Oceanico Old Course named No1 Course in Portugal

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January 5th 2012 – Oceânico Golf, the leading golf operator in the Algarve has begun 2012 with a bang, following the news that one of its most prestigious courses, the Oceanico Old Course, has been voted Portugal’s #1 course in the prestigious Today’s Golfer Travel Awards. The vote was carried out by readers of the UK’s most read golf publication, with the Oceânico Old Course emerging a convincing winner with an impressive 31% of the nominations. The roll of honour, which was announced this week, also saw Portugal’s Algarve coast named the ‘best-value’ golfing destination in continental Europe with 32% of the vote.
“This accolade is especially pleasing for the whole team at Oceânico Golf as it provides a fantastic springboard to kick off the New Year. To be nominated by readers of Today’s Golfer magazine is an honour and also a clear indicator that the Oceânico Old Course remains a firm favourite amongst travelling golfers,” commented Chris Stilwell, CEO of Oceânico Golf.

The award-winning Par 73, 6254m Oceânico Old Course is situated in the heart of Vilamoura a mere 20 minute drive from Faro airport. The stunning Frank Pennink designed parkland layout is one of the oldest in the region and renowned all over the golfing world. Often described as the Grande Dame of Algarve courses, it meanders throughout impressive pine trees, over gently undulating natural terrain. Opened in 1969, the course was completely renovated in 1996 and remains to this day one of Europe’s finest layouts.

In addition to raising the Oceânico Old Course to new heights of quality, an attractive new clubhouse and adjacent putting green were also built at that time. As with all Oceânico courses, environmental protection practices are strictly adhered to by means of detailed management systems in line with guidelines established by ISO 14001 standards, Green Globe and Committed to Green programmes. This is one of the courses in Portugal that will always stay in the memory of visiting golfers.

Vale Do Lobo Ocean – Saturday 14th Jan ’12. Weekly Competition

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As we all know the English like to talk about the weather but it is justified to mention it in this report. December had simply been fabulous with dry sunny conditions throughout whilst January has continued a similiar theme. Consequently many courses are now having to irrigate at a time normally when the sprinkler systems are run at a mininum and as they depend on mother nature to do the rest.

It was a great start to 2012 with 26 players keen to take on the spectacular Vale Do Lobo Ocean course beneath clear blue skies. We availed ourselves of the twilight rate and got preferential early tee times – the group easily got round in daylight. The course was in fine condition and presented a tough challenge and this was reflected in the overall scores many of which were sub 25pts.

Tough ‘Nearest The Pin’ selection today – the tricky elevated green of the 135mts 13th hole.

A couple of the members were seen talking to golf architect Rocky Roquemore in the VDL clubhouse that morning. Famed for many a masterpiece that incudes San Lorenzo, Quinta Da Ria, Quinta Da Cima and Golden Eagle and Belas in just Portugal alone. He was responsible for the remodelling of the Ocean course after the original blueprint laid down by Sir Henry Cotton.

We assembled back at Parkies as usual for post drinks refreshment and nibbles – our thanks once again to Dell & his team.

‘Today’s Golfer’ award to the Algarve

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The Algarve has been named the golf destination with the ‘best value for money’ in Europe, in awards run by the British magazine ‘Today’s Golfer’.

The Algarve region received 32% of the 3,276 voters, next was Turkey with 19% and Spain’s Costa Brava was third with 11% .

Also in the categories of ‘Best Golf Course in Portugal’ and ‘Best Hotel/Resort in Portugal ‘, the Algarve won again with the Oceanico Old Course in Vilamoura, and the Hotel Dona Filipa & San Lorenzo Golf Resort, in Vale do Lobo, leading with 31.31% and 15.44% of the vote respectively.

‘We are very proud to receive the news that the Algarve was once again chosen for the quality of its golf product, especially as the prizes are awarded by a publication from the United Kingdom, which remains our main market for tourists’ said the chairman of Tourism of the Algarve, António Pina, who added that ‘businesses in the golf industry are to be congratulated for the excellent service they have developed.”

Today’s Golfer magazine reaches over 200,000 British golfers every month and since 2010 is has been approved by IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators).