Ricardo Melo Gouveia Solid Performance at Hainan Classic

Posted on by

For those keeping a keen eye on Portugal’s rising golf talents, Ricardo Melo Gouveia’s latest outing at the Hainan Classic offered plenty to cheer about. While the Algarve native might have just missed the top spots, his T55 finish in a fiercely competitive field proves he remains a name worth watching on the international circuit.

Melo Gouveia has been steadily building his career over the past few seasons, showcasing a blend of technical precision and quiet determination that makes him stand out among his peers. Known for his elegant swing and composed demeanour under pressure, he represents the next wave of Portuguese players aiming to leave a mark on the world golf stage.

Portugal’s golfing reputation continues to grow stronger year after year, and players like Melo Gouveia are helping to keep the nation’s flag flying high. His performance at the Hainan Classic adds yet another chapter to Portugal’s evolving story on the world stage, a story that travellers can tap into when planning their next golf getaway.
ricardo gouveia teeing off at hainan classic

A Gritty Performance in Testing Conditions

The Hainan Classic, part of the China Golf Association’s prestigious series, presented its own set of challenges this year. Tight fairways, swirling coastal breezes, and relentless pressure made even seasoned pros sweat over every shot.

Melo Gouveia showcased his trademark resilience. While a few wayward putts may have cost him a charge up the leaderboard, his controlled iron play and steady composure earned him a respectable T55 placement. It’s the kind of battling performance that builds champions, and Portuguese golf fans should take note.

What It Means for Portugal’s Golf Scene

For Portuguese golf, international appearances like this are more than just results on a leaderboard. They inspire a new generation of golfers back home and shine a spotlight on Portugal as a premier golfing nation.

It’s no secret that Portugal golf holidays are among the most sought-after experiences for travellers worldwide. With courses like San Lorenzo, Monte Rei, and Palmares setting global standards, Portugal’s reputation grows stronger each year. Ricardo Melo Gouveia’s efforts abroad only reinforce why so many choose Portugal for their next golfing adventure.

Inspired to Follow in His Footsteps?

There’s something special about walking the fairways in a country that continually punches above its weight on the international golf scene. Whether you’re dreaming of testing your short game against coastal breezes or chasing low rounds under sunny skies, Portugal delivers.

Explore our Algarve golf packages and see why so many visiting players, and local heroes like Melo Gouveia, are proud to call these fairways home.

And for an even smoother journey, don’t forget to book your Car Hire and Transfers with Tee Times. Seamless service from airport to first tee, because your next birdie shouldn’t be delayed by baggage claims.

Source: Federação Portuguesa de Golfe

Master Your Short Game at Las Colinas’ New Facility

Posted on by

Spain has long been a siren call for golfers. Sun-drenched fairways, championship layouts, and the occasional tapas break between rounds, it’s hard to resist. Add in the welcoming culture, luxury resorts, and some of Europe’s finest cuisine, and it’s little wonder so many head south when the golf bug bites.

But for those who understand that real glory is often won or lost within 50 yards of the green, there’s a new reason to pack the clubs and head south: the brand-new Las Colinas Golf & Country Club short game facility.

Designed by none other than Miguel Ángel Jiménez himself, this facility is a masterclass in finesse, precision, and imagination. Whether you’re plotting a sneaky chip to save par or simply trying to outshine your mates, this purpose-built complex could easily be the highlight of your Spain golf holidays.

A Facility Crafted by a Maestro

When a name like Miguel Ángel Jiménez is attached to a project, you know it’s going to be a cut above. With over three decades on tour and a reputation for touch and artistry around the greens, Jiménez has poured his knowledge into a facility that’s anything but ordinary.

The Las Colinas short game facility covers over 5,000 square metres, featuring:

  • A sprawling 680-square-metre putting green
  • Two intricately designed bunkers
  • Varied elevation changes and realistic fairway areas for pitch and chip practice

It’s not just another “practice area.” It’s a playground for serious improvement, ideal for golfers who know that championships aren’t won on the driving range.

Perfectly Positioned for Golf Holidays

Set within the award-winning Las Colinas Golf & Country Club in the Costa Blanca, the short game facility makes an already elite venue even more attractive. Pair a few hours honing your skills with a round on the pristine championship course, and you’ve got the makings of an unforgettable golf break.

More Than Just Practice: It’s an Experience

Golfers know that “practising” and “experiencing” are two very different things. At Las Colinas, the environment elevates your game without it feeling like a chore. Surrounded by fragrant Mediterranean woodlands and the distant glint of the sea, even a missed chip feels more bearable.

And after fine-tuning your wedge play, the resort offers luxury accommodation, fine dining, and wellness facilities that make recovery just as enjoyable as the grind.

Why Prioritise Short Game Practice?

It’s often said that “drive for show, putt for dough.” But at Las Colinas, you can do both, and look good doing it. Whether you’re prepping for your next club championship or simply wanting to make your mates a bit jealous, fine-tuning your short game is an investment that pays dividends.

Ready to sharpen up your skills under the Spanish sun? Explore our Costa Blanca golf packages and get ready to trade three-putts for fist pumps.

And for an even smoother journey, don’t forget to book your car hire and transfers with Tee Times. Reliable service, competitive rates, making your golf holiday hassle-free from start to finish.

Posted on by

Ribagolfe Lakes – A Peaceful Escape

For golf travellers seeking a quieter, more authentic side of Portugal, Ribagolfe Lakes offers a refreshing alternative. Situated just 40 minutes east of Lisbon, in the heart of the Ribatejo region, this championship-calibre course is surrounded by vast cork oak forests and tranquil countryside, worlds away from the busier tourist hubs.

Often described as “the Valderrama of Portugal” by insiders, Ribagolfe Lakes is a place where golf returns to its roots: strategic, pure, and connected to the landscape. The absence of resort crowds means the fairways, the wildlife, and the rhythm of the game take centre stage.

If you’re planning your next Portugal golf holiday and want a destination that pairs world-class golf with natural beauty and peaceful surroundings, Ribagolfe deserves a spot on your radar.

Championship Golf in a Natural Setting

Designed by Peter Townsend and inaugurated in 2004, Ribagolfe Lakes (formerly Ribagolfe I) offers:

  • A par-72 course stretching over 7,370 yards from the back tees

  • Wide fairways framed by mature cork oaks

  • Strategic water hazards that test accuracy and nerve

  • Large, gently contoured greens rewarding precise approach shots

The course regularly hosts European Tour qualifying events, a testament to its serious golfing pedigree.

ribagolfe lakes golf course lush greens and water hazards

Why Ribagolfe Stands Out for Golf Holidays

While many visitors head for the Algarve or Lisbon’s coastal resorts, Ribagolfe offers a very different kind of holiday:

  • Peace and privacy: Play at your own pace with little interruption

  • Authentic setting: Stay near traditional towns instead of resort hubs

  • Exceptional value: Play a world-class course without premium tourist prices

  • Accessibility: A quick drive from Lisbon Airport makes it perfect for flexible travel plans

Here, the focus is on pure golf and the chance to reconnect with the simple pleasures of the game.

Planning Your Stay

While Ribagolfe Lakes doesn’t have onsite accommodation, it’s easily paired with a range of excellent nearby hotels:

  • Montado Hotel & Golf Resort: Perfect for golfers seeking a tranquil countryside stay, with its own onsite course and resort amenities.

  • VIP Executive Art’s Hotel: Located in Lisbon’s modern Parque das Nações district, ideal for combining golf with urban exploration.

  • Tivoli Oriente: A polished option close to Lisbon Airport, offering easy access to Ribagolfe and the vibrant riverside area of Lisbon.

Whether you prefer a quiet retreat or city-side convenience, these hotels offer flexible options to suit the style of your golf holiday.

👉 Book golf holidays in the Lisbon region

Final Thoughts

If your idea of a golf holiday includes championship-level play, peaceful scenery, and time to enjoy every shot without pressure, Ribagolfe Lakes delivers. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best golf experiences are found slightly off the beaten path, and that Portugal’s inland courses deserve a spot in every traveller’s plans.


👉 Reserve golf transfers and car hire for your golf holidays in portugal