Portugal Golf

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.

Masters of Design: How Iconic Golf Course Architects Elevated Portugal’s Tourism

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Portugal is widely recognised as the best golf and tourism destination in the world. Its picturesque landscapes, mild climate, and challenging courses attract enthusiasts from across the globe. Central to this growing popularity is the influence of world-renowned golf course architects, whose creativity and vision have transformed the Portuguese golfing landscape, solidifying Portugal’s reputation as a global leader in golf tourism.

Legendary architects such as Robert Trent Jones Jr., Sir Henry Cotton, and Jack Nicklaus have left indelible marks on Portugal’s golf heritage. Robert Trent Jones Jr. was celebrated for his artistic integration of natural landscapes as the acclaimed Troia Golf Course. Situated south of Lisbon, Troia offers golfers the thrilling experience of seaside play, seamlessly weaving through dunes and pine forests, showcasing Jones’ philosophy of environmental harmony and aesthetic excellence.

Sir Henry Cotton, a three-time Open Champion turned visionary architect, profoundly impacted Portugal with his iconic Penina Hotel & Golf Resort in the Algarve. Opened in 1966, Penina was Portugal’s first 18-hole course, instantly elevating the country’s global golfing prestige. Cotton’s innovative layout provided a blueprint for subsequent course designs, blending classic British golfing traditions with the vibrant Mediterranean environment.

Golf Course Architects Influence

Jack Nicklaus, perhaps the most famous golfer-turned-architect, has significantly influenced Portugal’s reputation for luxurious and strategically challenging courses. The Monte Rei Golf & Country Club in Algarve epitomises Nicklaus’ meticulous approach, combining precision golf strategies with the region’s natural beauty. His signature designs have attracted significant international tournaments and discerning golfers seeking courses that balance difficulty and elegance.

More recently, golf course architects like Rocky Roquemore and Arthur Hills have further enriched Portugal’s golfing scene. Their designs emphasise sustainability and environmental stewardship, ensuring courses such as Quinta da Marinha near Cascais and Oitavos Dunes provide challenging play while preserving the surrounding ecological habitats. New designers in Portugal include Sergio Garcia, who developed Torre at Terra das Comporta, and Ernie Els, the creative mind behind The Els Club Vilamoura.

Tee Times Golf Holidays have further enhanced Portugal’s golf tourism by offering comprehensive golf packages that combine play at premier courses with accommodations and personalised services. These packages allow golf players to enjoy Portugal’s best golfing experiences tailored to their preferences and needs to enjoy their holidays.

The legacy of these architects has undeniably positioned Portugal at the forefront of global golf tourism. Their collective contribution continues to shape Portugal’s golfing identity, drawing visitors eager to experience the country’s unique blend of innovation, natural splendour, and rich golfing.

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.