Golf

Penha Longa: Golf, History, and Nature in the Heart of Sintra

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Tucked away in the stunning Sintra Mountains within a protected natural park, Penha Longa Resort is a destination where golf, history, and beauty come together in perfect harmony. Just 30 minutes from Lisbon, this five-star resort blends a 14th-century monastery and chapel with one of the most prestigious golf experiences in Portugal.

Designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Jr., Penha Longa’s 27-hole golf course is ranked among the top 10 in Portugal and the top 30 in Continental Europe. Playing here means more than chasing birdies — it’s about immersing yourself in centuries of heritage and breathtaking scenery.

The Atlantic Championship course, with 18 holes, opened in 1992 and hosted the Portuguese Open just two years later. Each hole is different, featuring dramatic elevation changes, bold greens, and spectacular views over Cascais, Estoril, and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a course that tests your game while rewarding your senses at every step.

Perfectly complementing it is the Mosteiro Course, a gentler 9-hole layout also designed by Trent Jones Jr., opened in 1995. With narrow fairways, quick greens, and panoramic views of the surrounding park, it’s ideal for players seeking a more relaxed round while still enjoying a quality golfing experience.

Penha Longa’s luxurious offer

Beyond the fairways, Penha Longa offers a luxurious and enriching stay for the best Portugal Golf Holidays. The resort features seven restaurants, two of which hold Michelin stars, as well as a variety of nature-inspired activities for families. Whether you’re here for competition, relaxation, or celebration, this is a place that invites you to slow down, connect, and indulge.

At Tee Times Golf Holidays, we proudly include Penha Longa in our premium Portugal collection. It’s more than a resort — it’s a timeless retreat where every swing becomes part of a story rooted in elegance, excellence, and tradition. Book your golf package today and experience one of Portugal’s most iconic venues.

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

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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

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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.