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

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.

Golf in Portugal: Tailored Routes for Every Golfer

Whether you're a beginner or an expert searching for championship challenges, you must try to play golf in Portugal and discover unique experiences.Portugal has long been a premier destination for golf enthusiasts, offering world-class courses, stunning landscapes, and weather perfect for year-round play. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert searching for championship challenges, you must try to play golf in Portugal and discover unique experiences.

Routes for Every Skill Level

Beginners will find welcoming courses with wide fairways and forgiving greens ideal for building confidence. Destinations such as the Pine Cliffs Golf Course in the Algarve or Oitavos Dunes near Lisbon offer stunning scenery and high-quality instruction to help players develop their game.

For intermediate players, courses with a blend of strategy and scenic beauty await. The Old Course Vilamoura provides a balanced challenge, while Penha Longa in Sintra offers a historic setting with technical variety. These courses test accuracy while still allowing for an enjoyable round.

Experienced and professional players will relish the challenge of Portugal’s most demanding layouts. Monte Rei Golf & Country Club in the eastern Algarve is a Jack Nicklaus masterpiece that rewards precision and strategic play. Meanwhile, Troia Golf, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., is considered one of the most challenging courses in Europe, making it a must-play for low-handicap golfers.

Luxury vs. Affordable Golf Trips

Golf in Portugal caters to all budgets, from ultra-luxurious stays to more affordable yet high-quality experiences.

For those seeking luxury golf travel, resorts like Quinta do Lago and Onyria Palmares Beach & Golf Resort offer five-star accommodations, spa facilities, and Michelin-starred dining. These destinations provide exclusive experiences that combine championship golf with ultimate relaxation.

On the other hand, Portugal also provides budget-friendly options without compromising quality. Public courses like Amarante Golf Course and Belas Clube de Campo near Lisbon offer affordable green fees while still delivering an exceptional golfing experience.

Golf in Portugal With the Experts

With over 30 years of experience, Tee Times Golf Agency is the leading golf travel specialist in Portugal, offering the best green fees, customised packages, and exclusive deals for an unforgettable Portugal Golf Holiday. Whether you’re planning a luxury getaway or a budget-friendly golf escape, their expertise ensures a seamless experience, providing access to the finest courses and accommodations across the country.

From the Algarve’s renowned fairways to Lisbon’s hidden gems, Tee Times helps golfers of all levels design the perfect itinerary, making golf in Portugal the ultimate destination.

Golf and Sustainability in Portugal: A Growing Challenge

By raising awareness and fostering responsible tourism, Tee Times contributes to shaping a future where golf and sustainability in Portugal go hand in hand.Portugal has emerged as a global promoter of sustainable golf tourism, seamlessly integrating environmental stewardship with the sport’s development. With 92 golf courses spread across its seven regions, the country has been recognised multiple times as the “World’s Best Golf Destination,” most recently in 2024. Golf and sustainability in Portugal are essential. However, as the sport grows, so do the challenges of balancing golf’s expansion and environmental impact.

A prime example of sustainability efforts is the Ombria Resort in the Algarve. Designed to harmonise with the surrounding landscape, Ombria emphasises sustainability across six key areas: nature conservation, water and energy efficiency, supply chain management, pollution reduction, and community engagement. The resort utilises native plant species to promote biodiversity and employs advanced irrigation systems to minimise water consumption. In Madeira, the Santo da Serra Golf Club has been lauded for its eco-friendly initiatives, receiving accolades such as the “World’s Best Water Capture System” in 2024. This recognition underscores the club’s innovative approach to water management, a critical aspect of sustainable golf course maintenance.

Golf and Sustainability in Portugal: a big responsibility

Despite these positive developments, there is still much to be done. Golf remains a resource-intensive sport, and concerns persist regarding its long-term environmental viability. Tee Times Golf Agency acknowledges this responsibility and actively promotes sustainability within its golf tourism offerings, ensuring that travellers experience world-class golf and contribute to sustainable tourism practices.

Beyond course management, many companies also play a role in golf and sustainability in Portugal. Matize Golf, based in northern Portugal, offers a modern and eco-conscious approach to golf apparel, using eco-friendly fabrics and incorporating urban fashion elements. Meanwhile, hospitality groups such as NAU Hotels & Resorts have implemented comprehensive sustainability policies, including waste reduction, water conservation through reclaimed water for irrigation, and energy efficiency measures.

Tee Times remains deeply committed to advocating for a greener future in golf tourism. The agency actively seeks collaborations with environmentally responsible courses, promotes best practices among its partners, and ensures that golfers are aware of their role in maintaining the ecological balance of Portugal’s destinations for the best golf holidays. By raising awareness and fostering responsible tourism, we contribute to shaping a future where golf and sustainability in Portugal go hand in hand.