than ever to consider the Costa del Sol as a go-to choice for their next Spanish golf break.

The timing couldn’t be better. Already known as the Costa del Golf, the region is home to over 70 golf courses and continues to attract international praise for its quality and consistency. In May 2025, Costa del Sol was named Best European Golf Destination for the second year in a row by IAGTO. The award reflects the area’s ability to deliver premium course conditions, smooth logistics, and a complete visitor experience, something it has now proven twice on the global stage.

The “Playas Sin Límite” project builds on this foundation by rolling out practical improvements. Municipalities are investing in upgraded beach access, improved coastal trails, and new off-season events. These efforts are designed to extend the appeal of the region well beyond the traditional summer window, helping golfers and travellers alike to enjoy the same quality year-round, without the peak season crowds.

Alongside this push for all-season travel, the luxury segment is seeing real momentum. The newly opened Fairmont La Hacienda in San Roque has already made an impression in 2025, combining two championship courses with five-star service, spa facilities, high-end dining, and Mediterranean views. It’s the first Fairmont in Andalusia and a clear sign of the region’s growing appeal to travellers who want more than just a few rounds in the sun.

Meanwhile, long-established venues like La Cala Resort continue to thrive. With three full 18-hole courses, an on-site golf academy, modern spa, and sweeping mountain-and-sea views, it remains one of the most complete resorts for golf holidays in southern Spain. It’s particularly popular among UK groups who want both variety and value wrapped into one scenic location.

Of course, golf is just part of the story. The Costa del Sol offers authentic Andalusian charm beyond the fairways, whitewashed towns like Mijas Pueblo, beachside lunches in Estepona, and cultural highlights in nearby Málaga all round out the experience. The addition of the Playas Sin Límite framework simply means these moments are now more accessible throughout the year.

If you’re planning Golf Holidays in Costa del Sol for 2025 or beyond, the Costa del Sol Playas Sin Límite initiative has raised the bar. With stronger infrastructure, luxury resort openings, and award-winning golf courses, this region continues to set the pace for year-round golf travel in Europe.

Portugal Airport Strikes: Travel Advice for Golfers

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Travel to Portugal this summer remains smooth for most visitors, but weekend airport operations may be a little slower than usual due to planned staff walkouts at some major airports. For golfers heading out with clubs in tow, a few small travel adjustments can help keep everything on course.

groundforce baggage handler on the tarmac delivering luggage

The strikes affect ground-handling services at several major Portuguese airports and are scheduled across four summer weekends: August 8–11, August 15–18, August 22–25, and August 29–September 1. Travellers flying during these dates may experience slightly longer processing times at the airport.

Travel Tips to Keep Things Running Smoothly

Avoid luggage delays and travel lighter by using our golf club hire service.

During this period, renting clubs can be a smart way to skip checked baggage and avoid potential airport delays. Our high-quality sets include top brands such as Ping, Titleist, and TaylorMade, and are delivered directly to your hotel or golf course.
We’re also offering special rates during this period. Availability is limited and subject to demand, so we recommend booking early to secure your preferred setup.

Here are a few more tips to help your journey go smoothly:

  • Take out travel insurance that covers delays, cancellations, and sports equipment.

  • Keep essentials like golf shoes and clothes for your first day in your cabin bag.

  • Allow a comfortable window between your landing time and first tee time.

If your flight is significantly delayed or cancelled, EU Regulation 261/2004 gives you the right to:

  • Meal vouchers and hotel accommodation during long delays

  • Full refunds or rebooking options

  • Financial compensation depending on the flight and length of delay

These rights apply to flights within or departing from the EU, as well as to EU-based carriers arriving from other countries.

Portugal remains one of the most accessible and reliable destinations for golf holidays. With a few small adjustments, your travel experience can stay just as enjoyable, even during periods of disruption. For extra peace of mind, Tee Times is here to help you prepare, travel smart, and get straight to what matters most: time on the course.


Click here if you’d like to read more about the strike details