Inspirational

The Battle of Stars: golfing for a cause in Mallorca

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Pula Golf Resort, in collaboration with the Golf Club Son Servera, is preparing for the next edition of The Battle of Stars, which will kick off on Thursday, June 13, in Mallorca, in a remarkable display of sportsmanship and solidarity. During two rounds, this charity tournament aims to raise funds and attention for ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and multiple sclerosis. The participation of renowned athletes and celebrities such as Rafa Nadal, Marcos Alonso, Pep Guardiola, Feliciano López, Pepe Reina, Gabriel Batistuta, and Antonio Orozco not only turns this event into a high-profile occasion but also inspires and motivates to contribute to this noble cause. This second edition, initiated by Pula Golf Resort and supported by Mallorca, promises a memorable experience.

The Battle of Stars offers amateur golfers a unique and exciting opportunity to play alongside world-class figures over two days filled with purpose and social impact. Among the notable participants will be Juan Carlos Unzué, a former footballer and coach who has become a symbol of the fight against ALS. This rare chance to share the course with these stars is a privilege that should not be missed.

The Battle of Stars support

The tournament is bolstered by the support of Golf East Mallorca, Fundación Mallorca Turismo, Cap Vermell Grand Hotel, Inmobiliaria Sa Coma, and Banco Santander, ensuring its resounding success. The picturesque Pula Golf Resort and the scenic Golf Club Son Servera will showcase their world-class facilities and beautiful landscapes. They are famous among the most sought-after destinations for Spain golf holidays.

Pula Golf Resort, a unique venue that hosted the Mallorca Classic on the DP World Tour for seven years, was redesigned by two-time Masters champion José María Olazábal between 2004 and 2006. Established in 1995, Pula Golf was transformed into a premier golf course, a par-72 spanning 6,246 meters, with 14 of its 18 holes offering views of the green from the tee. Pula Golf is known for hosting significant events like the PGA European Tour Championships Mallorca and the Olazábal and Nadal Invitational.

On the other hand, Golf Club Son Servera, designed by John Harris and Francisco López Segales, opened in 1967 and expanded from 9 to 18 holes in 2012. Situated on the northeastern coast of Mallorca, Son Servera offers a typical parkland course running through pine trees with stunning sea views of Cala Millor bay.

Together, Pula Golf and Club and Son Servera provide the perfect backdrop for The Battle of Stars, blending the beauty of Mallorca with the spirit of solidarity and sportsmanship.

Photo by: Planeta Golf.

Onyria Quinta da Marinha Hotel wins sustainability award

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The Onyria Quinta da Marinha Hotel has again been recognised for its commitment to sustainability, receiving the “Economic Sustainability in Hospitality” award from the prestigious Great Hotels of the World. This accolade, part of the Sustainable Future awards, highlights the hotel‘s support for the Mozambican project Girl Move Academy, which focuses on promoting female education and leadership.

The Onyria Group, a testament to the vision of its founder José Carlos Pinto Coelho, has been a pioneer in sustainable hospitality for nearly 30 years. The group’s journey began in 1986 with the acquisition of a portion of Quinta da Marinha in Cascais. This marked the birth of the Onyria Quinta da Marinha Hotel, the group’s first major hotel management project and a significant milestone in its commitment to sustainably offering the best life experiences. Today, the hotel stands as the ‘birthplace’ and headquarters of Onyria, a living testament to the group’s enduring legacy.

Onyria Quinta da Marinha Hotel recognition

Paulo Figueiredo, the general manager of the Onyria Quinta da Marinha Hotel, expressed pride in the recognition and reaffirmed the hotel’s dedication to sustainable tourism. “We want to continue on the path of more sustainable and conscious tourism, both environmentally and economically and socially,” Figueiredo stated in an interview with the prestigious media TNews. “This award is yet another acknowledgement of the work we have done and intend to continue.”

This is the second consecutive year the Sustainable Future Awards have honoured the hotel. Last year, it was recognised in the category of Sustainable Events for its eco-friendly conferences. The awards highlight sustainability initiatives across various domains of environmental, economic, and event organisation.

Over the years, the Onyria Quinta da Marinha Hotel, located 30 kilometres from Lisbon, has pioneered a range of unique sustainability initiatives. Nestled in the pristine Sintra-Cascais Park, the hotel provides guests with bicycles for eco-friendly exploration within the resort. In a bold move towards electric mobility, the hotel has replaced traditional golf course buggies with sleek electric motorcycles since 2020, setting a new standard for sustainable golfing experiences.

The Onyria Group

The Onyria Group owns several properties, including the Onyria Quinta da Marinha Hotel, Villas, Golf course in Cascais, and A House in Estoril. The Onyria Quinta da Marinha Golf course, designed by the renowned American architect Robert Trent Jones, offers an 18-hole, par 71 course that stretches 5,870 meters between Cascais and Cabo da Roca. This course combines challenging play with the scenic beauty of the Atlantic Ocean and the Sintra Mountains, providing an unforgettable experience for golfers.

Onyria Group locations, especially The Onyria Quinta da Marinha Golf course, are in high demand among Tee Times Golf Agency clients looking for the best experiences for their Portugal golf holidays.

Associação Portuguesa de Greenkeepers: Tiago Piano elected president

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The Associação Portuguesa de Greenkeepers (APG) has announced its new leadership for the next four years. Leading the team is Tiago Piano, a seasoned professional with a strong background in team management, planning, and budgeting, currently serving as the Golf Course Superintendent at Belas Clube de Campo. Nuno Teixeira will assist him, bringing his expertise as the vice president and Miguel Grosso as the treasurer. This capable team is committed to upholding the APG’s mission of promoting excellence and sustainability in golf course maintenance across Portugal.

Tiago Piano’s appointment as the new president of the Associação Portuguesa de Greenkeepers marks a significant step in the association’s journey. With his extensive experience in managing golf course operations and ensuring high standards of maintenance and sustainability, he is well-equipped to lead the APG in advancing its objectives. These include providing comprehensive technical information, training, and networking opportunities to its members. The Associação Portuguesa de Greenkeepers aims to create a synergistic environment that benefits the golf course maintenance industry by fostering communication among members, sponsors, and partners.

In 2023, Portugal was honoured as the world’s best golf destination, a testament to its greenkeepers’ hard work and dedication. This prestigious recognition highlights the exceptional quality of Portuguese golf courses chosen by golfers from around the globe for their Portugal golf holidays. The award underscores the vital role greenkeepers play in maintaining these world-class courses, ensuring they meet the high standards expected by international visitors.

The Associação Portuguesa de Greenkeepers and sustainability 

One of the APG’s primary focuses is championing sustainability within the golf course maintenance industry. Recognizing the pivotal role of greenkeepers in implementing eco-friendly practices, the APG advocates for efficient water resource management to prevent waste and promote sustainable irrigation systems, particularly in water-scarce areas. Moreover, the association promotes using organic fertilizers and integrated pest management techniques to reduce reliance on harmful chemicals. These initiatives protect local ecosystems and foster biodiversity on golf courses, demonstrating the APG’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Furthermore, the Associação Portuguesa de Greenkeepers is dedicated to continuously educating its members on sustainable practices. By staying informed about the latest advancements and methodologies, greenkeepers can ensure that golf courses offer a high-quality experience while preserving the environment. This commitment to education and sustainability reflects the APG’s goal of harmonizing sports and environmental stewardship.

The APG’s dedication to excellence is also evident in the achievements of its members on the international stage. Recently, Portuguese greenkeepers represented the association at the prestigious Wells Fargo Championship, one of the eight signature events of the PGA Tour this year. Congratulations to Tiago Lobato and Luís Andrés Pinto for showcasing Portuguese greenkeepers’ high standards and skills at such a prominent event.

Under Tiago Piano’s leadership, the Associação Portuguesa de Greenkeepers is well-positioned to continue promoting sustainable practices and professional excellence in golf course maintenance, ensuring that Portugal remains at the forefront of the golf industry.