THE ALGARVE: THE BEAUTY OF THE BEST BEACH DESTINATION IN EUROPE

Portugal’s Algarve region, a beacon of sustainability, is celebrated as the Best Beach Destination in Europe, a title it proudly holds year after year. This region boasts some of the world’s most stunning and welcoming beaches, making it one of the most sought-after destinations globally. The Algarve’s natural heritage has been sustainably developed into high-quality spaces catering to various preferences, a testament to its commitment to preserving the environment.

Stretching along approximately 300 kilometres of coastline, the Algarve is a paradise of coves, cliffs, caves, rocky shores, and vast sandy beaches. These beaches, recognized by the prestigious European “Blue Flag” certification, offer crystal-clear, warm, and tranquil waters. The region’s mild climate, with temperatures ranging from 15°C in winter to 30°C in summer, adds to its allure, providing a perfect beach holiday year-round.

Best Beach Destination in Europe

Notably, the Algarve was first awarded the title of Best Beach Destination in Europe at the World Travel Awards in 2020, a recognition it renewed in 2021 and has been held multiple times since 2012. The Algarve’s exceptional beaches, such as Praia da Falésia and Praia da Rocha, have earned spots in TripAdvisor’s 2020 Travellers’ Choice list of the 25 Best Beaches in Europe, further solidifying its status as a top-tier destination.

Adding to its charm, the European Best Destinations website ranked the Algarve among the Best European Destinations for Beach Holidays in 2020. Forbes also recognized the Algarve as one of the best regions in Europe for Americans to live, highlighting its beautiful beaches and over 330 days of sunshine annually.

The Algarve: the best golf destination in the world

Beyond the beaches, the Algarve is renowned as the best golf destination in the world. The region’s golf courses, such as the award-winning Monte Rei Golf & Country Club and the picturesque Vale do Lobo, attract enthusiasts from around the globe, offering impeccable facilities and breathtaking landscapes. Tee Times Golf Agency provides specially curated packages for Portugal golf holidays, ensuring an unforgettable experience for golfers and beach lovers.

With numerous accolades and a reputation as the Best Beach Destination in Europe, the Algarve stands out as a premier holiday location. Its pristine beaches, exceptional golf courses, and outstanding hospitality make it a top choice for travellers seeking relaxation and adventure. Whether visiting for the sun-soaked shores or the world-class golf, the Algarve offers something extraordinary for everyone.

Commemorative stamps celebrate 75 years of the Portuguese Golf Federation

As part of the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Portuguese Golf Federation (FPG), Correios de Portugal (CTT) unveiled a collection of four personalised stamps. These stamps, each a unique tribute, brought to life the rich history of the four founding clubs of this distinguished sports federation, fostering a sense of connection to the past.

The Portuguese Golf Federation was founded on October 20, 1949, with a mission to direct, organise, regulate, and supervise the practice of golf nationwide, as outlined in its Statutes. The founding clubs were Oporto Golf Club, Club de Golf Miramar, Clube de Golf do Estoril, and Lisbon Sports Club, with Ricardo Espírito Santo Silva serving as the first president.

Portuguese Golf Federation heritage

Initially headquartered at the Clube de Golf do Estoril, the FPG started with 165 registered golfers. Today, 75 years later, the sport has grown significantly, boasting over 19,000 active members from across the country. These members are registered with the 113 clubs affiliated with the FPG, playing on 89 golf courses throughout Portugal. This remarkable growth is a testament to the FPG’s unwavering commitment to the sport and its players, a source of pride for all involved.

Golf in Portugal today is a sport embraced by all, practised without distinction, and holding substantial social, environmental, and economic responsibilities. The sport is a source of national pride and a beacon of Portugal’s commitment to inclusivity and sustainability.

The personalised stamps being released by CTT serve as a tribute to the legacy and history of the founding clubs. Oporto Golf Club, founded in 1890, is the oldest golf club in the country and one of the oldest in continental Europe. Club de Golf de Miramar, founded in 1931, is famed for its stunning course along the Atlantic coast. Clube de Golf do Estoril, inaugurated in 1929, has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, while Lisbon Sports Club, dating back to 1922, is renowned for its rich history and contribution to Portuguese golf.

These stamps symbolise the rich heritage of these clubs and the growth and evolution of golf in Portugal. From a modest beginning with a handful of enthusiasts to a flourishing sport with thousands of players, the Portuguese Golf Federation has played a crucial role in this journey.

Tee Times Golf Agency extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Portuguese Golf Federation on this remarkable milestone. Your dedication and efforts have developed golf within the country and positioned Portuguese golf courses among the best in the world, making the country a premier golfing destination globally for golf holidays. Here’s to many more years of success and growth!

Photo by: Portuguese Golf Federation.

PGA OF PORTUGAL AND SPAIN: STRENGTHENING GOLF PARTNERSHIPS

In a recent meeting held in Aveiro, Portugal, Ander Martínez, President of the PGA of Spain, met with Rui Morris, the newly elected President of the PGA of Portugal. This meeting between the PGA of Portugal and Spain underscored the ongoing positive relationship between the two professional golf associations, which has been robust since the establishment of the PGA of Portugal on May 13, 1996. This long-standing partnership has seen numerous collaborations in organising joint tournaments and training courses.

Martínez congratulated Morris on his recent appointment and emphasised the significance of intensifying ties with their neighbouring association. This meeting aligns with the PGA of Spain’s internationalisation goals, a success story bolstered by the success of its increasingly international national circuit and globally recognised training courses and conferences, instilling a sense of pride in the association’s achievements.

Opportunities for the PGA of Portugal and Spain

“It was a very positive meeting where we discussed the opportunities presented by Portugal, supported by an American investment fund, Turismo de Portugal, and several golf courses,” said Martínez after the meeting. The collaboration aims to capitalise on these opportunities, enhancing the synergy between the two associations.

The commitment to maintaining a solid relationship has been a hallmark of both PGAs. “The PGA of Portugal and Spain have maintained an excellent relationship for many years, and this commitment will endure, generating significant opportunities together. The intention is to grow these synergies between the two PGAs,” Martínez added. Both associations are part of the newly formed Alliances of PGAs of Europe, which includes some of the continent’s strongest associations, such as the British PGA.

Rui Morris echoed this sentiment, highlighting the potential for joint projects. “We are working to shape many joint projects. We witness the success of our neighbouring counterpart in competition (the TUMI Spain Golf Tour) and training. Growing together would be highly beneficial for both associations. I am confident that many joint projects will emerge from this meeting,” commented Morris.

During his tour of Portugal, Martínez also met with representatives of Turismo de Portugal and various golf courses in Óbidos and Lisbon to revisit and plan for future projects in 2025.

At Tee Times Golf Agency, we celebrate and support this type of action to promote the growth of golf in the Iberian Peninsula. This series of meetings marks a new era of collaboration, promising a bright future for the PGA of Portugal and Spain and all their professional members.

Source: PGA of Spain.