Inspirational

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.

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.

Finca Cortesin Leads the Way in Sustainable Golf, Reinforcing Spain’s Golf Excellence

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Golf and sustainability go hand in hand at Finca Cortesin, one of Spain’s premier golf destinations and host of the 2023 Solheim Cup.Golf and sustainability go hand in hand at Finca Cortesin, one of Spain’s premier golf destinations and host of the 2023 Solheim Cup. The resort has once again set the standard for environmental stewardship with its groundbreaking Golf & Birds study, demonstrating that golf courses can serve as vital sanctuaries for biodiversity while maintaining world-class playing conditions.

Conducted between October 2022 and October 2023, the study focused on the migratory bird populations that rely on Finca Cortesin’s natural landscape. Located near the Strait of Gibraltar, a crucial migratory corridor between Europe and Africa, the resort welcomed 65 bird species and recorded nearly 4,000 individual sightings, including black kites, booted eagles, and peregrine falcons.

The research highlights Finca Cortesin’s commitment to sustainability, integrating advanced irrigation systems, pesticide-free maintenance, and native flora preservation to create a thriving ecosystem for wildlife. Their efforts enhance biodiversity and set a precedent for golf resorts worldwide to embrace environmentally responsible practices.

Finca Cortesin: prioritising environmental stewardship

At Tee Times Golf Agency, we recognise the importance of offering exceptional experiences while supporting sustainability initiatives across Spain’s golf destinations. Our extensive portfolio includes Finca Cortesin, designed by renowned architect Cabell Robinson, and other top golf courses prioritising environmental stewardship. Whether you’re seeking championship courses, luxurious resorts, or tailored golf packages, Tee Times ensures a seamless and unforgettable Spain golf holiday.

For more details on Finca Cortesin and its ongoing environmental sustainability plan, please visit www.fincacortesin.com.

Finca Cortesin’s initiative is an inspiring example of how golf and nature coexist harmoniously. By booking with Tee Times, you can access Spain’s finest courses that lead the way in sustainability and excellence. Join us in experiencing the best of Spanish golf while supporting environmentally responsible tourism.

Plan your next golf getaway today! Visit www.teetimes.pt for exclusive golf packages at Finca Cortesin and beyond.

Photos: Finca Cortesin.