DP World Tour

Celebrating Spanish gastronomy at the Masters Tournament Champions Dinner

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Last year, Spanish golfer Jon Rahm made history by winning the Masters Tournament at Augusta National. This week, he’s set to make another significant mark: designing the menu for the prestigious Champions Dinner, a tradition that brings together golf’s elite for a special meal. This is not just any menu but a showcase of the flavours of Spain, a unique culinary experience curated by Rahm himself.

Champions Dinner menu

Assisting Rahm in curating the menu is acclaimed Spanish chef José Andrés, who shares Rahm’s passion for showcasing the rich flavours of Spanish cuisine. Together, they have crafted a menu that celebrates the culinary heritage of the Basque Country and Spain.

The dinner begins with a selection of premium Spanish products, including Iberian ham, Idiazabal cheese, and chistorra, accompanied by gildas and traditional Basque-style lentil stew inspired by Rahm’s grandmother’s recipe. Guests will enjoy classic Spanish tapas such as tortilla española (Spanish omelette) and chicken croquettes.

For the main course, the players can choose between a refreshing spider crab salad, pil-pil-style turbot, or grilled T-bone steak. Rahm and José Andrés have prepared a decadent cream and custard mille-feuille dessert to conclude the meal.

These gastronomic delights represent Spain’s flavours and mirror the dining experiences that golf enthusiasts can enjoy at many golfing destinations offered by Tee Times Golf Agency for Spain golf holidays. 

Champions Dinner wines

Adding a personal touch to the dinner, Rahm has selected a wine that holds a special place in his heart: the Imperial Gran Reserva 2017. This wine, with its roots in the Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España (CVNE), is a family favourite, particularly cherished by Rahm’s grandfather. The wine’s presence has marked significant moments in Rahm’s life, including his wedding and the birth of his first child, making it more than just a choice of beverage for the evening.

Imperial Gran Reserva 2017, a prestigious red wine, was recognized as the world’s best by Wine Spectator in 2013. Crafted from the finest grapes from vineyards between 550 and 650 meters above sea level in La Rioja, Spain, this wine undergoes meticulous production processes. The grapes are manually harvested, undergo cold maceration, and are aged in French and American oak barrels for two years, resulting in a wine of exceptional quality and taste.

To complement Imperial, Rahm has chosen Contino Blanco 2020, a white wine from La Rioja Alavesa. Known for its balance, freshness, and ability to age gracefully, Contino Blanco 2020 reflects the floral and fruity character of Viura, Garnacha Blanca, and Malvasía grapes.

In addition to savouring exquisite cuisine and fine wines, attendees of the Champions Dinner will experience a taste of Spanish culture and hospitality, courtesy of Jon Rahm and his collaboration with José Andrés. As Rahm continues to make his mark in golf, his passion for his Basque roots and Spanish heritage shines through, both on and off the course.

Photo by: @TheMasters/Twitter

10 facts (and some hidden ones) about Augusta National and the Masters Tournament

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As the world gears up for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, it’s time to dive deeper into this prestigious venue and discover some lesser-known facts. Despite its iconic landmarks and celebrated history, Augusta National has some hidden facets that add depth to its mystique. Here are 10 things that you probably didn’t know about Augusta National Golf Club, and in Tee Times Golf Agency we invite you to know:

Secretive membership process: Augusta National is renowned for its secretive membership process. While the club’s roster includes some of the world’s most influential figures, the selection criteria remain closely guarded secrets. Speculation abounds regarding the identities of members and the initiation process.

Former plantation: the land where Augusta National stands today was once a plant nursery and indigo plantation. The club’s founders, Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts, transformed the property into the iconic course we know today.

Membership fees: while exact figures are not disclosed publicly, joining Augusta National requires a significant financial commitment. Reports suggest initiation fees and annual dues reach into the six figures, making it one of the most exclusive clubs in the world.

No female members until 2012: Augusta National faced criticism for its exclusionary membership policies for decades. It wasn’t until 2012 that the club admitted its first female members, former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and philanthropist Darla Moore, breaking tradition. 

Eisenhower Tree: one of Augusta National’s most famous landmarks was a loblolly pine tree on the 17th hole’s left side. Named after President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who frequently hit it, the tree was removed after sustaining damage in an ice storm in 2014.

Founder’s Cabin: tucked away near the 10th fairway is the Founder’s Cabin, where Bobby Jones stayed during the construction of Augusta National. This historic cabin serves as a reminder of the club’s origins and enduring legacy.

Azaleas and dogwoods: while the azaleas and dogwoods that bloom in spring are synonymous with Augusta National, few realize that many of these plants were strategically transplanted from other parts of the country to enhance the course’s aesthetic appeal.

Green Jacket Tradition: the tradition of awarding the winner of the Masters Tournament with a green jacket began in 1949. Initially, the jackets were only worn by members, but now they symbolize membership and are presented to the champion yearly.

Underground tunnels: beneath the pristine surface of Augusta National lies a network of underground tunnels used for various purposes, including maintenance, transportation, and shelter during inclement weather. These tunnels help preserve the course’s immaculate appearance during major events.

Strict rules and etiquette: the club maintains strict rules and etiquette for members and visitors. From dress codes to mobile phone usage, adherence to these guidelines is essential to upholding the club’s esteemed reputation and preserving its unique atmosphere.

As the Masters Tournament unfolds, these hidden facets of Augusta National add intrigue to an already captivating event. Beyond the thrilling competition on the course, the legacy and mystique of this iconic club continue to fascinate golf enthusiasts around the globe.

Photo by: Golfing Georgia.

Diputación de Cádiz boosts golf in Spain tourism with sponsorship in DP World Tour and LIV Golf

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In a significant move for golf in Spain tourism, Germán Beardo, Vice President of the Diputación de Cádiz, has announced the sponsorship of DP World Tour and LIV Golf tournaments in the province. The strategic decision aims to leverage the positive impact of golf tourism on the local economy, emphasising its role in reducing seasonality and contributing to the region’s economic growth.

“Golf tourism significantly contributes to our economy, fostering economic growth and reducing seasonality. The sponsorship agreement aligns with our 2024 Action Plan, outlining key strategies for the Tourism Board,” explains Beardo within the first professional day of FITUR and published by www.golfindustria.es.

 

The importance of golf in Spain tourism

Golf in Spain tourism is a significant contributor to the economy of Cádiz, with a 2022 report by Adeitur Consulting revealing that golf contributes over €770 million annually to the province, with a direct economic impact exceeding €400 million. Golf tourists in Cádiz spend an average of over €120 per day, significantly surpassing the overall tourist average in the region.

Until now, the Diputación has focused on positioning the province and Costa de la Luz as premier golf destinations. Efforts include partnerships with golf tour operators, enhancing air connections, and active participation in industry-specific fairs and events.

For decades, Tee Times Golf Agency has been promoting the golf of Cadiz and the Costa de la Luz with the best hotel & golf packages on world-famous courses. Sherry Golf Jerez, Real Novo Sancti Petri Golf Club, Villanueva Golf and La Estancia Golf are some of the best options in this fantastic region.

Sponsoring the DP World Tour and LIV Golf tournaments underscores Cádiz’s dedication to becoming a top choice for golf enthusiasts. With an emphasis on strategic planning and economic impact, the Diputación aims to further establish Cádiz as a leading destination for golf in Spain tourism.