Algarve voted best golf destination in the world by 2020

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Quinta da Ria - Algarve

Quinta da Ria

Algarve voted best golf destination in the world

The Algarve has been voted Best Golf Destination in the World for 2020 by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), which represents the global golf tourism industry within the 20th IAGTO Awards. The Algarve was elected by the vote of more than 700 tour operators, specializing in this industry and coming from over 60 different countries.

This is the third time that the Algarve is distinguished by IAGTO, having in 2006 and 2014 achieved the title of Best Golf Destination in Europe.

Vilamoura Victoria Golf Course

Vilamoura Victoria Golf Course

“Among the many factors that made it possible to reach the top of the voting are the quality and diversity of the Algarve’s golfing infrastructure, ease of access to the destination through frequent connections with Faro airport and the cost / benefit ratio. Added to this are other options such as the wide selection of accommodation options, the natural beauty of the region, the good weather that allows golf to be played throughout the year and the huge variety of attractions and additional motivations that make the stay richer. players visiting the region, with family and friends, ”says the statement from the Algarve Tourism Association.

Morgado Golf Course

Morgado Golf Course

The award was delivered this Thursday, the 17th, to João Fernandes, president of Turismo do Algarve. On the occasion, he said he was “very proud” to receive this award on behalf of all those working in the golf tourism industry in the Algarve, leaving thanks to IAGTO and all the tour operators who voted for this destination. “Not only is the Algarve a must-see place for the amateur golfer, it has attracted the best professionals in the world, thanks to the diversity and recognized quality of the 40 golf courses and the renowned hospitality and professionalism of the region’s agents. Golf days in the Algarve linger in the memory of golfers even after their holidays are over! Land of multiple charms, the Algarve is history, tradition, good weather, nature, good cuisine and something that cannot be explained… Just visiting! Therefore, we hope to receive lovers of the sport very soon! We invite you all to know the Algarve next week, which will be held the Portugal Masters 2019 (European Tour tournament), which this year will take place from 23 to 27 October, in Vilamoura”.

Vale do Lobo Royal Golf Course

Vale do Lobo Royal Golf Course

In the words of Peter Walton, President of IAGTO, “Algarve has always put the golfing visitor experience at the top of its agenda and for this reason I would like to congratulate all golf courses, hotels and tourism service providers. region’s golf course for this extraordinary achievement.”

Former World No. 1 Lee Westwood Returns to Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Ten Years Later

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Portugal Masters 2019. Lee Westwood

Lee Westwood

The 46-year-old Englishman, is one of the biggest golf champions ever in Vilamoura, and joins his compatriots Eddie Pepperell and Andy Sullivan, the 2015 winner.

Westwood will make his first appearance at the Portugual Masters tournament since winning ten years ago in the Algarve his 30th international title, while Sullivan earned his third European Tour trophy at the Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course in 2015, with a huge advantage of 9 strokes over the second – a record in the Portugal Masters.

In 2009, Westwood broke a two-year career in Portugal without a European Tour win, beating italian Francesco Molinari by two shots, thanks to three rounds -6 par for an aggregate of -23 par, the second best result ever in Vilamoura tournament history.
That victory catapulted him to a peak that culminated, later that season in a Race to Dubai victory and became No. 1 European Tour player of the Year. The following year, he became the first Englishman since Nick Faldo in 1994 to rise to the top of the world rankings.
“I have happy memories of Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course from my win there in 2009,” said Westwood, who had reached 26 top-tens between his 2007 British Masters and Portugal Masters triumphs in 2009 without raising any trophy during that period.
“I had a series of ‘almost’ between these two wins and that made me very happy to have finally crossed the line in Portugal,” he added.

Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course

Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course

“Many players have been telling me about how this tournament has grown in recent years and I look forward to returning and witnessing this growth. It also gives me the opportunity to prepare for the Nedbank Golf Challenge title defense (November 14-17 in South Africa). So I’m excited about this week (in Portugal), ”concluded the 46-year-old, who has 43 titles in his career, including 24 on the European Tour and 2 on the PGA Tour.
As for Andy Sullivan, who was Westwood‘s partner in the 2006 European Ryder Cup team at Hazeltine (United States), he was almost becoming the first and only player to win the Portugal Masters in consecutive years.
After the win in 2015, interestingly also 23 under Par as Westwood, the 32-year-old British was runner-up in 2016, just one shot from Irishman Padraig Harrington, another of the illustrious holders of the Portuguese golf tournament, with three Majors in is career.
“The Portugal Masters is an event I always look to when the calendar is announced,” said Sullivan. “It’s a big tournament and it’s always nice to be back in a golf course where we’ve won before. I always take my family with me and they enjoy being there as much as I do – and it never hurts to have extra support when we compete, ”added the most smiling golfer.

“This tournament gives us the opportunity to start winning an eland for the last three tournaments of the year. I really want to finish the golf season hard and this event is the ideal platform for that, ”concluded Sully’, winner of three international golf titles.
Eddie Pepperell, for his part, has won twice on the European Tour and also confirmed his presence at the Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course, with the aim of maintaining his top-50 status in the world golf ranking, which gives him access to Majors and the World Golf Championships.

Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course

Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course

The Portugal Masters 2019 will then have the presence of a luxury English quintet if we had Tom Lewis double winner at the Victoria golf course and title defender, and Oliver Fisher who last year in the Algarve became the first player completing a golf round in 59 shots on the European Tour.
Also new is the presence of Thomas Bjorn, the captain of the European team that won the Ryder Cup in 2018 in France. Bjorn won the Portuguese Open in 2010 and is a veteran with 21 international titles.

Portugal Masters tickets are available from 8€ for ages 12 to 17; 17€ for promotional tickets and 20€ for adults.

The package tickets for the 5 days are available from 24€ for a youth ticket, 50€ for promotions and 60€ for adults. Tickets for sale in
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/portugal-masters2019- and at the Doors

Gran Canary golf tour

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Fam Trip to Gran Canary. The first Club in Spain

The first Club in Spain

Gran Canary

My fam trip to Gran Canary start on the 23 september flying from Seville to las Palmas, picking up a rent a car, avoiding all selling tecnics by the rent a car reception and drive to El Salobre Serenity the oficial Hotel for the week.

Tuesday morning we played at Lopesan Meloneras golf course. I can say it is a beautifull golf course, parkland course but with a few holes near the sea as expected where players can admire some beautiful cliffs and taste the force of the wind. Meloneras golf course was in immaculate conditions, tees, fairways and greens. The driving range at Meloneras golf course is organised to accommodate large groups if necessary.

Afterwards we had a beautifull lunch in La Toscana Restaurant at Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort & Spa, visited some of Hotel facilities, including the immense infinity pool, which creates the spectacular effect of sea integration.

Fam Trip to Gran Canary. Meloneras golf course

Meloneras golf course


Fam Trip to Gran Canary. Meloneras golf course

Meloneras golf course


Fam Trip to Gran Canary. friendly game

friendly game

The afternoon ended with a Trip to the Nature in Gran Canary and dinner in Montaña de las Tierras where we also visited some houses and Restaurant build in the cellars of the mountain itself.

Wednesday started with oficial meetings with representatives of various Hotels and Golf courses of the Island followed by 9 holes at Salobre Old course tipycal of volcanic mountain course , where the designer had to create areas for the tees, fairways and greens and place it on top of the mountain rock. The effect is nice and they didn´t forget to beautify all the surrounding áreas. The Salobre Old course, is not particularly long, but the fact that the golf course is situated on very rugged terrain shortens most of the Tee shots. Salobre Old course was a pleasant and recommended experience.

In late afternoon we travel to Maspalomas for another golf experience in Gran Canary.

In contrast to Salobre, Meloneras is a flat golf course with large greens but small undulations.

The rought with bermuda adds difficulty to the game. A very pleasant experience on a friendly Golf course followed by a lively barbecue on the terrace of the restaurant.

On Thursday we aimed to Anfi Tauro golf course for a 18 hole experience on what is probably the best golf course in the Gran Canary island.

Fam Trip to Gran Canary. At the Dunes

At the Dunes

Expectations were high and were met. The golf course is a treat to the eye and features well-designed challenging holes with strategically placed obstacles. Anfi Tauro golf course begins with some holes in a flatter area, but then develops into a volcanic mountain where it is much more difficult to correctly assess distances.

Fam Trip to Gran Canary. Anfi Tauro Golf Course

Anfi Tauro

Apart from differences in high, the wind is also a major factor to consider when choosing the right club. Nothing wrong to choose an extra club to play for a elevated green or when the wind blows against. Prepare yourself for a great test of golf in a well-kept flowery environment.

After the game a well deserved lunch at Maroa Club del Mar for a delicious paella with the sea at our feet.

After a good siesta we visited Seaside Palm beach Hotel where again a delicious dinner was served, in the gardens of the Hotel where different chefs serve delicacies from sushi to italian, chinese and traditional spanish cuisine, with a suport from a rich lively buffet.

On Friday we departer to the north of the Island and visited Las Palmas old town center. We learned a little bit of the history of the city and, visited the house Colombo stayed before he leave to “discover” America. Curious to know that he would rather use a small church to pray instead of the big cathedral right next door.

Fam Trip to Gran Canary. Cristóvão Colombo house in Las Palmas

Cristóvão Colombo house in Las Palmas

Lunch was served at La Marinera a busy restaurant on the sea front where we tasted local fresh fish served efficiently by experienced staff team.

Fam Trip to Gran Canary. Peter doing a street show

Peter doing a street show

Departure for the Oldest golf course in all Spain, the Real Club de Golf Las Palmas, a true parkland golf course, par 68, full of history, as evidenced by the photos and signatures with dedications of famous players who played there. Rafa Cabrera Bello seems to be an honorary member and regular visitor to the club.

Farewell dinner was at Bodega San Juan, a farm where an elderly family produces exceptional quality wine, and where we were indulged with a magnificent dinner in the gardens of the house, accompanied by live music.

Fam Trip to Gran Canary. Dinner in Bodega San Juan & wine tasting

Dinner in Bodega San Juan & wine tasting

Return to Salobre Hotel Resort & Serenity for the last night cup together.

Saturday morning after breakfast the last 18 holes at Salobre New course. Similar landscape as the Old Course, but in my opinion not as so good, technically. The more hilly and rugged terrain didn´t allow the designer to found the right options to offer more pleasant holes.

Nevertheless the golf course offers an interesting experience and some fun to all level of players.

I can´t thank enough to all involved for a fantastic experience at Gran Canary.

Love to all

Salobre Hotel Resort & Serenity Youtube Logo

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Anfi Tauro Golf Course Youtube Logo

Anfi Tauro Golf Course Youtube Logo