Travelling to Portugal: Should You Bring Your Golf Clubs or Rent Locally?

Portugal is actually the World’s Best Golf Destination—for good reason. From the sun-drenched Algarve to the coastal gems near Lisbon and the Douro Valley’s hidden fairways, the country offers world-class courses, warm hospitality, and incredible value. However, one question keeps popping up among visiting golfers: Should you travel with your own golf clubs or rent them upon arrival?

Let’s break it down.

PLAYING WITH YOUR OWN GOLF CLUBS

Pros:

Familiarity: You know your clubs inside out—your distances, your grip, the feel of each swing. There’s comfort (and often better performance) in using what you know.

Confidence Boost: Playing with your set can mentally prepare you for a strong game, especially on challenging championship courses like Monte Rei or Oitavos Dunes.

Cons:

Baggage Fees: Airlines charge hefty fees for sporting equipment. Depending on your route, it may add a significant cost to your trip.

Logistics: Hauling a golf bag through airports, taxis, and hotels can be tiring—especially if you’re also travelling with family or visiting multiple cities.

Risk of Damage or Loss: Even with the best travel bags, damage can occur. And unfortunately, lost luggage isn’t unheard of.

RENTING CLUBS IN PORTUGAL

Pros:

Convenience: No need to carry bulky gear. Just land, grab your rental set, and head to the course.

Quality Equipment: Through Tee Times Golf Holidays providers, golfers can rent premium clubs from top brands—suited to your playing level and handedness.

Ideal for Short Trips or Mixed-Activity Vacations: If golf is just part of your trip, rentals save space and stress.

Cons:

Adjustment Period: Even top-tier rental sets take a few holes to get used to—grips, shaft flex, and club lengths may differ from yours.

Availability: During peak seasons, it’s best to reserve in advance to ensure you get a set that suits you.

THE BOTTOM LINE

If you’re planning a golf-focused vacation with multiple rounds at elite courses, bringing your own clubs might be worth the effort. But if convenience and travel lightness are priorities, renting can make your Portugal golf holiday seamless.

At Tee Times, we make either option easy. Whether you’re shipping in your beloved irons or selecting a premium rental, our team ensures your experience is smooth from tee-off to final putt. With over 30 years of expertise and partnerships with Portugal’s best resorts, we tailor every trip to your needs—clubs included with the best providers.

Ready to plan your perfect golf break with us? Let us help you swing into Portugal in style.

Tenerife Women’s Open returns to the spectacular Abama Golf

This week, from June 5–8, Tenerife becomes the heart of elite women’s golf as the Tenerife Women’s Open returns to the spectacular Abama Golf. As part of the Ladies European Tour (LET), the event brings together the finest players on the continent—and a powerful platform to showcase the island’s excellence, sustainability, and commitment to premium tourism.

Backed by Turismo de Tenerife and hosted at the iconic Abama Golf—designed by Dave Thomas and known for its ocean views and strategic layout—the tournament is more than just a sporting event. It’s a bold statement about the island’s future.

Nearly 97% of the water used on Tenerife’s golf courses is either regenerated or desalinated, with no impact on public consumption. Courses like Abama have their own desalination systems and use drought-resistant grass species integrated with cutting-edge irrigation technology. This eco-conscious design reflects a larger vision: positioning Tenerife as a leader in sustainable golf tourism.

As LET CEO Alexandra Armas noted to the press, “It’s a privilege to return to a destination that has done so much to elevate women’s golf.” And with three hours of daily live coverage reaching 144 million households across 87 countries, the world is watching.

Tenerife: A Dream Destination

For golfers, Tenerife isn’t just a tournament stop—it’s a dream destination. With an average golf visitor spending 29% more than the standard tourist, staying longer, and generating over €321 million in 2024 alone, the island’s appeal is clear.

Want to walk the same fairways as Europe’s top women golfers?

Tee Times Golf Holidays offers premium access to Abama Golf and other championship-level courses across the Canary Islands. With tailor-made golf packages, green fees, expert planning, and trusted local partnerships, we help you experience Tenerife at its finest—on and off the course, combining world-class golf with unforgettable landscapes, culture, and service.

How to Plan the Perfect Golf Trip to the Algarve

Thinking of playing golf in the Algarve? Tee Times Golf Holidays has been helping golfers plan seamless Algarve getaways for over 30 years. Thinking of playing golf in the Algarve? Great choice. With over 300 days of sunshine, dramatic coastline views, and some of Europe’s top-ranked courses, the Algarve is a dream destination for golfers of all levels. Whether you’re looking for a competitive challenge or just a scenic round followed by a long lunch, this southern slice of Portugal has something for everyone.

So, where should you start?

First, book smart. Tee Times Golf Holidays has been helping golfers plan seamless Algarve getaways for over 30 years. With direct access to premium tee times, exclusive packages, and trusted relationships with the region’s best resorts, we will tailor your trip around how you like to play.

If you’re after iconic fairways, don’t miss Monte Rei (Jack Nicklaus Signature), Quinta do Lago South, or Vilamoura Old Course—some of the best in Portugal. And the best time to visit? Spring and fall offer ideal conditions without the summer heat, but even in winter, you’ll find warm days, great value, and fewer crowds.

Need clubs? No problem—high-quality rentals are available. Prefer private transfers or drive yourself? Tee Times has you covered. And when you’re off the course, unwind with fresh seafood, explore coastal villages, or go wine-tasting inland. The Algarve is as much about lifestyle as it is about golf.

A few tips before you go: check if the course you’re eyeing requires a handicap certificate (some top-tier ones do), and pack proper golf attire—yes, even on holiday, there’s a dress code.

Bottom line? Whether you’re chasing birdies or just the sunshine, a golf holiday in the Algarve is always a win. And with Tee Times handling the details, all you have to do is show up and swing.

Ready to plan your Portugal golf holidays in the Algarve? Let us make it happen.