Tee Times

La Marquesa: Experience TPC Sawgrass’ Legendary 17th Hole in Sunny Alicante

Posted on by

Did you know you can experience the thrill of TPC Sawgrass’ legendary 17th hole in Spain?

That’s right—in Alicante, golfers can test their nerves on an exact replica of the iconic island green from TPC Sawgrass. La Marquesa Golf, nestled in Ciudad Quesada (Rojales) on the sunny Costa Blanca, proudly features its own version of one of golf’s most famous challenges. And we’re not just talking inspiration; Ponte Vedra Beach Club shared the original topographic plans, ensuring every golfer at La Marquesa gets an authentic taste of Florida’s legendary hole.

This unique attraction is part of a significant upgrade initiated by José Ángel Quesada in May 2019, aiming to elevate La Marquesa Golf’s stature even further. Entrusting the redesign to Pascual Jiménez, Quesada’s ambitious vision quickly took shape, reshaping 9 greens and 4 fairways to refresh the historic course that first opened in 1989.

But the real magic happened when Spanish golf legend Miguel Ángel Jiménez joined the project. The charismatic champion offered crucial guidance and even sketched the iconic 17th-hole design right in the sand of a bunker, capturing every detail perfectly.

Recently featured by the prestigious news website Open Golf, La Marquesa Golf has firmly positioned itself among Alicante’s top golfing destinations, praised by local and international players.

TPC Sawgrass and The Players

This week, golf enthusiasts worldwide have their eyes fixed on the TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course as The Players Championship—the unofficial “fifth major”—takes place. This tournament is one of the most anticipated events in the golfing calendar, attracting an elite field of professionals competing for one of the largest prize pools in the sport. Central to the drama and excitement each year is the notorious 17th hole, a par-3 surrounded entirely by water, where even the slightest miscalculation can dash championship dreams instantly.

If you’re eager to experience La Marquesa Golf and other spectacular courses along the Costa Blanca, Tee Times Golf Holidays offers unbeatable packages tailored to all golfing enthusiasts. Ready for your Spanish Sawgrass challenge? Pack your clubs and book with Tee Times —your gateway to Alicante’s best golf experiences.

Masters of Design: How Iconic Golf Course Architects Elevated Portugal’s Tourism

Posted on by

Portugal is widely recognised as the best golf and tourism destination in the world. Its picturesque landscapes, mild climate, and challenging courses attract enthusiasts from across the globe. Central to this growing popularity is the influence of world-renowned golf course architects, whose creativity and vision have transformed the Portuguese golfing landscape, solidifying Portugal’s reputation as a global leader in golf tourism.

Legendary architects such as Robert Trent Jones Jr., Sir Henry Cotton, and Jack Nicklaus have left indelible marks on Portugal’s golf heritage. Robert Trent Jones Jr. was celebrated for his artistic integration of natural landscapes as the acclaimed Troia Golf Course. Situated south of Lisbon, Troia offers golfers the thrilling experience of seaside play, seamlessly weaving through dunes and pine forests, showcasing Jones’ philosophy of environmental harmony and aesthetic excellence.

Sir Henry Cotton, a three-time Open Champion turned visionary architect, profoundly impacted Portugal with his iconic Penina Hotel & Golf Resort in the Algarve. Opened in 1966, Penina was Portugal’s first 18-hole course, instantly elevating the country’s global golfing prestige. Cotton’s innovative layout provided a blueprint for subsequent course designs, blending classic British golfing traditions with the vibrant Mediterranean environment.

Golf Course Architects Influence

Jack Nicklaus, perhaps the most famous golfer-turned-architect, has significantly influenced Portugal’s reputation for luxurious and strategically challenging courses. The Monte Rei Golf & Country Club in Algarve epitomises Nicklaus’ meticulous approach, combining precision golf strategies with the region’s natural beauty. His signature designs have attracted significant international tournaments and discerning golfers seeking courses that balance difficulty and elegance.

More recently, golf course architects like Rocky Roquemore and Arthur Hills have further enriched Portugal’s golfing scene. Their designs emphasise sustainability and environmental stewardship, ensuring courses such as Quinta da Marinha near Cascais and Oitavos Dunes provide challenging play while preserving the surrounding ecological habitats. New designers in Portugal include Sergio Garcia, who developed Torre at Terra das Comporta, and Ernie Els, the creative mind behind The Els Club Vilamoura.

Tee Times Golf Holidays have further enhanced Portugal’s golf tourism by offering comprehensive golf packages that combine play at premier courses with accommodations and personalised services. These packages allow golf players to enjoy Portugal’s best golfing experiences tailored to their preferences and needs to enjoy their holidays.

The legacy of these architects has undeniably positioned Portugal at the forefront of global golf tourism. Their collective contribution continues to shape Portugal’s golfing identity, drawing visitors eager to experience the country’s unique blend of innovation, natural splendour, and rich golfing.

Game Changer at Old Course Vilamoura: Trackman Technology Hits the Algarve

Posted on by

When it comes to golf holidays, few places match the charm and innovation you’ll find at the Old Course Vilamoura, one of Tee Times‘ standout destinations. Always popular among golfers visiting Portugal, this legendary Algarve course just got even better thanks to its exciting new partnership with Trackman, the global leader in ball-tracking technology.

Here’s the deal: Old Course Vilamoura is now officially the first course in the Algarve to roll out Trackman’s state-of-the-art tech, changing the way you practice, play, and even compete. Whether you’re working on your swing at the driving range (the largest in Portugal, by the way, with 20 spacious bays) or virtually teeing off from iconic holes using advanced golf simulators, Trackman has you covered.

This innovative partnership, guided by DETAILS (the team behind some of Portugal’s coolest hospitality and sports venues), means golfers get precision feedback on every swing—rain or shine, day or night. The best part? It’s totally free for all guests. Add to that personalised service, welcome gifts, and refreshing snacks throughout the round, and you’ve got a golfing experience that’s genuinely next-level.

Cutting edge at Old Course Vilamoura

Nuno Sepulveda, Co-CEO at DETAILS, sums it up perfectly: “We’re always looking to push the boundaries and keep Vilamoura at the cutting edge of golf. With Trackman, we’re offering golfers the chance to have fun, sharpen their game, and experience our courses virtually from anywhere in the world.”

This fabulous tech addition is just one highlight of Old Course Vilamoura’s impressive recent makeover, including a stylish new clubhouse that blends modern luxury with classic Algarve charm. Sustainability has also been front and centre, with eco-friendly irrigation systems, drought-tolerant grass varieties, energy-efficient Hydropresser stations, and electric-powered equipment reducing the environmental impact.

Ready to hit the greens? Tee Times Golf Holidays invites you to experience the upgraded Old Course Vilamoura firsthand—where technology meets tradition and sustainability meets superb service. Pack your clubs, bring your friends, and prepare for a golf holiday with the best packages that set a new standard for fun, innovation, and unforgettable memories in the Algarve.

Photo: My Golf Way.