Inspirational

Driving sustainability: the Acciona Open de España leads the green revolution

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The Acciona Open de España, one of the oldest golf championships in the DP World Tour, returns to the prestigious Club de Campo Villa de Madrid.The Acciona Open de España, one of the oldest golf championships in the DP World Tour, returns to the prestigious Club de Campo Villa de Madrid from September 26-29, 2024. As a key event since 1971, the tournament has evolved into more than just a world-class sporting event—it is now a leader in sustainability. In collaboration with Acciona, the strategic sustainability partner, the Open de España has implemented innovative measures to drastically reduce its environmental impact, setting a new standard for green sports events.

In 2024, the contest will continue its pioneering work by achieving positive water and carbon footprints, the first sports event to do so. Acciona’s efforts have reduced the tournament’s carbon emissions by 29% per attendee since 2021 while leaving a lasting regenerative legacy in Madrid by planting thousands of trees. These initiatives align with Acciona’s long-term goal of transforming elite sports events into models of sustainability and regeneration.

One of the standout features of the Acciona Open de España is its water sustainability initiative. By generating clean water in one of Acciona’s desalination plants in the Júcar Basin—a region of Spain heavily affected by water stress—the company ensures a positive water footprint. This clean water production will offset the tournament’s total water consumption, preventing the depletion of local water sources.

The Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, an iconic course and a central venue for this remarkable tournament, is also a must-play destination for golf lovers. Tee Times Golf Agency offers exclusive Spain golf holiday packages that allow players to enjoy this stunning course while embracing eco-conscious tourism. For those who appreciate world-class golf and environmental responsibility, Tee Times delivers a unique opportunity to experience the best golf packages in Spain.

Acciona Open de España in detail

As golf fans prepare to witness top-tier players like Jon Rahm, Matthieu Pavon, Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry and the entire “Armada Española” (photo) compete on the green, they can also take pride in knowing that this tournament is helping to shape a more sustainable future for the sport. José Luis Martínez-Almeida, the Club de Campo Villa de Madrid‘s president, highlighted this event’s importance, calling it a privilege and an honour to host the Open in such a prestigious public venue.

Whether you’re attending to watch the action or looking to play on the same course as the pros, the Acciona Open de España offers an unparalleled experience season by season. With Tee Times Golf Agency, you can enjoy the best Spain golf holidays while supporting sustainability initiatives that make a real difference. Join us in Madrid for a tournament that is as green as it is exciting!

Golf impact: a booming billionaire industry fueling Portugal’s economy

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Golf impact: an article published last month by Diário de Notícias of Portugal, shows significant numbers for national economy.An article published last month by Diário de Notícias of Portugal, “Golf has an impact of four billion euros on the economy“, shows significant numbers, with figures revealing a doubling of its contribution since 2019, now reaching €4 billion. Under this context, the golf impact also supports the creation of 20,000 jobs. These insights, provided by the Conselho Nacional da Industria do Golfe (CNIG), are part of a finalised macroeconomic study. The reported amount includes direct golf course revenues and additional expenditures like buggy rentals, restaurants, hotels, vehicle rentals, and transfers.

Golf’s growth is closely tied to tourism, with 2023 seeing record indicators. Direct revenues grew by 4% from green fees alone, totalling €160 million. Foreign tourists represent 85% of all rounds, with the UK leading, followed by Sweden, Germany, and France. However, emerging markets like the US are slowly gaining ground, particularly in Lisbon, presenting significant opportunities for growth. CNIG’s president, Nuno Sepúlveda, notes, “The North American market continues to grow but still has a low presence.”

Golf impact and visitors

Despite the dominance of foreign players, local residents still contribute 15% of the rounds, especially in Porto, Lisbon, and the islands. Sepúlveda highlights the need to attract more players from the US, Canada, and Asia, stressing that many courses need updating, as “most of our courses are between 20 and 40 years old,” requiring renovation to meet the higher quality demands of these markets.

Another key issue raised is the need for government investment. “There’s little support, and, for example, in the PRR [Portugal’s Recovery and Resilience Plan], the word ‘golf’ is not even mentioned,” the president laments. He stresses the strategic importance of golf, which brings in “high-quality markets, with long stays outside peak seasons.”

Finally, water scarcity is a looming threat, especially in the Algarve. Some courses risk closure unless desalination processes and water-saving measures are accelerated. “We can’t rely solely on rain,” Sepúlveda warns, adding, “golf courses only account for 6% of water consumption in the Algarve, and we have made significant improvements in irrigation efficiency.”

The complete article about golf impact on Portugal’s economy can be read here.

Photo by: Visit Algarve.

Legends of the green: the lasting legacy of Christopher Stilwell and João Silva in Algarve golf

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BY JOÃO DOS REIS

These two famous golfers, who have already passed away, Christopher Stilwell on the left and João Silva, right, made history in Algarve golf, the first with one of the most powerful and influential golf administrators in the Algarve, whom much the region was owed for its tireless dynamism in promoting and organising major national and international tournaments. These events took place in the area administered.

João Silva was another great figure who supported golf in the Algarve. We know these two great gentlemen well, the first as the administrator of several companies connected to golf and the latter as a good friend and player with whom I have shared many rounds on virtually every field in the Algarve and a few times in the rest of the country.

Whenever João and I attended a tournament, he always gave me a good Cuban cigar, the famous Cohiba, which I loved smoking. Also, I like my traditional pipe, which I never separated myself from. Like a present, one day João stopped smoking Cohiba cigars, which allowed me to get the ones he was no longer smoking. It was the old days of a lot of friendship and companionship.

Remember is to live…

Source: João Dos Reis Facebook account.