Inspirational

Portugal Shine Bright at the 2024 World Golf Awards

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The 11th annual World Golf Awards celebrated excellence in golf tourism, with Portugal earning top distinctions across multiple categories.The 11th annual World Golf Awards, held at the stunning Savoy Palace in Madeira, celebrated excellence in golf tourism, with Portugal earning top distinctions across multiple categories. As a beacon of global recognition, the ceremony brought together industry leaders and enthusiasts to honour the best in golf destinations, courses, and facilities.

Portugal: The World’s Best Golf Destination

Portugal reaffirmed its status as a premier golf destination by winning ‘World’s Best Golf Destination 2024’ and ‘Europe’s Best Golf Destination 2024’. The awards highlight was Terras da Comporta, crowned ‘World’s Best Golf Course’ and ‘Europe’s Best Golf Course’. With its impeccable design and eco-conscious approach, the course also received the title of ‘Europe’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility’.

Madeira further elevated Portugal’s standing with multiple awards, including ‘World’s Best Emerging Golf Destination’. Palheiro Golf‘s ‘World’s Best Panoramic Clubhouse‘ and Club de Golfe Santo Da Serra‘s dual titles for ‘World’s Best Par 3 Hole‘ and ‘World’s Best Sustainable Water Capture Course System‘ showcased Madeira’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in golf.

Those who received awards also included Quinta do Lago (World’s Best Golf Real Estate Venue 2024 and Europe’s Best Golf Venue 2024), one of Portugal’s most famous and chosen golf destinations, Ombria Golf Course (Europe’s Best New Golf Course 2024), and Palmares Ocean Living & Golf (Europe’s Best Golf Clubhouse 2024).

Spanish golf also received significant distinctions. La Hacienda Links Golf Resort won ‘World’s Best Halfway House’, emphasising its commitment to creating a seamless experience for golfers. INFINITUM Golf’s ‘Europe’s Best 9 Hole Golf Course‘ and ‘Europe’s Best Golf Real Estate Venue‘ highlighted its world-class facilities.

A Legacy of Excellence with Tee Times Golf Agency

For over 30 years, Tee Times Golf Agency has been at the forefront of golf tourism, offering unparalleled golf and travel packages to Portugal and Spain. Whether it’s visiting Portuguese’s lush fairways or Spaniard courses charm, Tee Times ensures golfers experience unforgettable golf holidays.

With these prestigious World Golf Awards cementing Portugal’s global appeal, there’s no better time to plan your next golf break. Trust Tee Times to craft a perfect journey through the finest golf destinations in the world.

Mark Your Calendars: IAGTO Reveals 2025 Event Lineup Across Three Continents

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IAGTO has unveiled its schedule for global golf tourism conventions in 2025, featuring events in Vietnam, Spain, and the United States.The International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) has unveiled its schedule for global golf tourism conventions in 2025, featuring events in Vietnam, Spain, and the United States. These conventions aim to connect golf tour operators, resorts, courses, and tourism boards, fostering collaboration and growth within the industry.

Tee Times Golf Agency participated in the 2024 IAGTO European Convention (IEC) and the North America Golf Tourism Convention (NAC), reinforcing our position as a leader in the golf tourism industry. In addition to our dynamic participation in the Malaga and Michigan events, we showcased our complete golf holiday packages and our ability to connect with key players in the market.

The 11th Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) will take place in Danang, Vietnam, from April 2 to 4, 2025. AGTC is a key platform for professionals focusing on the Asian golf market, offering networking opportunities and insights into regional trends. Danang, renowned for its picturesque coastline and world-class golf courses, provides an ideal backdrop for this gathering.

Following AGTC, the 3rd IAGTO European Convention (IEC) will be held in Gran Canaria, Spain, from May 19-21, 2025. IEC concentrates on European and African golf destinations, bringing together industry stakeholders to discuss market developments and establish partnerships. Gran Canaria’s diverse landscapes and esteemed golf facilities make it a fitting venue for this convention.

Concluding the series, the 16th North America Golf Tourism Convention (NAC) is scheduled for June 17-19, 2025, in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. NAC emphasises golf tourism within the Americas, providing a platform for suppliers and buyers to engage in meaningful discussions and collaborations. Birmingham, celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and proximity to the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, offers a compelling setting for this event.

Peter Walton, Chief Executive of IAGTO, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to delivering productive and enjoyable conventions catering to golf destinations and outbound markets. He emphasised that each event is tailored to the specific needs of its region, attracting golf tour operators who specialise in those destinations. Walton also noted that appointments at these conventions are scheduled based on mutual agreement, ensuring valuable interactions between buyers and suppliers.

Registration for these conventions has been open to IAGTO members, with over 600 delegates signed up across all three events. This enthusiastic response underscores the industry’s eagerness to engage in these global gatherings. IAGTO continues to play a pivotal role in connecting golf tourism professionals, fostering growth, and promoting collaboration within the industry.

For more information on IAGTO’s upcoming conventions and membership details, interested parties can visit the organisation’s official website.

Tee Times IAGTO commitment

Through events like the IAGTO conventions, Tee Times Golf Agency continues to demonstrate our commitment to growth, innovation, and unparalleled customer service in the golf tourism sector.

Established in 1993, Tee Times has been synonymous with excellence in golf tourism, offering tailored packages that cater to every golfer’s dream. Whether you’re seeking the lush fairways of Portugal or the sun-kissed greens of Spain, Tee Times provides meticulously crafted experiences. Our services include seamless bookings for tee times, luxury accommodations, and exclusive access to some of Europe’s most prestigious golf courses designed to create unforgettable golf holidays.

Shaping the Future: How New Changes Could Revolutionise the PGA TOUR competitive landscape

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The PGA TOUR is undergoing a transformative phase, driven by the Player Advisory Council insights to create a more competitive, fan-engaging experience. The PGA TOUR is undergoing a transformative phase, driven by the Player Advisory Council (PAC) insights to create a more competitive, fan-engaging experience. This strategic shift comes from extensive feedback and evaluations. While formal changes await the PGA TOUR Policy Board’s final approval on November 18, the proposed adjustments aim to enhance the competitive landscape starting in 2026.

The PAC Subcommittees have focused on refining field sizes, eligibility categories, FedExCup points allocation, and player pathways. Key modifications under consideration include:

Optimised Field Sizes: The starting field for open tournaments would be limited to 144 players, with the flexibility to adjust to 120 or 132 based on daylight constraints. This aims to reduce delays due to darkness and improve the pace of play, enhancing the tournament experience for players, fans, and broadcasters.

Eligibility Revisions: The proposed adjustments would decrease the automatic exemption threshold from the top 125 to the top 100 FedExCup players, granting conditional status to those ranked 101-125. This change is based on extensive performance data to ensure only the most competitive players gain exemption.

Changes to Pathway Cards: The Korn Ferry Tour, the primary route to the PGA TOUR, will see its PGA TOUR cards reduced from 30 to 20, alongside a cap of five PGA TOUR Q-School cards and 10 from the DP World Tour. This aims to streamline the pathway while maintaining strong talent representation.

Sponsor Exemptions and Open Qualifying: Restricted sponsor exemptions would now be allocated to the following eligible players on the Priority Ranking list, optimising competition. Open Qualifying spots in tournaments with under 144 players would be limited to account for adjusted field sizes.

The PAC’s recommendations also include slight changes in FedExCup points distribution, giving a minor boost to second-place points in majors and The PLAYERS, with a decrease for positions beyond 7 in Signature Events.

These improvements, developed through rigorous analysis by the PAC’s subcommittees, reflect a commitment to enhancing the TOUR’s competitiveness and entertainment value for all stakeholders. The final vote in November will mark the next step toward a dynamic future for the PGA TOUR. What do you think of these proposed changes? Will they make the tour more thrilling for players and fans alike? Let us know your thoughts!

Source: www.pgatour.com