Carla Bernat Makes History at Augusta

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Carla Bernat Augusta 2025 – A Breakthrough for Spanish Women’s Golf

Spain has a new golf icon, and her name is Carla Bernat. At just 21 years old, Bernat delivered a commanding performance to win the Augusta National Women’s Amateur on April 6, 2025, finishing the three-round tournament at -12, two strokes clear of the field.

The win didn’t just make headlines, it made history. Held at the iconic Augusta National Golf Club, home of The Masters, this event is one of the most prestigious titles in women’s amateur golf. Bernat became the first Spanish player to lift the trophy and only the third non-American to win since the tournament’s launch in 2019.

Her calm, focused performance on one of golf’s most legendary stages captured attention well beyond Spain. For a country with deep roots in men’s golf, this moment signals a new chapter, one where women’s golf takes a front-row seat in the national conversation.

For Spanish golf, and especially for its growing community of young female players, this wasn’t just a win, it was a defining moment.

super bock ladies open vidago palace

A Composed and Clinical Performance

Over the course of the tournament, Bernat showcased the kind of poise rarely seen in players her age. Her closing 68 was a blend of aggression and control, underpinned by pinpoint approach play and clutch putting down the stretch.

What stood out wasn’t just her score, but how she managed the moment. Against a competitive field that included top-ranked amateurs from the U.S., Japan, and Korea, Bernat played as if she belonged on that stage all along. And now, she does.

From Inspiration to Impact: Bernat’s Win in Context

While Spain has long been known for its male golf legends, Seve Ballesteros, José María Olazábal, Sergio García, and Jon Rahm, this win signals a rising era for women’s golf in Spain.

Bernat’s victory:

  • Elevates the profile of Spain’s women’s amateur circuit

  • Inspires a new generation of young Spanish golfers

  • Validates the efforts of national programs focused on developing female talent

It also aligns with Spain’s growing visibility in women’s golf more broadly, following events like the 2023 Solheim Cup held at Finca Cortesin.

What’s Next for Carla Bernat?

As is tradition, the winner of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur earns invitations to several LPGA and LET events, as well as exemptions into the U.S. Women’s Open and Women’s British Open (if amateur status is maintained).

With her combination of confidence, short game, and international tournament experience, Bernat is now a strong contender to transition into the professional ranks. Whether she turns pro this year or not, Spain will be watching, and cheering.

A Name Worth Remembering

For years, Spain has nurtured its golfing reputation through the power of personality and performance. Carla Bernat, with her calm presence and fearless play, adds a new chapter to that legacy, and opens the door to many more like her.

This wasn’t just a personal triumph. It was a national moment.

👉 Discover Spain’s top golf courses

Super Bock Ladies Open Comes to Vidago Palace

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The north of Portugal is about to take centre stage. From May 6–8, 2025, the elegant Vidago Palace Golf Course will host the Super Bock Ladies Open, a LET Access Series event featuring some of the most promising players in women’s golf. But the real headliner might just be the host venue itself.

Tucked away in the Trás-os-Montes region, one of Portugal’s best-kept secrets, Vidago Palace offers a unique blend of championship golf, Belle Époque grandeur, and natural tranquillity. It’s the kind of place where the sport is only part of the story, and where every corner of the estate is designed to elevate your experience.

Whether you’re following the tournament or planning your next upscale getaway, Vidago Palace golf holidays deliver far beyond the scorecard.

super bock ladies open vidago palace

A Royal Retreat, Reinvented for Golf Travellers

First opened in 1910 as a royal spa retreat, Vidago Palace Hotel has been carefully restored to combine timeless elegance with modern five-star comfort. Today it stands as one of Portugal’s most iconic resort properties, and a proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World.

Guests can enjoy:

  • 70 beautifully styled rooms and suites

  • Expansive grounds with thermal springs and forested trails

  • Fine dining options and a curated wine cellar

  • Full-service spa with hydrotherapy suites and wellness treatments

Championship Golf Worth Travelling For

The Vidago Palace Golf Course, redesigned by Cameron & Powell, is a par-72 course built to USGA standards, combining technical variety with striking natural beauty. Elevated tees, tree-lined fairways, and intelligent bunkering offer both challenge and reward for visiting players.

The Super Bock Ladies Open will bring 126 players to compete over 54 holes, with a cut after 36. As part of the LET Access Series, it places Vidago firmly on the map as a world-class venue, not just for professionals, but for discerning golf holidaymakers looking for something beyond the mainstream.

👉 Play at Vidago Palace Golf Course

vidago palace front view

Wellness, Wine, and Northern Portuguese Warmth

What sets Vidago Palace apart isn’t just its architecture or accolades, it’s the balance between sporting excellence and sensory retreat. The on-site spa features both indoor and outdoor thermal pools, mineral water treatments, and serene forest views.

Off the fairways, guests can explore nearby wineries, discover local culinary traditions, or take scenic walks through the mountains and valleys that define this peaceful corner of the country. It’s a destination that invites you to slow down and savour, not just your round, but your entire stay.

Why This Event and This Place Deserve a Spot on Your 2025 Golf Calendar

The arrival of the Super Bock Ladies Open at Vidago Palace isn’t just a date on the tour calendar, it’s a sign that Portugal’s lesser-known regions are stepping confidently into the spotlight. This is a destination that combines world-class competition with world-class care.

Whether you’re attending the event, planning a luxury golf break, or simply looking for a destination with soul, Vidago Palace delivers something rare: a holiday where everything, pace, place, and purpose, feels just right.

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Senior Golfers Shine at Castro Marim Golf Resort

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Castro Marim Golf Resort Senior Tournament

On a clear and sunny day in April, Castro Marim Golf Resort played host to the third tournament of the 2024/2025 South Circuit of the Portuguese National Senior Golf Association (ANSG). With over 50 players competing across the Guadiana and Atlântico courses, the event showcased not only excellent conditions but the enduring energy of Portugal’s senior golfing community.

The tournament drew a diverse field of senior golfers, including many travelling from Lisbon and a strong contingent of international members based in the Algarve. Their commitment, some crossing the region from Barlavento to the Eastern Algarve, underscored just how meaningful these events are to the senior circuit.

The resort itself was in excellent shape, with players praising the fairways, greens, and overall experience. It was, in every sense, a celebration of senior golf: competitive, social, and anchored in one of the Algarve’s most scenic settings.

Highlights from the Leaderboard

The tournament saw competitive play across multiple categories:

  • Gross Champion: James Thomson led the field with 28 points

  • Net Winner: José Ramos Paulino took top honours with 39 points

  • Runner-Up (Net): David Ziai, a consistent performer on the day, followed closely with 31 points

  • Super Seniors: Hilderico Vaz claimed victory with 38 points, just edging out João Jacinto Silva with 37

  • Master Seniors (75+): Renato Farias and Armando Bernardo both posted 38 points, with Farias taking the top spot on countback

  • Women’s Division: Stacey Thomas emerged as the winner with 30 points, followed by Josette Renzi, also with 30, decided by countback

The strength of the women’s division reflected the growing participation of expat members, many of whom made the trip from the western Algarve to compete.

A Showcase for Senior Golf in Portugal

Beyond the scores, the event was a reminder that senior golf in Portugal is thriving. The ANSG’s South Circuit continues to attract long-time residents, domestic travellers, and foreign members alike, offering more than just competitive golf, but a real sense of community.

The friendly-yet-focused spirit of these events has made them a staple of the national calendar, particularly in regions like the Algarve, where courses like Castro Marim provide excellent year-round conditions and welcoming hospitality.

👉 Explore Portugal’s golf courses

What’s Next on the Calendar

The next stop on the ANSG South Circuit will be at Benamor Golf in late May, offering another opportunity for the region’s senior golfers to gather and compete. But before that, the circuit’s Pitch & Putt event returns on Saturday, April 19, at the Amendoeira Academy Course, perfect for short-game specialists and those new to the format.

Whether you’re an active member or considering joining for the first time, the South Circuit continues to offer rewarding experiences for golfers aged 50 and up, on some of Portugal’s most enjoyable courses.