Portuguese International Ladies Amateur Championship

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The Algarve welcomed another elite field of rising talent this spring as Penina Golf Resort hosted the 2025 Portuguese International Ladies Amateur Championship. Organised by the Portuguese Golf Federation, this annual event has become one of the most respected on the European amateur circuit, both for its level of competition and the quality of its venues.

Taking place in ideal spring conditions, the 2025 edition brought together a diverse international field and delivered four days of high-calibre golf. Players faced off on one of the Algarve’s most iconic courses, with national pride, world amateur ranking points, and personal milestones all on the line.

The result? A week of pressure-tested golf, promising new faces, and yet another reason Portugal continues to shine on the competitive women’s golf map.

A Championship with History

Organised by the Portuguese Golf Federation (FPG), the Ladies Amateur Championship is part of the World Amateur Golf Ranking calendar and has long been a launchpad for future professionals. Its winners’ list includes names who have gone on to compete, and win, on the Ladies European Tour and LPGA.

By hosting the event at Penina, a course known for its strategic layout and historical significance, the championship offered a tough but fair test of competitive golf under pressure.

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Penina Golf Resort – Still a Benchmark Venue

Located near Portimão, Penina Hotel & Golf Resort is often regarded as the spiritual home of golf in the Algarve. The course was designed by Sir Henry Cotton and has hosted numerous high-profile events, including the Portuguese Open.

For this year’s amateur championship, Penina delivered again: tight fairways, firm greens, and ideal Algarve spring conditions made for a compelling tournament atmosphere, one where course management and mental focus were just as important as shot-making.

A Spotlight on Rising Stars

While the final leaderboard told one story, the week offered many narratives. From up-and-coming Portuguese talent gaining international experience to visitors from Scandinavia, France, and Spain putting in strong performances, the championship continues to serve as an essential stepping stone for Europe’s brightest young players.

It’s not just about results, it’s about development. And events like this are key to keeping Portugal on the map as both a golf holiday destination and a serious player in tournament hosting.

Why It Matters

The Portuguese International Ladies Amateur Championship 2025 is more than a title, it’s part of a broader strategy to promote women’s golf at all levels in Portugal. By pairing world-class venues with top-tier competition, the country not only supports player development but reinforces its image as a dependable, aspirational place to play.

Whether you’re a competitive amateur, a casual player, or a golf traveller seeking quality experiences, Portugal continues to offer the full package.


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American Investment in Portugal Golf Holidays

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If you needed another reason to consider Portugal for your next golf escape, here it is: the world is watching, and investing. According to The Portugal News, 2025 has seen a significant rise in American investment across Portugal’s lifestyle, real estate, and golf sectors, with regions like the Algarve and Costa Alentejana emerging as hotspots.

These aren’t just property plays. They’re long-term commitments to Portugal’s climate, culture, and course quality. From high-end developments like CostaTerra Golf & Ocean Club to the expansion of luxury infrastructure in Lisbon and beyond, the message is clear: Portugal’s golf offering isn’t just good, it’s world-class, and getting better.

For golf travellers, this trend is a win. It means better facilities, more flight connections, and greater confidence that the best time to play in Portugal… is now.

What’s Behind the Boom?

So what’s driving the surge in interest?

  • Portugal’s year-round golf climate remains one of Europe’s most reliable

  • New direct flights from major U.S. cities to Lisbon and Faro are improving accessibility

  • A favourable lifestyle, combining health, safety, and scenery, is attracting attention from international figures, including the Clooneys and Princess Eugenie

  • Resorts are responding by raising their game, from clubhouse upgrades to integrated wellness and culinary offerings

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Where Travellers Benefit Most

Even if you’re not shopping for a luxury villa, this wave of investment brings tangible benefits for holidaymakers:

  • Upgraded resort amenities across the Algarve and Lisbon Coast

  • A renewed focus on sustainable tourism and course preservation

  • Higher service standards in hotels and golf clubs

  • Expanded transport and transfer options for more flexible planning

You don’t need to move to Portugal to enjoy what’s happening, you just need to visit.

Destinations on the Rise

Several regions are benefiting from the spotlight:

  • Comporta and Costa Alentejana – emerging luxury zones with developments like CostaTerra Golf & Ocean Club

  • The Algarve – still the crown jewel for golf, now drawing higher investment in hospitality and lifestyle

  • Lisbon Region – proximity to the capital and surf-meets-fairway culture make it a growing favourite

Final Thoughts

The rise in American investment in Portugal’s golf lifestyle is more than a real estate story, it’s a reflection of the country’s growing global appeal as a place to play, stay, and return to.

Whether you’re looking for a week-long escape or simply the confidence that your next holiday is money well spent, Portugal’s golf scene has never looked stronger.

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IAGTO European Convention 2025 in Gran Canaria

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Spain’s position as a leader in global golf travel will take centre stage this May as Gran Canaria hosts the IAGTO European Convention 2025. Organised by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), this major event brings together hundreds of industry professionals for three days of strategic meetings, networking, and tourism development initiatives.

Set against the backdrop of one of Europe’s most climate-stable and visually striking golf destinations, the convention underscores a broader shift: Spain isn’t just a popular golf destination, it’s a proactive player in shaping the future of the sport’s travel industry.

The IAGTO European Convention 2025 in Gran Canaria will attract attention from travel buyers, golf resorts, and tourism boards worldwide. For golf holidaymakers, this is good news. It means more investment, better visibility, and a renewed focus on quality experiences from the tee to the clubhouse.

Why Gran Canaria?

Gran Canaria offers a unique combination of subtropical climate, dramatic landscapes, and a rapidly growing golf infrastructure. With courses like:

…it’s no surprise that the island is fast becoming a favourite among international golfers.

Add in strong connectivity via Gran Canaria International Airport, a growing number of five-star resorts, and year-round playability, and the island becomes a strategic choice, not just for golfers, but for industry decision-makers.

What the IAGTO Convention Means for Golf Travel

Taking place from May 20–22, 2025, the convention is expected to bring together:

  • Over 750 delegates from more than 60 countries

  • Leading tour operators, golf resorts, hotels, and national tourism bodies

  • Product showcases, private meetings, and insight-driven workshops

The convention is designed to strengthen relationships between golf destinations and travel providers while exploring new ways to grow and innovate in the market.

For Gran Canaria and Spain, it’s an opportunity to reaffirm their position as top-tier destinations for European and international golfers.

Spain’s Broader Commitment to Golf Tourism

From the Costa del Sol to the Canary Islands, Spain continues to lead the way in European golf holidays. Events like the IAGTO European Convention 2025 in Gran Canaria reflect a broader strategy—one that blends tourism excellence with sustainability, guest experience, and long-term infrastructure investment.

For holidaymakers, this translates into:

  • Improved course conditions

  • Enhanced resort services

  • Expanded package offerings tailored to international travellers

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Why This Event Signals Big Things for 2025 and Beyond

As global golf travel rebounds, destinations that can offer stability, quality, and vision will define the next era. The IAGTO European Convention 2025 in Gran Canaria is more than an industry gathering, it’s a reflection of Spain’s ability to lead, adapt, and deliver.

Whether you’re planning a summer getaway or a long-term return to Spain’s fairways, Gran Canaria is ready, and the golf world will be watching.

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