Algarve Golf

Tee Times Golf Holidays Algarve – All things related to the region and city of Algarve in the south of Portugal. Great sunny weather, culture, traditions, food and awesome warm sandy white beaches and golf resorts are here.

GEO Certified for Vilamoura Golf: Leading the Sustainable Way

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Big cheers to Vilamoura Golf! Four of its iconic courses—The Old Course, Pinhal, Millennium, and Laguna—have just bagged two of the top sustainability awards in the game: GEO Certified® and Biosphere Certified. That’s right: Vilamoura Golf fairways are officially recognised for doing good by nature while still delivering world-class golf experiences.

These aren’t just fancy titles. GEO Certified® is the gold standard in sustainable golf, given to courses that seriously walk the talk when it comes to environmental care, community support, and resource conservation. The Biosphere Certification, on the other hand, shows real commitment to the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals—so yeah, it’s a pretty big deal.

Vilamoura Golf sets the bar high, from upgraded irrigation systems to cutting back on chemicals and giving local ecosystems the love they deserve. For example, the Old Course was praised for a new energy-efficient pump station and a pine tree management program that’s helping biodiversity thrive. Millennium stood out for its water-saving efforts, and Laguna was impressed with a 20% drop in water use thanks to a smart irrigation makeover. And let’s not forget Pinhal, who was recognised for supporting youth golf education and collaborating with local groups to boost community impact.

Vilamoura Golf and Sustainability: a Guiding Principle

The Vilamoura Golf courses are managed by the platform DETAILS, where sustainability isn’t just a goal—it’s a guiding principle. Co-CEO Nuno Sepúlveda emphasised how deeply the team values protecting the region’s natural beauty.

“Vilamoura has some of nature’s most stunning settings, and we feel a great weight of responsibility to make sure it not only is maintained but flourishes for generations to come”, said Sepúlveda.

“Understanding the importance of sustainability and avoiding waste of any sort is a key part of our business strategy and also increasingly important for our customers and visitors. We are grateful to receive these very prestigious accolades and are determined to ensure we continue to be the leader when it comes to setting a strong environmental agenda”, he added.

At Tee Times Golf Holidays, we’ve always been proud to offer the best golf packages in the Algarve and across Portugal—but we’re even prouder to work with destinations like Vilamoura that are investing in a greener future. Sustainability matters to us and the golfers we serve, and it’s great to see it becoming a core part of the game we love.

Ready to tee off on courses that care as much about the environment as they do about your experience? Let’s plan your next Portugal golf holiday with us.

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

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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.

Martim Pinto Johansen Shines at GreatGolf Junior Open

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Portugal’s rising golf star, Martim Pinto Johansen, has started 2024 in style! The 14-year-old national champion claimed victory at the first-ever GreatGolf Junior Open by Fundação Luís Figo, held at Millennium Golf Course in Vilamoura. His excellent performance earned him the title and an exclusive invitation to compete at the Orlando International Amateur Junior in the United States.

With a two-round total of 138 strokes (-6), Martim was the only player to finish under par, showcasing his dominance with rounds of 71 and 67. Playing on his home turf as a Clube de Golfe de Vilamoura member, he secured the win by an impressive 13-stroke margin over Rodrigo Marques Santos.

This isn’t Martim’s first taste of international success. In 2023, he won the Amundi Evian Juniors Cup in France and finished runner-up at the Amendoeira World Kids Golf. Now, he’s heading to the United States for the first time—a dream come true. “I’ve always wanted to go to the US, but not just to visit—I wanted to play there and enjoy the experience,” said an excited Martim.

The tournament featured 41 young talents from 14 different national backgrounds, with exciting performances across multiple categories. Ethan Prybys Orton (Vila Sol) took the U-14 title, shooting +11 over two rounds. At the same time, Ricardo Castro Ferreira (Clube de Golf do Estoril) dominated the U-12 division, proving once again why he’s considered nearly unbeatable in Portugal.

Among the girls, Amélia Gabin was the standout player, finishing an impressive 5th overall and outperforming some of the top-ranked juniors in Portugal.

Beyond the competition, the tournament had a charitable impact, donating a percentage of sponsorship and entry fees to the Fundação Luís Figo, supporting young athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Tee Times Golf Agency was proud to be a tournament partner with the Federacao Portuguesa de Golf, Vilamoura Golf, Millenium Vilamoura, Titleist, Cosmos Sports Travel, Orlando Juniors, Norgolf, and Weasy. Other major players supporting the event as sponsors include Almas, Caetano Baviera, Cigala, PG Hotels & Resorts, RentAcceso, and Wyndham Residences Alvor Beach.

With an unforgettable start to the year, Martim and the other junior stars have set the tone for an exciting season ahead. Congratulations to all the GreatGolf Junior Open players!

More information: https://greatgolf.weasy.io/

Photos by: Daryl Gabin.