Portugal Golf

Porto Santo Golfe: a tribute to natural beauty and sporting excellence

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Nestled in the heart of the enchanting island of Porto Santo, part of the Madeira archipelago, lies a golfer's paradise – the Porto Santo Golfe.

Nestled in the heart of the enchanting island of Porto Santo, part of the Madeira archipelago, lies a golfer’s paradise – the Porto Santo Golfe. This premier golfing destination stretches across the island, offering breathtaking views from the dune-rolling beach to the dramatic basalt cliffs, creating a perfect blend of natural beauty and a challenging game.

Designed by the legendary Spanish golfer Severiano Ballesteros, who passed away on May 7, 2011, after a valiant fight against cancer, Porto Santo Golfe is a testament to his genius and passion for the sport. Ballesteros, a revered figure in the golfing world, meticulously crafted this course to harmonize with the island’s natural landscape, ensuring minimal environmental impact while providing a world-class golfing experience.

Porto Santo Golfe magic

Opened in October 2004, the Porto Santo Golfe quickly garnered acclaim, culminating in its selection as the 2009 Madeira Islands Open host venue. The course spans an impressive 6,434 meters and comprises 18 holes, offering golfers a serene yet challenging environment. The unique layout features two distinct zones: the South and North.

The South Course, designed in the American tradition, is spotted with tranquil lakes and demands a long, precise game. It provides golfers with intricate challenges, making it a favourite among those who enjoy a strategic approach to the sport. In contrast, the North Course runs along spectacular cliff tops, offering a test of skill and awe-inspiring views of the wild coastline and the turquoise waters below.

In addition to the main courses, Porto Santo Golfe boasts a nine-hole pitch-and-putt course of par three holes, ideal for honing precision shots and short-game techniques. A state-of-the-art driving range further complements the training facilities, catering to beginners and seasoned professionals looking to refine their skills.

The Porto Santo Golfe clubhouse is a modern masterpiece, seamlessly blending into the surrounding landscape. Constructed with dry-stone walling and natural wood and furnished with stylish wicker furniture, the clubhouse offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. Golfers can relax and enjoy the amenities, which include a bar restaurant, a pro shop, and well-equipped locker rooms.

At Tee Times Golf Agency, we have incredible packages and offers for those looking for their best Portugal golf holidays. And undoubtedly, Porto Santo Golfe is one of our finest ones.

The Madeira Archipelago

Porto Santo is the second inhabited island in the Madeira archipelago, located in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 500 kilometres from the African coast and 1,000 kilometres from Europe. Discovered in 1418 by Portuguese navigators, this island paradise is renowned for its hospitality, mild climate year-round, and stunning landscapes.

The island’s main attraction is its 9-kilometre-long beach of fine golden sand bathed by turquoise waters. This beach offers picturesque beauty and boasts therapeutic properties due to its unique calcium carbonate composition in calcite, making it a perfect destination for health and wellness.

Beyond the beach, Porto Santo’s charm extends to its historical and cultural sites, such as the Casa Museu, the former Christopher Columbus residence in Vila Baleira. The island’s unspoiled landscapes are ideal for exploring on foot or by bicycle, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in its natural splendour.

The safety, friendliness, and natural beauty of Porto Santo make it a privileged spot among similar destinations. For golfers, Porto Santo stands out as a crown jewel, offering an unparalleled experience that combines the artistry of Severiano Ballesteros’s design with the island’s breathtaking environment. Whether you are a professional golfer or a passionate amateur, a visit to Porto Santo Golfe promises a memorable and rewarding experience.

Severiano Ballesteros and his undying love for Portugal

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Severiano Ballesteros is celebrated as one of the greatest golfers of all time. Born on April 9, 1957, in Pedreña, Spain, Ballesteros’ influence on the sport transcends national boundaries, and his fondness for Portugal played a significant role in his illustrious career.

“Seve” first made his mark in Portugal at 17, when he competed professionally at the Estoril Golf Course, his first tournament out of Spain. This historic course, renowned for its challenging layout and picturesque scenery, was more than just a stage for Seve to showcase his talent and love for the game. It was a place that held a special place in his heart, a place that he always carried with him. In Estoril, a bond was formed, a love affair with Portugal that would endure throughout his life and career.

Severiano Ballesteros’ Portuguese designs

Ballesteros’ impact on Portuguese golf is not just significant; it’s monumental. He designed three prestigious golf courses in the country: Royal Óbidos, Quinta do Vale, and Porto Santo Golfe. These courses, each a testament to his skill and vision, have left an indelible mark on the Portuguese golfing landscape.

Royal Óbidos, Severiano Ballesteros’ final project, is a par-72 championship course that is a testament to his design philosophy. It offers a stern test for even the most accomplished golfers, with strategic water hazards and challenging shots that reflect Seve’s flair and creativity. With its elegant atmosphere, the modern clubhouse provides the perfect setting for players to reflect on their game. Like all of Seve’s designs, this course is not just a place to play golf but a place to experience the game in all its beauty and challenge.

Quinta do Vale, located near the Spanish border, is another testament to Seve’s design genius. This course features long holes, generous fairways, and complex greens, demanding precision and strategy from players. The hilly terrain adds a layer of difficulty, making it a favourite among those seeking a rigorous golfing challenge. The 15th hole is particularly memorable with its stunning view of the Guadiana River.

Porto Santo Golfe, spanning from beach dunes to basalt cliffs, epitomizes Seve’s vision of blending natural beauty with a challenging game. The club offers two distinct designs: the South Course, with its lakes, and the cliff-top North Course, which offers diverse playing experiences. The accompanying nine-hole pitch-and-putt course and driving range enhance its appeal. The clubhouse, harmoniously integrated into the landscape, exemplifies Seve’s dedication to environmental sustainability and aesthetic harmony.

All of them are part of the list of courses that we offer at Tee Times Golf Agency for those who wish to enjoy their Portugal golf holidays playing at the highest level.

Seve also contributed to the promotion of golf in Portugal through his company, Amen Corner, which organized the Algarve Open many times and the Madeira Open. Although he never won a tournament in Portugal, his presence and influence were deeply felt, and his affection for the country was reciprocated by golf enthusiasts.

Seve: an eternal champion

Severiano Ballesteros overcame numerous challenges throughout his career, securing three Open Championships (1979, 1984, 1988), two Masters titles (1980, 1983), five Ryder Cups, 50 European Tour titles, and countless other victories, accumulating 91 professional wins. 

He has also been named a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, World Player of the Year (by Golf Digest), European Player of the Century, World Athlete Most Influential in Changing the Game, Lifetime Achievement Award, BBC Sports Personality Award and much more.

His charismatic playing style and relentless drive endeared him to fans worldwide, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of golfers.

In late 2006, Severiano Ballesteros announced his intent to join the senior tour but retired from professional golf in July 2007. His health began to decline following a brain tumour diagnosis in October 2008. Despite undergoing several surgeries, Seve passed away on May 7, 2011, at the age of 54. His legacy, a testament to his victories, course designs, and the lasting impact he had on the game of golf, continues to inspire and shape the future of the sport, as well as his special connection with Portugal. His legacy is not just a memory but a living, breathing force that continues to shape the world of golf.

Photo by: Daily Mail.

Tee Times Golf Agency’s new website: your gateway to global golfing adventures

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We are excited to share that we have launched a newly redesigned Tee Times Golf Agency website to improve your user experience.We are excited to share that we have launched a newly redesigned Tee Times Golf Agency website (https://www.teetimes.pt/) to improve your user experience. Our fresh layout now features an attractive design and innovative tools to help you find the best golf holidays in Portugal, Spain, and other global destinations.

The website is designed with you in mind. It’s structured in a way that’s easy to navigate, making it a breeze to explore different destinations and book your dream golf vacations. The site’s user-friendly interface and visually appealing elements promise a smooth and enjoyable browsing experience. We’ve also added advanced search options and detailed information on golf courses, hotels, and special packages, making it a cinch to plan your perfect golf getaway.

Tee Times Golf Agency’s reputation

With over 30 years in the industry, Tee Times Golf Agency has a proven track record of providing exceptional golf and tourism services. We started in Portugal to meet the growing demand for golf tourism and have since expanded to include Spain, Greece, the Dominican Republic, and other destinations. Our commitment to professionalism and our love for the sport has earned us a trusted reputation, attracting golf enthusiasts worldwide.

Our extensive portfolio includes a variety of golf packages tailored to different preferences and budgets. Whether you’re interested in the stunning courses of the Algarve, the scenic beauty of Madeira, or the vibrant greens of the Costa del Sol, we ensure a memorable golfing experience. Additionally, we offer comprehensive services such as car hire, airport transfers, and golf club rentals to meet all your travel needs.

Focusing on customer satisfaction, we continue to innovate and adapt to the evolving needs of golfers. The redesigned website shows our dedication to providing top-notch service and ensuring you have the best possible experience when booking golf holidays.

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated team of developers who worked to bring this new website to life. Their expertise, creativity, and hard work have been instrumental in creating a platform that enhances our service offering and elevates the user experience. We couldn’t have done it without them.

Our revamped Tee Times Golf Agency website showcases our extensive offerings. It enhances the user experience, reaffirming our leading golf and tourism services provider position. Whether planning a golf trip to Portugal, Spain, or beyond, Tee Times Golf Agency is your go-to destination for all your golfing needs. We are your best golf partner. Thanks for trusting us.