Vilamoura Golf

The 2005 World Cup of Golf: putting Portugal on the golfing map

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In the illustrious history of the World Cup of Golf, Portugal stands out as a unique host, welcoming the prestigious event for the first and only time in 2005. Held at the breathtaking Oceânico Golf on its Victoria Course in Vilamoura, Algarve, this edition marked a significant moment for Portuguese golf, firmly placing it on the international stage.

The Victoria Golf Course, a picturesque 18-hole, Par 72 layout designed by none other than the legendary Arnold Palmer in 2004, served as the perfect setting for the 51st World Cup and the sixth as a World Golf Championship event. Its challenging yet scenic layout provided the backdrop for a thrilling competition showcasing the best global golfing talent.

Twenty-four countries, each represented by a dynamic duo of players, converged on Vilamoura to compete for glory and a substantial prize purse totalling $4,000,000. 

The Welsh pair of Bradley Dredge and Stephen Dodd emerged as the triumphant victors (189 strokes, -27), displaying exceptional skill and resilience in adverse weather conditions. Despite the final round being cancelled due to torrential rain and intense winds, Dredge and Dodd’s stellar performance in the preceding rounds secured their place in history as the deserving champions. The runner-ups were England (Luke Donald and David Howell) and Sweden (Niclas Fasth and Henrik Stenson), with 191 (-25). Here you can find the tournament summary

The World Cup of Golf: more than just a sporting event

For Portugal, hosting the World Cup of Golf was more than just a sporting event; it was a testament to the country’s growing prominence in golf. With the Victoria Course as the focal point, Portugal showcased its ability to stage a world-class golfing spectacle, earning accolades from players and spectators alike.

The significance of Portugal’s role as a host extended beyond the tournament itself. The exposure from hosting such a prestigious event helped elevate the country’s status as a premier golfing destination, attracting enthusiasts from around the globe to experience its scenic courses and warm hospitality.

The growth of golf in Portugal

The 2005 World Cup of Golf celebrated the spirit of competition and catalysed the continued growth of golf in Portugal. The heritage of this historic event lives on, serving as an inspiration for future generations of Portuguese golfers and reinforcing the country’s position as a significant player in the international golfing community.

Since then, Portugal Golf Holidays have become increasingly popular, offering golfers a chance to play on some of the finest courses in Europe, combined with the country’s rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and excellent cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned golf pro or an amateur, this paradise has something to offer every golfer, making it the perfect destination for your next Portugal golf break.

In the last few years, Portugal has cemented its position as one of the world’s premier golf destinations, attracting golfers from around the globe to experience its stunning courses, world-class facilities, and warm hospitality. The country was designated as the Best World Golf Destination by the World Golf Awards last year, a testament to the quality of its golf courses and the overall golfing experience it offers.

Meanwhile, the memories of the World Cup of Golf in 2005 remain etched in Portugal’s golfing history, a testament to the perpetual legacy of a nation that welcomed the world with open arms and left an indelible mark on the sport.

Portugal Golf Holidays – Domes Lake Algarve opens exclusive pool for adults

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Domes Lake Algarve. Domes Lake Algarve has a new pool

Domes Lake Algarve has a new upgrade

Located in Vilamoura, Domes Lake Algarve is already a reference in the Algarve. Before its reopening in 2022, it was known as Lake Spa Resort.

Since the hotel reopened, there have been a number of repair and modernization projects done to “improve the quality of its facilities and add more features and services to the resort”.

There are Balinese beds, sun loungers, and chairs for adults in the new area, which can fit up to 40 people. A food truck called Taco do Lago is parked next to the pool and serves drinks, including cocktails, and snacks.

The new pool is near the lake and the outdoor gym, in the quietest part of the lodge. The large lake, surrounded by a walkway, is also the stage for fun kayaking trips. For the younger guests, there is also a new and lively kids club.

Families love Domes Lake Algarve because it has a lot of outdoor space and easy access to the beach, as well as 192 newly renovated rooms and suites with light colours and textures that were inspired by the resort’s natural surroundings.

The wellness area has also been updated, and you can now use the different features of the Soma Spa, which combines treatments that use old Greek methods and modern healing techniques with high-end products that are made with natural ingredients that work.

We recommend our two golf packages made for you, available from 826 euros. Visit Domes Lake Algarve’s page on our website and find out more.

Book your golf holidays in the Algarve with Tee Times Golf Agency and play on some of the best golf courses in Portugal.

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Portugal Golf – Hilton Vilamoura’s charity tournament

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Dom Pedro Pinhal Golf Course. Pinhal will host Hilton Vilamoura's charity tournament

Dom Pedro Pinhal is the stage of the charity tournament

The Hilton Vilamoura joins the Associação Mãozinhas Solidárias to support families in extreme situations and celebrate Earth Hour on March 25, by organizing a charity tournament.

For the first time ever, the resort is hosting a charity tournament at Dom Pedro Pinhal to bring attention to climate change and promote environmental consciousness. In this way, on March 25, from 20:00 to 21:00, all the lights in the resort will be off, thus marking Earth Hour.

The resort in Vilamoura will use Earth Hour – Golf Challenge to raise money for charity, the Associação Mãozinhas Solidárias, which provides food, clothes, and medicine to low-income families.

The charity tournament will start at 20:00, but it will only last for one hour due to special circumstances. The lights will go off in observance of Earth Hour, leaving the golf balls as the only visible objects. Each ball will be reflective and have a light source built into it to ensure player safety.

The profits from tournament registration will be given to the Associação Mãozinhas Solidárias as a solidarity gesture.

The Earth Hour – Golf Challenge is open to everyone. To do so, you need to get in touch with Nevada Bob’s Golf Shop at the Hilton Vilamoura between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday.

“First, I want to emphasise the significance of supporting great charities like Associação Mãozinhas Solidárias, which helps families in dire conditions in the Algarve. Second, we have a goal of minimising our environmental impact. The tournament was created to increase environmental awareness and encourage more sustainable lifestyles”, says general director Mário Custódio.

“Here, we strive to uphold the brand’s core characteristics, which include solidarity and proximity”, concludes Mário Custódio.

Book your golf holidays in Vilamoura with Tee Times Golf Agency and play on some of the best golf courses in Portugal.

You can also read other posts about Golf in Portugal:
Morgado and Álamos are collecting donations to charity
Tomás Bessa wins the Order of Merit of the PT Tour
8th Madeira Golf Trophy registers record number of entries