Golf in Madeira is preparing to fulfil a dream with Sir Nick Faldo’s support

Thanks to multiple champion Sir Nick Faldo, golf in Madeira has been reinvented once again with the resurgence of the Ponta do Pargo Golf Course. Fifteen years after the project fell victim to the global financial crisis in 2009, this masterpiece will materialise on the “Hawaii of Europe” in 2026.

The site of Sir Nick Faldo’s new European project is located on the western cliffs of the famous Portuguese island. With more than 200 meters of elevation change, from the green of the 16th hole, hidden next to the famous lighthouse that guards the coast, to the tee of the 7th hole that rises above 400-foot cliffs towards the Atlantic. The 7th, 8th and 9th greens are at the world’s edge, clinging to the cliff’s border.

 

Golf in Madeira is special

Faldo commented in an interview published by Destination Golf: “We have something special in Madeira; being able to sculpt the course on the site itself is exciting. We believe this will be a dream course that every golfer will want to play. The scale of the place is difficult to explain; the cliffs are massive.”

Faldo Design has worked closely with local authorities to reactivate this golf project in Madeira fully. They are currently selecting the design team, which is expected to be on-site in early 2024, as the major groundwork on the front nine holes is almost complete.

Sustainable golf course design has been a core principle for Faldo Design for decades. After reviewing the original 2007 design, they have adjusted some holes and reduced the irrigated areas, using a local grass (Kikuya) that will reduce water requirements and allow a smooth transition between the field and the native flora that overlooks Ponta do Pargo its majestic beauty.

For a long time, at Tee Times Golf Agency, we have been offering the best golf packages in Madeira with a high-level offer. When Ponta do Pargo is completed, it will join a list that includes Santo Da Serra Golf, the Palheiro Golf Course, and Porto Santo Golfe for those looking for the best Madeira golf breaks and relaxing experiences.

The project promises to be the best golf in Madeira experience and is expected to be playable even in challenging weather conditions. Fans are already preparing to enjoy the best golf in Portugal on the Atlantic Ocean.

Honouring golf and camaraderie in Quinta do Lago: highlights from the 7th Tee Times Open Championship

January was marked by the 7th Tee Times Open Championship (19-21 January), bringing together 60 amateur golfers (in teams of two players) at the prestigious Quinta do Lago, which has some of the best golf courses in Portugal

Supported by sponsors like Hilton, Penina Resort, NAU Palm Village, Quinta do Vale, Espiche, Benamor and Quinta da Tor Wines, the championship showcased the golfing prowess of the players. The “Driving Range Heroes” team emerged victorious with Jim Gillis & Axel Bleymann’s outstanding performance, clinching the champions’ cup and fantastic prizes, including stays at Hilton Vilamoura and green fees in Quinta do Lago.

The camaraderie of the Tee Times Open Championship kicked off on January 18 with a warm welcome at Chez Carlos Restaurant, setting the stage for an unforgettable tournament.

 

7th Tee Times Open Championship recap

Despite a rainy start at Quinta do Lago North, players enthusiastically navigated the challenging course. The competition continued at Quinta do Lago Laranjal, where strategic play was crucial on the picturesque, sun-soaked course surrounded by orange groves. Axel Bleymann’s remarkable hole-in-one on Laranjal’s second hole added an extra thrill to the event. 

The final showdown at Quinta do Lago South tested golfers with its natural surroundings overlooking Ria Formosa’s reserve. “Last Minute” claimed victory on the last day (John Balvers and Jorge Diogo), demonstrating resilience and skill. Each day featured unique formats, emphasising teamwork and individual prowess.

“Our Open Championship at Quinta de Lago was an excellent excuse to meet friends and clients. We faced three very demanding golf courses, especially in the first round, with adverse weather. Then the sun shone, and the weather was fantastic to enjoy these wonderful and well-prepared golf courses,” said Carlos Ferreira, CEO and founder of Tee Times Golf Agency.

“We celebrate our friendship and the work we have done for more than 30 years, providing golf and tourism services with professionalism and passion,” added Ferreira, who was grateful to the sponsors and those who organised the championship.

The Tee Times Open Championship celebrated exceptional golf and fostered fellowship and friendship among participants from England, Ireland, Netherlands, France and Portugal. The event showcased the beauty of golf in Portugal and the dedication of Tee Times Golf Agency, a key player in promoting golf and tourism in Portugal and Spain for over 30 years. With a legacy of excellent service, Tee Times continues to attract golf enthusiasts worldwide, solidifying its position as a trusted name in the industry.

 

FINAL RESULTS
1st Driving Range Heroes (Jim Gillis & Axel Bleymann) 110 points.
2nd Longman & Rothwell (Paul Longman & Neal Rothwell) 109 points.
3rd Urban Rhino (Michael Hall & Scott Couper) 106 points.

 

Kronos Group promotes golf and tourism in Portugal with real estate investment in the Algarve

Real estate investment in the Algarve
In a significant bid for tourism in the Iberian Peninsula, Kronos Real Estate Group announced a massive €700 million real estate investment in the Algarve region of Portugal and key assets in Madrid and Barcelona. This strategic move strengthens Kronos’ position in the real estate market and has profound implications for the region’s golf and tourism sectors.

 

Real estate investment in the Algarve

Kronos Real Estate Group will channel its investment into assets in strategic locations, including Madrid and Barcelona in Spain and the Algarve region in Portugal. This geographic diversification reflects Kronos’ vision to contribute to economic and tourism development in key areas.

Kronos’ investment will enrich the real estate landscape and positively impact tourism in the region. Madrid and Barcelona, known for their prosperous history and vibrant culture, will experience a boost in visitor attraction. In addition, the Algarve, famous for its golf courses and beautiful beaches, will benefit, consolidating its position as a top tourist destination.

 

A focus on the Algarve region

The Algarve region, a paradise for golf lovers, will benefit extensively from Kronos Real Estate Group’s investment. Thanks to its beautiful beaches and world-class golf courses, the region is already a popular destination for Portugal Golf Holidays. With more investment in tourism infrastructure, the Algarve will become even more attractive to national and international golfers. 

Kronos investment plan includes the construction of over 450 homes in Vale do Lobo Golf & Beach Resort, including houses and apartments, which will be part of Valle Real and Vale de San Antonio, as well as the Vale do Lobo area. The project also comprises the construction of a 5-star hotel, representing an investment of €500 million in 10 years.

This significant asset from Kronos Real Estate Group will positively impact the region’s tourism and real estate investment, with Madrid, Barcelona, and the Algarve also set to experience a boost in visitor attraction. The move highlights Kronos’ commitment to economic development and opens new regional perspectives regarding sustainable tourism and balanced growth.

For more information about Kronos Group real estate projects, we invite you to visit https://kronosre.com/es/noticias/.