european tour

The DP World Tour and the European Swing

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The DP World Tour has kicked off its European Swing in Belgium with The Soudal Open. The tour, now titled the DP World Tour for sponsorship reasons, will be played on European soil until October.

The winner in Belgium was the Spanish Nacho Elvira with 266 strokes (-18), and the best Portuguese was Pedro Figueiredo, in 24th place with 274 (-10).

The European Swing (with the Closed Swing and the Back Nine stages) features a series of thrilling tournaments across various countries. Here is a list of the competitions and their locations:

May 23 – 26
Soudal Open
Rinkven International GC, Antwerp, Belgium

May 30 – Jun 02
European Open
Green Eagle Golf Courses, Hamburg, Germany

Jun 06 – 09
Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed
Vasatorps Golfklubb, Helsingborg, Sweden

Jun 20 – 23
KLM Open
The International, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Jun 27 – 30
Italian Open
Adriatic Golf Club Cervia, Milano Marittima, Ravenna, Italy

Jul 04 – 07
BMW International Open
Golfclub München Eichenried, Munich, Germany

Jul 11 – 14
Genesis Scottish Open
The Renaissance Club, North Berwick, Scotland

Jul 18 – 21
THE 152ND OPEN
Royal Troon GC, Ayrshire, Scotland

Aug 01 – 04
Olympic Men’s Golf Competition
Le Golf National, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France

Aug 15 – 18
D+D REAL Czech Masters
PGA National OAKS Prague, Prague, Czech Republic

Aug 22 – 25
Danish Golf Championship
Lübker Golf Resort, Aarhus, Denmark

Aug 29 – Sep 01
Betfred British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo
The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield, England

Sep 05 – 08
Omega European Masters
Crans-sur-Sierre GC, Crans Montana, Switzerland

Sep 12 – 15
Amgen Irish Open
Royal County Down GC, Newcastle, Co Down, Northern Ireland

Sep 19 – 22
BMW PGA Championship
Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey, England

Sep 26 – 29
acciona Open de España presented by Madrid
Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, Madrid, Spain

Oct 03 – 06
Alfred Dunhill Links Championship
Old Course St. Andrews, St Andrews, Scotland
Carnoustie, Angus, Scotland
Kingsbarns Golf Links, Kingsbarns, Scotland

Oct 10 – 13
FedEx Open de France 
Le Golf National, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France

Oct 17 – 20
Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters
Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, San Roque, Andalucía , Spain

The European Swing in Spain

The beauty and uniqueness of Europe’s golf courses are unrivalled, with stunning landscapes and world-class facilities. The Real Club de Golf Sotogrande and the Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, both part of Tee Times Golf Agency‘s offerings for those seeking the best destinations for their Spain golf holidays, stand out. These courses, with their lush fairways and scenic views, are known for their challenging design and historical significance, providing unforgettable golfing experiences for professional players and spectators.

The Race to Dubai

In 2009, the Order of Merit was replaced by the Race to Dubai, with a bonus pool of US$7.5 million distributed among the top 15 players at the end of the season, with the winner taking $1.5 million. 

The DP World Tour Race to Dubai leader is Rory McIlroy, who has consistently delivered outstanding performances throughout the season. 

Photo by: Infogolf.

Exploring the four Challenge Tour golf tournaments on the Iberian Peninsula

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The Challenge Tour of Golf, along with its Road to Mallorca, is set to showcase four exciting tournaments across the Iberian Peninsula this season. With three events slated for Spain and one for Portugal, golf enthusiasts can anticipate a thrilling series of competitions in stunning locations.

These courses are part of the best golf and tourism packages we offer in Tee Times Golf Agency for those who want to enjoy the best golf breaks in Spain and Portugal.

Challenge Tour Iberian leg

The Challenge de España at the Real Club Sevilla Golf is kicking off the Iberian leg from May 9th to 12th. Designed by Jose Maria Olazabal, this long course spanning 7,177 yards promises a challenging yet enjoyable experience. With wide fairways, undulating greens, and many hazards, including bunkers and lakes, the Real Club Sevilla Golf offers players a skill test amidst a picturesque setting.

Moving on to the Challenge de Cadiz at the Iberostar Real Golf Novo Sancti Petri from June 6th to 9th, players will find themselves in a privileged location along the Atlantic coast, nestled in the beautiful Cadiz beach of La Barrosa. The club boasts a championship golf course and easy access to iconic Andalusian cities like Jerez, Cádiz, and Sevilla, making it a perfect destination for golf and leisure enthusiasts.

In September, attention turns to Portugal for the Open de Portugal at Royal Óbidos Spa & Golf Resort from September 12th to 15th. Here, golfers will encounter a course designed by the legendary Severiano Ballesteros, blending seamlessly with the natural terrain to offer an exceptional golfing experience. With its strategic layout and stunning views, Royal Óbidos promises an unforgettable tournament for players and spectators.

Lastly, the grand finale awaits at the Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final, supported by the R&A, held at the Club de Golf Alcanada in Port d’Alcúdia, Mallorca, from October 31st to November 3rd. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr, this 18-hole gem opened its doors in 2003 and has since earned acclaim as one of Mallorca’s premier golf destinations. Set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounded by pine and olive forests, Club de Golf Alcanada offers a breathtaking conclusion to the Challenge Tour season.

Since its establishment in 1986, the Challenge Tour has evolved into a prestigious pathway for aspiring golfers to earn their place on the DP World Tour. With its competitive format and prestigious rewards, including direct promotion for top performers, the tour continues to attract and nurture talent from around the globe, a testament to its significance in the world of golf.

As the Challenge Tour makes its mark on the Iberian Peninsula this season, fans can look forward to witnessing thrilling golf action amidst some of Europe’s most captivating courses.

The Open de Portugal: 50 years of golfing tradition

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For over half a century, the Open de Portugal has stood as a testament to excellence in professional golf. Originating in 1953, this annual tournament has been a cornerstone of Portugal’s golfing landscape, showcasing local talent and international stars.

Originally part of the European Tour from 1973 to 2010, the tournament underwent a brief hiatus before resurfacing in 2017 as a dual-ranking event on both the European and Challenge Tours. This revival marked a significant chapter in the tournament’s history, reaffirming its status as a premier golfing event. The promoter of the traditional Open is the Federação Portuguesa de Golfe, which is celebrating 75 years of life in 2024.

Currently, the tournament is only on the Challenge Tour calendar, and this season, it will be played again at Royal Óbidos Spa & Golf Resort from September 12 to 15, with a prize pool of 270.000 euros. The defending champion is the Englishman Marco Penge. 

Throughout its storied past, the Open de Portugal has witnessed the triumphs of renowned players such as Sam Torrance, Colin Montgomerie, and Miguel Angel Jiménez, alongside emerging talents like Matt Wallace and Garrick Higgo. Their participation has not only elevated the competition but has also cemented its reputation on the global stage.

The Open de Portugal venues

The tournament has been hosted at prestigious venues across Portugal, including Estoril, Royal Óbidos, Morgado, Penina, Vale do Lobo, Troia, Penha Longa, and Quinta do Lago, each providing a challenging and picturesque backdrop for the world’s finest golfers. Despite its diverse locations, the Open de Portugal has remained a beacon of distinction, attracting enthusiasts from far and wide to witness the drama unfold on the fairways. At Tee Times Golf Agency, we offer the best packages for those who want to play on courses that have hosted the Open, enjoying their Portugal golf breaks at the highest level.

While the tournament has yet to see a Portuguese champion, players like José-Filipe Lima have come close, embodying the nation’s growing prowess in the sport. Regardless of the outcome, each edition of the Open de Portugal has served as a platform for seasoned professionals and rising stars to showcase their skills and compete for glory.

Notable moments, such as Colin Montgomerie’s record-breaking performance in 1989 (264 strokes), have etched themselves into the annals of golfing history, adding to the tournament’s rich tapestry of achievements. The Open de Portugal has provided countless memories for players and spectators, from dramatic playoffs to historic milestones.

As the Open looks ahead to its next chapter, it remains a symbol of Portugal’s enduring passion for golf and its commitment to fostering excellence in the sport. With each passing year, the Open de Portugal continues to captivate audiences, ensuring its rightful place among the world’s premier golfing events.

In summary, the Open de Portugal is a testament to 50 years of golfing tradition, embodying the spirit of competition, camaraderie, and sportsmanship that define the sport. As it enters its next era, the contest remains a beacon of excellence, inspiring generations of golfers to pursue their passion and strive for greatness on the green.

Photos: © Rodrigo Gatinho / Golftattoo / Federação Portuguesa de Golfe