Sir Henry Cotton’s influence on golfing splendour in Portugal

Sir Thomas Henry Cotton, MBE, left an indelible mark on the world of golf, not just as a three-time Open Championship winner but also as a designer of some of the most iconic golf courses, particularly in Portugal’s Algarve region. Born in 1907 in Cheshire, England, Cotton’s journey to golfing greatness began when he picked up the clubs at the age of 12, transitioning from his previous love for cricket.

Cotton’s legacy in golf extends far beyond his victories on the course. Renowned for his charismatic personality and penchant for the finer things in life, he brought a sense of glamour to the sport, embodying a blend of cosmopolitan flair and disciplined athleticism. His mantra, “The best is always good enough for me,” encapsulated his attitude towards golf and life.

In 1934, Cotton claimed his first Open Championship title, a feat he would repeat in 1937 and 1948, establishing himself as one of the preeminent British players of his era. His success wasn’t confined to individual accolades; he also played a pivotal role in elevating the status of professional golfers, advocating for their recognition and respect within the sporting community.

Henry Cotton’s legacy in Portugal

After retiring from competitive play in the 1950s, Cotton transitioned seamlessly into golf course design, leaving an enduring legacy in Portugal, particularly in the Algarve region. Among his notable creations is the Sir Henry Cotton Championship Course at Penina, the first 18-hole course in the Algarve. This course has hosted the Portuguese Open multiple times and is revered for its challenging layout and scenic beauty, characterized by streams, water hazards, and elevated greens.

Another gem in Cotton’s portfolio is the Benamor Golf Course in Tavira, Algarve. Inspired by the picturesque surroundings and the site’s historic church, Cotton crafted a par-71 course that offers a delightful playing experience amidst stunning views of the mountains and sea.

Vale do Lobo Royal Golf Course is a testament to Cotton’s architectural prowess, featuring challenging holes against breathtaking landscapes. Though initially conceived by Cotton, the course bears the mark of Rocky Roquemore, yet it remains a testament to Cotton’s enduring influence on golf course design in Portugal.

At Tee Times Golf Agency, we are proud to offer golfers the best experiences for their Portugal golf holidays, with these golf courses bearing Henry Cotton’s seal being part of our extensive portfolio.

Henry Cotton’s contributions to the sport

Cotton’s contributions to the sport earned him widespread acclaim, including induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1980 and a knighthood in 1988, a fitting tribute to his lasting impact on golf as a player and a visionary course designer.

The Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year distinction, named after the English three-time Open Champion, honours the highest-placing rookie of the European Tour of each season. Established in 1960, it precedes the official start of the tour in 1972. Selected by a panel comprising the European Tour, The R&A of St Andrews, and the Association of Golf Writers, the award celebrates emerging talent in the world of golf.

To be a champion, one must act like one, as famously remarked by Henry Cotton. His legacy lives on in the trophies he won and the courses he crafted, leaving an indelible imprint on the rich tapestry of golfing history, particularly in the sun-drenched fairways of Portugal’s Algarve. With his name associated with some of the most iconic golf courses in the region, Henry Cotton will always be remembered as a visionary golfer and a design mastermind whose influence on the sport continues to inspire generations of golfers.

Photos by: Henry Cotton’s and Tee Times Golf Agency.

Portugal golf – Amazing Golf Courses

Palmares Golf Course. Golf in Portugal. Amazing Golf Courses

Amazing Golf Courses

The Best Golf Courses in Algarve with fantastic summer offers.

Reservations with the guarantee Tee Times Golf Agency,
your best golf Partner Since 1993

Palmares
“I have played Palmares many times and it never fails to be a fabulous day of golf. The course, the staff, and the new clubhouse are excellent.” – David S.

Vilamoura Old Course
“The Vilamoura Old Course is beautifull and very good maintained, tees and greens are in excellent condition. This Course is one of our favorit on the Algarve. We enjoyed it very well today!” – Dominik Z.

Quinta do Lago North
“Very good course. Well maintained. Challenging greens. Can serve as a good example for other courses !!” – Roland S.

Salgados Golf Course
“Lovely course in great condition (June) would play again for sure. Challenging but rewarding 18” – Max T.

San Lorenzo Golf Course
“Very nice, challenging course. Pretty well maintained. Very helpful and polite staff. But almost empty !! Why ??” – R. Streule

Vale do Lobo Royal Golf Course
“A challenging course in very good conditions -The 15 th and 16 th holes are probably some of the most picturesque golf holes in the Algarve.” – Adrian J.

Amendoeira Faldo
“This is a golf course. Absolutely, without question, one of the most well laid out, challenging and beautiful courses in Europe. Every time we pulled up to the next tee box was a wow moment looking down the next fairway. There is no signature hole, they are all pretty much amazing. This course might beat you up a little first time playing it with so many unexpected and unforeseen trouble spots to challenge every club in your bag but you will still walk away with a smile. First time I ever played it today and I got my butt kicked, but I will never miss an opportunity to play this course again, ever.” – Jim G.

Amendoeira O’Connor
“Excellent course and some really challenging holes. Superb clubhouse with American style customer service.Probably one of the best overall course /clubhouse facilities on The Algarve” – Andy R.

Morgado Golf Course
“Course in very good condition. Staff very good and Covid aware. Will definitely come back. Thank you.” – John T.

Gramacho Golf Course
“Very nice course. First four and last five holes play along the resort houses, the rest in the open. Nice undulated fairways, smooth greens. Price is a great deal. We had a lively time, especially because we could take a dip in the on site pool afterwards.” – Marc L.

You can also read other posts about Golf in Portugal:
Sweet Deals
Golf: Solverde Casino Seniors tournament of the Algarve
Unforgettable Madeira

Portugal golf holidays – Why the Algarve is your best choice for a summer holiday?

Algarve

Algarve – Portugal

With the arrival of the summer high season, the Algarve region wishes to attract the largest number of tourists, offering 244 Zero pollution Beaches for a dream holiday.

The first reason is that this region was elected as the «Best World Beach Destination» at the World Travel Awards. Tavira, with four beaches, Faro and Vila do Bispo, with three, are among the municipalities with the most Zero Pollution Beaches in Portugal, a distinction awarded by the environmental association ZERO to beaches where no microbiological contamination was detected in the analyzes carried out on bathing waters over the last three bathing seasons. In all, this year the region offers 4 Zero Pollution Beaches.

The Algarve is also the national region with the highest annual increase in Beaches with Gold Quality, the award given by Quercus to distinguish the quality of bathing water on Portuguese beaches. In total, there are 93 beaches in the destination with Golden Quality, highlighting Albufeira, with 20 awarded beaches.

Albufeira is also the leading national municipality in Blue Flags, with a total of 26 awards hoisted on 25 beaches and in the local marina. This year, the European Blue Flag Association awarded 91 Blue Flags to the Algarve region, a symbol of environmental quality that will be flown on 87 beaches and four marinas in the region.

Last year, the Algarve also offered visitors 45 Accessible Beaches, marked with the white flag of the Accessible Beach Program – Beach for All!, marking the bathing areas accessible to people with reduced mobility.

To all these reasons, we add the excellent and friendly welcome and the fantastic gastronomy linked to the sea with various and always fresh seafood, which delights all visitors.

We at Tee Times Golf Agency would like to highlight another wonder to this list, as the Algarve is also considered the best golf destination. The perfect day will be to combine a round of golf with a dip in the warm & crystalline waters of our beaches. The Vilamoura golf courses, The Old Course, Victoria Golf Course, Pinhal Golf Course, Millennium Golf Course, Laguna Golf Course and Vila Sol Golf Course, as well as Vale do Lobo Ocean & Royal Golf Courses, Quinta do Lago Norte & Sul and Laranjal Golf Courses, Pinheiros Altos & San Lorenzo Golf Courses, all within a short distance of any beach and all offering super special summer packages, Early Bird or Sunset rates are the perfect ones for this magic combination.

The cherry on the top of the cake will be choosing one of the most charming and super well-located hotels in the region, such as the Tivoli Marina Vilamoura *****, The Lake Resort *****, Vila Galé Ampalius ****, Vila Galé Marina ****, Dom Pedro Vilamoura or Dom Pedro Marina ****, so that the Algarve becomes your favourite destination for all your summer holidays, short getaway or golf break.

Source: marketeer.sapo