Portugal Golf

Six Portugal’s designs compete for Europe’s Best Golf Course 2024 at the World Golf Awards

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Portugal’s golf courses are once again in the spotlight as candidates for the prestigious Europe’s Best Golf Course 2024, a distinction granted by the World Travel Awards. This year, six great golf destinations are contending for the title, showcasing the country’s continued excellence in golf and tourism. The 11th annual World Golf Awards Gala Ceremony will take place on the evening of November 22, 2024, at the Savoy Palace in Funchal, Madeira. Among the nominated courses, each one brings a unique blend of wild beauty and demanding play.

Best Golf Course 2024 candidates in detail

Club de Golfe Santo da Serra, with its stunning vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and lush landscapes, stands out as one of Madeira’s most picturesque courses. Its reputation for challenging holes and its history of hosting European Tour events make it a must-visit for golf enthusiasts.

Palheiro Golf, another gem in Madeira, is set amidst a lush garden estate. It offers both historical charm and sweeping views of Funchal Bay. Its elevated tees and undulating greens provide golfers with a mix of leisure and challenge.

Porto Santo Golfe, nestled on the serene island of Porto Santo, is a true coastal paradise. Crafted by the legendary Seve Ballesteros, this course marries striking coastal vistas with a layout that demands technical prowess, making it a dream destination for golfers seeking beauty and challenge.

Quinta do Lago (South Course), located in the Algarve, is renowned for its championship layout. Regularly ranked as one of Europe’s top golf courses, the South Course has hosted the Portuguese Open multiple times. It is lauded for its precision-demanding fairways and beautiful setting among lakes and pine trees.

Terras da Comporta (Dunas Golf Course) offers an untamed natural environment with rolling dunes and seaside charm. Designed by renowned architect David McLay Kidd, the course is noted for its environmental harmony and provides a serene yet challenging round of golf.

Finally, West Cliffs Golf Links is a relatively new addition to Portugal’s golfing landscape. The rugged, coastal terrain offers a dramatic backdrop to this challenging links-style course, which has earned accolades for its design and environmental stewardship.

These Portuguese contenders are up against some of Europe’s finest, including SSpain’sFinca Cortesin Golf Club and La Reserva de Sotogrande, as well as iconic Scottish courses like Carnoustie Golf Links and the Old Course at St. Andrews. You can find the complete list here.

Tee Times nomination

In addition to these exceptional courses, Tee Times Golf Agency is once again nominated for Europe’s Best Golf Tour Operator 2024. Established over 30 years ago, Tee Times has grown into one of the largest and most respected operators, specialising in golf tourism across Portugal, Spain, and beyond for the best golf holidays. The agency is a member of recognised associations such as the International Association of Golf Tour Operators and the Portuguese Association of Travel Agencies, ensuring top-tier service for its clients. Their commitment to excellence and passion for tourism and the best golf breaks continue to drive the company’s success, making them a key player in the industry. If you want, you can vote for Tee Times here.

As the November 22 ceremony approaches, the nominated for Europe’s Best Golf Course 2024 represent the best in Portuguese golf tourism, each deserving recognition for their contributions to the sport.

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.

Top golfers represented 11 prestigious Portuguese courses at the Open de Portugal

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The latest edition of the Open de Portugal showcased an impressive lineup of 15 Portuguese players representing 11 of the country's top golf clubs.The latest edition of the Open de Portugal, held at the prestigious Royal Óbidos Golf Course and part of the Challenge Tour calendar, showcased an impressive lineup of 15 Portuguese players representing 11 of the country’s top golf clubs. Their courses, including some of the most iconic in Portugal, play a crucial role in promoting golf nationwide and have been instrumental in developing local touch.

Pedro Lencart, representing Penina Golf Course, was among the standout players, while Pedro Almeida competed under the banner of Lisbon Sports Club. Vitor Lopes, from Golf Club Vilamoura, and Hugo Camelo Ferreira and Diogo Rocha, both from Club Golf Miramar, brought experience and skill to the tournament. Vasco Alves and Miguel Cardoso represented Oporto Golf Club, further showcasing the depth of Portuguese golfing talent.

Alexandre Abreu competed for Pinheiros Altos Golf Course, and Quinta do Lago was present with two of its finest, Tomás Bessa and Ricardo Santos. JM Franco de Sousa represented Estoril Golf Club, while Alfonso Oliveira and Joao Pereira showcased their gifts for Aroeira Golf Club. Pedro Figueiredo, a rising star, represented Dunas Terras da Comporta, and the talented Tomás Melo Gouveia played for San Lorenzo Golf Club. Notably, five players—Franco de Sousa, Cardoso, Rocha, Pereira, and Oliveira—are amateurs, highlighting the strength of Portugal’s golfing future.

These prestigious golf courses are part of Tee Times Golf Agency‘s extensive offerings, allowing golfers worldwide to experience the best Portugal golf holidays. Tee Times is renowned for crafting unique golf packages with access to these top-tier clubs, ensuring unforgettable golfing experiences.

Open de Portugal special celebration

This year, the Federação Portuguesa de Golfe celebrates its 75th anniversary, a milestone that marks its decades of tireless dedication to promoting golf throughout Portugal. The federation’s instrumental role in growing the sport, nurturing talent from the grassroots to professional stages, and organizing prestigious tournaments like the Open de Portugal is something every golf enthusiast should appreciate. Its efforts have helped elevate Portugal as a global golf destination, providing opportunities for both amateurs and professionals to excel on some of the finest courses in the world. As it commemorates this milestone, the federation continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of Portuguese golf.

Portugal was named the World’s Best Golf Destination last year at the World Golf Awards, reflecting the country’s exceptional golf landscape. This year, Tee Times Golf Agency is nominated for Best Tour Operator in Europe 2024 (you can vote here), further cementing its status as a leader in the golf tourism industry.

The Open de Portugal remains a cornerstone of European golf. It offers a thrilling competition that continues to inspire Portuguese golfers and elevate the sport’s history across the country.

Photo by: Rodrigo Gatinho (Federação Portuguesa de Golfe).